Six Ways Oral Hygiene Keeps You Well

Posted on January 20, 2012 by admin

Six Ways Oral Hygiene Keeps You Well

Taking good care of your mouth — teeth and gums — does more than help ensure you have a bright, white smile. A healthy mouth and healthy body go hand-in-hand. Good oral hygiene and oral health can improve your overall health, reducing the risk of serious disease and perhaps even preserving your memory in your golden years.

The expression, “healthy mouth, healthy you,” really is true — and is backed up by growing scientific evidence.

It’s never too early to start teaching your children to take care of their teeth and gums — healthy habits learned in childhood can pay off in adulthood. And, if you’re tempted to shrug off your good oral hygiene habits — brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly — remember that you’re a role model for your kids.

Keep in mind these six ways that having healthy teeth and gums can help boost your overall health.

1. Boosts Your Self-Esteem and Confidence

Decayed teeth and gum disease are often associated, not only with an unsightly mouth, but also with very bad breath — so bad it can affect your confidence, self-image, and self-esteem.

With a healthy mouth that’s free of gum disease and cavities, your quality of life is also bound to be better — you can eat properly, sleep better, and concentrate with no aching teeth or mouth infections to distract you.

2. Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease

Chronic inflammation from gum disease has been associated with the development of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease, blockages of blood vessels, and strokes. Experts stop short of saying that there is a cause-and-effect relationship between gum disease and these other serious health problems, but the link has been shown in numerous studies. The findings of these studies may suggest that maintaining oral health can help protect overall health.

3. Preserves Your Memory

Adults with gingivitis (swollen, bleeding gums) performed worse on tests of memory and other cognitive skills than did those with healthier gums and mouths, according to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

Those with gingivitis were more likely to perform poorly on two tests: delayed verbal recall and subtraction — both skills used in everyday life.

4. Reduces Your Risk of Infection and Inflammation in Other Parts of Your Body

Poor oral health has been linked to the development of infection in other parts of the body. Research has found an association between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Experts say the mechanism of destruction of connective tissues in both gum disease and RA is similar.

Eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Make sure you brush twice a day and floss once a day. Using an antibacterial mouthwash or toothpaste can help reduce bacteria in the mouth that can cause gingivitis.

5. Helps Keep Your Blood Sugar Stable if You Have Diabetes

People with uncontrolled diabetes often have gum disease. Having diabetes can make you less able to fight off infection, including gum infections that can lead to serious gum disease. Some experts have found that if you have diabetes, you also are more likely to develop more severe gum problems than someone without diabetes.

That may make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels. Reducing your risk of gingivitis by protecting your oral health may help with blood sugar control if you have been diagnosed with diabetes.

6. Helps Pregnant Women Carry Their Babies to Term

Women may experience increased gingivitis during pregnancy. Some research suggests a relationship between gum disease and pre-term, low-birth-weight infants.

Not all studies have found a solid link, but maintaining good oral health is still the best goal. If you’re pregnant, visit your dentist or periodontist as part of your prenatal care. Consider it good practice for the role modeling that lies ahead for all new parents.

- WebMD Medical Reference

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Tired of Old Discolored Fillings?

Posted on December 8, 2011 by Dorina Nicula DDS

How we perceive our smile and appearance affects our self-esteem, our moods and how we function in social and business relationships. Common conditions that impact negatively on your smile include broken, cracked or worn teeth, discolored teeth, missing teeth, crooked teeth, decayed teeth, gaps between your teeth and/or “gummy smiles.” Each patient and each specific circumstance must be evaluated on its own merits. Factors such as occlusion [bite], oral habits, available space, health of the gum tissue, severity of the problem and patient expectation must be taken into consideration while planning your cosmetic makeover. Tooth-colored fillings [restorations] may begin to look grungy after a period, depending on your eating and drinking habits and the length of time the restorations have been in your mouth.

One choice would be to replace the tooth-colored resin fillings with new composite restorations. However, they may pick-up stains along the restoration/tooth interface, and eventually, they too will begin to discolor or breakdown. In an effort to keep expenses down now, your decision for this replacement treatment plan may cost more over the long run and may still not satisfy your cosmetic needs. Porcelain will not discolor or fade. Call our office if you think you’re a candidate for this type of procedure

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Are You Suffering from a Canker Sore?

