Dr. Sarah Po - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Should You Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Thursday, May 6th, 2010

Wisdom teeth are a valuable asset to the mouth when they are healthy and properly positioned. Often, however, problems develop that require their removal. When the jaw isn’t large enough to accommodate wisdom teeth, they can become impacted (unable to come in or misaligned). Wisdom teeth may grow sideways, emerge only part way from the gum or remain trapped beneath the gum and bone.

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

  • Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
  • There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
  • They are so far back in the mouth that they are difficult to keep clean, resulting in recurring cavities.
  • A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

If you have wisdom teeth, ask your dentist about their health and positioning .  Your dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send you to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

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 6, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2988.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Dentistry
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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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Do You Get Canker Sores?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Thursday, April 22nd, 2010

Canker sores are annoying and painful.  They are among the most common mouth sores.

What exactly are canker sores? They are small ulcers with a white or gray base and a red border.  They appear inside the mouth and are not contagious. There may be only one canker sore or several and they can return frequently.

What causes them? Their exact cause is uncertain but some experts believe that immune system problems, bacteria or viruses may be involved.

Fatigue, stress or allergies can increase the likelihood of a canker sore.  Some women may be more prone to them in their premenstrual cycle.  A cut caused by biting the cheek or tongue, or reactions from hot foods or beverages may contribute to canker sore development. Intestinal problems, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, also seem to make some people more susceptible.

How do you treat them? Canker sores usually heal on their own after a week or two.  Over-the-counter topical anesthetics and antimicrobial mouthrinses may provide temporary relief. Stay away from hot, spicy or acidic foods that can irritate the sore. See your dentist if the sores do not heal after two weeks.

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

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

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

Categories : Dentistry
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What Causes Bad Breath?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Tuesday, March 30th, 2010

This is a very popular question.  Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is an unpleasant condition that is cause for social embarrassment.  Here are some causes:

  • Eating foods with strong odors.  This is an obvious one, and examples are onions and garlic.  The good news is that bad breath from foods is temporary and should disappear once the food has been passed through your body.
  • Poor oral hygiene.  Keep in mind that bacteria lives in your mouth and can be found in plaque or tartar.  When you do not brush or floss regularly, this odor-causing bacteria will continue to grow.  Bacteria also tends to accumulate on the tongue, so clean your tongue with your toothbrush or ask your dentist for a tongue scraper.
  • Cavities & Abscesses.  Bacteria will release waste products in the form of sulfur compounds which will cause bad breath.
  • Gum Disease.  In this case bad breath comes from having large amounts of bacteria in deep gum pockets in combination with bleeding gums
  • Smoking.  Not only does smoking cause bad breath, it also stains your teeth, increases your risk to oral cancer, and irritates your gums.
  • Dry mouth (xerostomia).  This could be due to salivary gland problems, certain medications, or chronic mouth-breathing.
  • Medical conditions such as sinus infections that cause postnasal drip, diabetes, acid reflux, and liver problems can also cause bad breath.

How To Avoid It?

  • Brush and floss regularly, and keep your tongue clean
  • See your dentist regularly to ensure healthy gums and teeth
  • Do not smoke
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
  • Chew sugar free gum to help stimulate saliva flow

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
Mar. 30, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/public/topics/bad_breath.asp

Categories : Bad Breath
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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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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
Comments (1)

Choosing a Toothbrush: Why Extra Soft is Best

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Wednesday, January 27th, 2010

The goal of brushing is to remove plaque.  Plaque is a soft yellow or white deposit that contains bacteria and builds up everyday on teeth.  It is found mostly around the gumline and between teeth.  Bacteria in the plaque will feed on the foods you eat and break them down into acid.  This acid attacks teeth and gums, causing decay and gum disease

Plaque buildup that does not get removed within 24 to 48 hours will mineralize and turn into tartar.  Tartar is the yellowish-white or yellowish-brown hard deposit that cannot be removed with brushing.  The only way to remove tartar is with sharp dental scalers that your dentist or hygienist uses when you go in for your dental cleaning.

Since the main purpose of brushing is to remove the soft plaque deposits, a soft toothbrush is all you need.  A medium or hard bristle toothbrush will NOT be more effective at removing plaque.  In fact, scrubbing away with a hard or medium bristle will only strip away enamel, root surface, and gum tissue, causing toothbrush abrasion and sensitivity, and gum recession.  In contrast, an extra soft toothbrush will be gentle on the teeth and gums and remove plaque effectively with the proper brushing technique.

The next time you visit your dentist, ask for a demonstration of proper brushing technique.  I always recommend angling the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward the gumline, and using short strokes back and forth.  The best extra-soft toothbrush that I have found on the market is from Nimbus dental, and no, they did not pay me to say that.  You can order directly from the company at www.nimbusdental.com.  However, many other companies make very good extra-soft toothbrushes as well.

It is important to note that no matter how well you brush, there will be certain areas that no toothbrush can reach, and that is why it is important to floss.  And that is a topic that requires a separate discussion of its own, so look out for that blog in the near future…

Your friendly dentist,
Dr. Sarah Po
www.elitesacramentodentist.com
January 26, 2010

Categories : Latest News
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