Wisdom Teeth and You

Around the age of 14, your mouth begins to develop four extra molars. And anywhere between the ages of 17 and 25, these molars begin to emerge, also known as erupt, in your mouth. Since these teeth develop and erupt so late in your life, they’ve come to be called your wisdom
teeth.

Extra teeth? How awesome, right? Well, not always. 85% of wisdom teeth will need to be removed. Almost 90% of people will have at least one of their wisdom teeth impacted, which means that it doesn’t erupt cleanly. Usually the jaw is too small, so the tooth is tilted.

So why do we have them? Scientists believe the wisdom tooth to be a vestigial remnant of human ancestors who needed the extra teeth to process and grind tougher plants. As our diets improved, the need for these extra molars lessened, and our jaws gradually shrunk. But these wisdom teeth never got the memo.

With the advancement of dental care and health, wisdom tooth impaction has increased as well. Centuries ago, tooth loss and decay allowed extra space in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to push their way into. With braces and floss and care, perfect teeth are much more common. The increased care also means increased removal surgeries and very few complications.

Those removed wisdom teeth won’t go to waste, though. Recently scientists have discovered
that wisdom teeth are an excellent source of stem cells and can be saved for possible future needs.

In the near future, scientists are working towards blocking the growth of wisdom teeth altogether, as these extra molars are the only teeth that aren’t developed in the womb. Some
races already lack the genes responsible for their growth, so it just requires research and application before impacted wisdom teeth are a thing of the past.

If you need your wisdom teeth, take a visit your favorite Valencia dentist, Go Dental.

Dental Amalgams: Are They Safe?

We don’t use dental amalgam here at our Valencia dentistry, Go Dental. Never have, and never will. I can’t remember the last time I placed one. We also have almost completely phased out the use of metal in our crowns and bridges, using it only in those areas where it can’t be replaced. We are nearly metal-free in our practice by choice. It was a choice based on real science showing the superiority of newer, more robust, more aesthetic materials. It was not a choice based on pseudoscience and fear.I was reminded recently of a classic (well, classic for dentists) video of the Director of the NIDCR, the dental division of the NIH, testifying before a Congressional subcommittee on the safety of dental amalgam.  He reached the point of exasperation while answering the repeated question “Is Mercury toxic?” by saying“Elemental Mercury is toxic.”

The questioner thought he was dodging the question because she didn't understand the answer.What the Congresswoman did not understand was the difference between an element and a component of a larger chemical compound. For example, elemental Sodium reacts violently and can cause an explosion when it contacts water. The element Chlorine is a poisonous gas used in the trenches of World War I. But,Sodium Chloride (Na Cl) is table salt.The same is true of dental amalgams. There is Mercury there, but it isn't going anywhere. For most people, the level of mercury exposure from erosion of existing dental fillings is less than you are exposed to from the environment (air pollution,tuna fish, etc.).

Many of our colleagues seem to be just as confused as the Congresswoman. We regularly see patients for second opinions who were told that all of their amalgams need to be replaced as soon as possible. If you want to transition to metal-free restorations, we are happy to help you here at Go Dental.  But the decision should be based on your needs and desires. I have 25+ year-old amalgams in my mouth that are staying as long as they are still in good condition. Other people might make a different choice, but it should be a choice. Don’t be bullied into making decisions about your healthcare.

Think Before You Drink

After a grueling, productive workout, many people reach for a sports drink to “rehydrate” and recover electrolytes.  But you might want to think twice about what’s in that drink.

Soda has long held a bad reputation as a major cause of dietary tooth decay.  The acidity and high sugar content of soft drinks wears away and erodes tooth structure.  Now, there are so many alternatives to soft drinks that are marketed as healthy, all-natural juices.  With these new beverages, you may think that you are safer from tooth decay, but these products can be equally as unhealthy (or worse!) for you.