Posted on January 9, 2011 by Dorina Nicula DDS

Apthous ulcers, more commonly known as canker sores, can be mistaken for cold sores or fever blisters. They are not the same, though. Canker sores can only occur in the mouth, on the inside of the cheeks, on the tongue or gums, or under the tongue. Canker sores are not contagious in any way.

Cold sores occur on the outer part of the mouth, typically around the lips. But they can also show up on the outside of the cheeks, in the nostrils, or on the chin. They are initially a red bump, but they break open and develop a scab. This process lasts from 7 to 14 days. The virus behind cold sores is called the Herpes Simplex Virus, and they can be spread to other people. For the majority of the time, this virus is not active, and is in nearly everyone. Fever blisters show up a lot in teenagers and young people, and they typically go away after a person turns 35. Cold sores can occur for a variety of reasons, but are especially related to anxiety, colds, sunburn, or an elevated temperature.

To minimize outbreaks, do not kiss when a sore can be seen, do not mess with the blister, do not touch other people without first washing your hands, and apply UV sunscreen to your lips if you are going to be out in the sun.

Some remedies for cold sores are not eating spicy foods, which can cause a flare, using non-prescription creams that contain phenol, and taking anti-viral medications that can reduce the time the blister is visible. These medications however will not keep them from occurring.

Canker sores start out as red bumps that typically break open fairly soon after they occur. They then turn white with red swelling. They will remain for up to 10 days. They might hurt a lot when touched because they are open wounds. Approximately 20% of all people suffer from canker sores. There is no known cause as of yet, but they seem to occur when the sufferer is under a lot of pressure, gets a cut in the mucous membrane, or eats certain food items like tomatoes or citrus fruits. Sometimes, canker sores will be seen in small kids, but most often, they do not show up until between ages 10 to 20. Some people get canker sores a few times each year, but as a person gets older, they seem happen less often or not at all.

If someone has a canker sore, it is suggested he or she not eat spicy or crunchy foods, which will bother them. Do not make contact with the sores with any instrument put in your mouth. Use a medicated cream that includes a numbing agent or other element that is designed to eliminate the pain. If you are interested in getting more suggestions, give us a call at 949-758-4949 or contact us via the contact form at www.SmileAgainDentist.com/contact.asp

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Why start orthodontic treatment before the permanent teeth erupt?

Posted on November 3, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

When is the best time to start orthodontic treatment?

Well, if your child was the dentists’ child, when would he/she start treatment?  That’s how you would like your child to be treated.  You can ask your dentist this question directly!

Many orthodontic problems can be identified by as early as age six.  After your child’s initial exam, it is advisable that a comprehensive long-term treatment plan be formulated and coordinated year-by-year to reach the final desired result.  While there might be several years without treatment, other years may be reserved for full braces.  When your dentist has more time for treatment, full correction is more predictable, with the smile that everyone wishes for realized in the great majority of cases!

Each problem has a “best” time to make the correction.  A crowded tooth may be straightened at any time, but if a tooth is straightened and held in the corrected position for a longer time, then retention of this new position is improved.  Some bite problems are best treated during periods of growth, while others require a significant amount of patient cooperation.  Teenage patients might not be good about wearing their removable appliances, but they are more willing to when they are only 8 years old.  To give your dentist as much time as possible to formulate a plan and treat your child, request an orthodontic evaluation when your son or daughter is six years old!  

What can be done early?

 Early may be defined here as any time before the full eruption of the permanent teeth, and is commonly referred to by dentists as Phase I Treatment.  Most Phase I Treatment is designed to accelerate corrections and eliminate specific problems that may be resistant to full braces treatment later in life.  Starting treatment early will minimize orthodontic problems and reduce the time your child will spend in full braces. 

The final straightening, bite correction, and establishment of the best smile are reserved for Phase II Treatment, after all of the permanent teeth have erupted.  Full eruption usually takes place around age eleven for girls and thirteen for boys; of course, each patient is different. Dr Nicula DDS, certified in individual patient orthodontics, will list the treatment goals of Phase I and Phase II at the consultations, using computerized prediction methods to make the most accurate diagnosis.

