Are You Expecting? Don’t Avoid Your Dentist!

Many pregnant women tend to avoid their dentist during their pregnancy, especially if they think a surgical procedure would be required. But according to a new study published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, procedures requiring local anesthetics are completely safe for you and your baby.

The study compared pregnancy outcomes between a group of women exposed to dental procedures featuring local anesthetics and a group of women who haven’t. The outcome shows that there is no increased risk for major medical problems, such as cerebral palsy, cleft lip, or heart defects. The study also looked at the rates for miscarriages, premature births, and birth weight, and found nothing that would indicate dental procedures have any impact on your growing baby.

While most pregnant women will avoid procedures, despite ongoing dental issues for fear of their baby’s health, those who conducted the study urge women to focus on their oral health. A healthy mouth leads to a healthy body, which leads to a healthy baby. Let your friendly Valencia dentist help you achieve your best health today.

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia
smile@thedentist.com

Sharing Spoons with Your Toddlers? Think Again

Parents beware! 

New studies have shown that sharing spoons during mealtime actually puts your toddlers’ oral health at risk. Recent studies have shown that tooth decay in children aged five to nine have grown nearly 14% since 2011.

While many mothers are not aware of how easy it is to transfer their oral bacteria, fewer know that even kissing their child on the lips can transfer some harmful bacteria. The tip to prevent this is to practice good oral hygiene on yourself, and impart a healthy tooth cleaning routine for your child.

However, there is a bright side: only parents who have active tooth decay and are carrying the Streptococcus mutans bacteria will be putting their children’s teeth at risk. If you are suffering from tooth decay, be sure to schedule an appointment with your friendly Valencia dentist today to get that cleared up. Not only for your health, but also your child’s.

If you are unsure how to teach your kids the healthiest brushing methods, be sure you ask your friendly Valencia dentist today. Not only can we teach you how to take care of yourself, but we can also teach you ways to ensure your child has a happy, healthy smile.

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia
smile@thedentist.com

Naturally Occurring Plant Chemical Could Prevent Tooth Decay

Researchers at the University of Edinburgh found a naturally occurring chemical that just may block plaque and bacteria from adhering to your teeth, preventing future tooth decay.

The chemical, trans-chalcone, is similar to chemicals found in licorice root, and has been found to prevent bacteria from creating a protective biofilm, and stopping plaque formation.

The bacteria Streptococcus mutans metabolizes sugar and carbs into harmful acid, causing tooth decay. Once this bacteria is able to create a biofilm, it adheres to the surface of the tooth in the form of plaque. Without proper oral care, plaque will break down the protective enamel on your teeth, allowing decay to set in.

The chemical would inhibit the bacteria from forming into plaque, significantly reducing the amount of potential tooth decay. Combined with regular visits to your friendly Valencia dentist and daily brushing and flossing, this could potentially positively impact oral health forever.

So far, the trials have shown that the chemical will react with a biofilm creating enzyme found in Streptococcus mutans, preventing its formation. But this is in a test tube. Trials in real settings have yet to take place.

Until this chemical comes into use, you will have to visit your friendly Valencia dentist for all of your oral health needs and make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

Go Dental - Valencia Dentist

Cavity Quiz! True or False:

1) Children are more prone to cavities than adults.

False. Over the past 20 years, tooth decay in children has reduced by more than half, partially in thanks to fluoride added to drinking water. However, tooth decay is on the rise for senior citizens, partially because of medication causing dry mouth which speeds up the decay process.

2) Babies cannot develop cavities.

False. Just because your baby still has their baby teeth doesn’t mean they can’t develop tooth decay. Left untreated, the cavities can spread to other teeth.

3) Sugar is the only cause of cavities.

False. Any carbohydrate that you eat can kick-start the tooth decay process. Bacteria lives in plaque, attached to your teeth. Once they are exposed to a food source, in this case a carbohydrate, they begin releasing acid, which can damage the tooth.

4) Acid can lead to tooth decay.

