The Process of Tooth Decay

Patients who come in to see us for x-rays and a check-up often tell me, “I feel like I’m taking a test, did I pass?”.  (I guess it is called a dental “exam”, after all).  I think an important part of passing the exam is understanding the process of tooth decay.  Hopefully, this cheat sheet will help you pass your next visit with flying colors!

To start, the tooth is made of three different layers:  enamel, dentin and pulp.  The outermost part of the tooth that you can see is Enamel.  It is the hardest part of the tooth. In fact, it’s the hardest tissue in the body, making it difficult for bacteria and decay to penetrate it. The second layer, Dentin, is softer and more porous. Because of this, when decay reaches this layer, it quickly worsens and requires a filling.  The final layer is the nerve, or Pulp.  When decay comes close to or penetrates the pulp, you often experience pain the form of a “toothache”.

So how does bacteria penetrate this very hard Enamel layer to cause cavities? Bacteria naturally occurs in the mouth to break down sugars in food that we eat.  These bacteria release acids which can create holes in your teeth overtime. We dentists call these holes cavities. In addition, every time we eat, our mouths become more acidic, which accelerates the decaying process.  

 This seems like a losing battle, doesn't it?  Do not fear, for there is hope!  Use this cheat sheet we at Go Dental in Valencia developed to prevent and even reverse tooth decay.

Use Fluoride

Fluoride is a mineral that helps to reduce the activity of bacteria.  In addition, it has a very important role in reversing small cavities that have formed.  If the decay only reaches the enamel, fluoride replaces some of it and can prevent the decay from worsening. Oftentimes, these teeth may not need fillings and can be “watched” to see if the decay progresses. Mouth rinses and toothpastes that contain Fluoride should be used regularly.

Reduce Snacking

Eating frequently reduces the pH in our mouths and provides a more favorable acidic environment for bacterial acids to cause decay.  By avoiding several meals a day, there is less time for these acids to break down tooth structure.  Coffee, sugary drinks and sodas (including diet) should also be consumed around meal times, instead of slowly sipped throughout the day.

Floss and Brush

Flossing once a day and brushing at least twice mechanically removes bacteria and sugary foods from the tooth surface.  These actions disrupt the bacteria from forming plaques onto the tooth and prevent acids from penetrating teeth.

Visit your dentist regularly

An important part of health care is diagnosing problems at an early stage.  Cavities that are in Dentin (and therefore no longer reversible) should be treated early before they become toothaches or require larger, more expensive treatments.  Early decay can be kept at bay with the proper maintenance and we, at your Valencia dentist, are here to help with that. 

Becoming a Dentist

One of my favorite times of the years to to have all our college students come home and come and visit us for their bi-yearly check-ups.  Since we are connected to many of the pediatric dental practices in Santa Clarita, it’s fun to follow the kids development from their in junior high, high school and now their college years.  They change so much and it’s really fun to laugh with them about their younger years as we talk about what their plans are for their futures.  I’m always so jealous of them because truly the college years are the best years of their lives.
Inevitably, I am asked by some of our patients about what it takes to become a dentist.  I am always so thrilled to hear when any student is interested in dentistry but particularly when our patients ask because I like to think that we had a small part in their decision making process. So, I thought to start off the new year, I would give a little insight to our aspiring dentists, hygienists and healthcare majors as a whole as to what makes an ideal candidate in the eyes of dental school, medical school, hygiene school, nursing school, etc.

I must digress a little and let you know that the admissions process is a passion of mine.  During my undergraduate years, I served as a student advisor in the Office of Admissions at Washington University and when I was on faculty at UCLA School of Dentistry, I served on the admissions committee.  Deciding who should be admitted is an incredibly difficult and strenuous process from the admission committee standpoint.  Trying to judge who will be a “good” dentist or a “bad” dentist from a several pieces of paper is very very difficult and obviously not a good representation of the true character of the person.  But it’s the best we've got and the system stands to stay the same for the foreseeable future.