Reasons to Start Treatment Early

The best reason to start early is to be assured that the complete problem is corrected, reaching a final smile that is beautiful.  Some malocclusions adversely affect the social development and self image of the child, so treating these situations early is encouraged.  With regards to your child, a value judgment must be made for each individual and for each problem.  Dr Nicula, certified in individual patient orthodontics, will make recommendations specific to your children, and treat them as if they were her own.

Is Two Phase Treatment An Efficient Approach?

It is important that the materials and appliances used in early treatment are long-acting, which increases the amount of time between visits, the total number of visits, and your child’s overall comfort with braces.  For a dentist such as Dr Nicula using the Individual Patient (IP) Appliance®, 8 to 12 weeks between visits can be expected.  Computerized appliance diagnosis and the application of brackets and archwires specific for the patient characteristics and treatment are essential to reducing doctor time in these longer cases, which saves you money in the process!  By diagnosing tooth-by-tooth, as is done in individual patient orthodontics, the final tooth position may be established early in treatment, reducing the time and energy to make the final tooth movements during the second phase

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Go ahead, you can borrow my toothbrush….

Posted on October 10, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

Have you ever found yourself staying at a friend’s house one night and borrowed the toothbrush? You probably won’t do that anymore once you review this:

Recurring dental infections are commonly caused by infected toothbrushes. In addition to dental problems, a toothbrush may also result in the formation of a bacteremia (bacterial infection in the bloodstream) which, if left untreated, can lead to endocarditis (infection of the heart). A typical toothbrush may be infested with various viruses and bacteria, which can then be transmitted to a new user.

For example, if the toothbrush owner has the herpes simplex virus, 50% of the virus can remain on the toothbrush for up to a week. If you suffer from gum inflammation (gingivitis), you may be able to find relief by using a new toothbrush every two weeks. Wondering if it’s still okay to share a toothbrush with someone you trust?

What about sharing that appetizer? Maybe a little smooching on the couch? Bacteria can be passed between people not just through toothbrushes or other dental implements, but also from shared silverware or any other mouth-to-mouth contact. Did you know that the bacteria that causes juvenile periodontitis can be transferred from the infected site to an uninfected site within the same mouth? Even between a husband and wife, there can be bacterial transfer. Parents and children are not immune either, and bacteria can be passed between them. The family pet may even serve as the source of a bacterial infection.

We now understand that oral infections are not restricted to the mouth but can move through the body and be transmitted that way to other people. You don’t need to become obsessive about your toothbrush, and you can still share a sample at your favorite restaurant, but for your own well-being and that of your family, you should develop a good dental health program.

You can remove 100% of the bacteria on your toothbrush by soaking in an essential oils mouthrinse for 20 minutes. Another good way to clean your toothbrush is ultraviolet light. You may have seen a toothpaste that contains triclosan, a common disinfectant, that claims to clean your toothbrush; however, recent studies* show that this toothpaste is not very effective at removing bacteria.

What are the best ways to eliminate the bacteria that are on your toothbrush? Place them under ultraviolet light, soak them in a mouthrinse with essential oils, or, perhaps easiest of all, replace your old toothbrush with a fresh new one on a routine basis. There’s not much you can do about the kissing since most people won’t want to give that up…just keep an eye on the health of your mate’s mouth!

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com to set up an appointment with Dr Nicula.

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Now You Can See What’s Going On In Your Mouth

Posted on August 27, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

It is very difficult for patients to observe everything inside their own mouths. The front teeth obstruct the view of the back of the mouth and the sides of the mouth where little light can penetrate. The tongue, as well as the cheeks, make seeing those darker areas quite challenging. But, thanks to an invention called an intraoral camera, patients are now able to see all of the areas within their mouth.

The hygienist or dentist, simply places a tiny sterilized probe-shaped camera inside your mouth, and moves it in such a way, to make all areas visible, while the patient is reclined and relaxed. The small wand, wrapped in a disposable plastic cover to prevent contamination, records video of the inside of the mouth, and then a cable transfers the data to a computing unit.

