Do You Know How Food Affects Your Teeth?

Oral health is an essential part of our overall health, and it starts with taking care of our teeth. One significant factor that affects the health of our teeth is the food we eat. Understanding how food affects your teeth and what you can do to maintain good oral health is a great first step to having healthy teeth can gums. The basics of tooth anatomy and function Before we dive into how food affects your teeth, let’s go over some basics of tooth anatomy and function. Teeth have different parts that work together to help us chew and speak. The crown is the visible part of the tooth, and the root anchors it to the jawbone. Enamel, the hard outer layer of the tooth, protects the tooth from damage and decay. The dentin and pulp are located inside the tooth and contain nerves and blood vessels. Foods that can harm your teeth Some foods are notorious for causing harm to teeth. These foods are usually high in sugar and acid, which can erode enamel and cause cavities. Candy, soda, and citrus fruits are common culprits. When you consume these foods, the sugar and acid mix with the bacteria in your mouth to create plaque. Plaque is a sticky film that can build up on your teeth, leading to decay and gum disease. To reduce the harm from these foods, it’s best to limit your intake. If you do indulge, drink water afterward to help wash away the sugar and acid. You can also chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production, which helps neutralize the acid. Foods that can help your teeth Eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can benefit your oral health. Some foods are even good for your teeth. For example, dairy products, leafy greens, and crunchy fruits and vegetables are excellent choices. Dairy products like cheese and milk are high in calcium and phosphorus, which help strengthen enamel. Leafy greens like kale and spinach are full of vitamins and minerals that promote overall health. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots can help clean teeth by stimulating saliva production and scrubbing away plaque. Tips for maintaining good oral health In addition to being mindful of what you eat, there are other things you can do to maintain good oral health. Here are a few tips: Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth Use mouthwash to help kill bacteria and freshen your breath Drink plenty of water throughout the day to help wash away food particles and neutralize acid Schedule regular dental check-ups to catch any problems early The food you eat can have a significant impact on the health of your teeth. By avoiding sugary and acidic foods and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients, you can help keep your teeth healthy and strong. In addition to eating well, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene habits and visit your dentist regularly. At AV Sierra Dental Center in Palmdale CA, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal oral health. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Stressed Out: Can Stress Affect Your Teeth?