True. Aside from the acid released by the bacteria in your mouth, consuming additional acid from sodas and fruit drinks can actually aide the bacteria in damaging your teeth. However, if you keep up your daily brushing, this damage can be reduced.

5) It is obvious when you have a cavity.

False. Most of the time, cavities are not easily detected. Usually, when they are noticeable to you and causing pain, they are already at an advanced state of decay. Regular dental checkups with your friendly Valencia dentist can treat cavities before they can cause you pain.

6) Cracked or chipped teeth lead to tooth decay.

True. Cracks and chips and nooks and crannies can harbor bacteria in your mouth and speed up tooth decay. They make cleaning with your tooth brush harder, especially to reach into the pockets of bacteria.

7) Tooth sensitivity means tooth decay.

False. Tooth decay typically doesn’t cause pain until it is at an advanced state. There are several other causes of tooth sensitivity, including bleaching your teeth. If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, check with your dentist today – there could be many causes.

8) Once a cavity is filled, the decay will stop.

True. In order to fill a cavity, all of the decay is removed. As long as proper dental hygiene is practiced, no future decay is expected.

9) All fillings will eventually need to be replaced.

False. Most fillings will need to be replaced, but depending on the location of the filling and your oral hygiene, some fillings can last nearly forever.

10) Brushing, flossing, and rinsing will prevent cavities.

Absolutely true! It is much easier to prevent tooth decay than to treat it. Setting up regular appointments with your friendly Valencia dentist will not only fix cavities, but also prevent future cavities. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing daily is imperative for a healthy mouth.

New Way to Treat Decay

Most preventative treatments to reduce tooth decay and dental plaque have one major shortfall: saliva can wash the treatment away before it has any chance to be effective. But researchers have found a way to stop that from happening!

The struggle with getting treatments to stick stems on the fact that plaque creates a glue of sorts and firmly attaches to your teeth. Current treatments are able to treat the plaque, but quickly wash away once saliva is introduced. 

The new treatment is actually a nano

particle system – super small particles – that is positively charged: the opposite of your plaque. In addition to that, the nanoparticles are hydrophobic, which repel liquids and allows the particles to cling to the plaque, and are pH-activated, which react when exposed to acids.

The treatment is designed to activate in low pH (acidic) environments, which is perfect for plaque, as the bacteria releases acids when exposed to sugars and starches. The acid is what actually causes the tooth decay, so a treatment that activates in that situation will work to prevent future damage and treat old damage by killing the bacteria when it is active. Tests of the treatment are proving to be effective. The research team tested the nanoparticles on rats infected with the Streptococcus mutans bacteria. When administered without the nanoparticles, the rats had no change in the number of cavities, and the treatment only reduced a minimal number of cavities. When treated with the nanoparticles, the number and severity of cavities were both reduce in a significant way.

Only your friendly Valencia dentist can treat your tooth decay. If you have any questions or concerns about cavities and ways to prevent decay, be sure to schedule your appointment today.

Second-Hand Smoke Increases Risk of Periodontitis

It has been known that smoking increases the odds of developing periodontitis (gum disease), but new studies are indicating that exposure to second-hand smoke increases your risks of developing the disease by 62%.

Periodontitis is caused by a buildup of plaque and bacteria in the space between your gums and tooth surfaces. The bacteria thrives in the plaque, and feasts on the bone, gum tissue, and connective tissue of your teeth. Left untreated, it can cause bone loss, infection, and tooth loss. It can also affect other parts of your body, including increased risk of strokes, and body-wide inflammation. Diseases such as diabetes can increase these risks as well.

But if you have a buildup of plaque, all hope is not lost. Your friendly Valencia dentist can help reverse the damage. Through scaling and debridement, they can clean up that plaque lodged below the gum line. They can also remove plaque buildup from the roots of your teeth using special tools and (mostlikely) local anesthetic. They can also repair any previous restorative work that looks like it may be trapping plaque and increasing risks of future damage.

