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Laser Therapy for Treatment of Gum Disease

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

In my practice we are happy to offer our patients the advantages of Laser-Assisted Periodontal Therapy. As we age, our gums are more susceptible to gingivitis and other periodontal problems. Adding laser therapy to deep cleaning procedures offers faster, easier removal of damaged tissue with less post-operative pain and discomfort than conventional therapy.

How does it work?

Tartar, associated with inflammation and bleeding gums, is removed from the root surface of the tooth using an ultrasonic scaler and small instruments. Then, a small amount of light energy from a laser is directed through a tiny fiber, which is gently placed between the gum and tooth. This light energy aids in reducing the bacteria associated with the disease. After the area is thoroughly cleaned, the body can heal the area naturally.

Does it hurt?

Although the procedure itself can be virtually painless, we may anesthetize the area for your comfort. Post-procedure discomfort is typically less intense and of shorter duration than conventional periodontal surgery.

How long does it take?

Initial treatment will focus on scaling and removal of tartar. Then, the laser portion of the treatment will be performed. Treatment time will vary depending on the severity of your periodontal disease.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Mar. 11, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Gum Disease

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Got Sensitive Teeth?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Tuesday, February 23rd, 2010

If your answer is yes, your teeth may be at risk for acid erosion. This could feel like a slight twinge when consuming hot, cold, or sweet food and drinks.

Many of the foods we eat everyday contain acid, and most of the time we don’t realize it. For instance, did you know that honey has a pH of about 3.9? Drinks such as juice, energy drinks, and soda can also be highly acidic. As mentioned in one of my earlier blogs, acid weakens the teeth by softening the enamel surface, making the teeth more prone to decay.

Here are some tips to avoid acid erosion and prevent teeth sensitivity:

Do not swill acidic drinks around your mouth before swallowing
Drink cold acidic drinks through a straw
Drink water after meals to help wash away the acids
When possible, finish a meal with dairy products as they help neutralize the acids
Wait at least one hour after eating or drinking before brushing your teeth. Why? Because immediately after eating, your enamel has been softened by the acid and brushing will further strip away the enamel.
Brush teeth gently with a soft or extra soft toothbrush
Avoid bathing your teeth in acid over long periods of time. If you’re going to eat an orange or candy, eat it all at once instead of nibbling on it all afternoon. If you’re going to have juice, drink it in one sitting rather than sipping on it for several hours.

Remember that not all sensitivity is due to acid erosion. Sensitivity can also be caused by decay, nerve pain, or other factors. It is important to see your dentist regularly to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, and that any potential problems are detected early.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 23, 2010

Categories : Dentistry

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Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth – Part 2

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

As I mentioned in my blog earlier this week, it is important to switch to a fluoride toothpaste once your toddler is able to spit out properly. Once your child is able to hold the toothbrush and has the dexterity to brush independently, you should still monitor and ensure that they are brushing all their teeth surfaces. And remember to help your child floss daily. This is important in preventing cavities between teeth.

I recommend the first visit for your child at 2 years of age when children are often mature enough for an initial visit. Our first visit with kids is focused on fun and building trust and rapport. A positive first experience goes a long way in helping your child develop a positive long-term relationship with the dental experience.

One way you can prepare your child for a first dental visit is by reading books on the topic. My 3 year old especially likes “Elmo Visits the Dentist” and “Show Me Your Smile: A Visit to the Dentist (Dora the Explorer).

Visit the American Dental Association website at www.ADA.org, type in National Children’s Dental Health, and check out some of the resources available for children, such as “How to Brush,” “How to Floss,” “Visit the Dentist,” “Food Pyramid,” and “The Parts of a Tooth.”

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 11, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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Taking Care of Your Child’s Teeth – Part 1

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (2)

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

I’ve had several requests to write a blog about taking care of children’s teeth. In honor of February being National Children’s Dental Health month and for all you mommies out there, here it is…

On average, babies get their first teeth at around 6 months of age. They will continue to “teethe” and will have 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3 years old. Although these teeth are temporary, it is important to take care of them diligently. Baby teeth will start to fall out around age 6 or 7. Until then, they are doing a lot of work for your child.