You have too much to do at work. You have to juggle a million tasks between your children, your spouse, and errands — not to mention your mother-in-law is in town for the weekend. We all have those days, and those days can add immense stress to your life. That stress affects more than just your emotional health; it physically alters you as well. Your mouth already experiences daily wear and tear that you need to prevent as much as possible. If you are too stressed, this adds another layer of factors fighting against the health of your mouth. It starts before you even realize — you are stressed out thinking about everything you need to do, and then you notice you’ve been clenching your teeth for the past few minutes. Depending on how you handle stress, you may be doing this multiple times per day, which takes a toll on your mouth. Signs of Stress Impacting Your Oral Health 1. Poor At Home Oral Hygiene When we are stressed self-care may become less important. We can start over indulging in comfort foods high in carbs, sugar, and caffeine. A poor diet and ignoring our regular oral hygiene routine can lead to plaque buildup, caries, and even tooth loss. 2. Dry Mouth Saliva keeps teeth moist, helps fight bacteria, and helps removes food particles from your teeth. But when you are trying to manage increased stress, your saliva production can be reduced. This can result in increased plaque buildup and a higher likelihood of dental problems. 3. Clenched Jaws The constant muscle tension in your jaw that can result from chronic stress can cause TMD or temporomandibular disorder. This condition causes pain in your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), your jaws, and around your ears. You may also experience difficulty opening your mouth or chewing food or even hear a clicking noise. If left untreated, bruxism can also destroy dental restorations (fillings, crowns, bridges, etc.) that you’ve had done, creating more pain and costing more money. 4. Teeth Grinding Teeth grinding or bruxism is a common symptom of stress or anxiety. This is often an unconscious action so many people are unaware of their teeth grinding, especially if they are grinding their teeth while they sleep. Grinding teeth results in significant wear and tear on your teeth. This can lead to damage to the enamel, chipped teeth, loose teeth, increased sensitivity, and pain in your temples. 5. Decreased Immune Response Stress often has a detrimental effect on your immune system. A reduced immune response makes it harder to fight off infections, and high levels of cortisol ( a hormone related to stress) lead to protein production in the gums causing inflammation and increasing the likelihood of developing gum diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis. 6. Cold Sore Blisters Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus. Many people can go for months without dealing with a cold sore however increased stress is a common trigger. Cold sores typically appear on the lips or corners of the mouth, in some instances they can also appear on your gums leading to difficulty brushing and flossing. How to Prevent Teeth Grinding and Clenching Since one of the main causes of teeth grinding and clenching is stress, the best way to stop is to reduce your stress. Hold on — put down that glass of chardonnay or moonshine you have after work to unwind (alcohol increases the likelihood of teeth grinding while sleeping). Here are some stress-management techniques that will help reduce your overall stress. Exercise. Not only does this release endorphins to help combat stress, but at the end of the day, you’ll be too tired to have stress-inducing thoughts. Autogenic relaxation. This method involves “commanding” your body to relax. This takes a lot of practice but can be very effective once learned. Learn more about autogenic relaxation here. Visualization. Trying to use all five of your senses, imagine a scenario that is relaxing. For example, if you imagine yourself in a forest, listen to the sway of the branches, feel the warm light creeping between the trees, and note the scent of pine needles. Listen to your favorite music. Classical is always a reliable genre to relax to, but listen to the type of music that helps you unwind. These techniques will only work if you allow them to. When using them, ensure you have an open mind and allow yourself to relax. Everyone is different, and it will take time to find what relaxes you, as well as mastering the technique itself. The benefits of stress-management strategies will not only help your teeth-grinding issue but also provide benefits for many other health issues you may be experiencing. Other Stress Reducing Tips to Consider If you notice throughout the day that you are still clenching, stick the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This will force you to relax your jaw muscles. According to the TMJ Association, take anti-inflammatory medicine (such as ibuprofen) to help with swelling and pain until you can get your teeth grinding and TMJ/TMD under control. Check with your physician to see if you are able to take anti-inflammatory medicines. Place a warm washcloth on your jaw before you go to bed to help relax your muscles. If you try these stress-relieving techniques and are still experiencing pain related to clenching and grinding, your Palmdale, CA dentist can do an examination to determine the best course of action. In most cases, your dentist can create a mouth guard/splint to prevent clenching and grinding. Additional Dental Services May Include: Managing pain with a special diet Stretching exercises Anti-inflammatory medications For more information about stress and your dental health, request an appointment at AV Sierra Dental Center by calling 661.202.3542 today. Reference: Stress management. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/relaxation-technique/art-20045368 Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Causes and Treatments. (n.d.). Retrieved July 12, 2016, from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/teeth-grinding-bruxism TMJ Association, Ltd. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from https://www.tmj.org/site/page?pageId=257