Once the cleaning is done, your friendly Valencia dentist will reevaluate your gums, and most likely schedule you for a follow up visit within 3 months to ensure that no more bacteria is growing. If there is a recurrence, they will take care of it and teach you some proper cleaning techniques.
As always, if you have any questions about
periodontitis and second-hand smoke, feel free to ask your friendly Valencia dentist.

Go Dental - Your favorite Dentist in Valencia.

Cutting Down on Sugar Leads to a Healthier Life

The World Health Organization (WHO) released a statement that reducing the intake of “free sugars” to less than 10% of your energy income will lead to a healthier life, reducing the risks of being overweight, obesity, and most importantly, tooth decay.

In a typical 2,000 calorie diet, restricting free sugars to 10% or less would mean cutting back sugar to under 50 grams a day. Sugar occurs naturally in syrups, fruit juices, and honey, but it is added to many everyday foods, including food that isn't typically thought to be sweet. Ketchup, for example – a traditionally non-sweet food – can house up to 4g of sugar mixed inside it. Comparatively, a soda can contain up to 10 times more – 40g.

A “free sugar”, as reported by the WHO, is a sugar that is not naturally occurring in milk, fresh fruits, or fresh veggies. The WHO cannot find any adverse effects of these natural sugars being consumed – only the added “free sugars”.

Free sugar intake varies depending on region, as well. A typical resident of Hungary or Norway typically takes in 7-8% of their daily energy intake as free sugar.  In Portugal, it is almost 25%. And within those countries, rural areas take in less free sugars than populated urban areas.

Children with free sugar intake above 10% have a much higher risk of developing obesity and tooth decay. The biggest culprit of free sugars in children? Sugary drinks, including sodas and sports drinks.

If you have any further questions about sugar’s role in tooth decay, be sure to ask your friendly Valencia dentist today.

Kissing: A Bacterial Exchange

A new study reveals that a passionate, intimate kiss can swap almost 80 million bacteria between the partners involved. And the more frequent the kissing, the more similar the partners’ oral bacteria can become.

The mouth is home to over 700 different varieties of bacteria, and several factors are key in shaping your overall oral microbiome (the collection of microorganisms present in your body). Diet, age, and genetics were thought to be the largest deciding factors in bacteria growth, but now scientists are realizing that your romantic partners may play a key role in this as well.

A scientist in the Netherlands, along with his team, sampled 21 romantic couples, polling how frequently they kissed intimately, and for how long. Then, they had one person from each of the couples drink a probiotic beverage containing very specific strains of bacteria; Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria. The couples were then encouraged to kiss passionately.

After a 10-second passionate kiss, the quantity of the test probiotics rose in the other individual’s mouth by almost 300%. A total of almost 80 million bacteria were swapped in those 10 passionate seconds via saliva.
Couples who kiss passionately at least nine times a day are shown to have significantly similar salivary microbiota. However, the salivary bacterial exchange is only temporary. Couples who kiss with more tongue are more likely to have similar tongue microbiota. These tongue bacterial collections stick around much longer as they are able to thrive on the tongue’s surface and spawn.

Originally, it was believed that passionate, tongue kissing (found in 90% of human cultures) was used to “sample” the partner’s saliva and test for chemical taste cues, screening them as their potential mate. But now scientists are seeing that passionate kissing could have more benefits.

If you are concerned with bad bacteria in your microbiome, feel free to make an appointment with your friendly Valencia dentist to ask any questions today.

Your Spit Could Save Your Teeth

Researchers have found that the mucus contained in your saliva contains a very special compound that protects your teeth and tooth enamel from cavity-causing bacteria.

Approximately 0.5% of your mouth’s saliva is mucus, which contains a special compound called salivary mucins. These mucins were originally believed to help your mucus maintain its slippery and elastic, snot-like qualities. But researchers have found that these mucins may contribute to your overall dental health.

Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria responsible for your cavities, can only wreak havoc on your teeth if they are able to attach to a biofilm around your teeth. Once they find a suitable biofilm, they attach and begin creating a sticky substance, cementing themselves onto the surface of your tooth. Once they make themselves comfortable on your tooth’s surface, they (and a few of their bacterial friends) start forming plaque and other nasty things. Their natural acidic byproducts begin breaking down your tooth enamel.

But with enough of your saliva’s natural mucins, they coat and suspend the nasty Streptococcus mutans bacteria, preventing them from attaching to their much-needed biofilm. Essentially, they are coated in snot and cannot stick to anything, protecting your teeth from future decay. To be clear, the mucins do not kill the bacteria, nor do they decrease the amount of it. They simply hold them in suspension until you clean your teeth.

With the mucins in your mouth stopping the bad bacteria, they help give your mouth’s native good bacteria a fighting chance.

But all the mucus in the world can’t protect your teeth completely. You still need regular checkups and cleanings from your friendly Valencia dentist. If you have any questions about tooth decay and plaque, be sure to schedule an appointment today!

I'm Sorry to Tell You That I'm Leaving Go Dental

After almost three years at this amazing dental office, I am so sorry to tell you that I am leaving Go Dental. I have an opportunity to step away from dentistry a bit in order to concentrate more on my family. I am looking forward to spending more time with my two energetic, hilarious daughters. Or... they might wear me out, and I'll be begging Dr. Go and Dr. Monti to hire me again, lol!

The wonderful doctors, staff, and patients at Go Dental have become my dear friends, and I'm so grateful for the time that I have spent here. I am proud of the quality of their work and how much they care for patients.  I consider myself lucky to have been a part of such a special office. To all of the awesome patients that I have helped to care for...thank you and see you around town! Don't stop going to everybody's favorite Valencia Dentist just because I won't be there!

Best wishes,
Dr. Regan Lawrence

Happy Heart Month!

The month of February is often associated with Valentine’s Day chocolates, flowers, and romantic cards, but did you know that it’s also American Heart Month?

A healthy heart may seem unrelated to a healthy smile, but research shows that there is a significant association between periodontal (gum) disease and cardiovascular disease. The Journal of Periodontology has published numerous longitudinal studies that show a strong causal association between severity of periodontal disease and coronary heart disease and stroke. Inflamed, irritated, and unhealthy gums can put you at risk for very serious heart conditions, including heart attacks.  

When gums are inflamed, bacteria from the mouth have a way to get into the bloodstream. Once there, these bacteria can attach to platelets (blood clotting cell fragments). Clumps of bacteria and platelets together form aggregates that attach to blood vessel walls, leading to the blockage of arteries and heart disease.

Keeping gums healthy not only prevents periodontal disease (and therefore bone and tooth loss) but also lowers your risk for a heart attack. Regular dental cleanings and proper at-home care can get your mouth and heart in great shape -- catch two birds with one worm!

Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but there is still time to spread awareness about healthy hearts and smiles!

If you have any questions on dental health, you can contact your favorite Valencia Dentist on our website!  Go Dental - Valencia Dentist

Root Canals: Friend or Foe

It’s a moment that nobody ever wants to face:  The dentist pulls back in their chair and utters the unspeakable words, “I think you’re going to need a root canal”.  Your face feels flushed, your hands begin to shake, and your eyes begin to well with tears.  Then it’s - “OMG, A ROOT CANAL!!!”

Root canals are one of the most dreaded procedures the entire world.  It makes me cringe when I hear the expression, “I would rather have a root canal than _________” (fill in the blank with the most unpleasant, demeaning, disgusting activity known to humankind). Contrary to popular belief, root canals have come a long way and they are no longer the painful, time consuming procedures that they used to be.  In fact, most people wouldn't be able to tell the difference between getting a root canal and getting a simple filling.

My favorite thing to tell patients is that our Valencia dental practice loves performing root canals. That being said, our dentists understand

that our patients don’t share the same enthusiasm. We love doing them because, professionally, they are one of the most challenging procedures to do, and honestly, we are really good at doing them. But we will try to avoid performing root canals because we know that patients cannot stand going through them.  