Avoid letting your baby go to sleep with a bottle with milk, formula or juice. Having the teeth bathe in such liquids for prolonged periods of time can cause tooth decay. Avoid giving your toddler candy and sticky sugary foods like caramel. Make sure your child has a good calcium intake for development of strong teeth.

Even before any teeth come in, you should clean your baby’s mouth regularly with a wet washcloth. This way your baby gets used to having a clean mouth. By age one they can have their teeth brushed with an actual toothbrush. Look for “stage 1” toothbrushes that are specially designed for 1 year olds, then move up accordingly as your child grows. Use a non-fluoridated toothpaste at first. When your child is old enough to spit out, you can switch to a fluoride toothpaste. Use only a small amount of toothpaste, no more than pea-sized.

For more on this topic, look out for my blog later this week. Until then, have a fabulous week!

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. To learn more about my practice, click on the link www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Feb. 9, 2010

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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What Is A “Deep Cleaning” Anyway?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (1)

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

Deep cleaning, also known as root planing, refers to the initial treatment of gum disease (periodontal disease). Some signs of gum disease include but are not limited to:

Bad breath, loose and shifting teeth, red, swollen and or bleeding gums, itching or soreness of gums, depth pocket readings greater than 4mm, gum recession and loss of bone in the jaw.

What happens if you do not treat active periodontal disease?

You can have acute or chronic infections, loss of your teeth, and transmission of oral bacteria through your blood stream into your heart, lungs and other body systems.

What happens during a “deep cleaning”?

Your dentist or hygienist will scale the rough areas of the roots and remove the calcified bacterial deposits (ie. calculus, tartar) under the tissue which would otherwise keep the gum tissue inflamed and infected. This is usually done with the help of local anesthetic. Irrigation with an antibacterial solution is frequently used. In some cases, placement of antibiotic powder in the deepest pockets may be recommended. In my office, we also use laser technology to stimulate healing, kill bacteria, and eliminate damaged unhealthy tissue so that new healthy tissue can form and attach to the tooth, thereby reducing pocket depth.

Any post-operative concerns?

After a deep cleaning, you may be numb for several hours if anesthetic was used. Try to avoid eating or chewing until the numbness has worn off. For the rest of the day, try to avoid chewing crunchy or spicy foods on the side of the mouth that has been treated. You may resume normal chewing the next day.

Factors that may affect success of treatment?

Your overall health, medications, nutrition, genetics and tobacco use are all factors that can affect the success of treatment. It is possible that even with this treatment, you may need to be referred to a periodontist, or gum specialist, for evaluation and treatment if your dentist or hygienist determine it is necessary.

Typically, after completion of deep cleaning you will be required to return every 3 to 4 months for continuing care. As always, good home care and regular dental visits are essential to maintaining your periodontal as well as overall oral health.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 28, 2010

Categories : Dentistry

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Why Chew Sugar-Free Gum?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Thursday, January 21st, 2010

Yes it’s true that chewing sugar-free gum can help prevent cavities. Keep in mind however that it is not meant to replace brushing and flossing. It is only meant as an adjunct to proper home care which consists of brushing twice and flossing at least once daily.

Most people brush in the morning and at night, and a smaller group will brush a third time, usually after lunch. No time to brush after lunch? Chew sugar-free gum instead. Chewing increases saliva flow which helps to cleanse the teeth. An increase in saliva also helps to buffer the acidity that occurs after eating, and it is the acidity that weakens the teeth and promotes formation of cavities. In addition, the gum will help pull out food particles that may be stuck between teeth or in the crevices of the biting surfaces.

Sugar-free gum contains xylitol which is a sugar substitute. Unlike sugar, Xylitol is non-fermentable and therefore cannot be converted to acids by oral bacteria. Some brands that contain xylitol include: Trident, Dentyne, Orbit, Eclipse, Extra

As with anything else, moderation is key. Chewing gum all day can lead to other problems such as TMJ pain and jaw muscle fatigue. Likewise people who already have TMJ problems should limit their use of gum, as their condition will worsen with the constant jaw movement of chewing gum.

