Here are some measures you can take to get your teeth picture-perfect for your pending nuptials.

1. Prepare in advance.

After you have the gown picked out, it’s time to focus on your teeth. Prep them in advance!

First, get a professional dental cleaning, which can really clean the teeth. Then, have your teeth professionally whitened. Our office offers customized teeth whitening and bleaching treatments that are tailored to each patient’s needs.

If you have chips, dings, or uneven teeth – we can clean up and restore them too. Sometimes in a single visit!

2. Get serious about your at-home dental care.

With a wedding coming up, this isn’t the time to skip out on brushing… nor is it the time to experiment with at-home teeth whitening kits which can leave your teeth an uneven color.

What you can do is try dry brushing without toothpaste before you use toothpaste. Dry brushing can remove a lot of stains and tartar and plaque, which can accumulate on the teeth. Doing that can make your teeth look fresher and brighter. Don’t forget to use floss afterwards!

3. Avoid teeth-staining drinks.

If possible in the days leading up to the wedding, try to avoid beverages that may stain your teeth. I’m referring to coffees, teas, red wines and some sodas.

If you must drink soda, reach for a Diet Sprite instead of Diet Coke. Go from a cabernet to chardonnay.

Also, if you’ve had any whitening procedures done, don’t drink any of those teeth-staining beverages for 24-48 hours after, or else you’ll end up wearing them on your teeth.

4. Practice makes perfect.

Practice smiling? You bet.

Try practicing in front of a mirror, or take some practice photographs before the big day. See which angle suits you best. Your smile may look a little bit nicer on one side than another.

Finally, be confident with your smile. It’s your best asset!

The Food and Drug Administration has posted a warning about the brush, saying that parts of the toothbrush can pop off and cause your teeth to chip, get lodged in your throat, or fly off into your eye.

The Spinbrushes affected by the FDA warning include:

• Spinbrush ProClean
• Spinbrush ProClean Recharge
• Spinbrush Pro Whitening
• Spinbrush SONIC
• Spinbrush SONIC Recharge
• Spinbrush Swirl
• Spinbrush Classic Clean
• Spinbrush for Kids
• Spinbrush Replacement Heads

According to officials, adult versions of the Spinbrush have removable heads that are not supposed to come off during toothbrushing. But the FDA has receive reports that the brush head came off, which left the metal parts underneath exposed that could cause injuries by poking the person.

The kids’ Spinbrushes, on the other hand, don’t have removable heads but the FDA said it’s received reports of the batteries leaving burns, and the bristles coming off the toothbrush head and getting stuck in children’s tonsils.

If you use or have a Spinbrush in your bathroom, it’s my recommendation that you throw it out… or contact Arm & Hammer about being reimbursed for the recalled product.

Arm & Hammer customer service: 1-800-524-1328

That’s why scientists are warning denture wearers to pay close attention to the amount of zinc they consume.

Why?

Because denture adhesive contains zinc and there have been some instances of zinc poisoning.

Also see: Fixodent Causes Nerve Damage?

In an article published in the March/April 2011 issue of General Dentistry, doctors issued this advisory:

“If a patient wears dentures, it is essential that he or she follows the instructions and recommended dosages on the product label.  Many times, patients will overuse the adhesive and, although it happens rarely, they can ingest toxic levels of zinc, with adverse neurologic effects.”

One reason a patient may overuse adhesive is an ill-fitting denture. If the denture doesn’t fit correctly, the patient tends to use more adhesive to get the denture to stay in place.

The best use of denture adhesive involves placing a thin film or a series of dots across the denture. A single tube should last three to 10 weeks with daily use. And, to maintain a proper fit over time, denture wearers should be evaluated by a dentist every six months.

If you’re concerned about your dentures or about the amount of adhesive you’re using, then please give our office a call today. We can help.

Too many people mistakenly believe that they need to see a dentist only if they are in pain or think something is wrong, but they’re missing the bigger picture. A dental visit means you are being examined by a doctor of oral health, someone who can prevent, identify, and/or treat conditions of the mouth and teeth. Trust me, you want to visit a dentist BEFORE a problem arises.

Understanding what I do, and how our office operates, will probably put you more at ease about a dental visit.