So how do we determine whether or not a Root Canal is necessary? If the nerve of a tooth has died or has even been compromised, it must be removed. Generally, we will access the nerve by creating an opening from the top of the tooth. The nerve and blood supply is then removed with small instruments which are fractions of millimeters in diameter. Once the nerve of the tooth is removed, we widen the tooth space where the nerve once was. This space is called the “root canal”, and clearing it out enables us to fill the tooth with a special filling material. Even though the tooth’s nerve and associated blood supply is no longer present, the tooth structure can last for many many years provided a crown is placed on it.  

So you can see why root canals can be associated with pain; we are essentially working on an exposed nerve. That is why anesthesia is so important. Without it, the patient would be in a great deal of discomfort. If you are really anxious, your body may lower the effectiveness of the anesthetic so we have options like nitrous oxide and twilight sleep available for you.

Our doctors have invested a lot of resources to acquire the latest root canal therapy equipment and to become experts in the most advanced techniques. Root Canals used to take 3 appointments of 2 hours to complete but now we can complete most procedures in just one appointment of 1 ½ each. The procedure not only is completed faster but it is also far more accurate, resulting in greater success rates.

Many emergencies that we see with our new patients are from root canals that have been done poorly in the past. Like I mentioned before, root canal procedures are one of the most difficult procedures to perform in dentistry. Not every dentist has the ability and resources to perform root canals with excellent long term results. When we see cases of failed root canals, we have a great team of root canal specialists that we can consult.  

From all of as at Go Dental, we truly hope that you never need a root canal. But if you do, rest assured, you are in great hands.

Sincerely, 

Your Valencia Dentist

Dr. Christopher Go

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

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

All You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

The most requested procedure we see in our practice is tooth lightening/whitening.  It’s easy to understand  why - who doesn’t want a brighter smile?  It’s especially popular this time of year when people want to look best for their holiday party.  There are several different options how you can achieve a brighter smile and it doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go to the dentist to get one.

Most oral bleaching gels use a form of peroxide as the active ingredient to lighten the teeth.  Teeth whitening peroxides come in come in two forms - Hydrogen Peroxide and Carbamide Peroxide. These are the only two active ingredients which are approved by the FDA for teeth lightening so the consumer must be vigilant and make certain that the product they are considering  uses one of these options.  There have been instances of well marketed products essentially selling acid etch and white paint to lighten teeth (which is not approved in case you’re wondering).

Hydrogen Peroxide gels tend to work a little faster but tends have more side effects associated with it.  Carbamide Peroxide has an agent in the peroxide that controls the release of the peroxide so it works a little slower but has less side effects.  A solution strength 10% Carbamide Peroxide is equal to about 3.5% Hydrogen Peroxide.  In other words, you need less concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide to work have a similar results.

The most common side effect is extreme cold sensitivity and throbbing of the teeth.  Other than concentration levels, what differentiates brands of solutions from one another is how they address limiting these side effects.  Some don’t address it at all and will have a high likelihood of causing side effects.  Others add ingredients such as Potassium Nitrate or Fluoride to help reduce side effects.

The peroxides work through an oxidation process. They penetrate through the porosities in the enamel and react with compounds which cause teeth to stain and break them apart lifting the stain from the tooth.  Sensitivity occurs when the pores of the enamel are exposed allowing cold to penetrate through the enamel layer and irritate the nerve.  

There are over the counter solutions that can work pretty well for many people.  Most of the major brands of toothpaste manufacturers have some sort of lightening system.  They are usually of lower concentrations to prevent major side effects from occurring.  I would advise you against buying lightening solutions off the internet or from radio commercials only because there is very little accountability with companies like these.

If these over the counter systems prove not to work effectively enough, you should probably pursue the professional lightening systems.  These are not the systems you see at the mall, but rather systems that your dentist can distribute and closely monitor for you.  Your dentist can also prescribe treatments to help completely eliminate any side effects that you may encounter.

