Are Braces In Your Future?

The beginning of the year is a great time for you to get your child’s dental work out of the way. For parents with older children, the first order of business usually turns to braces with the arrival of permanent teeth. Have you been wondering whether braces might be in your child’s future?

While your best bet is to schedule an evaluation with an orthodontist, here are some early signs your child will likely need some form of orthodontic care:

• Over-crowded or misaligned teeth
• “Noisy” jaw joints
• An overbite or underbite
• Jaws that seem out of proportion to your child’s face
• Difficulty chewing

If you spot any of these tell-tale symptoms, make an appointment with an orthodontist. Even if baby teeth are still present, earlier treatments to a growing jaw can help ensure long-term success. If you have any questions, please call us at . For information on the dental services we offer, visit our website. 

Does A Busy Schedule Have Your Family On The Run?

When busy schedules have your family going in several different directions, your child’s dental routine doesn’t have to suffer! Keep your child’s smile healthy no matter where you go with these simple dental tips: Have a travel-sized toothbrush and paste on hand for dental care that’s easy to tote around Top off your child’s meal with a glass of water to wash food away when a brush is out of reach Schedule a dental visit after a vacation for professional help if your child’s oral health took a hit Recruit your family’s or sitter’s help in maintaining your child’s hygiene if you happen to be away While these pointers can help you maintain your child’s dental regimen, there is no substitute for a regular dentist visit. If a busy schedule has caused your child to miss a check-up, schedule an appointment today by calling 269-344-8988. For more information on all of the pediatric dental services we offer, visit our website.

Can you believe the school year is half over?

As you and your child stock up on those school supplies, you’ll also want to keep dental health and hygiene top of mind. 

Here are simple ways to keep your child’s smile at its best while school is in session:

• Put a small toothbrush and toothpaste in your child’s backpack to use after lunch
• Fill the lunch box with nutritious, dental-friendly foods like apples, celery, yogurt and milk
• Pack a water bottle instead of juice to limit sugar intake and oral bacteria growth
• Have a mouthguard ready to protect your child’s smile during sports and gym activities

It may also be easier to get your child’s dental check-up completed before your busy summer starts. If it’s been some time since your child’s last visit, schedule an appointment today by calling. For additional information on our pediatric dental services, visit our website

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

If you suffer from dry mouth, you are not alone. Millions of Americans suffer from xerostomia, or the subjective perception of dry mouth.

 

Causes include medications (including those used to treat depression, anxiety, allergies, high blood pressure, asthma, muscle relaxants, sedatives), systemic diseases (Sjogren's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma), radiation therapy, dehydration, mouth-breathing habits, smoking, and chewing tobacco.

Symptoms of xerostomia include the obvious dry, sticky feeling in the mouth and throat, but can also include difficulty eating and swallowing or wearing dentures, as well as changes in taste or burning/tingling sensations in the mouth.  People suffering from dry mouth often have sores in the mouth, a dry tongue, and cracks on the corners of the mouth.  There is an increased risk of susceptibility to oral candida, as well as decalcification of enamel, acid erosion, and gingival inflammation. 

So what can you do if you suffer from dry mouth?

Because xerostomia can cause substantial oral problems, it is best to talk with your dentist or hygienist as soon as you notice symptoms of a dry mouth.  Early recognition allows us to personalize a treatment protocol for you.  A dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and candida (yeast) infections.  For this reason, we must make an extra effort to protect the teeth and oral tissues.  We may prescribe oral rinses, fluoride trays, or saliva-stimulating medications.  We can instruct on the proper tools and techniques for home care.  Patients with dry mouth will want to avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic beverages, or products that may irritate oral tissues (including whitening products).  A humidifier at home can often help, and in some cases, the physician can prescribe an alternative medication with less drying side-effects.

If you have questions about xerostomia or believe you are suffering from it and would like to speak with a dentist, please visit our website www.kalamazoodds.com and use the "Contact Us" page to schedule an appointment.

Have You Been Naughty or Nice to Your Teeth?