For example, that Gatorade that you gulped after hitting the gym contains 56 grams of sugar, which is roughly equivalent to 5 Chips Ahoy! cookies. Popular antioxidant smoothie drinks, such as Naked juice or Bolthouse Farms, can have up to 29 grams of sugar, or about 1 serving (half a pint) of Ben&Jerry’s Cherry Garcia ice cream.  Plain, old orange juice has 26 grams of sugar, the same as 10 Hershey kiss candies!

While it would be difficult to cut all juices from our diet, there are a few key points that will help to keep your smile healthy:

Try sugar substitutes. There are many sugar substitutes, including Splenda (sucralose) and Equal (aspartame). These substitutes are metabolized differently from sugar (sucrose) and can’t be used by bacteria to create acids and cause decay.  Beware of labels that read “No sugar added” or “Sugar Free”, which may contain natural sweeteners such as honey, molasses, or syrups which do contain sugar.

Sugary drinks should be consumed with a meal, or within 15 minutes.  Anytime you eat or drink, the pH of your mouth naturally decreases to break down what you are consuming.  Studies show that it takes 30 minutes for the mouth pH to neutralize again.  Therefore, you should limit the time you are drinking a beverage.  Sipping from To-Go cups throughout the day does not give your body the time neutralize the oral environment, leading to tooth decay.

Rinse with water. After drinking a sugary beverage, rinse your mouth thoroughly to remove residual sugars that can cause tooth breakdown.  By physically removing these sugars, you are decreasing exposure time that allows bacteria to cause decay.

Use a Fluoride toothpaste and visit your dentist regularly. Fluoride helps to remineralize areas that are starting to break down from acids.  Make it a point to brush twice a day, and floss daily. Maintaining good oral hygiene is the best defense against tooth decay and tooth loss. Regular check-ups and cleaning will help to catch small cavities before they become bigger problems.

And finally, put down that smoothie-soda-juice-energy drink and DRINK WATER. It is all-natural, non-caloric, and FREE!

Visit your favorite Valencia Dentist for more information!

Surprising Teeth Facts

A regular checkup, along with routine brushing and flossing is the way to protect your teeth, but there are some facts about your chompers that you might not have known.

1) Enamel is the hardest substance a body can produce, but is can be easily broken.

That is right! Your teeth are coated and protected by the hardest substance you can produce, but they can be easily cracked or chipped by seemingly common items. Some of the biggest enamel-breaking offenders are ice cubes and popcorn kernels. And if you are rocking a lip or tongue piercing, beware as those are big offenders as well. (Studies show that up to 41% of people with oral piercings already have tooth fractures and enamel wear. Keep that in mind if you have been considering a piercing.)

Take extra caution if you already suffer from cavities or have had previous fillings, as enamel does not regrow on a tooth. Once the protective coating is infiltrated, those little hazards can be even more damaging. A popcorn kernel is equivalent to chewing on a rock, so a weakened tooth does not stand a chance.

2) Missing teeth can be genetic.

While tooth loss is sometimes viewed as a result of poor oral hygiene, it is not the cause of all missing teeth. Many people are born without wisdom teeth (while others get to have theirs removed), and a surprising amount of people are born without lateral incisors, which are located next to your two front teeth.

However, if you have lost a tooth or two to gum disease or cavities, do not worry too much. Around 30% of Americans over 65 wear dentures.

3) Sour foods can be as bad as sweet foods.

Sweet is traditionally linked with cavities, which is evident in our cultural references to things being sweet enough to cause them. But there is one thing even more damaging than sugar: sour foods. Some candy is so sour, its acidity levels reach a level similar to battery acid, and it can almost literally ‘melt’ your teeth.

Soda and candy are the biggest culprits of high-acid foods. Warheads and other sour gummy candy can stick to your teeth and cause a double-whammy of damage, first from the citric acid sourness, and then the sugary residue left behind.

If you are going to consume these sour foods, make sure you rinse your mouth afterwards. You can even break out some chewing gum containing xylitol (such as Trident). This will help keep the bacteria in check and the extra saliva will help clean the teeth.

4) The tongue is your natural toothbrush.