These full-color pictures are then enlarged on the computing unit, which then transmits the images to a TV screen. The images broadcast will show a crystal clear picture of everything that is going on inside your mouth, for you and your dentist or hygienist to see. This cutting-edge technology makes defective fillings, bleeding gums, worn-out fillings, plaque, decay, oral lesions, and other, difficult to detect dental problems highly visible, and you needn’t experience any pain or radiation exposure to undergo this procedure.

The images captured on these videos, have made the intraoral camera an invaluable diagnostic tool, as areas that are showing signs of future trouble will be clearly visible. You and Dr Nicula DDS will also be able to make an accurate assessment of how well you are doing with your dental hygiene procedures at home. Through the images, your dentist can analyze where you may not be brushing properly, and can give you appropriate advice on how to make corrections, and then check back in the future to see if you have solved the problem. Video can be frozen and saved, so that you can document treatment, or your insurance company can have a photo to confirm dental work performed, or Dr Nicula may want to get a closer look at a specific area inside the mouth. At Smile Again Dental (www.SmileAgainDentist.com) our objective is to utilize the most recent technologies, so that we stay abreast of the latest techniques, and are able to offer our patients dental care that is of the highest possible caliber.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com to set up an appointment with Dr Nicula.

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An Overview of Dental Implants

Posted on August 18, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

For people who have lost teeth, dental implants can provide them with a way to replace them. The implant itself is a false root or anchor that is constructed out of man-made materials, typically titanium.

Three stages exist to implanting teeth.

Initially, the implant is secured to the jaw via surgery. 90 to 120 days must pass in order to provide time for osseointegration, or bone fusion, to occur.

A post, otherwise called an abutment, is affixed to the implant, which sticks out through the gum. A newly-minted false tooth is then affixed to this protrusion.

Based on the circumstances, these implants can either be a part of a bridge or crown, or it can be the foundation for a complete set of dentures. It may take as many as 9 to 12 months for the entire process to be finished, but it is usually very successful.

On occasion, certain people do not have enough bone left in their jaws due to resorption to support an implant. In a lot of instances, man-made bone can be developed and inserted to provide for the successful implantation of these devices.

For those people who already have dentures, implants are very beneficial because they can provide the foundation for the dentures without the loss of additional bone.

Some people will not be able to get dental implants. Specific conditions might cause the implants to fail. Some of these conditions are: too much alcohol, smoking, teeth grinding (also known as chronic bruxism), diabetes, or people who do not practice good oral hygiene.

For those who have a lot of missing teeth, dental implants can give them hope for a new smile. For those who have lost only a couple of teeth, implants have specific advantages to returning the mouth to the way it used to be. In order to see if you are a candidate for dental implants, you will have to visit a dentist for an exam, x-rays, castings, and measurements. To ask any questions or to set up an appointment, contact us now at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com. We are located in Laguna Hills, CA, 92653.

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Your Dental Health Relies on a Proper Diet

Posted on August 3, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

Our total health is greatly influenced by the foods that we consume. And in order to eat properly for your overall health, your diet should include foods in healthy amounts from the five main food groups of: Meat [fish, poultry], Dairy [yogurt, milk], Whole grain [cereals, breads], Vegetables, and Fruits.

What steps can be taken to avoid trouble with our dental health?

  • Do not allow sugar to remain in your mouth for extended periods.
  • Soda [with the exception of diet], chewing gum [except sugarless], and hard candies should also be avoided.
  • Daily snacks should be limited. When you will be snacking, you should confine yourself to tasty foods that will not encourage tooth decay. Some to consider are, fruits, cheese, popcorn, nuts, vegetables, pretzels, and pizza.
  • Sugary foods consumed with meals will cause less harm, as your saliva production is higher during meals, which allows food particles to be washed away more easily. It is also beneficial, that many individuals brush their teeth following meals.

Therefore, if children are going to be eating sugary foods, it is best for them to do so when they can brush their teeth right away.

The health of your gums, as well as your bones, are also quite dependent on a nutritious, balanced diet. Your gums and the surrounding soft tissue, need Folic Acid, which is found in broccoli and spinach, B12, found in meat and dairy products, and vitamin C, found in leafy vegetables, citrus juices and fruits, and potatoes.