If you've seen the holiday TV special Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, then you know Hermey the Elf is very excited about becoming a dentist. Now, Hermey and the ADA have joined forces to come up with ways to keep your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays. 

It’s not easy to stay healthy during the holidays. Sweets seem to appear everywhere you go, and with all of the present-wrapping and card-writing, there’s not much time to devote to you and your family’s health and well-being. Luckily, Hermey the Elf, best known for his adventures with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, joined forces with the American Dental Association (ADA) to come up with tips for keeping your mouth and teeth healthy during the holidays.

In the classic holiday movie, Hermey dreamed of becoming a dentist and helping people keep their teeth healthy. In 2014, the ADA awarded Hermey with a Dental Do Gooder (DDG) for his passion for dentistry. This year, Hermey and the ADA came up with a set of tips to help families keep their smiles in tip-top shape. 

Click here to see those tips. 

(image and article from http://www.mouthhealthykids.org)

Pregnancy can do a number on your mouth

Do you know someone that is pregnant? If so, you know that there are many things that you have to think about. Your mouth should be one of them. All the hormonal changes can make oral problems worse. Making sure that you are brushing two times a day and flossing once daily will help maintain a healthy mouth.

You should also be having regular cleanings and if you are experiencing any oral problems you should contact your dental office. If experiencing morning sickness and are vomiting, do not brush immediately after vomiting. The stomach acids that are on your teeth can eventually cause tooth enamel erosion. Instead rinse your mouth with 1 teaspoon of baking soda and water.

For more information see:

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/pregnancy

www.simplestepsdental.com

“Do I floss before or after brushing?”

It is often asked, “Do I floss before or after brushing?”

  

The American Dental Association recommends flossing daily. It doesn’t matter before or after brushing, just that it is being done!  Flossing reduces plaque in between the teeth that the toothbrush can’t reach and also helps fight against tooth decay and gum disease.  Don’t leave the floss out! Brush twice daily and floss once daily.  

For proper floss instruction you can refer to www.mouthhealthy .org

"Are Whitening toothpastes a Bright Idea?"

This day and age everyone wants brighter and whiter teeth!  It wasn't that long ago that we were all walking around with natural colored teeth.  Now with all the whitening products and Hollywood actors are new "normal" is a shade of white that isn't even on the natural tooth shade guide.  Whitening tray's and strips work by using bleach to slowly whiten the teeth internally.  

Many toothpaste brands are marketing whiter teeth with just the use of an inexpensive OTC paste, BUT does this come at a cost??

Here's the scoop, any whitening agent that is in the toothpaste is washed off the tooth before it could stand a chance, AND whitening toothpastes are only removing some surface stain.  Along with surface stain they actually can be removing layers of the outer white enamel, which can actually expose the inner layer called dentin which is yellow and over time make the teeth appear more yellow.  Not to mention sensitive.  

Pay attention to the RDA (abrasive scale index) and make sure to always try and get a toothpaste under 70 RDA as to not have permanent damage. 

For more information, check out these articles or talk to us at your next cleaning.

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jul/04/health/la-he-skeptic-whitening-toothpaste-20110704

http://www.dentalassistant.net/blog/is-your-toothpaste-too-abrasive/

Do You Have Smokers Teeth? 

Fact: Cigarettes are addictive and cigarette smoke contains about 7,000 chemicals, such as methanol. Methanol is also found in antifreeze.

Fact: Smokeless tobacco is addictive and greatly increases your risk of oral cancer. 

Myth: The effects of tobacco use won't be noticed in your mouth via bone loss, dry mouth, and recession. 

Myth: Your hygienist will not be able to smell your tobacco breath through her mask.

Now is the perfect time to quit using tobacco and make your next appointment with your hygienist! 
For more information and facts on tobacco and how to quit visit thetruth.com or smokefree.gov

Fun Fact to Smile About:

Did you know that Friday, October 2, 2015 is World Smile Day?
This day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in October.  The Smiley Face was created
in 1963 by Harvey Bell (a commercial artist) and this day has been established to celebrate it!
So, go ahead and share your smile - especially on this day!