Protect Your Teeth

Sports build camaraderie. They’re fun, adding some excitement to an otherwise mundane week, and they’re always a great source for exercise. But of course, all good things have to have some kind of drawback, right? If you thought this, you’d be correct. And with sports, you have to balance your fun with the risk of injury—and that includes mouth injuries. As the NBA Finals start up, you don’t have to think too far back for a dramatic example. During the playoffs, Boston Celtics point guard Isaiah Thomas was going for the ball when an opposing player hit him in the mouth with his elbow. He was not wearing a mouthguard, so needless to say, Isaiah lost his front tooth and needed hours of oral surgery to repair the damage. We can’t say for certain what would have happened if Isaiah were wearing a mouthguard, in many cases, basic safety precautions can prevent, or lessen the impact, of incidents like this one. The American Dental Association reports that athletes are 60 times more likely to suffer mouth injury when not wearing a mouthguard. That’s a lot of trips to the dentist saved by wearing a mouthguard! So if you want to enjoy sports and make sure you don’t end up with a missing or chipped tooth, here’s some advice. If you play in a contact sport, or if there is any chance for a body part or object to hit your mouth, wear a mouthguard. There are three types of mouthguards: Stock, boil and bite, and custom fitted. Stock Mouthguard The cheapest of the mouthguards, these offer some protection, but not as much as the others. Since they’re “one size fits all,” these mouthguards can often be uncomfortable. Boil and Bite Mouthguard Similar to stock mouthguards, you can buy these at sporting goods stores or places like Walmart. To get a better fit, you boil these mouthguards to soften the plastic. When the temperature of the mouthguard is safe, you place it in your mouth and bite down, allowing the mouthguard to shape to your mouth. A better-formed mouthguard provides more protection and makes for a comfortable fit as well. Custom Mouthguard Your dentist can create a mold of your teeth to create a mouthguard made specifically for your mouth. These mouthguards provide the best protection, and are the most comfortable; many people will forget they are even wearing them. Athletic Mouthguard: Sports Dentistry An athletic mouthguard helps protect your teeth, jaw, and supporting gum tissue from injury while participating in collision and/or contact sports. Participation in sports has steadily increased. Several sources estimate that between 20 to 25 million kids participate in sports annually. Competition among players and teams has intensified in recent years which has contributed to an increase in the number of sport related injuries that impact your face and smile. National Youth sports Foundation for Safety reports show dental injuries are the most common type of injury sustained while participating in their chosen sport. According to the American Dental Association, approximately 10-20% of all sport related injuries are maxillofacial (injury of the face, jaw, and/or teeth). An athlete is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they’re not wearing a protective mouthguard while on the field of play (Source: Nationwide Children’s Hospital). In an effort to help get the word out and increase the awareness about the importance of wearing mouthguards, April has been designated as National Face Protection Month. National Face Protection Awareness Month Every year in April, just prior to the start of many sport seasons begin, five oral health organizations rally together and advocate for team coaches and organizations to strongly recommend that athletes to wear an athletic mouthguard while participating in collision and/or contact sports. These organizations include: Academy for Sports Dentistry American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry American Association of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons American Association of Orthodontics American Dental Association The above five health organizations collaborated to publish a news press release in April 2016 titled Double Down on Mouthguards in recognition of National Face Protection Month. It’s a good, quick read highlighting many of the risks associated with preventable injuries. These organizations track and report sport injuries and have found the sports listed below have the highest incidence of dental trauma: An Athletic Mouthguard Helps Prevent Traumatic Dental Injuries The National Youth Sports Foundation for Safety estimates the cost of reimplanting a tooth, including follow-up dental treatment, is roughly $5000.00, or the equivalent of fabricating 83 custom-fitted athletic mouthguards from your dentist. This doesn’t even account for the pain and embarrassment you or your child may suffer from broken teeth. The following list includes the most commonly reported sport-related traumatic dental injuries. Tooth fracture Avulsion (Tooth knocked out) Tooth displacement (Tooth pushed back or forward) Injury to TMJ (Tempromandibular Joint) Injury to soft tissues Protects dental brackets and wires Protects your teeth, lips, cheeks, jaw, and supporting gum tissue from direct and indirect impact Helps prevent head concussions Keep in mind that all of those injuries can be avoided by choosing to wear an athletic mouthguard. So why don’t people wear a mouthguard to protect their teeth? Common Athletic Mouthguard Objections Many of the most common objections to wearing a mouthguard can be resolved with a custom-fitted mouthguard from your dentist. Uncomfortable Fit is loose and not retentive Difficult to talk Impairs understanding of speech with a mouthguard in place Cumbersome Bulky Inconvenient Smelly Tastes bad Falls out accidentally while on the field of play Afraid to wear accidentally wear a teammate’s mouthguard The bottom line is this: if you don’t wear your mouthguard, then it’s not protecting your teeth. There are multiple reasons why people don’t wear their mouthguards. A lot of store-bought mouthguards make it hard to breathe, talk, and drink, or just aren’t comfortable. In many cases, coaches (and parents) don’t enforce the wearing of mouthguards. If you’re going to play sports, and you want to protect your teeth, you need to wear a mouthguard. While a custom mouthguard may cost more money, their wearability means people are