Of primary importance to any admissions committee will be your GPA and your test scores (in that order).  Let’s face it, the committee has to make sure that you are smart enough to handle the rigors of graduate school, and more importantly, your career.  Like all postgraduate programs, dental school has core classes that all applicants are required to take prior to being considered for admission to dental school.  Your GPA in these classes are the most important factor in the decision making process.  Test scores are important as well and I recommend that you take prep classes to help prepare you for the tests.


But should you past the GPA and test score requirement, what makes a good application to professional schools?  Surprisingly a non-science major can help.  Biology majors are a dime a dozen and do not differentiate you from the crowd of applicants.  An English major or a language major or even a music major - now that is something really different.  Admissions committees want to see a well rounded person not one that is only good in science.  But if you really love the sciences, then make yourself stand out by doing internships working with professors or companies that offer internships.  It’s not easy to get them so use whatever connections you have in order to secure a position.


Finally, do community service.  Show that you love working with people by working with people.  It doesn't have to be healthcare related - in fact it’s even more powerful if it’s not healthcare related. Volunteer at a homeless shelter, help inner-city kids with school work, assist the elderly population. These are all areas that show you have a compassionate heart and your profession will be more than a job to you.


Dentistry and medicine are fields which are constantly evolving.  No one knows what the dental landscape will look like 10 years from now.  The reality is that working hours continue to increase and salaries decrease.  But if you love what you do, you won’t mind the changes.  Because in the end, dentistry is really about serving others.

Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist

Recent Trends in Implant Dentistry

Gone are the days of ivory dentures and metal fillings. Modern dentistry has made leaps and bounds in perfecting implant dentistry, turning those loose fitting dentures of yesteryear into a snug and secure dental implant sure to last decades.

Many dentists, like your local Valencia Dentist, are trained in dental implants and have studied their wide varieties and uses. If you have any questions about the benefits of an implant, be sure to ask your friendly dentist. In the meantime, here is a quick rundown of recent implant trends and their benefits for you.

Dental Implants Have Immediate Results

In as few as 20 years ago, a dental implant (such as a crown) could take several appointments over weeks or months to complete. Modern dentistry can get you a full or partial bridge in the span of one appointment. Granted, the teeth are temporary until your finalized set is developed, but the implant and temporary placeholders are done on the spot, saving you time and money. If such a thing sounds appealing to you, make sure you discuss it with your dentist, as a few preliminary appointments are necessary to make sure you’re set for the procedure, including casting and molding your temporary teeth.

 

Dental Implants Have a Higher Success Rate than Previous Methods

Years of study and practice have developed very sophisticated and specialized tools, nearly ensuring a perfect implant. Any drilling and installing required has been refined to ensure bone fusion and durability over the long term. Many studies indicate that dental implants are more durable than root canals, crowns, or even removable dentures in the long term. And with the many refinements of the implantation procedures, patients who were initially told they were unable to receive an implant now have many options to restore their beautiful smiles. If you are healthy enough to receive any dental procedure, you are healthy enough to receive a dental implant.

 

Dental Implants are Becoming Common Procedures

More and more people are discovering the benefits of dental implants, and, as such, more and more people are getting the procedure done. Due to this, more insurance companies are looking to cover the procedure due to the durability and cost. This also means that any stigmas around ‘false teeth’ are becoming rarer, as it is a viable option to repair a smile.

Dental Implants Offer More Advantages than the Alternatives

Since dental implants fuse with your own bones, they can improve your appearance, your comfort, and most importantly, your self-esteem. They make eating and speaking easier, as they eliminate the sliding that denture wearers face. They are also permanent, and cannot slip out in inappropriate situations as the traditional denture can. Dental implants also boast exceptional comfort, as they are actually a part of you and your jaw. They are not held in place with pastes, glues, and powders like some traditional false teeth are.

 

Dental Implants Are Still Growing

The art of the dental implant is not yet set in stone. This is a good thing! Many of the amazing procedures done today are developed from after years of trials and tests. This means that the future of dentistry can only get better from the dental implant trends of today. Dentists and professionals continue to examine the long-term durability of today’s implants and any (albeit rare) complications faced by clients in order to perfect and adapt tomorrow’s dental implants. Dentures may be a thing of the past, and dental implants may be the go-to procedure for all clients dealing with tooth loss.