You can clean your teeth on the go by simply running your tongue along them. This helps remove food particles and debris from the crevices, and allows you to spread saliva, which aids as a barrier against bacteria. Chewing some sugar-free gum (containing xylitol, if possible) can help get your saliva pumping. This can stave away damage until you find your toothbrush and toothpaste. The tongue also acts as a guide to check for any dental abnormalities. If you feel something out of the ordinary, it is a good time to check in with your dentist.

5) Too much fluoride, while beneficial, can be harmful.

Fluoride is a natural mineral and can be found in toothpaste and drinking water. It helps strengthen and protect teeth from cavities and decay. However, if young children are to ingest too much fluoride through natural brushing routines, it can lead to fluorosis, a condition where the teeth become extra porous and take on white stains. These stains can turn a darker shade of brown and cannot be buffed out or whitened, like other natural stains. The only way to remove them is through cosmetic work, such as veneers. A little goes a long way in this case. To prevent fluorosis, make sure to monitor your child’s brushing habits and prevent them from swallowing their toothpaste. It should be spit out after brushing.

If you have any questions about these surprising facts or about your teeth in general, never hesitate to ask your friendly ValenciaDentist. They are full of dental facts and can probably surprise you with more surprising tooth tips.

10 Tips for Fresh Breath

Are you afraid of knocking someone out with your afternoon burrito breath? Do not worry anymore! Your Valencia Dentist is here to tell you that bad breath is preventable!

10) Brush and Floss!

Brushing and flossing at least twice a day is your first and most powerful defense against bad breath. Bacteria thrive on teeth, releasing gasses as they feast on food residue. By preventing food residue buildup, you are preemptively cutting off the bacteria food supply. And fewer bacteria leads to a nicer breath.

9) Scrub That Tongue!

Your tongue harbors some nasty bacteria, which feasts on the food debris left behind after a meal. While some scientists believe that some of the bacteria may be beneficial to fighting nasty breath, the facts are not concrete yet. Either way, brushing your tongue after you’ve cleaned your teeth can help keep that bacteria in check, and prevent future bacteria from growing. Leftover food debris on the tongue can lead to a less than pleasant smell, as well, so keep it clean.

8) Rinse!

Rinsing your mouth with regular water after meals and drinks is an important step to your overall oral health, but also lowers the chances of bad breath. Eating and drinking foods high in sugar or acid affects the pH levels of your mouth. This can also affect the rate at which bacteria grows. By rinsing, you are helping your mouth return to a balanced pH level and helping to remove food and drink residue from your teeth, preventing a bacteria buffet.

7) Stay Hydrated!

Dry mouth leads to a bacterium field day in your mouth, as hungry bacteria feast on leftover food particles around your teeth. The lack of saliva creates a lack of oxygen, which actually increases the growth of bacteria. Dry mouth is a contributing factor to the fabled morning breath. So make sure you have that glass of water at your bedside to keep things moist as you sleep. It also helps to carry a water bottle with you throughout the day, as dry mouth is more common during the day than it is when you sleep.

6) Snack Often!

Eating small snacks of healthy foods, such as celery, apples, and carrots, can help fight your malodorous breath. Munching on these snacks throughout the day will keep your saliva flowing and prevent bacteria from building up. Plus, snacks like celery can act as a natural floss, dislodging bits of food trapped between your teeth and getting the saliva in there as well. Some of the snacks, like oranges, contain vitamin C which will kill some bacteria, and leave a sweet smell emanating from your mouth.

5) Go Natural!

Natural foods can help you fight the nasty breath, too. Green herbs, such as parsley and cilantro, contain chlorophyll, which functions as a natural breath freshener. Chlorophyll in general is shown to help reel in all of your natural body smells, keeping them in check. (You can even find chlorophyll supplements and mouth drops if you don’t have your herbs handy.) Those same green herbs contain essential oils, which release their powerful scents when chewed, helping to mask any lingering scents from your meal.

Next time you are feasting on some garlic bread, grab a sprig of basil to munch on afterwards; you could clean up that breath.

4) Avoid That Garlic!