Interestingly, I just read that xylitol can be toxic to dogs. So keep your sugar-free gum out of reach of your dogs. But I digress… for more info on that, please consult your veterinarian.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 21, 2010

Sources:
http://jada.ada.org/cgi/reprint/129/11/1623.pdf
http://xylitolhealth.com/oral_health.html

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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Why is soda bad for your teeth?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Tuesday, January 19th, 2010

Soda consumption is on the rise. Currently, Americans drink more than 53 gallons of carbonated soda per person per year. Soda consumption has increased by 500% over the past 50 years, and this trend shows no sign of leveling off. As a country, we drink more soda than milk, beer, coffee, or water. What does this mean for your teeth?

Let’s break it down.

Soda contains the following: sugar, acid, artificial coloring, and in most cases caffeine. As far as your teeth are concerned, the 2 major culprits are sugar and acid.

A 12-ounce can of soda contains the equivalent of 10 to 12 teaspoons of sugar. While you would never dream of shoveling this much sugar into your mouth, it goes down pretty easily in a drink. More sugar brings more risk of decay.

While it is common knowledge that sodas containing sugars are bad for your teeth, a common misconception is that sugar-free sodas are okay. I’ve had several patients say “it’s okay Doc, I only drink diet soda.”

It’s not just the sugars in soda that harm your teeth, but the acid content. Most sodas contain one or two common acids – phosphoric acid and citric acid. The pH of regular and diet soda is in the 2.5 range, which is quite acidic. In contrast, the pH level in your mouth is around 6.2-7.0 which is only slightly more acidic than water.

What does the acid do?

The acid in soda eats away at your tooth enamel, which, when combined with the sugar content, contributes significantly to tooth decay. Even if you drink diet soda, the acid in it can still erode your teeth enamel. This leads to softening and wearing away of the enamel, cavities, and tooth sensitivity. So drinking sugar free sodas is not the answer.

The bottom line? Water is a much better alternative to soda for your teeth, not to mention your overall health. When you do drink soda, it’s best to drink it with a meal because the food you eat will help dilute the acid. And if you can, brush your teeth right after having a soda.

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 19, 2010

Sources:
http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/topics/topics_softdrinks.pdf

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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Smoking and Oral Cancer

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)

Friday, January 15th, 2010

It’s that time of year for New Year’s Resolutions. One common resolution is the decision to quit smoking. If you are one of these people, congratulations!! You have made a life-saving decision that will not only improve your overall health (not just dental) but will also lower your risk for oral cancer.

Here are some facts on oral cancer, taken from the American Dental Association’s fact sheet:

Oral cancer strikes an estimated 34,360 Americans each year. An estimated 7,550 people (5,180 men and 2,370 women) will die of these cancers in 2007.¹
More than 25% of the 30,000 Americans who get oral cancer will die of the disease.²
On average, only half of those diagnosed with the disease will survive more than five years.⁴

What is the number one risk factor for oral cancer?

You got it – Smoking. This includes all forms of tobacco use including cigars, cigarettes, and chewing tobacco.

Other benefits to quitting smoking are: decreased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, COPD, improved circulation and breathing, eliminating exposure of tobacco to those around you via second-hand smoking. From a dental perspective, you will reduce staining of your teeth and bad breath, and the health of your gums will improve.

For the complete ADA articles on oral cancer and smoking, please refer to

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cancer_oral.asp

http://www.ada.org/public/topics/smoking_tobacco.asp

In future blogs I will cover more on the specifics of oral cancer detection as well as other dental conditions linked with tobacco use. Until then…

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po

Categories : Dentistry, Elite Sacramento Dentist, Healthy Teeth

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Welcome to Elite Sacramento Dentist

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (4)

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Happy 2010 and welcome to my blog! My goal is to provide free dental advice, answer questions, and give useful information about anything and everything dental. If you are a patient of mine, this is also where I will inform you about any promotions we are offering at our practice. I hope you enjoy my articles, and please let me know if there are any particular topics you’d like me to cover. I welcome all questions, comments and feedback. Thank you for reading!

Your friendly dentist,

Dr. Sarah Po

Categories : Dentistry, Elite Sacramento Dentist

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