With all the current trends and developments in dental implants, no one needs to be self-conscious about their smile. Set up an appointment to speak with your friendly Valencia Dentist, where they have your smile on mind, and see if dental implants are right for you.

10 Tips for a Healthier Smile

Whether you are trying to land that dream job or reassure a friend, a smile goes a long way. Nothing hinders a smile more than being self-conscious about your teeth. But fret not, your Valencia Dentist is here to help you get the most out of your teeth and will leave you with a strong, beautiful, confident smile in no time.

1) Watch what you eat.

Foods high in sugars, carbs, and starches contribute a veritable feast towards bacteria in your mouth. The more bacteria thriving, the higher your risk of cavities and tooth decay. Foods and drinks high in acid (such as citrus and sports drinks) can also weaken your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth visibly duller and more susceptible. Foods with deep, rich colors (such as berries and beets) can also leave their coloring on your teeth, dampening that glowing smile. Some foods (such as apples and celery) can act as a mild cleanser for your teeth, helping scrub away some of that newly formed plaque.

2) Avoid that soda.

Sodas and juices are often loaded in sugar and acid, weakening your tooth’s natural defenses as well as fueling your mouth’s bacteria. What’s worse is that brushing after drinking these drinks can actually damage your tooth more, as the enamel is softened. Don’t think that diet sodas are any better; they are often just as high in acid content. If you can’t kick that soda addiction quite yet, be sure to rinse your mouth with water after drinking, or sip that drink with a straw.

3) Stay hydrated.

Water is essential in maintaining a healthy life, and it goes for your mouth and smile, too. Drinking water helps your body flush away excess bacteria and cleanses your mouth of any of those acidic drinks and foods. Dry mouth, which can be caused by any number of things, increases your risks of tooth decay, so carry that water bottle with you. If that’s not possible, some sugarless gum can get your saliva flowing and help tame some of that acid.

4) Put down that cigarette.

Smoking causes stains to embed themselves in the grooves and ridges of your enamel. The longer you smoke, the deeper the stains. Brushing alone is often not enough to rid yourself of tobacco stains, so it is best to find an alternative to smoking.

5) Brush those teeth.

It goes without saying that brushing is the number one method of keeping a healthy smile. Brushing should occur after every meal. Just make sure you rinse before you brush. Grab yourself a soft bristled, rounded nylon brush and get brushing!

6) Flossing is important, too.

Brushing can only clean so much of your tooth’s surface. It’s estimated that brushing alone can only clean about 50% of the tooth. You need floss to get between the cracks. Flossing helps prevent plaque buildup and aids in the prevention of periodontitis, a disease which can lead to tooth loss (and many other problems).

7) Don’t forget the tongue.

Your tongue is a major indicator of your overall health, and shouldn’t be forgotten in your daily routine. You can use your toothbrush or splurge for that special designed tongue scraper, but make sure your brush your tongue. Not only does it help reduce the overall amount of bacteria in your mouth, but it can also help eliminate bad breath.

8) Prevent dental grinding.

Stress can play a major role in your smile. Grinding, caused by excess stress and other contributors, can wear your teeth out, damage enamel, chip a tooth, or even crack them. Most dental grinding occurs during sleep, so some people aren’t aware they are doing it. A mouth guard can help relieve the pressures of grinding.

9) Take your vitamins.

Taking a daily vitamin can help your smile stay healthy and bright. Vitamin C helps keep your gums healthy. Vitamin D and Calcium help prevent osteoporosis and can keep your teeth and your smile in tip-top shape as you age.

10) See your dentist.

You should be seeing your dentist a minimum of twice a year, though a cleaning and checkup every 3 or 4 months is recommended. Not only can your dentist help with any questions and concerns you may have, they can also help with preventative and restorative care, from fillings to mouth guards to professional whitening.

Remember, your dentist is there to help guide you towards a healthier mouth. The list above is just a general list. Your dentist can offer many more ways to get the most out of your tooth care regime, and even customize it towards your lifestyle. If you’re ever in need of a dentist in Valencia, don’t hesitate to stop by Go Dental, your Valencia Dentist where we have your smile in mind.