Don’t Let A Toothache Bother You Any Longer!

www.duttondds.com

DO YOU HAVE A TOOTH THAT HURTS WHEN YOU CHEW OR WHEN YOU EAT SOMETHING TOO HOT OR TOO COLD? Here at our practice (www.Duttondds.com ) we understand that toothaches are no fun. Sometimes a simple toothache may be caused by a number of minor factors—including sensitivity. But if you’re unsure, or if the pain continues, it’s probably a good idea to visit with us. We have a great deal of experience treating toothaches. Come in and see Dr Dutton, Dr Petersen or a member of our team as soon as possible so the problem doesn’t get any worse.

Toothaches are often caused by dental cavities, a cracked tooth, an exposed root, or even gum disease. However, issues with the jaw-joint can also cause toothaches. Through a simple x-ray procedure, we can help determine the cause so that the issue can be treated.

As temporary relief for a toothache before you are able to visit our office, rinse your tooth with warm water and make sure that nothing is lodged between teeth. Apply an ice pack and/or take an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce swelling.

Don’t let a toothache bother you any longer—come see us! You have the decision-making power to take control of your lifelong oral health each day.

Feel free to learn more about our practice on our website or our Facebook Page. We look forward to connecting with you there!

Oral Health of Diabetic can affect heart & cancer

Links
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/235365.php

Gum Disease...

Gum Disease:  Most tooth loss in people over age 35 is from Periodontal Disease.

Everyone knows to brush their teeth twice a day, but many people forget about their gums! The word disease sounds scary— and it can be if you don’t take care of your gums. Here is some information about what gum disease is, what causes it, and how you can prevent it.

What is periodontal (gum) disease? Periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth.

It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. Gingivitis is the mildest form of the disease. In this stage, the gums redden, swell, and bleed easily. There is usually little or no discomfort.

What causes gum disease?

As mentioned, plaque is recognized as the primary cause of gum disease. If plaque isn’t removed each day by brushing and flossing, it hardens into a rough, porous substance called calculus (also known as tartar). Toxins produced and released by bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. These toxins cause the breakdown of the fibers that hold the gums tightly to the teeth, creating periodontal pockets that fill with even more toxins and bacteria. As the disease progresses, pockets become deeper, and the bacteria move down until the bone that holds the tooth in place is destroyed. Eventually, severe infection may develop with pain and swelling. The tooth may loosen and later require removal.

There are other factors, too. Smokers and tobacco users are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Changing hormone levels in pubescent teenagers and women who are pregnant also can increase the risk of gum disease.   Stress, clenching or grinding your teeth, an unhealthy diet, and diabetes can increase your chances of developing gum disease as well. And, in some cases, it’s in your genes nearly 30 percent of the human population is genetically predisposed to gum disease.

How is it treated?

In the early stages of gum disease, most treatment involves a special cleaning called scaling and root planning, which removes plaque and tartar around the tooth and smoothes the root surfaces. Antibiotics or antimicrobials may be used to supplement the effects of scaling and root planning.  In most cases of early gum disease, scaling and root planning and proper daily cleaning will definitely help.  More advanced cases may require surgical treatment, which involves cutting the gums—sometimes with the assistance of a laser to remove the hardened plaque build-up and then recontouring the damaged bone. The procedure also is designed to smooth root surfaces and reposition the gum tissue so it will be easier to keep clean. This procedure may be performed by your general dentist or by a specialist, like a periodontist.

How can I maintain treatment at home? Sticking to a maintenance program is crucial for patients who want to sustain the results of periodontal therapy. You should visit the dentist every three to four months (or more frequently, depending on the patient) for spot scaling and root planning and an overall exam. Between visits, brush at least twice a day and floss daily.

How can I prevent gum disease?

Removing plaque through daily brushing and flossing and professional cleaning is the best way to minimize your risk. You also should try to reduce the activities mentioned above (smoking, eating an unhealthy diet, grinding your teeth, and so forth). Talk to your dentist and he or she can design a personalized program for home oral care to meet your needs.

Check out more info at www.duttondds.com or call us at 530-241-4134.

Bad Habits with your teeth

YOU KNOW THE ROUTINE: brush your teeth daily, floss regularly, and have your regular checkups with us twice a year. For the most part, getting in the habit of completing these simple tasks will keep your teeth healthy and strong. However, there are a few less-than-desirable oral habits that can override your good habits and compromise your dental health!

Here are some tips to help you avoid those dental habits that can damage your teeth:

1. Crunching, Sucking, and Sipping

After slurping down that ice cold and refreshing beverage, try not to crunch the leftover ice between your teeth. The cold temperature of the ice cubes can cause your teeth to fracture. Be careful when eating popcorn too!