E-Cigarettes and Your Oral Health: The Smokeless Threat to Your Smile

For many smokers, e-cigarettes seem like the best answer to avoiding the nasty side effects of smoking traditional cigarettes, including the odor and the staining of teeth, skin, and clothing. Though e-cigarettes still contain the highly addictive chemical nicotine, tobacco and other harmful elements are eliminated from the electronic smoking process, or what some refer to as “vaping.” The growing popularity of e-cigarettes and vaping, especially among young people, has caused a rise in concern over the lack of knowledge around the effects it has on health. While clinical studies are currently underway, in 2014 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a statement saying “e-cigarettes have not been fully studied, so consumers currently don’t know the potential risks of e-cigarettes when used as intended, how much nicotine or other potentially harmful chemicals are being inhaled during use, or whether there are any benefits associated with using these products.” Vaping has a direct effect on oral health. Exposure to e-cigarette aerosol can lead to an increase of bacteria in the mouth, which is associated with gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay. The flavoring added to many e-cigarettes can also lead to cavities, not to mention an increased chance of developing chronic lung diseases. It can also cause dry mouth, inflamed gums, and other issues dentist are able to speak to how these new smoking devices threaten your oral health. Nicotine is harmful to your teeth and gums, even in the absence of tobacco and other chemicals traditionally found in cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes still deliver nicotine to their users through the mouth, throat, and lungs. The following are some of the consequences that come with using smokeless cigarettes. Gum Disease: One of the highest risks of e-cigarettes is an increased risk of gum disease coming from three specific conditions. Nicotine leads to Vasoconstriction, which is the limiting of the blood supply to the gums. When the blood supply to your gums is reduced it makes the more susceptible to infection and can lead to gum recession. Gum disease is caused by plaque bacteria. Smoking dries out your mouth, creating an environment that is more conducive for bacteria growth. Your immune system is weakened as a result of smoking, so infectious diseases can develop at a faster rate. It’s important to note that in addition to the problems caused by vasoconstriction one of the telltale signs of gum disease is swelling of the gums caused by irritation. When nicotine reduces blood flow, preventing swelling, this indication of gum disease can be masked, causing your dentist to miss the symptoms and allowing the disease to progress. Gum Recession: Lack of blood flow to the gums keeps the tissue from receiving the nutrients it needs to survive. Over time the skin dies and recedes. Bad Breath: Nicotine restricts your body’s ability to produce saliva, which makes your mouth vulnerable to harmful bacteria and tooth decay. Combined, dry mouth and bacteria lead to halitosis, which can be embarrassing and can affect your self-esteem. Intense Grinding: As a stimulant, nicotine causes muscles to tighten and spasm against the user’s will. It can cause sleep disturbances such as insomnia and grinding of the teeth. Grinding, especially while sleeping, can be damaging to teeth and result in the loss of tooth enamel, as well as chipping, cracking, and breaking of teeth. If you want to maintain your best oral health, avoiding any type of smoking is recommended. If you do choose to smoke, keeping it to the minimum and maintaining your best at-home oral hygiene practices as well as your routine visits to the dentist is important. If you see signs of periodontal disease (including red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums) or experience bad breath, painful chewing, or loose teeth, make sure to contact your dentist immediately. There are treatments you can receive that will help keep your teeth and gums in the best possible condition. Two such treatments include: Professional dental cleanings Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline. If you have gingivitis or signs of periodontitis, you will be required to have this level of cleaning twice a year or more. Scaling and root planing Plaque and tartar are scraped away from both above and below the gumline while under local anesthetic (scaling). Rough spots on the tooth root are then smoothed out (planing). Locally applied medications, such as antimicrobials and antibiotics, may be used. If you are experiencing jaw tightness or pain, and you think you might be grinding your teeth, your provider can fit you with a mouthguard that will protect your teeth while you sleep. It can be difficult to share your habits with your dentist. At AV Sierra Dental Center, we treat our patients with respect and compassion. We are here to help you be your healthiest self. If you use e-cigarettes and are concerned about how they may be affecting your oral health, call us today and set up a consultation. We will help you protect your teeth and maintain your natural smile.