Fluoride Toothpaste Use and Young Children:

Pediatricians and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry now recommend fluoride toothpaste as prevention for tooth decay (cavities) in young children.  Previously, it was suggested that fluoride use be avoided until the age of 2 to reduce the risk of fluorosis-white streaks that appear on teeth after large amounts of fluoride during the first few years of life.
The current guidelines allow for a small amount of fluoride to be initiated early on to prevent the
incidence of cavities without the increase of fluorosis.

Ages 1-3   Use a smear no larger than a grain of rice.
Ages 3-6   Use a pea-sized dab.

For more information on this subject, visit
http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies Guidelines/P FluorideUse.pdf

  Ice cream, you scream but why does our brain scream???

Now that the warm weather is finally showing itself in Michigan, we will all be cooling off with our favorite frozen treats. But why can that be so painful in our heads?  Brain freeze, ice cream headaches or the medical term, Sphenopalatine Ganglioneuralgia (say that three times fast!) are caused by eating our cold treats quickly.  

Click on the links below to learn more and how to prevent this from happening.

http://chemistry.about.com/od/howthingsworkfaqs/f/how-brain-freeze-works.htm

http://m.wikihow.com/Stop-Brain-Freeze

Remember to have your summer cleaning scheduled with us at our Kalamazoo office if you plan to treat yourself to those cold goodies! Enjoy your summer!

One of Dr. Allen's WMU rugby players earned a $10,000 scholarship!

Here's the article from the Western Herald:

International Student Athlete Earns $10,000 Scholarship

westernherald.com/sports/international-student-athlete-earns-10000-scholarship/

Frank Konieczki Sports Reporter

On October 30th, international-student-athlete Simbarashe Michael Chirara received the Greenleaf Trust Scholarship in Finance, which earned him the amount of $10,000 per year.

After applying for the scholarship earlier this year, Simba, as his rugby coaches and teammates call him, got the opportunity to proceed to the interview portion of the application process, which determined whether or not he would be awarded for his scholarly achievements. The award requirements were majoring in finance while maintaining a 2.5+ GPA.

Born and raised Harare, Zimbabwe, Simba had a dream like most kids in Africa to one day study in the United States, but didn’t have the financial resources to do so.

“My desire was to get a quality education in finance in the US and later become a financial guru,” Simba said.

His opportunity came with rugby. Simba represented his nation of Zimbabwe at the youth level and was beginning to get noticed by scouts when he started communicating with Western Michigan rugby coach, Dr. Mark Allen.

Through the scholarship, Simba was able to land an internship with Greenleaf Trust, which will continue until he graduates in the spring of 2015. When Simba is not interning at the Greenleaf Trust, he is playing second row and flanker for the WMU rugby club team.

“I believe I bring some experience, different style of play and positivity to the team.” Simba said of his role is on the Rugby squad.

“When we recruited Simba to come to WMU, I knew we would be getting a very experienced, intelligent, athletically gifted young man that would help take our program to the next level,” Coach Mark Allen said. “His positive attitude and strong core values have made him a good role model for our younger student-athletes.”

Simbarashe Michael Chirara is a prime example of why WMU prides itself on their international programs. Hailing all the way from Zimbabwe, Simba’s road to Western Michigan University has been anything but a smooth and easy journey.

The Greenleaf Trust Scholarship in Finance shows Simba the breadth of his accomplishments have not gone unnoticed and that his hard work and determination is finally starting to pay off.

As for the WMU Rugby team, they are ranked 41st in the country with a 4-2 record going into the MAC championship this weekend in Elkhart, Indiana, which will be held at the Moose Rugby Grounds on Nov. 8th and 9th.

The winner of the MAC championship will go on to the ACRC Bowl Championship in Charlotte, N.C. from November 21st to 23rd.

Your Tongue & Keeping it Clean

Did you know the tongue is made up of 8 muscles? 

The top surface is mucous membrane lined with papillae which are responsible for our taste and texture of food. It is important to keep your tongue clean removing bacteria and food particles.