We take a team approach to treating our patients. We believe doing this promotes continuity, comprehensive care and efficiency. Members of our team include patient care managers, dental assistants and dental hygienists. As a dentist with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, I lead the team.

Also see: Meet the Team

As a dentist, I will:

• Diagnose and treat oral diseases.
• Educate on oral health and disease prevention.
• Create treatment plans to maintain or restore oral health to patients.
• Interpret x-rays and diagnostic tests.
• Ensure the safe administration of anesthetics.
• Monitor growth and development of the teeth and jaws.
• Perform surgical procedures on the teeth, bone and soft tissues of the oral cavity.
• Manage oral trauma and other emergency situations.

Our level of care extends well beyond teeth and gums. We also care for muscles of the head, neck and jaw, tongue, and salivary glands. During an exam, we examine the teeth and gums, but also look for lumps, swellings, discolorations, ulcerations—any abnormality.

My training also enables me to recognize situations that warrant referring patients for care by dental specialists or physicians.

Also see: Common Dental Myths You Need to Know

Oral health matters. Scientific studies indicate associations between oral health and a variety of general health conditions—including diabetes and heart disease. It’s in your best interest to get a dental check up twice a year.

…And when you visit us, take comfort in knowing that you’re in good, safe hands.

Also read: Flossing – Even Kids Need to do It

Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. I tell parents that it’s okay to bring children as young as 2-years-old for their first dental check-up, although the average age is generally 3 years.

Of course, proper dental care for children starts with parents. Mom and dad are responsible for teaching their kids how to brush their teeth, and when.

Also read: Dental Care for Kids – A Parent Checklist

This is so important.

… And motivation is key!

Also read: Signs Your Child isn’t Brushing

Teach your kids that brushing is fun. The ADA has published a number of kid-friendly activities that your children will love. Check out these games, puzzles, cool coloring sheets and a smile calendar. Print out the collection and grab your crayons!

• What a Tangle! Activity (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Decoder Activity (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Crossword Puzzle (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Words Activity (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Wordsearch (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Buck McGrinn and Den Smiley Coloring Sheet (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Gen Smiley Coloring Sheet (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Buck McGrinn Calendar (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Healthy Smile Certificate (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• Tooth Anatomy (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• How to Floss (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)
• How to Brush (English PDF) | (Spanish PDF)

Is it time to bring your child in for a dental visit? Give us a call to set up an appointment.

Researchers have found that chocolate (in moderation) can protect against tooth decay.  In fact, it is so successful in combating decay that scientists believe some of chocolate’s components – specifically the cocoa bean husk – may one day be added to mouthwash or toothpaste.

Also see: Chocolate Makes Us Smile Most

Japanese scientists found that chocolate is less harmful than many other sweet foods because the anti-bacterial agents in cocoa beans offset the high sugar levels in the candy. They tested their theory on rats. Scientists gave all of the rats a high sugar diet, but added an extract of cocoa bean husk (CBH) to the drinking water of a select group.

Also see: Sweet Advice for Valentine’s Day

After three months, the study found that the rats with only the high sugar diet had 14 cavities on average compared to just six cavities for those who received the cocoa bean husk supplement in their diet.

The researchers are now planning to test their findings on humans.

Reminder: This study may demonstrate chocolate’s good effects on teeth… but it’s by no means a substitute for good oral hygiene. Brushing and flossing must be a part of your daily routine in order to maintain good oral health.

Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to tell if your breath is offensive. Your body becomes accustomed to its own odors. Furthermore, a large amount of foul breath is created at the back of the mouth and is expelled outward only as we talk. That said, cupping your hands to your nose to smell exhaled breath will not work – neither will licking and then smelling your wrist. Those are old-wives tales.

Also see: Is Yogurt the Answer to Bad Breath?

There’s actually a scientific way to find out if your breath smells. Some dentists use a tool called a halimeter. The patient blows into a straw-like tube connected to the halimeter and the machine detects the levels of volatile sulfur compounds in the breath. The more volatile sulfur compounds present the worse the bad breath.

Of course, no one walks around with a halimeter… so the best way to detect bad breath is to simply ask a trusted friend or loved one if your breath offends.

Persistent bad breath is almost always caused by bacteria. Bacteria feed on bits of food left on teeth and tongue after meals. These bacteria create volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) as a result of their feasting. The volatile sulfur compounds give breath its foul odor.

If you suspect you have chronic bad breath, give our office a call. A thorough exam and a blow into the halimeter will help us detect the levels of bacteria in your mouth and whether you have a more serious periodontal condition.

Also see: Understanding Periodontal Disease

In the meantime, be sure to brush and floss thoroughly at least twice a day. Don’t forget to clean your tongue and drink lots of water as well. Mouthwash may help, but keep in mind that it’s not a permanent fix.

There are theories that regular flossing may help you stay healthier and even live longer. One book on the topic is called “Real Age” by Michael F. Roizen, MD. In it, Dr. Roizen shows people how to calculate their ages based upon choices he/she makes about lifestyles, eating, exercise, ect.

Also see: 5 Ways Oral Hygiene Keeps You Healthy

In the chapter on dental health, Dr. Roizen specifically addresses flossing as well as periodontal disease and its affect on longevity.

“Flossing your teeth daily can make your arteries younger. The probable reason: Flossing helps keep your immune system young… the same bacteria that cause periodontal disease also trigger an immune response, inflammation, that causes the arteries to swell. The swelling of the arterial walls results in a constriction of blood flow that can lead to a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease. Other studies have shown that periodontal disease leads to a higher white blood cell count, which is an indicator that the immune system is under increased stress…. Poor oral hygiene and particularly increased tooth loss are important indicators of your risk. The fewer teeth you have, the greater your risk of gum infections.”

Dr. Roizen goes on to say,

“… people with gingivitis and periodontitis have a mortality rate that is 23 percent to 46 percent higher than those who don’t” Why? They are linked to increased rates of cardiovascular disease and stroke, as well as to an increase in mortality from other causes, such as infections. “

Dr. Roizen’s stance may seem far fetched, but it’s backed up by substantial scientific information – the same information, in fact, that is addressed right here on this blog. Let all of this strengthen our positions on keeping our teeth clean by practicing good oral hygiene habits.

Also see: Dental Care Linked to Lower Risk of Heart Disease in Women

Who says?

Researchers in the UK.

They are reporting that nearly half of the population there (47%) has admitted to regularly skipping brushing their teeth at bedtime. And, above all, nearly six in ten (59%) of those people skipping brushing were women!

Also read: Is Mouthwash a Substitute for Tooth Brushing?

Even more alarming…

The survey – which looked at brushing habits in the UK – also found that over a quarter of the population (28%) have admitted to not brushing their teeth for 24 hours and around 15% had not cleaned their teeth for more than two days.

You’re probably thinking that surely this must be some sort of joke. Unfortunately it’s not – and what’s unfolding across the pond is not that different from tooth brushing habits here in the U.S.

A national study revealed that 34% Americans have gone one to three days without using their toothbrush.

These are scary statistics.

Tooth brushing prevents tooth loss. It’s that simple.

Also read: Signs Your Child isn’t Brushing

The two biggest mouth-injuring sports are basketball and baseball. And, the most common mouth injuries are broken jaws or knocked out teeth.

Also read: 4 Dental Tips to Keep Kids Healthy for School

According to a report by the U.S. Surgeon General, craniofacial injuries sustained during sporting activities are a major source of nonfatal injury and disability in children, accounting for up to one-third of all sports injuries. The National Youth Sports Safety Foundation estimates that more than 3 million teeth will be knocked out in youth sporting activities this year.

What can you do to protect your child’s mouth?

Make sure he or she is wearing a mouth guard and, in some cases, a helmet. Face protectors are the best way for kids to avoid dental injuries while playing sports.

If your child has a full set of permanent teeth, then I can make a custom mouth guard that provide thorough tooth protection. If he or she still has some of their baby teeth, a custom guard is a waste of money. You will be better off going to the store and buying one of the guards that can be boiled and molded to your child’s mouth.

Read more about Mouth Guards

Protection or not, accidents will happen. If a tooth is broken or cracked, see me within 24 hours. If a tooth or teeth have been displaced or knocked out, take your child immediately to my office or the emergency room and preserve the tooth by putting it in a cup of milk, not water. Milk can provide nutrients to the tooth’s cells to help keep them alive.

Give me a call if sports injuries are a concern in your household. I may be able to give you some advice – and peace of mind – about the safety of your son’s or daughter’s teeth.