Dr. Sarah Po - Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

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Are there different types of mouth protectors?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Thursday, August 5th, 2010

Earlier this week I discussed the advantages of using a mouthguard during any activity that could result in a blow to the face or mouth. A properly fitted mouthguard can help prevent broken teeth and injuries to the lips, tongue, face or jaw.

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

Categories : Healthy Teeth
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Do You Need a Mouth Protector?

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (1)
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010

Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. This includes a wide range of sports like football, hockey, basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball.

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

Categories : Healthy Teeth
Comments (1)

Denture Overview

Posted by: Dr. Sarah Po | Comments (0)
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

If you have lost all of your natural teeth, whether from periodontal disease, tooth decay or injury, complete dentures can replace your missing teeth and your smile. Replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Without support from the denture, facial muscles sag, making a person look older. You’ll be able to eat and speak—things that people often take for granted until their natural teeth are lost.

There are various types of complete dentures. A conventional full denture is made and placed in the patient’s mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed which may take several months. An immediate complete denture is inserted as soon as the remaining teeth are removed. The dentist takes measurements and makes models of the patient’s jaws during a preliminary visit. With immediate dentures, the denture wearer does not have to be without teeth during the healing period.

Even if you wear full dentures, you still must take good care of your mouth. Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

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 14, 2010

Source:  http://www.ada.org/2996.aspx?currentTab=1

Categories : Cosmetic Dentistry, Dentistry
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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
Comments (0)

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
Comments (0)

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
Comments (0)
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