A Tongue Scraper is an effective way to achieve cleanliness of the tongue. When using a tongue scraper you start at the back of the tongue and pull the scraper forward. This removes excess plaque and odor causing bacteria.

The next time you're in our Kalamazoo office, ask us how this could benefit you!

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-12028/5-reasons-why-everyone-needs-a-tongue-scraper.html

Radiation from dental x-rays

With recent publicity about radiation from dental x-rays, we've had questions about the safety of dental x-rays.  The following information is intended to help you make an informed decision about your health. 

Why are x-rays needed?

During a standard dental exam, the dentist is able to examine only visible surfaces of the teeth and soft tissue.  X-rays allow the dentist to see small cavities that are developing in between the teeth.  Once these areas have become visible in the mouth, the tooth may already be to the point where it needs a crown, root canal, or may even need to be extracted.  Routine x-rays allow us to diagnose small cavities and stop them before they become bigger and more costly problems.  Additionally, x-rays allow the dentist to examine the mandible and maxilla for any unusual growths or abnormalities.  While cancer and tumors of the jaw are rare, the prognosis is always better the earlier they are treated. 

The amount of radiation that people receive is measured in millisieverts (mSv).  The following are typical radiation doses.

6.2 mSv/year = the average level of radiation per person in the US (this amounts to 0.017 mSv per day)
500 mSv/year = the safe allowable dose for people that are exposed to radiation in their work
0.0001 mSv = radiation received from 2 hours in a jet plane
0.7 mSv/year = radiation received from living in a brick house
0.10 mSv/year = radiation received from cooking with natural gas
0.02 mSv/year = radiation received from sleeping next to someone else (humans give off radiation)
0.36 mSv/year = radiation received from smoking one pack of cigarettes a day
0.42 mSv/year = radiation received from a breast mammogram (per breast)
7 mSv = radiation from an abdominal x-ray
0.63 mSv/year = radiation from living in the Colorado Plateau area
0.005 mSv = one dental x-ray

The amount of radiation that a patient receives during dental x-rays is very small when compared to other sources of radiation in every day life.  In addition, our office uses modern digital x-rays.  The amount of radiation received from a digital x-ray can decrease up to another 80% compared to standard film x-rays.  That means that while a standard x-ray gives off 0.005 mSv, a digital x-ray can give off as little as 0.001 mSv. 

Our office takes multiple types of x-rays.  The effective doses are:

Panoramic x-ray = 0.02 mSv
3D x-ray upper jaw = 0.019 mSv
3D x-ray lower jaw = 0.04 mSv
Maxillary posterior = 0.0098 mSv
Maxillary anterior = 0.0053 mSv
Mandibular posterior = 0.0383 mSv
Mandibular anterior = 0.021 mSv
Posterior bitewing = 0.0228 mSv

As always, your safety is our top priority.  We use digital radiographs and ensure our patients are draped with a lead apron.  If you have any questions or concerns about the x-rays we prescribe, please talk to your dentist or hygienist.  To learn more about our practice, please visit us online at www.kalamazoodds.com. 

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

If you suffer from dry mouth, you are not alone.  Millions of Americans suffer from xerostomia, or the subjective perception of dry mouth. 

Causes include medications (including those used to treat depression, anxiety, allergies, high blood pressure, asthma, muscle relaxants, sedatives), systemic diseases (Sjogren's, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, scleroderma), radiation therapy, dehydration, mouth-breathing habits, smoking, and chewing tobacco. 

Symptoms of xerostomia include the obvious dry, sticky feeling in the mouth and throat, but can also include difficulty eating and swallowing or wearing dentures, as well as changes in taste or burning/tingling sensations in the mouth.  People suffering from dry mouth often have sores in the mouth, a dry tongue, and cracks on the corners of the mouth.  There is an increased risk of susceptibility to oral candida, as well as decalcification of enamel, acid erosion, and gingival inflammation. 

So what can you do if you suffer from dry mouth?