The health of your bones and teeth, rely on the calcium found in dark leafy vegetables and dairy products. Certain individuals cannot eat dairy foods due to lactose intolerance, but calcium supplements will be effective as well.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com to set up an appointment with Dr Nicula. Smile Again Dental is a state-of-the-art dental practice in Laguna Hills, CA

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Get Great Results with Invisible Braces

Posted on July 27, 2010 by admin

The Invisalign system provides you with clear plastic aligners which will move your teeth into proper alignment without the ugly metal and wires of regular braces. These aligners are clear, undetectable and can be removed when you are eating a meal or want to brush and floss your teeth.

Invisalign uses 3D imaging to prescribe a treatment plan starting with the position of the patient’s teeth currently and ending with the position you want the teeth to be set in. Through this technology your dental professional can create a set of aligners designed specifically for you.

Your aligner will move your teeth in increments and will be worn for roughly two weeks at a time and then be replaced by the next aligner in your set.

Dental professionals have been using removable appliances to treat alignment problems for years in a limited way. With the advances associated with Invisalign, a greater number of cases can be treated with removable appliances. Invisalign works by controlling the timing associated with the force against the teeth, which is the main difference between this and other alignment systems.

As you change your appliances out only certain teeth are moving at any given time, and which teeth are being moved is predetermined by your orthodontic plan helping you get a more efficient delivery of force to the teeth that need being moved. This is to be expected and can most easily be described as light pressure. This pressure is the mark of the Invisalign doing its job, moving your teeth into the proper alignment. Most users report that the feeling of pressure subsides after wearing a new aligner for a couple of days.

Invisalign has achieved popularity among adults who wore braces at an earlier age and are now experiencing some regression of their teeth. Invisalign offers them the opportunity to place their teeth back into alignment without going through the pain and embarrassment of wearing metal braces again.

You may be wondering if your dental insurance will cover this option. You should certainly contact the provider of your policy to determine whether or not this is a covered service as policies have a wide range of differences or call us at 949-768-4949 and we can contact your insurance. If your plan includes coverage for orthodontics, then Invisalign is usually covered the same way regular braces would be.

Once you have completed your Invisalign treatment, it may be necessary for you to use a regular retainer or a positioner. Some people may be able to use a retainer of clear plastic which is very like the Invisaligh trays used during your treatment. Each patient is unique and every experience with Invisalign is different.

If you have any further questions, do not hesitate to contact us at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com to set up an appointment with Dr Nicula. Our dental office is located in Laguna Hills, right next to the I-5 exit on Alicia Pkwy behind the AAA building

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I have Broken a Tooth! What now?

Posted on July 19, 2010 by Dorina Nicula DDS

At Smile AgainDental Office (www.SmileAgainDentist.com) we receive calls from patients who have broken a tooth every day and most of the time the treatment will involve removing the remainder of the broken tooth and installing a crown or other permanent dental hardware to provide a stable biting service or keep what is left of the tooth intact.

Occasionally, the dentist is unable to save the tooth and it must be removed altogether. What are some factors that can cause a tooth to break?

Most dental fractures are caused by one of the several potential factors. The most prevalent factor is the presence of Silver amalgam fillings which continue to expand with age, putting pressure on surrounding tooth enamel and causing the formation of minute cracks. If a person with this kind of damage bites the wrong way on a piece of food or other matter the tooth can crack. This kind of damage usually means that the tooth has been fractured along several planes which makes removal of the enamel necessary.

Sometimes a dental bridge or implant is installed by the dentist. More often another kind of damage occurs. A tooth can fracture along a fault line where there is a weakness inherent in the tooth. In this situation, if the rest of the tooth is free of decay, the tooth can often be saved with a crown.

The act of clenching or grinding the teeth, referred to as “Bruxism”, is another common factor in tooth damage. Those with bruxism often have fractures in teeth regardless of the presence of fillings and are the most numerous of patients seen for broken teeth. It is important to treat a broken tooth as soon as possible before further damage sets in.

If you have a questionable tooth, do not hesitate to contact us at 949-768-4949 or online at www.SmileAgainDentist.com to set up an appointment with Dr Nicula who can check the area and save the tooth if possible. Do not wait until you are already in pain!

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