What you eat for a meal has a major impact on your breath throughout the day. Coffee, garlic, onions, cheese, meat… these all leave a lingering odor in your mouth. Once they are digested and enter your blood stream, the byproduct is eventually exhaled by your lungs, which is the root cause of your foul breath (and potentially your body odor, as some garlic lovers may discover). Meat is also a bacterium’s favorite snack, and it will gladly consume any lingering bits that happen to be stuck in your teeth, causing even more odors. By consuming foods and drinks notorious for causing odors, you are dooming yourself to bad breath. Skip that morning coffee and go for green tea.

3) Skip the Mints!

Relying on a mint to mask the smell will only last for so long, and can potentially cause more problems down the road. By popping mints and chewing on gum, you are potentially contributing to bacteria growth, especially if those chewing treats contain any sugar. A mint won’t help solve bad breath; it will only put a Band-Aid on it and potentially cover up more serious issues.

2) Put Out That Cigarette!

Cigarettes cause a utopian paradise for bad breath bacteria in your mouth. Smoking leads to an increase in oral infections and diseases, which can lead to unpleasant smells. It also causes plaque to build up rapidly on their teeth, which harbors bacteria and adds to your aroma. Finally, smoking can lead to dry mouth, which helps more bacteria thrive. Mix that with the smell of tobacco, and you’re in for an olfactory treat.

Quitting smoking, which is easier said than done, will not only help your breath, but your oral health and overall physical health. It is a win-win situation.

1) See Your Dentist!

If all else fails and you still have horrendous breath, talk to your dentist about it. They will be able to determine if there is a deeper, medical cause of the odor. Some ailments that can cause foul breath include gum disease, tonsil stones, pneumonia, dry mouth, yeast infections, acid reflux, and even diabetes.

If you have any questions or concerns about your breath and your oral health, never hesitate to ask your friendly Valencia Dentist. They can answer any question you may have about your breath; and they’ve likely smelt worse things!

Why Baby Teeth are Important

As we have mentioned before, it is recommended now that you bring your children in for a checkup by their first birthday. That way, your friendly Valencia Dentists can make sure there are no major problems in your child’s dental health and development. It may seem early to be so concerned, but your child’s baby teeth play a vital role in their development.

1) Baby Teeth Shape the Jaw

The baby teeth, or deciduous teeth, save room in a child’s mouth for their adult, permanent teeth to develop beneath. Until the grown up teeth are ready to emerge, the baby teeth ‘save a slot’ for them to push through. If the child were to lose their baby teeth too early, it would result in the other teeth shifting and bunching, which would lead to major problems down the road. For instance, the adult teeth would no longer have a space to fit into nicely. It would also cause the jawbone to alter its shape to fit in the newly misaligned teeth. Overall, not a fun time. Because of this, your child’s dental health is of major importance, and tooth decay and cavities are easily preventable.

Should your child lose a baby tooth due to an accidental or to decay, ask your Valencia Dentist about a ‘space maintainer’, which will help hold that space in the jaw for the adult tooth to emerge. It will limit problems down the line.

2) Baby Teeth Develop Healthy Speaking Skills

A child needs to develop speaking skills in order to feel socially accepted by their peers, as well as to express their needs and desires. Baby teeth help your child to develop proper consonant and vowel shapes and allows them to keep their tongue in check when speaking. Without the baby teeth as a guide, their syllables may seem ‘off’, which can cause other children to tease and poke fun. Of course, it is natural for their speech to be thrown off once they lose their baby teeth, especially their two front ‘teef’, but without the baby teeth there during development, they may never learn a natural speech pattern.

3) Baby Teeth Help to Eat

Teeth are required to be able to chew, and chewing is a skill that is learned with a lot of practice, so baby teeth are vital to the development of eating. A child that has dental issues is more likely to be malnourished and underweight, studies find, so making sure their teeth are in top order is imperative to their health. Your Valencia Dentist will be able to determine if there are any issues with the baby teeth’s alignment, which may make chewing difficult for your child. Or they can check for decay, which may cause pain for your child while chewing and could potentially scare them away from it.