Because xerostomia can cause substantial oral problems, it is best to talk with your dentist or hygienist as soon as you notice symptoms of a dry mouth.  Early recognition allows us to personalize a treatment protocol for you.  A dry mouth increases the risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and candida (yeast) infections.  For this reason, we must make an extra effort to protect the teeth and oral tissues.  We may prescribe oral rinses, fluoride trays, or saliva-stimulating medications.  We can instruct on the proper tools and techniques for home care.  Patients with dry mouth will want to avoid alcohol, caffeine, acidic beverages, or products that may irritate oral tissues (including whitening products).  A humidifier at home can often help, and in some cases, the physician can prescribe an alternative medication with less drying side-effects. 

If you have questions about xerostomia or believe you are suffering from it and would like to speak with a dentist, please visit our website www.kalamazoodds.com and use the "Contact Us" page to schedule an appointment. 

Canker Sore Relief

 

Are you one of the millions of Americans who suffers from recurrent apthous ulcerations (i.e. canker sores)?  If so, we've compiled some information you may find helpful.  

Canker sores are one of the most common oral pathoses.  The prevalence in the general population has been reported to vary from 5% to 66%.  Canker sores are triggered by a variety of causative agents, and there appear to be different triggers for different people.   The following have all been reported to be responsible for canker sores: 

• allergies
• genetic predisposition
• nutritional deficiencies
• hematologic abnormalities
• hormonal influences
• infectious agents
• trauma
• stress
• systemic disorders (such as celiac disease, cyclic neutropenia, reiter's disease, behcet's syndrome)

Although no single agent is responsible for triggering canker sores, the damage it causes on the oral mucosa is a T-cell mediated immunologic reaction.

As if one variation of canker sores wasn't more than enough, there are actually three.  They are Minor, Major, and Herpetiform. 

Minor apthous ulcerations represent the form found in up to 80% of those affected.  Patients with minor apthous ulcerations have the fewest recurrences and the lesions exhibit the shortest duration.  The canker sores are typically 3-10mm in diameter and heal without scarring in 7-14 days.  Anywhere from 1 to 5 lesions may be present during each episode.  The most commonly involved sites are the buccal and labial mucosa (inside the cheek and lip), the underside of the tongue, floor of the mouth, and soft palate.  Females are more affected than males.

Major apthous ulcerations occur in about 10% of those affected.  They are larger (1-3 cm) and have the longest duration per episode (2-6 weeks).  They may cause scarring.  Any oral surface may be affected, but the labial mucosa, soft palate, and tonsillar area are most common sites. 

Herpetiform apthous ulcerations have the greatest number of lesions and the most frequent recurrences.  The lesions are small (1-3 mm in diameter), but there may be clusters of up to 100 in a single recurrence.  The ulcerations heal within 7-10 days but the recurrences are often closely spaced. 

So what can you do about these little sores that bring a lot of pain?  If you suffer from frequent recurrences, it is important that your medical history is reviewed for any signs and symptoms of a system disorder that may be associated with canker-like ulcerations.  Unfortunately, there is no medicine that will eliminate a canker sore on the spot.  For minor sores, a topical therapy can be provided to minimize the discomfort for the 7-14 days they take to heal. Major apthous ulcerations are more resistant to therapy and often warrant a more potent corticosteroid.  Laser ablation has been proposed, as it may shorten the duration of the sore and decrease symptoms.  It is often of limited practical benefit, however, since patients cannot return with each canker sore recurrence. 

If you suffer from frequent canker sores and would like to be evaluated by a dentist, feel free to contact us via our website www.kalamazoodds.com  

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month.  We have compiled some important facts and figures about oral cancer that we hope you will find useful.  But let us start with a recent article published in the March 2013 Consumer Reports Magazine that we do not find useful.  The article is titled, “Save your Life: Cancer Screening is Oversold.  Know the Tests to Get—and Those to Skip.”  Quotes from the article include:

• “screening tests can sometimes do more harm than good.”
• many practitioners are “overselling cancer tests”
•  
• “oral cancer screening is one of the several medical tests that are overrecommended and unnecessary for all but high-risk patients.”
• “most people shouldn’t waste their time on most diagnostic tests, including chairside visual screenings for oral cancer"
•  
• “Most people don’t need the test unless they are at high risk, because the cancer is relatively uncommon.”

