Elite Sacramento Dentist : Healthy Teeth Information

Archive for Healthy Teeth

Facts About Bottled Water

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

Thursday, June 10th, 2010

If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing out on the decay-preventative benefits of fluoride. While the fluoride content of bottled water varies greatly, the vast majority of bottled waters do not contain optimal levels of fluoride. Some contain no fluoride at all.

How can you make sure you and your family are getting the right amount of fluoride protection in bottled water? Check the label for fluoride content. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s current regulations do not require bottled water companies to indicate fluoride content on bottled water labels, unless it has been added to the water.

Contact the company if the fluoride content is not shown on the label and ask what level of fluoride the water contains. To help prevent tooth decay, water should contain 0.7 to 1.2 ppm of fluoride.

Do not overlook your home water treatment systems, such as reverse osmosis and distillation units, which may remove fluoride from your water supply. It is a good idea to check the manual or to contact the manufacturer if you cannot determine their effect on fluoride levels.

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 10, 2010

Source: http://ada.org/sections/publicResources/pdfs/patient_30.pdf

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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Sacramento Area – Is Your Water Fluoridated?

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

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

For over five decades, the American Dental Association has continuously endorsed the fluoridation of community water supplies and the use of fluoride-containing products as safe and effective measures for preventing tooth decay.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that it will allow bottlers to claim that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of tooth decay. “Whether you drink fluoridated water from the tap or buy it in a bottle, you’re doing the right thing for your oral health,” says ADA executive director James B. Bramson, D.D.S. “Thanks to the FDA’s decision, bottlers can now claim what dentists have long known—that optimally fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay.”

The ADA agrees with the FDA that this health claim is not intended for use on bottled water marketed to infants for whom lesser amounts of fluoride are appropriate. The appropriate amount of fluoride is essential to help prevent tooth decay. But fluoride intake above optimal amounts creates a risk for enamel (dental) fluorosis in teeth during their development before they erupt through the gums.

To find out whether your community water supply is fluoridated in the Sacramento area, check out the geographic distribution on http://bit.ly/aSoEIQ

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 8, 2010

Source: http://ada.org/3050.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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How to Floss Your Teeth

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

Thursday, June 3rd, 2010

I often get asked questions such as “do I really need to floss”, “how often should I floss”, and “what teeth should I floss?” My response is “You should only floss the teeth you want to keep!”

Next to brushing, flossing is the most important thing that you can do to ensure healthy teeth and gums. It is important to floss at least once a day. Follow these tips for proper flossing technique:

Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions.
Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth.
Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner. There are many types of flossers available on the market that come with handles to make flossing easier. These are especially helpful for people with arthritis or other health conditions that affect their dexterity.

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 3, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3072.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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Proper Brushing Technique

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

Tuesday, June 1st, 2010

The best way to remove decay-causing plaque is by brushing and cleaning between your teeth every day. Brushing removes plaque from the tooth surfaces.

Brush your teeth twice a day, with a soft or extra-soft bristled toothbrush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth, allowing you to reach all areas easily. Use a toothpaste that contains fluoride, which helps protect your teeth from decay.

By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting your dentist regularly, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile your entire life. Follow these brushing tips to keep your teeth and mouth clean:

Place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against the gums.
Move the brush back and forth gently in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
Use the “toe” of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke.
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Later this week I will discuss proper flossing techniques. Until then, have a great week!

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 1, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3072.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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What is “Meth Mouth” – Methamphetamine Use and Oral Health

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

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

Methamphetamine is known by several street names: Meth, Speed, Ice, Chalk, Crank, Fire, Glass, and Crystal. It is a potent central nervous system stimulant that is highly addictive. Sadly, its use is on the rise in the U.S. even though it produces devastating effects on users’ health.

From a dental standpoint, methamphetamine use results in rampant tooth decay. Some users describe their teeth as “blackened, stained, rotting, crumbling or falling apart.” Often, the teeth cannot be salvaged and must be extracted.

Meth Mouth

The extensive tooth decay is probably caused by a combination of drug-induced psychological and physiological changes resulting in dry mouth and long periods of poor oral hygiene, Some reports have speculated that the acidity of the drug also damages teeth. While they are high, users often crave high-calorie, carbonated, sugary beverages or they may grind or clench their teeth, all of which can harm teeth.