4) Baby Teeth Help Develop Self-Confidence

Even at a young age, a child is able to tell when someone has a crooked smile or bad teeth. Bad and crooked teeth send out a less-than-positive impression, and children are as receptive as everyone else. If your child has a crooked smile or decayed baby teeth, they may become self-conscious in social settings, and even be scared to smile. It is imperative that you instill proper brushing and flossing techniques starting at a younger age, and introduce your child to your Valencia Dentist at a young age (before they turn 1). Dentists are able to make all visits a comfortable visit, and your child should never be afraid.

Working together with your Valencia dentist, you can ensure your child has a healthy and bright dental future!

Navigating through the Toothpaste aisle at the Drugstore

With thousands of dental hygiene products on the market, choosing the right ones for you may seem daunting.  Commercials and ads promising “whiter” and “cleaner” teeth can be misleading.  Fancy designs and creative marketing can lure you into buying products that are not the best fit for your dental needs.  In general, I think that the basic four hygiene aides that must be in your bathroom include: 1) Toothpaste; 2) Toothbrush; 3) Floss; and 4) Mouthwash.  Here are some guidelines to help you decide exactly what would work for you.

1. Toothpaste

- There are hundreds of toothpaste brands and formulations to choose from, but choose one that has Fluoride. Fluoride is the most important ingredient in toothpaste, which helps to remineralize tooth structure and prevent decay.

- Those with generalized sensitive teeth may benefit from “Sensitivity” toothpaste that contains Potassium Nitrate.This can take a few weeks to take effect, but in most patients, it works well to stabilize sensitivity.

- If you are prone to contact allergies, you may want to avoid cinnamon-flavored products, which may cause mild sloughing of the gum tissue. Another ingredient to avoid is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, commonly found in most brands to create the “foamy” feeling while brushing.

- Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that mechanically remove superficial stains. Studies have shown that there is no significant change in tooth color by using these products.

2. Toothbrush

- Always choose a Soft Bristle toothbrush.There is a misconception that hard-bristled brushes work better to remove plaque, but they actually harm your teeth. Aggressive brushes can create scooped-out ridges on your teeth.  

- Electric toothbrushes are a great investment. I’ve noticed a huge difference in patients who have made the switch from conventional manual brushes. The electric toothbrush does all the work for you. You move from tooth to tooth, surface to surface but you do not rotate your hand or brush back-and-forth.  Most models also have timers, so you know that you have brushed a full 2 minutes.

- When using a manual toothbrush, angle the head at 45 degrees and brush in a small circular motion along the gumline. Avoid the back-and-forth motion and use a gentle touch.  Again, aggressive brushing does more harm than good.

3. Floss

- Waxed vs. Un-waxed: It’s a matter of personal preference. Research shows that there’s no significant difference between the two, as long as you are flossing everyday.  For those having difficulty sliding floss through the teeth, waxed floss works well.

- Patients who are on-the-go may find floss picks very convenient. They have a handle with a small piece of floss at the end, intended for one time use.  Make sure that you are rinsing between each tooth and that you are engaging both sides of the teeth, not just snapping the floss through.

- One final note, water picks are not a substitute for traditional flossing.They are helpful at cleaning debris underneath bridged teeth or through braces, but they do not remove plaque between teeth.

4. Mouthwash

I strongly encourage patients to incorporate a mouthwash into their daily regimen. This is not a substitute for traditional brushing and flossing, but everyone can benefit from it. There are two types of rinses, which can be used according to your specific dental needs.

- Anti-plaque/Anti-gingivitis: These rinses are for patients who are struggling with gum disease.  These antiseptic rinses contain essential oils that fight bacteria that cause inflamed, irritated gums.

- Anti-cavity: Patients who have been diagnosed with more than 3 cavities should use a rinse that contains Fluoride to prevent new decay.

Hopefully, this run-through of the indispensable products from my medicine cabinet will help you decide what will work best in yours. If you have any questions, come visit us at Go Dental so we can help you create a customized dental regimen that will fit your needs!