 

There are several problems with this in terms of oral cancer screenings.  Let's address each in turn:

• “screening tests can sometimes do more harm than good.”  The reality is that there is no harm whatsoever in an oral cancer screening. 
• many practitioners are “overselling cancer tests”  Oral cancer screenings are often free, or included in the cost of a typical dental exam.
•  
• “oral cancer screening is one of the several medical tests that are overrecommended and unnecessary for all but high-risk patients.”  The reality is that we no longer know who the "high-risk" patients are.  Historically, smokers and heavy alcohol drinkers were our "high-risk" patients. Today, the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population are young, healthy, non-smokers.  This is due to the skyrocketing increase in HPV-related cancer (see below for HPV facts)
• “most people shouldn’t waste their time on most diagnostic tests, including chairside visual screenings for oral cancer"  You are already sitting in the dental chair having an exam.  An oral cancer screening is not a separate appointment.
•  
• “Most people don’t need the test unless they are at high risk, because the cancer is relatively uncommon.”  Again, we no longer know who our "high-risk" patients are.  As far as being "relatively uncommon," the fact is that one person every hour of every day will die from oral cancer. 

 



 

Keep reading for oral cancer facts:

 



Prevalence

According to the National Cancer Institute, an estimated 42, 000 new cases of cancer in the oral cavity and pharynx will be diagnosed in 2013. 

Oral cancer will claim 8000 deaths in 2013.

 

Risk Factors

Alcohol and tobacco (using them in combination results in 15 times the risk of using one or the other)

Exposure to the human papilloma virus version 16 (HPV 16), which is now the leading cause of oral cancer in the U.S.

An estimated 25% of cancer patients have no known risk factors

Almost twice as many men as women will be affected by oral cancer

Historically, oral cancer has been a disease of those over 40, but the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population is young, healthy, non-smokers due to the connection with HPV

Prolonged exposure to sun or tanning beds increases the risk for lip cancer

Users of smokeless tobacco face a 40% greater risk of oral cancer than non-users

 

 Possible Signs and Symptoms

Sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal

Lump or thickening on the lip or gums or in the mouth

White or red patch on the lips, tongue, gums, tonsils, or lining of the mouth

Bleeding, pain, or numbness on the lip or in the mouth

Change in voice

Loose teeth, dentures that no longer fit

Trouble chewing or swallowing, or a feeling that there’s a lump in the throat

Persistent hoarseness or sore throat

HPV

HPV is the fasted growing sexually transmitted infection

At least 50% of sexually active people will acquire HPV at some point in their lives

99% of those with HPV infections clear the virus through the normal immune response with little or no apparent symptoms (1% will develop cancer)

HPV-oropharyngeal cancer has been tied with oral sex, but the virus (when active) may be passed on with kissing

HPV has accounted for a 225% increase in oropharyngeal cancer since 1988

HPV-16, the same strain that is responsible for the majority of cervical cancer, is responsible for up to 95% of orphayngeal cancer. 

By 2020, HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer will outnumber HPV-related cervical cancer.

 

Early Detection

See your dentist for an oral examination at least annually

The earlier the detection, the greater the likelihood of a cure

Here's the reality of an oral cancer screening: It is not invasive. It is visual and tactile only. It is painless. It is free. You are already in the dental chair. The awkward few minutes of allowing us to look in the back of your throat, feel under your tongue, and examine your cheeks and tongue are out of our belief that early detection DOES save lives. 

 
 

For more information on our oral cancer exam, please click here

For information on the Velscope, one of the adjunctive diagnosic tools our office uses in oral cancer screenings, please click here

 

During the month of April, we are offering free oral cancer screenings.  Please contact us if you would like to schedule an exam.

 

 

If you would like to learn more about oral cancer, please check out mouthhealthy.org, the ADA's consumer website. 