One other quick note - systems with light activated solutions have been not been proven to work better or faster than traditional lightening treatments.

Additional Sources:

http://www.ada.org/1902.aspx

http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/everyday-innovations/tooth-whitening.htm

Posted by Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist

Abused Dental Procedures Part 2: Crowns, Fillings & Root Canals

This is the second of two articles discussing common ways less than honest dentists can take advantage of patients. In the prior post, we discussed in some detail periodontal scalings which is commonly over prescribed by dental practitioners. We have also discussed the importance of your right as a patient to get a second opinion or even a third opinion.  While there is much in dentistry that is subjective, the reason for treatment must make sense to you as a patient and should be backed with objective research.  I will follow up today with the remaining procedures that we see diagnosed by others but in truth, do not really need to get done.

Crowns:

Crowns (aka caps) are done very often in dentistry and for good reason.  When older white or silver fillings begin to show signs of leakage, often times, the next progression for restoration of the tooth is to do a crown.  But not every restoration replacement requires a crown. Criteria for a crown include:

1. The existing restoration shows signs of breakdown, leakage and recurrent decay under the filling.  If your dentist has an intra-oral camera, have them take a photo so that you can see the breakdown of the restoration. You will see cracks, brown and black outlines around the tooth and sometimes a dark “halo” around the restoration.  These are the signs of recurrent decay.  If your dentist doesn't have an intra-oral camera, it’s time to change dentists.  
2. On the x-ray, the existing restoration should be large taking up over 60% of the tooth above the gum line.  If it’s not a large restoration, chances are you don’t need a crown.
3. A crown may be necessary if there is pain when you bite into certain foods.  This is a sign that your tooth may be cracking and propagating down to the nerve of the tooth.  Placing a crown acts to keep the parts of the tooth together and evenly distributes the load forces associated with chewing preventing the tooth from splitting further.

Be wary about doing a crown if the existing filling is small or if you simply see cracks in a tooth without pain or existing restorations.  Sensitivity to sweets can be a symptom to leaking restorations and/or decay but just because you don’t have sweet sensitivity, doesn’t mean you don’t have leaking fillings.

Fillings:

Fillings are done when there are areas of decay in the tooth.  Basically, decay is a bacterial invasion of the tooth which continues to get larger unless the affected tooth structure is completely removed then sealed with a dental restorative material.
  

1. Fillings usually need to be done if you feel sensitivity to sweets.
2. They are done when there is less than 60% of the tooth surface is affected.
3. On dental x-rays, you can see a triangular dark area in between the teeth which is not viewable during your clinical exam.
4. If on the top of the tooth, a dental explorer may “stick” into the tooth, indicating a soft spot that decay has penetrated through.

The biggest misconception is that if the groves on the top of the teeth are brown or stained, that this a cavity which needs to be filled.  The tops of teeth are naturally stained and this usually does not mean that they have cavities.  If there is a “stick” with the explorer or radiographic evidence of decay, then these stains are probably decay which need to get treated and restored.

Root Canals

Intentional misdiagnosis of root canals is not nearly as common as the aforementioned diagnosis, but we see this from time to time so I thought I would quickly mention it here.  Usually a root canal needs to be done if you are in dental pain which can be attributed to a specific tooth.  However, that is not always the case.  There are times when a root canal needs to be done because there simply is not enough tooth structure above the gumline.  You may have had pain on a tooth and suddenly it doesn't bother you anymore.  This is often a sign of necrosis.  The tooth can be saved, but a root canal must be done to remove the dead material inside the tooth.  If you have doubts if your tooth needs a root canal, you should seek an opinion from a root canal specialist or endodontist.

Most dentists are honest professionals who really have the best interest of their patients at heart. However, it is always ok to get a second opinion and most dentists who are trustworthy welcome second opinions.  Always follow your intuition and if something doesn't make sense to you, don’t move forward with the procedure.  Getting dental work done is time consuming and expensive.  Make certain that it is something you need done before moving ahead with treatment.

Go Dental, Your Valencia Dentist