Sipping sugary soda is also bad for your teeth. The constant exposure to the acids and sugar can lead to tooth decay.

Solution: Switch to crushed ice & drink your soda through a straw!!

2. Using Your Teeth As “Tools”

Some people rely on their teeth for odd jobs like opening a tightly screwed bottle of nail polish, tearing open a bag of chips, straightening a bent fork, or ripping a price tag off a new article of clothing. These actions are actually quite hard on your teeth and can even cause a weakened tooth to fracture or chip.

Solution: Keep some simple tools like scissors and pliers handy and leave the dirty work to them!

3. Grinding Your Teeth

Grinding your teeth wears them down and weakens them.

Solution: During the day, be more aware of what you’re doing with your teeth when you feel stressed or anxious. Notice if your jaw muscles are often sore. For those of you who grind at night, ask us about custom mouth guards.

4. Using A Hard-Bristled Toothbrush

It may be surprising, but a firm toothbrush is actually worse for your teeth than a soft-bristled one. A brush with bristles that are too firm can wear down tooth enamel more quickly and may irritate your gums and make your teeth sensitive.

Solution: Stick with soft-bristles and ask one of our team members about the best type of toothbrush for your particular mouth.

5. Not Brushing Or Flossing Properly

Though you may brush and floss every day, if you aren’t doing it correctly it could cause harm as well as good.

Solution: Make sure that you brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes TWICE a day. Be gentle. Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months, and consider purchasing an electric one. Ask one of our team members the most effective way to floss. Use an antibacterial mouthwash.

If any of these bad habits apply to you, overcome them and develop a healthier oral routine! We promise you’ll see results and have more reasons to smile!

Dentists May Be Able to Spot Undiagnosed Diabetes

THURSDAY, July 28 (HealthDay News) -- Dentists may be able to help spot undiagnosed diabetes or identify people with pre-diabetes, a new study suggests.

By identifying people with the disease who are unaware of their condition, routine dental checkups present an opportunity for dentists to help fight the diabetes epidemic, said the study authors, from the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York City.

"Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes, and about 70 percent of U.S. adults see a dentist at least once a year," the study's senior author, Dr. Ira Lamster, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, said in a university news release. "Prior research focused on identification strategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively."

In conducting the study, published in the July issue of the Journal of Dental Research, the scientists recruited about 600 people visiting a dental clinic who had never been told they had diabetes or pre-diabetes. Of that group, roughly 530 patients reported having at least one risk factor for the disease, such as high blood pressure or obesity. The patients were given a periodontal examination and blood tests to evaluate for diabetes.

The researchers found that just the number of missing teeth and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets might be effective in identifying people with unrecognized pre-diabetes or diabetes.

Since one in four Americans with type 2 diabetes remains undiagnosed -- and those with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes as well as heart disease, stroke and other vascular problems -- the study authors said their findings could provide a relatively simple way to help fight the diabetes epidemic.

"Early recognition of diabetes has been the focus of efforts from medical and public health colleagues for years, as early treatment of affected individuals can limit the development of many serious complications," the study's lead author, Dr. Evanthia Lalla, an associate professor at the College of Dental Medicine, said in the news release. "Relatively simple lifestyle changes in pre-diabetic individuals can prevent progression to frank diabetes, so identifying this group of individuals is also important."

More information

The American Dental Association provides more on oral health and diabetes.

Is a Perfect Smile Possible?

Is a Perfect Smile Possible?

·         October 3, 2011www.duttondds.com

·         by Dr Dutton & dr petersen

Are you considering a SMILE MAKEOVER? Are you skeptical of promises of a ‘perfect smile’ a ‘celebrity smile’ or ‘a dazzling, youthful smile’? Let’s talk about the most popular cosmetic dental services and the results that can be expected.

Composite Veneers
The application of porcelain veneers at our office can remedy a multitude of aesthetic dental problems and is often a better cosmetic dental solution for candidates in the Northern CA area than dental bonding. Veneers can correct tooth chips, tooth cracks, minor tooth misalignment, tooth discoloration, unattractive tooth shape, and disproportionate tooth size. Can a porcelain veneer create a perfect tooth? While a veneer cannot fix a decayed tooth, it can turn an unsightly tooth into an aesthetically perfect tooth.

Tooth Bleaching
Tooth Whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that dramatically improves a smile.  We only recommend tooth whitening for clients that are good candidates for the process. If you have all-natural teeth that are dull or stained, tooth whitening will brighten your smile. If you have several crowns in the front of your mouth, or gums that have receded, conventional tooth-whitening may not improve your smile.

Call (530)241-4134 to schedule a tooth-whitening consultation.