 

 

 

 

Teeth Whitening

Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you!  One of the easiest ways to improve your smile is through whitening.  Below are some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about whitening. 

 

Q: Am I a candidate for bleaching?

A: A proper dental exam is the first step in deciding whether or not you are a candidate for whitening.  We need to determine the cause of discoloration before we can decide whether bleaching will help.  There are several causes for discoloration (abscessed or nonvital teeth, decay) for which bleaching may mask the problem, but not resolve it. 

Q: What are the different whitening options?

 A: There are 3 options: in-office (Zoom!) whitening, at-home bleaching (with custom made plastic trays), and over-the-counter products.  The concentration of bleaching solution, duration of treatment, and cost vary with each option. 

Q: If my teeth become sensitive during treatment, what can I do?

A: Sensitivity is a common side-effect of bleaching.  We suggest reducing the frequency of bleaching (every other day instead of every day).  We also have desensitizing pastes/gels that can be placed into the bleaching try to help reduce sensitivity.

Q: How long will it take and how long do the results last?

A: While everyone’s results vary depending on frequency of use, many people see maximum results with at-home whitening (using custom trays) in about 2 weeks.  No bleaching method can whiten permanently, but results last from 6 months to 2 years, at which time touch-up applications are indicated. Keeping up with regular oral hygiene, avoiding tobacco and beverages that stain (coffee, soda, tea, red wine) can help make bleaching effects last as long as possible.

Q: I have a lot of gum recession and exposed roots.  Can I still bleach?

A: Exposed tooth roots do not bleach, so if you have root exposure that is visible when you smile, the results won’t be ideal.  There are other cosmetic options which we can talk with you about.  

Q: What if I have porcelain crowns or composite fillings on my front teeth?

A: Composites and porcelain restorations will remain the same color.  If you wish to bleach, you have to consider what it will look like if your natural teeth bleach but your restorations do not.  Talk with us to discuss options for your particular case.

If you are interested in learning more about the whitening options we provide, please visit us at www.kalamazoodds.com. 

Pediatric Dental Health

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! We want our youngest patients to have a lifetime of good oral health and encourage you to bring your child in for a visit.  Below are some Frequently Asked Questions about pediatric dental health.

 

When Should Children Have Their First Dental Visit?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents should make an initial “well-baby” appointment approximately six months after the emergence of the first tooth, or no later than the child’s first birthday.

Although this may seem surprisingly early, the incidence of infant and toddler tooth decay has been rising in recent years.  Tooth decay and early cavities can be exceptionally painful if they are not treated  immediately, and can also set the scene for poor oral health in later childhood.

What potential dental problems can babies experience?

A baby is at risk for tooth decay as soon as the first tooth emerges, and especially so if one of the parents is high-risk.  During the first visit, we try to help parents implement a preventative strategy to protect the teeth from harm, and also demonstrate how infant teeth should be brushed and flossed.

In particular, infants who drink breast milk, juice, baby formula, soda, or sweetened water from a baby bottle or sippy cup are at high-risk for early childhood caries (cavities).  To counteract this threat, we discourage parents from filling cups with sugary fluids, dipping pacifiers in honey, and transmitting oral bacteria to the child via shared spoons and/or cleaning pacifiers in their own mouths.

How can I care for my infant’s gums and teeth?

Many parents do not realize that cavity-causing bacteria can be transmitted from the mother or father to the child.  This transmission happens via the sharing of eating utensils and the “cleaning” of pacifiers in the parent’s mouth.  Parents should also adhere to the following guidelines to enhance infant oral health:

•Brush – Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny sliver of ADA approved non-fluoridated toothpaste (for children under two), gently brush the teeth twice each day.  For infants without teeth, wipe the gums with a damp cloth after every feeding.  This reduces oral bacteria and minimizes the risk of early cavities.

•Floss – As soon as two adjacent teeth appear in the infant’s mouth, cavities can form between the teeth.  Ask us about strategies for flossing your child’s teeth.

