People are exposed to BPA primarily by eating foods from containers whose lining contains BPA. Small children may be exposed by consuming foods from containers lined with BPA-containing materials, drinking from polycarbonate plastic baby bottles, and through hand-to-mouth and direct oral contact with plastic materials (like toys) that contain BPA. The amount of BPA to which people are exposed is estimated to be much lower than the amount of BPA exposure considered safe by government agencies.

Some scientific studies have suggested that BPA, like soy and phthalates (chemicals added to plastics to increase flexibility and durability), may affect reproduction and development in animals by mimicking the effects of the female hormone estrogen. This has raised concerns about its safety. To date, these effects have not been observed in humans, and are questionable at the exposure levels resulting from consumer products.

The ADA believes any concern about potential BPA exposure from dental sealants or composites is unwarranted at this time. When compared with other sources of BPA, these dental materials pose significantly lower exposure concerns.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Oct. 6, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2989.aspx?currentTab=1

Sucking is a natural reflex for children. As infants get older it serves many purposes. Sucking on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects may make babies feel secure and happy and help them learn about their world. Young children may also suck to soothe themselves. Since thumb sucking is relaxing, it may help them fall asleep.

After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist.

Children should have ceased sucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually children stop between the ages of two and four years.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, it is often an easier habit to break.

Tips:

• Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
• If the above tips don’t work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.

Thank you for reading. I encourage you to leave comments or questions below. For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
September 15, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/2977.aspx?currentTab=1

1. For snacks, send fruits, vegetables or cheese in your child’s lunchbox.
2. The best fruit choices are those containing more water, such as: apples, grapes, pears, cantaloupes, and other melons.
3. Any type of aged cheese is a good choice, such as: Swiss, Cheddar or Monterey Jack. You can also use cookie cutters to cut the cheese into fun shapes. Some studies have suggested that aged cheese can actually help to prevent tooth decay.
4. Raw broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers and celery are excellent vegetable choices.
5. Try some different healthy foods or low carb snacks that your children may like.

The following foods are sticky and/or chewy and should be avoided because they stick to the teeth and saliva is unable to wash the sugar away.

• Raisins
• Honey
• Dried figs
• Peanut butter cookies
• Jelly beans
• Lollipops
• Hard candy

We cannot follow our children around all the time to make sure they are eating healthy and brushing their teeth, but we can have some peace of mind knowing that we are helping to promote good oral health by providing them with their nutritional needs while they are at school.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
August 18, 2010
Source:  http://dentistry.about.com/od/childrensdentistry/a/kidsnutrition.htm

There are three types of mouth protectors:

1. Stock
   Stock mouth protectors are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
2. Boil and bite
   Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don’t follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
3. Custom-fitted
   Custom-fitted mouth protectors are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.

Talk to your dentist about the different options and see what works best for you.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
August 5, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2970.aspx?currentTab=1#top

What are the advantages of using a mouth protector?
Accidents can happen during any physical activity. A mouth protector can help cushion a blow to the face that otherwise might result in an injury to the mouth. A misdirected elbow in a one-on-one basketball game or a spill off a bicycle can leave you with chipped or broken teeth, nerve damage to a tooth or even tooth loss. A mouth protector can limit the risk of such injuries as well as protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining.

A properly fitted mouth protector will stay in place while you are wearing it, making it easy for you to talk and breathe.

Ask your dentist about having a custom mouthguard made specifically for you. This will fit well and offer the best protection for your smile.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
August 3, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2970.aspx?currentTab=1#protector

Your saliva contains mostly water, but it also contains electrolytes, bacteria, viruses, fungi, proteins, and secretions from your nose and lungs.  You may see TV detectives on CSI or Law and Order collect a suspect’s saliva to get a DNA sample.  That is because cells from the lining of your mouth can also be found in saliva, and these cells contain DNA.  A “cheek swab” is actually the more accurate way of obtaining someone’s DNA.

Saliva also provides clues about what you have been doing.  For instance, it can reveal whether you have been using recreational drugs such as cocaine, barbiturates, and marijuana.  In the future, scientists hope to use saliva samples to detect levels of certain medications in the body.  They also hope to use saliva as a way to detect disease in the future.