The Ages & Stages of Your Child’s Dental Health

Few parents realize that their children are at risk for tooth decay from the moment the first tooth appears (around 6 months). Even though baby teeth are temporary, they are important; they serve as placeholders for adult teeth, and if they are lost too early, their adult replacements may grow in too early and affect the position of permanent teeth that come in later. Tooth decay and damage can also lead to issues with speech development that require therapy for correction later in life. Pediatric dental disease is the number-one chronic childhood illness, and it continues to plague children throughout the course of their development and into their adult years — but it doesn’t have to. Teaching children good dental habits at an early age and making sure they attend routine dental visits goes a long way toward helping them maintain a pain-free, healthy, and beautiful smile for a lifetime. The following information functions as a road map for understanding your children’s oral development and health throughout their ages and stages. Birth to 1 Year You should be caring for your baby’s teeth before they even appear. Infant toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Most are made out of a soft BPA-, lead- and phthalate-free silicone and have tiny bristles parents can use to gently brush gums after each feeding. Once your baby is old enough to sit and hold objects, there are similar brushes that resemble teething rings, which babies can hold and massage their own gums with. Your child should have his or her first dental exam by the time they are 1 year old. When Baby’s First Tooth Appears As soon as baby’s first tooth appears, you should begin brushing with the infant toothbrush and water twice a day. Sugars are detrimental to teeth, and too much can quickly lead to tooth decay. Try to limit your child’s juice intake to one cup a day. Also, be aware of your child’s sucking behaviors and habits. If your baby sucks his or her thumb, finger, or pacifier, now is a good time to start planning out how you will break the habit. Regular sucking can negatively affect your child’s bite. Your pediatrician will inspect your child’s teeth at each well-child exam and will refer you to a dentist should any concerns arise. You should consult with your pediatrician about fluoride, sealants, and additional ways you can support your child in the development of excellent oral hygiene habits. 2 to 5 Years By the time your child is 2 and a half, they should have all of their baby teeth. At the age of 2, your child is ready to start learning how to brush their own teeth two times a day. Soft-bristled, child-size toothbrushes are available and make reaching difficult spots easier for uncoordinated little hands. At this age, your child can use a pea-size amount of toothpaste with fluoride. Allow them to brush their own teeth for a couple of minutes, then finish by taking the brush and making sure every tooth has been gently scrubbed. Once you are finished, have your child spit the remaining toothpaste into the sink. Tips for Avoiding Toddler Tooth Decay Avoid sugary snacks and drinks. If your child needs milk or formula before bedtime, make sure to rinse their mouth out prior to laying them down. If your child requires a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water. 6 to 11 Years Your child will start losing their primary teeth around 6 years. They will continue to lose primary teeth and gain most of their permanent teeth until around the age of 13, when they should have 28 permanent teeth. Once the teeth start to touch, regular flossing becomes more important. Children often have trouble brushing the gumline or the back teeth, so parents will need to focus on these problem areas. Almost 90% of cavities in permanent molars occur in the grooves. Dental sealants, can help protect your child’s teeth by placing a thin coating over these high-risk areas. Dental injuries are very common during this period due to sports, 12 to 18 Years Most children have lost all of their baby teeth by the age of 12 or 13. If there is enough room, their final teeth — the wisdom teeth — will erupt around the age of 17. If your child’s dentist believes room is limited, he or she may recommend that the wisdom teeth be removed. Teens also tend to see more cavities than any other time of life. Most of the time this has to do with questionable diet choices and less than adequate oral hygiene practices. Children may also become more self-conscious if they have crooked or discolored teeth. Now that the permanent teeth are in place, it’s common to have conversations about teeth whitening and getting braces to straighten teeth. Orthodontia has come a long way, and treatments don’t have to take place late in life, nor do they take as long. With the right oral hygiene habits and the proper dental care, your child can have a beautiful, healthy smile well before they walk down the graduation aisle. A variety of dental issues may arise throughout the course of your child’s development. Regular dental visits will ensure that they are caught and dealt with early. For more information about how to care for your children’s teeth as they grow, call our Palmdale CA Dental Office today. We are here to ensure that your most precious family members enjoy a lifetime of beautiful, healthy, and happy smiles.