•Pacifier use – Pacifiers are a soothing tool for infants.  Be sure not to dip pacifiers in honey or any other sweet liquid.  Prolonged pacifier use, as well as thumb-sucking can be detrimental in older toddlers and young children.

•Use drinking glasses – Baby bottles and sippy cups are largely responsible for infant and toddler tooth decay.  Both permit a small amount of liquid to repeatedly enter the mouth.  Consequently, sugary liquid (milk, soda, juice, formula, breast milk or sweetened water) is constantly swilling around in the infant’s mouth, fostering bacterial growth and expediting tooth decay.  Only offer water in sippy cups, and discontinue their use after the infant’s first birthday.

•Visit the dentist – Around the age of one, the infant should visit a dentist for a “well baby” appointment.  The dentist will examine tooth and jaw development, and provide strategies for future oral care.

When will my child get her first tooth?

The eruption of primary teeth (also known as deciduous or baby teeth) follows a similar developmental timeline for most children.  A full set of primary teeth begins to grow beneath the gums during the fourth month of pregnancy. For this reason, a nourishing prenatal diet is of paramount importance to the infant’s teeth, gums, and bones.

Generally, the first primary tooth breaks through the gums between the ages of six months and one year.  By the age of three years old most children have a “full” set of twenty primary teeth. 

My child has a cavity in a baby tooth.  Can’t we just pull it since it will fall out eventually anyway?

Although primary teeth are deciduous, they facilitate speech production, proper jaw development, good chewing habits - and the proper spacing and alignment of adult teeth.  Caring properly for primary teeth helps defend against painful tooth decay, premature tooth loss, malnutrition, and childhood periodontal disease.

In what order do baby teeth erupt?

 

 I’m pregnant.  Should I be seeing a dentist?

Pregnancy is an exciting time. It is also a crucially important time for the unborn child’s oral and overall health.  The “perinatal” period begins approximately 20-28 weeks into the pregnancy, and ends 1-4 weeks after the infant is born.  With so much to do to prepare for the new arrival, a dental checkup is often the last thing on an expectant mother’s mind.

Research shows, however, that there are links between maternal periodontal disease (gum disease) and premature babies, babies with low birth weight, maternal preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes.  It is of paramount importance therefore, for mothers to maintain excellent oral health throughout the entire pregnancy.

Maternal cariogenic (cavity-causing) bacteria is linked with a wide range of adverse outcomes for infants and young children.  For this reason, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) advises expectant mothers to get dental checkups and counseling regularly, for the purposes of prevention, intervention, and treatment.

 

We hope you have found this information helpful.  If you are an expectant mother or have young children, we would encourage you to call us if you have additional questions or would like to schedule an appointment (269) 344-8988.   Our website also provides additional information on pediatric health, including questions pertaining to pacifiers and thumb sucking, as well as sedation dentistry for children. 

http://www.kalamazoodds.com/procedures/pediatric-dentistry/

Toothpaste Too Abrasive?

Each and every toothpaste has a granular component that is added to aid in the removal of plaque and bacteria.  The primary issue and problem with the granular additive, along with the mechanism of the toothbrush bristles, is that over a period of time it can lead to a "notch-like" defect at the gum line.  These gum line defects occur at the junction where the protective enamel layer stops and the root surface begins.  The areas can be sensitive to thermal (temperature) changes, especially cold, as well as sweets.  Eventually, composite (white filling) material may be required to cover and protect these areas once the defects have occurred.

The latest research and literature supports the fact that the number one cause of these gum line defects is due to the abrasiveness of toothpastes.  The most destructive of the toothpastes are the ones that have whitening components in them as well as some that contain baking soda and tartar control properties.  Any toothpaste that has an abrasive level of 150 (RDA value) or below, we consider as being "safe" to use such as Crest regular or Colgate regular.  Others that are above the 150 abrasive level, we regard as being too abrasive.

We have compiled a current list of many of the commonly used toothpaste on the market today and their granular levels.  Ask us when you are in next for a copy to insure that what you are using at home is not too abrasive.