Tooth-Colored Fillings
If you have a mouth full of metal fillings, you may be interested in tooth-colored fillings. To get an idea of how the inside of your mouth would look without metal, have someone without any fillings open their mouth. Do you remember when your mouth looked like that? Would you like to bring your smile back to its pre-filling appearance? It is possible with tooth-colored fillings at Dr Dutton & Dr Petersen’s office.

These are just a few of the cosmetic dental solutions that create perfect smiles for our Redding clients. 

Dental Implants

When people lose or break their teeth, the teeth may be replaced with implants. What’s involved, and what are the benefits? Read on to learn more.

What are implants? Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that are surgically anchored to the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge in place. One of the major benefits of implants is that they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support and they are permanent and stable. Implants are a great solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

What are implants made of? Implant material is made from different types of metallic and bone-like ceramic materials that are compatible with body tissues. Most implants are made of titanium, which bonds well with bone and is biocompatible, making it an ideal material for implants.

How are implants placed? First, a specialist will perform surgery to place the implant’s anchor in the jaw. The surgery can last several hours, and it may take as long as six months for the jaw bone to grow around the anchor to hold it firmly in place. Once the implant is stable and the gums have healed, we make the artificial teeth and fit them to the post portion of the anchor. We will work with you to create an implant that fits well and is comfortable and attractive..

Who should get implants? Implants are not an option for everyone. Because implants require surgery, patients must be in good health, have healthy gums, and have adequate bone structure to support the implants. While lack of adequate bone support is a limitation, additional procedures may be available to create a good implant site. People who are unable to wear dentures also may be good candidates. The success rate for implants decreases dramatically among those who suffer from chronic problems, such as clenching or bruxism, or systemic diseases, such as diabetes. Additionally, people who smoke or drink alcohol may not be good candidates. To find out if dental implants are a fit for you talk to us at your next visit.

What is the difference between implants and dentures? While implants are permanently fixed in the mouth, dentures are removable. A conventional removable full denture depends upon support from the bone and soft tissues rather than being solidly fixed in place; as a result, dentures may not offer as much stability as implants. Implants are a good solution to tooth loss because they look and feel like natural teeth.

How do I care for implants? Poor oral hygiene is a main reason why some implants fail. It is important to floss and brush around implants at least twice a day. We will give you specific instructions on how to care for your new implants. Additional dental cleanings (up to four times per year) may be necessary to ensure that you retain healthy gums.

How will I adjust to implants? Most people adjust to implants immediately; however, some people feel slight discomfort and notice differences in chewing or speech for a short time. Patients will soon see a difference in their confidence level and enjoy their new smile.

Links between Obesity and Gum Disease

OBESITY-RELATED HEALTH PROBLEMS HAVE BEGUN REACHING EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS over the last 20 years—and the trend doesn’t appear to be reversing itself. According to the Center for Disease Control, childhood obesity has more than tripled since 1980, and 67% of adults in the United States today are considered “overweight.” Here at our dental practice, we understand it’s no secret that obesity is associated with a variety of medical problems including diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis—but, did you know that obesity can dramatically affect your oral health as well?

It points out that with the increasing number of overweight adults each year, many studies are being conducted to investigate the relationships between obesity and periodontal disease. The results may surprise you.

As you may already know, periodontal disease is an oral, chronic bacterial infection that affects gum tissue and can eventually affect the bones that hold your teeth in place. If you are a victim of gum disease or gingivitis you may be dealing with bleeding gums, inflammation, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and changes in your bite. Talk to us today if any of these symptoms apply to you! Untreated gum disease can lead to much more serious issues, ranging from permanent tooth loss to heart disease.

In a recent Boston University study, results showed that overweight individuals are twice as likely to be diagnosed with gum disease, and those who are considered “obese” are three times as likely, making this a bigger problem than most people realize!

So, what’s the connection between being overweight and gum disease? Most theories suggest that fat cells produce many chemical signals and hormones that can increase inflammation in the body, decrease the effectiveness of your immune system, and increase your susceptibility to periodontal disease. Other theories point to the possible eating habits of overweight people and the connections to simple sugars that our mouths convert to plaque. As plaque accumulates on teeth and gums, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth decay may become inevitable.

Don’t let gum disease become a problem for you. Stay healthy. Keep your weight in check. Maintain meticulous dental hygiene through flossing and brushing. Schedule regular cleanings and checkups to control plaque buildup and to avoid bigger problems. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask us! What your mom told you is true… An ounce of prevention IS worth more than a pound of cure. And if periodontal treatment is needed, our team can help.

We care about you, our valued patients. That isn’t just lip service. Our entire team wants to make sure you have best possible care available! Thanks for the trust you place in us.

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