What Do I Do About My Wisdom Teeth?

“People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built.” – Quotation attributed to Eleanor Roosevelt’s wisdom teeth Your mouth evolves throughtout your lifetime. One of the most common dental milestones is the appearance of your wisdom teeth. Your Wisdom teeth are your third molars and usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age. In fact, wisdom teeth, which earned their name because they emerge at the onset of adulthood, aren’t all that wise. (Most people believe Eleanor Roosevelt came up with that statement on her own, but it’s no coincidence that it occurred after her wisdom teeth came in!) When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth are simply additional teeth that can help you chew. Scientists believe that wisdom teeth helped our ancestors with a diet that was much harder on their teeth than our diet is on ours. However, they only begin to come in when people are around the age of 17 to 21 years of age. Since they emerge so late, after your other teeth are well-established, wisdom teeth often create unnecessary problems in your mouth. The complications that can arise from wisdom teeth often overshadow the risks. What Can Go Wrong? The main issue is that wisdom teeth become impacted. This means that your wisdom teeth cannot fully emerge because your gums, back molars, or a combination of both are blocking them. Impacted wisdom teeth can create swelling and pain in your mouth. Additionally, they can be a difficult to keep clean, making you more likely to get cavities and gum disease. Why Not Wait Until You Know There Is an Issue? There are three good reasons to remove wisdom teeth before they cause problems, aside from the fact that they’re not necessary to help us process tough foods anymore. When your wisdom teeth first emerge, the roots aren’t as established, making them easier to remove. Wisdom teeth roots can grow near nerves, creating complications should you need to remove them later. Recovery time is typically longer if you wait to get your wisdom teeth removed, with possible additional symptoms including excessive bleeding, numbness, and reduced jaw movement. What Should I Do? There is some debate if one should get their wisdom teeth taken out as soon as they come in. People with impacted wisdom teeth or other related complications should follow the advice of their dentist and take the proper action. However, for many people, wisdom teeth can emerge with few or no complications. If this is the case for you, dental hygiene will become even more important to avoid cavities and gum disease. You will also want to stay consistent with your x-rays and professional cleaning visits to ensure your wisdom teeth stay healthy and clean. Even if your wisdom teeth initially come in healthy, there’s no guarantee they won’t cause complications in the future. They could cause problems later in your life, which is a reason to just go ahead and have your wisdom teeth removed. Whatever you choose, your dentist will be able to track your wisdom teeth as and after they emerge. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth, please call or make an appointment with us today!

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LatesT PostS

Do You Know How Food Affects Your Teeth?

Stressed Out: Can Stress Affect Your Teeth?

Protect Your Teeth

E-Cigarettes and Your Oral Health: The Smokeless Threat to Your Smile

The Ages & Stages of Your Child’s Dental Health

What Do I Do About My Wisdom Teeth?

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