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.

Facts About Dental Implants

What are Dental Implants?

Implants are an ideal dental restoration for people missing one or more teeth that resulted from an injury or periodontal disease.  Dental implants are composed of three parts:

·        The titanium implant that fuses with the jawbone

·        The abutment (fits over portion of the implant that protrudes from the gum line)

·        The crown which is fitted onto the abutment for a natural appearance

To sum up those three components, it’s a metal post that a periodontist or oral surgeon surgically positions into your jaw.  Once in place and when the surrounding bone has had ample time to heal, a replacement tooth is attached to the post.  There are two types of dental restoration implants:

·        Endosteal: meaning “in the bone,” this is the most common type of implant and is placed into your jawbone.  This is generally used as an alternative for our patients with bridges or removable dentures.

·        Subperiosteal: meaning “on the bone,” is placed on top of jaw with the metal framework’s posts protruding through the gums to hold the prosthesis.  Our patients who have these are usually the ones who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

 

Why get a Dental Implant?

While dental implants are more expensive than other methods for replacing your teeth, they provide far superior benefits.  They combine the best of modern science and technology.  Implants are stronger than natural teeth and generally last 10-20 years!  They are also a more favorable approach than bridgework since they do not depend on the neighboring teeth for support.

To receive implants, you need to have healthy gums and adequate bone to support the implant.  In addition, you must be committed to excellent oral hygiene and regular dental cleanings as these are crucial to the long-term success of the implant.

What is the Implant Process like?

Placing an implant is truly a team effort – a team made up of you, the patient; our restorative dentistry expert, our Valencia dentists; and the oral/maxillofacial surgeon placing the implant. 

What makes our Valencia dental facility unique and unlike any other is that we have teammate that no other facility has.  In fact, very few do in the entire world.  It’s called the Cone Beam 3D Scanner.  Feel free to visit our technology section of our website for more information on this scanner but in a nutshell, it allows us plan implants without having to physically explore your mouth.  We can perform our implant surgeries on our computer workstations before performing them on our patients!  By duplicating the results of our virtual implant placement to our patients, we practically eliminate all complications leading to short procedure times.  Sounds too good to be true right?  That’s exactly why we have one in our Valencia dentist office.  Nothing is too good for our patients and we want only the best for you.

If you are looking for more information on dental implants, WebMD offers a valuable self-help resource.

 

Posted by Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist.

Dentistry and Mental Health

According to a study performed at University of North Carolina, people with poor dental health perform worse on cognitive memory test compared to those with healthy mouths.  The study was reported in December 2013 Journal of the American Dental Association and summarized in US News and World Report. In the study, people 9,874 people were tested for memory retention of words and numbers.  What they found was that for every tooth a person was missing, their cognitive function score decreased slightly.  People who were missing all of their teeth, generally scored the lowest numbers.  These results held true for those with periodontal disease.  Those with healthy mouths generally scored higher than those who displayed moderate to severe periodontal disease.

In this study, the researchers speculated that the poor dental health lead to the inability to eat “healthy brain foods” therefore causing the memory discrepancy.  They also speculated about the possibility that periodontal disease may release endotoxins into the bloodstream which may affect cognitive thinking.  

While the findings of this study will require further investigation, it is important to remember that our mouths are an integral part of the health of our entire body.  Taking care of your teeth affects so much more than your smile and your breath.  It affects your entire body and maybe even your mind.  

It’s not too late to come in and take advantage of any benefits you may have left in 2013!

Posted by Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist

Top 3 Most Common Dental Emergency Calls

The holiday season is upon us and this is the time of the year where many of our patients are traveling to visit family and friends around the world.  Inevitably, it’s also the time of the year where we are swamped with calls from patients who have dental emergencies of some type or another and may not have the opportunity to come into our office to see the doctor on call.  We wanted to make everyone aware of our dental emergency section on our website.  Also be aware that as a patient of ours, there is always a dentist on call to answer any questions you may have when you suspect something has gone awry in your mouth.

Here are the three most common of the dental emergency calls we get what you should do about them:

1) My crown fell out.

This is usually a result biting into some great holiday treat or some awful fruitcake that has been passed on from year to year.  Regardless of the cause, you should head on over to your local pharmacy and get yourself some den-temp or similarmaterial.  It’s pretty easy to apply.  First of all, try to refit the crown on the tooth to make sure it still fits properly.  Bite down to make certain it feels comfortable when you bite down and doesn't hit first. Secondly, clean it out as best you can.  Finally, you want to swallow all the extra saliva out of your mouth and place the crown back onto your tooth. It should be fine until you can come in to see us.

2) “I have a toothache.”

Toothache carries a lot of different meanings.  If it’s a constant dull throb in your mouth, you probably have an infection.  You’ll need to call us so that we can prescribe an antibiotic to you.  If you have a lot of cold sensitivity, go to your pharmacy and pick up a tube of Sensodyne.  Put a generous amount on your finger tip and rub it into the affected area.  After two or three applications, your sensitivity should go away.  If you can’t bite into things, your tooth may be cracked.  Give us a call and stay away from biting on things that hurt that tooth until you can see us.

3) “My tooth cracked in half.”

If you fractured your tooth, you first have to evaluate it to see if its something that you need to come in for.  If the tooth cracked as a result of a traumatic incident  (ie. a ball or elbow to the face), there may be a lot of bleeding that is around the damaged area.  If there is bleeding coming from the inside of the tooth, this means you have fractured the tooth into the nerve and you need to see a dentist immediately.  If the bleeding comes from just your gum area AND your tooth doesn't move around, you are probably going to be ok to wait a bit.  However, it cases of traumatic injury, we like to see our patients, even if it’s after hours, so we can take proactive measures to avoid pain.

Remember, one of our doctors is always on call for you.  Feel free to check our website for more dental emergencies and don’t hesitate to call us if you are uncertain about your situation.

Posted by Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist