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

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

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

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

Are you using it to mask bad breath?  In that case, yes – mouthwashes like Listerine can mask bad breath temporarily.

Does using mouthwash mean you don’t need to brush and floss?  No.

Some mouthwashes contain anti-bacterial components which help to control bacteria responsible for unpleasant odors and plaque.  However, mouthwashes are not a substitute for mechanical removal of bacteria through brushing and flossing, where is the main way of preventing tooth decay and gum disease.  Also, keep in mind that many mouthwashes contain alcohol.  Mouthwashes that contain alcohol should be kept out of children’s reach.

Some mouth rinses like Act Mouthrinse may contain fluoride to help make teeth more resistant to acids that cause cavities.  Other types like Peridex, which contains Chlorhexidine, can help with gum infections and are recommended for use after a deep cleaning or extraction.  Both of these would be recommended by your dentist as needed.

The bottom line?  Continue to brush, floss and see your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings.  And if you’d like, use mouthwashes to help freshen your breath.

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 15, 2010

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

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