Some people believe it is helpful to lick their wounds because they’ve heard that saliva can be a disinfectant.  The truth is that our mouths are full of bacteria, and those bacteria can cause a cut to become infected if you lick it.  So, contrary to the popular expression, please do NOT lick your wounds.

Thank you for reading.  I encourage you to leave comments or questions below.  For more information on my practice, please visit www.elitesacramentodentist.com

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 28, 2010

Sources:  http://health.msn.com/health-topics/oral-care/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100259909

• Inform the dentist about your special health or financial conditions.
• Ask if the dentist has training and/or experience in treating patients with your specific condition.
• Ask if the dentist has an interest in treating patients with your specific condition.
• Find out if the dentist participates in your dental benefit plan (dental insurance program.)
• Ask if the dental facility is accessible to the disabled.

In addition, the Council suggests that patients with special needs:

• Call or write the dental director at your state department of public health.  In Sacramento, the phone number is (916) 552-9896.
• Contact the nearest dental school clinic or hospital dental department, especially if it is affiliated with a major university.
• Contact the Special Care Dentistry (Formerly Federation of Special Care Organizations in Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for a referral.
• Contact the National Foundation of Dentistry for the Handicapped (NFDH), a charitable affiliate of the American Dental Association since 1988. The NFDH, via several programs, facilitates the provision of comprehensive dental care for needy disabled, elderly, and medically compromised individuals.

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

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
July 22, 2010

Source:  http://ada.org/3030.aspx?currentTab=1

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine and nicotine is the agent in tobacco that’s capable of causing addiction or dependence. However, you can quit once and for all.  Here are some suggestions:

• Set a date to quit and stick to it. Choose a “low stress” time to quit
• Enlist the support of your family, friends and co-workers.
• Ask your dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy for use in cessation attempts. Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting for good.
• Remove tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia from your home, office and car.
• Seek tobacco-free environments to curb your temptations.
• Exercise. It may make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking.
• When you crave a tobacco—exercise the 4 D’s:
  • Delay—craving will pass in 5–10 minutes
  • Drink water—it will help to wash the toxins from your body
  • Do something else—distract yourself by being active.
  • Deep breathing—deep inhalations and exhalations are relaxing.

Anticipate problems and have a realistic plan to deal with challenges.  Call 1-800-QUITNOW or go to www.smokefree.gov for help.  If you live in the Sacramento area, you can also go to http://www.sacdhhs.com/article.asp?ContentID=105 to learn more about the local Tobacco Education Program.

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
July 6, 2010

Source:  http://ada.org/3013.aspx?currentTab=1

Someone who is receiving radiation therapy of the head and neck area, or has a history of such treatment, may develop certain complications including dry mouth, sensitive lesions in the oral cavity, hypersensitive teeth, rapid tooth decay and difficulty swallowing. Chemotherapy can also have significant effects on the oral cavity.

To help prevent, minimize and manage such problems, your dentist and oncologist can work together—before and during your cancer treatment.

During the treatment period for head and neck cancer, gently brush your teeth twice a day unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Your dentist may recommend a mouth rinse in addition to daily brushing. If you develop a condition called dry mouth, your dentist may recommend a saliva replacement, an artificial saliva that is available over-the-counter at pharmacies. Frequent fluoride applications may also be recommended.

Because any mouth infection may have serious implications, contact your dentist or physician immediately should any occur. Your dentist and physician both want your treatment to be as safe and effective as possible.

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
June 30, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/3032.aspx?currentTab=1

The dentist’s treatment may include cleaning the site and placing a medicated dressing (dry socket paste) in the socket, which helps provide relief of pain. The dentist may change the dressing daily until the pain diminishes and the socket begins to heal. The dentist may also recommend a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, or prescribe other pain relievers.

Cigarette smoking or other tobacco use can delay healing and should be avoided after tooth extraction.  Other things you can do to prevent a dry socket:  avoid drinking through a straw and avoid excessive mouth rinsing which can interfere with blood clotting.

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

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
June 16, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2980.aspx?currentTab=1