The Easiest Way to Banish Bad Breath

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Dentist Pasadena CAWant to know the easiest and fastest way to truly get rid of bad breath?

Floss.

That’s right. Flossing is a bad breath killer.

Also read: How to Find Out if You Have Bad Breath

Flossing at least once a day can improve your breath by removing the tiny food particles and bacteria that get secretly lodged between teeth. This is the bad stuff your toothbrush can’t get to. And guess what? If you can’t remove it, your teeth will suffer and so will your breath!

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be serious. I’m not talking about morning breath, or onion/garlic breath – I’m referring to chronic, foul smelling breath some people have all day long. Unfortunately, it’s pretty common and it could be a sign of oral disease – like cavities, gingivitis, oral cancer, or impaction.

Your oral care routine should include brushing the teeth, tongue, and gums (gently) twice each day AND flossing. Using a mouthwash can provide short-term relief for bad breath, but use it as an addition to brushing and flossing. Mouthwash is not a substitute!

Also read: New ‘Super’ Mouthwash Targets Harmful Bacteria

Drinking water is also great for preventing bad breath. Water keeps saliva in your mouth, yet it also helps to wash away food particles, especially after you’ve just eaten.

If you experience chronic bad breath that doesn’t seem to improve despite a consistent oral hygiene routine, contact us for an evaluation to identify or prevent serious health problems.

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Your Reviews Mean the World to Us!

Posted on April 26, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Dentist Pasadena CAThink for a moment about the last time you read an online review for a product or service. How valuable was it to you? Did it help you decide whether to pick up the phone to make an appointment, or to make a purchase?

Chances are it did.

Studies show that 65% of people read between 2-10 reviews. Furthermore –  58% of consumers trust a business which has positive online reviews. The figure is even HIGHER for dentists and other medical professionals.

Why are we telling you this?

Because your reviews mean the world to us – and to other people who are trying to find a dentist in the greater Pasadena, CA area.

Whether you’re extremely happy with our services, or not so much, we are encouraging all of our patients to head to Google, Yahoo, and/or Yelp to leave a review for our office.

Your positive feedback casts our office in a favorable light to other patients who may need our services.

So please, take a moment to visit our pages at the following sites and write a review. Those 30 seconds would mean the world to us. Thank you!

Pasadena CA Dentist

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Demystifying Geographic Tongue

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Best Dentist Pasadena CAGeographic tongue is a condition many people have – including my very own granddaughter – but know little about.

It’s strange looking, but geographic tongue does not hurt, nor is it harmful. In fact, most people with this particular oral condition are healthy.

Also read: A Look Inside Your Mouth

So what is it?

Geographic tongue occurs when the papillae (the small bumps that cover the tongue) disappear from random areas of the tongue, leaving smooth, red patches of different sizes that create a map-like appearance. These patches may change in size and shape from day to day. The condition is not always painful, but some people report tongue discomfort and burning that may be worse when they eat hot or spicy foods.

As was the case with my granddaughter, geographic tongue can first appear during infancy. The reason for the condition is not known, although studies have shown that it is hereditary. Other possible causes include stress, allergies and hormone changes.

Also read: What is Black Tongue?

Symptoms of geographic tongue come and go – but generally the condition cycles through different stages on a monthly basis. If symptoms persist for more than 10 days, make an appointment to see me in order to rule out any potentially serious oral health problem.

Pasadena CA Dentist

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Kids and Mouthwash: Is it Safe?

Posted on April 24, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Dentist Pasadena CAWe know about the endless mouthwash options for adults, but what about those rinses marketed for children? There’s a good handful of them on store shelves. But are they safe?

Yes and no. It really depends on the age of the child using the mouthwash.

Many of the adolescent mouthwashes contain fluoride – which is good. Every child needs to be exposed to a certain amount of fluoride to help maintain healthy teeth. However, juvenile mouthwashes really only benefit older children and teenagers. These mouthwashes not only give them beneficial fluoride exposure, but they also help to kill lingering bacteria and that stick around after brushing. Children with braces also benefit from these rinses because they are especially prone to plaque build up under the brackets.

But in general young children should not use mouthwash because they are less able to avoid swallowing it. Children between ages six and 12 years should only use a mouth rinse under close adult supervision. And children under the age of six should avoid fluoride rinses altogether. Excessive fluoride exposure for children whose teeth are not fully developed can result in fluorosis, a harmless condition that leaves spots or streaks on the teeth.

If you’re a parent who is concerned about alcohol content in mouth rinses, be sure to check the label. There are a variety of alcohol-free products on the market that are just as effective in killing bacteria. And there are non-alcohol rinses with fluoride, too.

Whether your child uses a mouth rinse or not, it’s up to you to remind him or her that absolutely nothing takes the places of brushing and flossing teeth. They should be done twice a day to preserve your child’s healthy smile – and yours too!