Methamphetamine use is a serious health concern, particularly in rural areas and in the western, southwestern, and midwestern U.S.

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
May 27, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3056.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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Tips for Dealing with Dental Emergencies

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

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Bitten Lip or Tongue
Clean the area gently with a cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

Broken Tooth
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the area to keep any swelling down. Call your dentist immediately.

Jaw-Possibly Broken
Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth
Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse off the root of the tooth in water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to the dentist as quickly as possible. Remember to take the tooth with you!

Objects Caught Between Teeth
Try to gently remove the object with dental floss; avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object using dental floss, contact your dentist.

Toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to ensure that there is no food or other debris caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth because it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition.

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
May 20, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3098.aspx?currentTab=1#top

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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How to Choose Foods Wisely for Better Dental Health

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

Tuesday, May 18th, 2010

Foods that contain sugars of any kind can contribute to tooth decay. Almost all foods, including milk or vegetables, have some type of sugar. However, they should not be removed from our diets because many of them contain important nutrients.

For good dental health, keep these tips in mind when choosing your meals and snacks.

- To maintain a balanced diet, eat a variety of foods. Choose foods from each of the five major food groups:

breads, cereals and other grain products
fruit
vegetables
meat, poultry and fish
milk, cheese and yogurt

- Limit the number of snacks that you eat. Each time you eat food that contains sugars, the teeth are attacked by acids for 20 minutes or more.

- If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit.

- Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, which helps wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids.

- Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste that has the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners.

- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist can help prevent problems from occurring and catch those that do occur while they are easy to treat.

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
May 18, 2010

Source: http://ada.org/2984.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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Do You Have Dry Mouth?

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

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Dry mouth (xerostomia) resulting from reduced saliva flow is a common problem among older adults. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers, diuretics, antidepressants, high blood pressure medications, and many others.

Some problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate and cleanse your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. Dryness can also irritate soft tissues in the mouth, making them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, a fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler.

Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.
For more information on dry mouth, go to http://www.ada.org/sections/publicResources/pdfs/patient_19.pdf

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
May 4, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3014.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Bad Breath, Healthy Teeth

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Harmful Side Effects of Oral Piercing

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

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

While many people think this trend looks cool, it has many possible and harmful side effects.

Common symptoms after oral piercing include pain, swelling, infection, an increased flow of saliva and injuries to the gums:

Millions of bacteria live in your mouth, so oral piercings may become infected easily
Swelling of the tongue is a common side effect but it is possible for the tongue to swell large enough to block your airway and prevent breathing.
Piercing can cause uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage. If a blood vessel was in the path of the needle during the piercing, severe bleeding can result.
Blood clots or blood poisoning can occur

And the jewelry itself can be hazardous or cause other problems:

You can choke on the studs, barbells or hoops that become loose in your mouth.
Teeth can chip or crack from contact with the jewelry.
Bacteria that breeds around the piercing can cause bad breath.
The jewelry can prevent you from speaking clearly or cause problems with chewing and swallowing food.
The metals may cause an allergic reaction.

Since oral health is important for overall health, the effects of an oral piercing may have a greater impact than one may think. Unfortunately, many people with oral piercings don’t realize that these side effects could happen to them.

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
Apr. 29, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/3090.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Healthy Teeth

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What to Do About Cold Sores?

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

Tuesday, April 27th, 2010

Last week I blogged about canker sores. This week I will discuss another common type of mouth sore: cold sores.

What are cold sores?
Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are groups of fluid filled blisters. Annoying and painful, they can be seen around the lips, sometimes under the nose, or around the chin.

What causes them?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 and are very contagious. The initial infection (primary herpes), which often occurs before adulthood, may be confused with a cold or flu and can cause painful lesions to erupt throughout the mouth.

Once a person is infected with primary herpes, the virus stays in the body and causes occasional attacks. Recurring cold sores look like multiple tiny fluid-filled blisters that most commonly appear around the edge of the lips.

For some people, the virus remains inactive or dormant. For others, cold sores can follow a fever, sunburn, stress, emotional upsets or a break in the skin.

How do you treat them?
Cold sore blisters usually heal in a week by themselves. Over-the-counter topical anesthetics can provide some relief. Your dentist may prescribe antiviral drugs to reduce these kinds of viral infections.

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

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
Apr. 27, 2010

Source: http://www.ada.org/2982.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Dentistry, Healthy Teeth

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