Pasadena CA Dentist

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What is Black Tongue?

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Best Dentist Pasadena CAThe name may sound scary, gruesome, and gross…. but the condition known as black hairy tongue is pretty harmless and temporary.

Also see: A Look Inside Your Mouth

It’s caused when there’s an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth. Certain types of bacteria will accumulate on the papillae (the small projections that cover the tongue) and create red blood cell pigments, which make the tongue look black. And if the outer layer of the cells on the tongue can not shed properly, the papillae grow larger and the tongue can appear “hairy.”

Again, these are illusions. Your tongue is not really black and hairy.

While we do know black hairy tongue is caused by an overgrowth of bacteria, no one knows for sure what causes the overgrowth to begin with. Some research suggests that it can be caused by antibiotics, or by using products that contain bismuth, such as Pepto-Bismol.

Other possible causes of a black hairy tongue include:

  • smoking or using other tobacco products
  • drinking excessive amounts of coffee or tea
  • failing to follow a regular routine of daily oral hygiene.

Also see: The Basics of Good Oral Hygiene

Bad breath is not associated with black tongue.

If you suspect you have the condition, here are some simple steps you can take to remedy the situation:

  • Brush. Gently brush your tongue with a toothbrush twice a day as part of your daily dental care routine.
  • Double Rinse. Use a dilute solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to five parts water to rinse your mouth, then rinse again with plain water.

If the discoloration persists, contact our office immediately.

Pasadena CA Dentist

 

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3 Unsuspecting Causes of Gingivitis

Posted on April 18, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Best Dentist Pasadena CAGingivitis doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It rears its ugly head quite often… more so than you probably realize.

Bacteria in dental plaque is the number one cause of gingivitis, or gum disease. And, if you haven’t been to a dentist in some time, there’s a great chance that you have plaque on your teeth and that gingivitis is forming RIGHT NOW.

But, unfortunately, even if you do have regular dental cleanings, and brush and floss your teeth regularly – you’re at risk too.

Also see: Take the Dental Health Quiz

There are other, more unsuspecting factors that contribute to gingivitis. Here are three that you’re probably not aware of:

Medication: Many prescription and over-the-counter medications come with the side effect of reducing the amount of saliva that naturally occurs in your mouth. Saliva helps keep your teeth clean by controlling the growth of bacteria. That means that the less saliva you have, the greater your risk for gingivitis. Common medications including antidepressants and cold medications can reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth, so check the list of side effects of your medications, and pay close attention to your gums if dry mouth is listed as a side effect.

Also see: Chronic Dry Mouth

Infection: Certain types of viral infections or fungal infections can cause gum disease. One example is oral thrush, which occurs when a type of fungus that occurs normally in the mouth gets out of control and forms lesions that can infect the tongue and gums. Also, an infection caused by the herpes virus can cause gum disease.

Nutrition: Some diets may be good for your waistline, but if following a diet severely lacking in calcium and vitamins B and C, you may be at increased risk for gum disease. Always consult your doctor (and dentist) before beginning a new diet plan.

Keep in mind that, while serious, gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease. If you have it, your gums may be red and slightly swollen and they may bleed easily. Some people, however, experience very little discomfort with it.

Also see: What to Expect at Your Routine Checkup

Even if we see you regularly, schedule an extra appointment as soon as possible if you notice redness, swelling or bleeding in your gums, even if it isn’t painful. Early intervention is the key to combating the infection before it becomes serious.

Pasadena CA Dentist

 

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When it’s Time to Toss Your Toothbrush

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Pasadena CA DentistIt’s so easy to pick up that toothbrush everyday… reach for that toothpaste… and brush as usual. But have you looked at your toothbrush lately? I mean really looked at it?

What do the bristles look like? Does it have an odor?

Chances are it’s probably time to toss that toothbrush.

Also read: Who is More Likely to Skip Brushing at Bedtime – Men or Women?

3-Month Rule

I, along with the American Dental Association (ADA), recommend replacing your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

It’s imperative for your oral health to do this because, no matter what type of toothbrush you use, bristles that are frayed and worn lose their effectiveness. In fact, clinical research shows that a new toothbrush can remove more plaque than one that is worn out.

After Illness

While some toothbrushes claim to feature anti-microbial bristle protection, these bristles do not kill the bacteria that is in your mouth. Nor can they protect you against oral disease or keep you from getting sick. So, if you’ve been under the weather lately – even with a minor cold – it’s best to change the toothbrush immediately have the illness has subsided. Doing this will keep you from possibly getting sick AGAIN.

Also read: FDA Warning about Spinbrush Electric Toothbrush

Ultimately you are the only one who is responsible for the health of your teeth and body. I urge you to make sure that your brush is working its hardest to help keep your teeth clean and healthy.

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Dental X-Rays: What You Need to Know

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Dentist Pasadena CAIf you’ve been listening to the news lately, you may have heard about a new report that suggests that certain kinds of dental x-rays are linked to a common brain tumor.

Alarming, yes. BUT, it’s important to note that the findings cannot prove that radiation from the x-rays caused the tumors, and the results are based on people who were likely exposed to higher levels of radiation during dental X-rays than most are today.

Your safety is our priority – especially with regard to dental x-rays.

Our x-ray equipment is safe and uses very little radiation. In fact, the state of California has strict regulations and inspection procedures to check the safety of x-rays and x-ray equipment.

If you’re a new patient, we’ll ask you when you’ve had your last dental x-ray. This is because we don’t want to expose you to unnecessary x-ray radiation if we don’t have to. There are strict guidelines in place, set by the Food and Drug Administration, on who should have x-rays done, and when.

The following guidelines are for people who are NOT at risk for tooth decay:

  • Adults should have bitewing X-rays every 2 to 3 years.
  • Teens should have bitewing X-rays every 1½ to 3 years.
  • Children should have bitewing X-rays every 1 to 2 years.

And, these are the guidelines for people who have tooth decay or who are at high risk for cavities:

  • Adults should have bitewing X-rays every 1 to 1½ years.
  • Teens should have bitewing X-rays every 6 to 12 months until no tooth decay is seen.
  • Children should have bitewing X-rays every 6 months until no tooth decay is seen.

Everyone needs to have routine dental x-rays done. These x-rays show us pictures of your teeth, bones, and soft tissues around them. They also show us cavities, hidden teeth – like wisdom teeth – and bone loss which we can’t see during a visual exam.

If you’re concerned about dental x-rays and over-exposure, talk to us about it at your next dental visit. We’ll explain our policy and hopefully give you some peace of mind.

Pasadena CA Dentist

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Mouth-Healthy Food and Drinks

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Dentist Pasadena CAWhat you eat and how often you eat are important factors in cavity prevention and maintaining good oral health.

Changes in your mouth begin the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth converts sugars from the foods you eat into acids – which begin to attack tooth enamel and start the decay process. The more often you eat and snack, the more you are exposing your teeth to potential decay.

Also read: Harmful Dental Risks of Fast Food

This information is not meant to keep you from eating. Your body needs food – but the right food.

Believe it or not, there are foods that can help you maintain a healthy smile. The most common are:

  • Cheese
  • Chicken and other lean meats
  • Nuts
  • Milk

These foods protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth if they’ve been stripped by acids.

Other mouth-healthy food choices include:

  • Firm/crunchy fruits, like apples
  • Vegetables

These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulate the flow of saliva – which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and buffering acid.

Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and lemons, should be eaten as part of a larger meal to minimize the acid from them.

The best drink choices include:

  • Water (especially fluoridated water)
  • Milk
  • Unsweetened tea.

Limit your consumption of sugar-containing drinks, including soft drinks, lemonade, and coffee or tea with added sugar. Also, avoid day-long sipping of sugar-containing drinks as this exposes teeth to constant sugar and, in turn, constant decay-causing acids.

Also read: How to Protect Your Teeth from Erosion

It’s also important to note that the proper food alone will not help you totally combat tooth decay. Brushing and flossing every day are the very keys to maintaining proper oral health.

Pasadena CA Dentist

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New ‘Super’ Mouthwash Targets Harmful Bacteria

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Dr. Stender

Best Dentist Pasadena CAImagine using a mouthwash so powerful that, along with brushing, you never had to worry about tooth decay again.

That may soon become reality thanks to a team of microbiologists at the UCLA School of Dentistry. They have developed a mouthwash that they say is “highly successful in targeting the harmful Streptococcus mutans bacteria” –  the main cause of tooth decay and cavities.

Also read: Is Mouthwash a Substitute for Tooth Brushing?

In one of their more recent studies, 12 people who rinsed just one time with the experimental mouthwash experienced a nearly complete elimination of the S. mutans bacteria over a four-day testing period.

So what sets this super mouthwash apart from others currently on the market?

It’s called STAMP – a new antimicrobial technology that has been patented at UCLA. The mouthwash uses a STAMP known as C16G2 – and scientists say it acts as a “smart bomb,” eliminating only the harmful bacteria in the mouth.

Also read: Mouthwash Myth: Does it Get Rid of Bad Breath?

More extensive trials of this mouthwash just got underway last month. If the FDA ultimately approves STAMP C16G2 for general use in mouthwash, it will be the first such tooth decay prevention drug since fluoride was licensed 60 years ago!

Pasadena CA Dentist

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