Tongue piercings.
A teen’s idea to be different and a parental and dental nightmare.

If you’re considering allowing your child to get a tongue piercing, you may want to consider not just the cost of the piercing and the stud but all the dental work down the line.

If your child continuously plays with the tiny barbell-shaped stud, pushing it against her upper front teeth, he or she may eventually force a gap between those teeth – a fraction-of-an-inch gap that may cost thousands of dollars in orthodontic bills to straighten!

The habit of pushing the metal stud between upper front teeth is sometimes referred to as “playing.”

Most people with pierced tongues never remove the barbell because the tongue is so vascular that leaving the stud out can result in healing of the opening in the tongue. It makes sense that constant pushing of the stud against the teeth would move them or drive them apart.

Now, a basic principle of dentistry is that force, over time, moves teeth.

Basic treatment for gapped teeth can be a fixed braces appliance to push the front teeth back together.

Tongue piercing can result in serious injury not just to teeth but has also been associated with hemorrhage, infection, chipped and fractured teeth, trauma to the gums and, in the worst cases, brain abscess.

Dental implants are a better alternative to the regular and ordinary dentures when it comes to missing tooth replacement and restoring your smile and self confidence. Dental implants will not slip or fall off your gums – putting you in an embarrassing situation.

They are more comfortable and feel like your natural teeth. With implants, you will have no more eating and taste problems and restrictions. You’ll be able to talk clearly with dental implants unlike with dentures – especially those that don’t fit you well.

You must also be aware of the possible dental implant problems that may occur after the process.

Peri-implantitis
Peri-implantitis is the most common dental implant problem. It is caused by presence of bacteria and other organisms in the area. This can lead to bone loss and can cause the implant to fail. It is characterized by inflammation or swelling of the tissues surrounding the dental implants.

This kind of dental implant problem can be treated by cleaning and making the implant surface smooth to remove plaque buildup, rinsing with antiseptic mouthwash, taking amoxicillin or other kinds of antibiotics prescribed by your doctor, and keeping good oral hygiene. In some cases, the implant will be extracted to allow the area to heal and regenerate before a new one will be planted.

Nerve Damage
This is usually due to the dentist’s fault. The dentist must have placed the implant very close to a nerve. In some cases, implants are placed precisely on top of the nerve resulting to unbearable pain. When this happens, the dental implant should be removed or extracted right away to stop the pain. While waiting for the process, you can ask your doctor to give you a pain reliever if the pain is too much to bear.

Breakage.
The implant will have the tendency to bend and break because it is basically made of titanium or other metals. The only remedy or solution for this case is replacing the implant with a new one.

Loose or unsteady implant
This problem could occur if the technique used in placing the implant is not right. This can also be caused by poor osseointegration or failure to integrate the implant with the bone material. Excessive force from teeth grinding or biting can also make the implant wobbly.

Go to your dentist so he or she could check your dental implant problem. There are some cases in which extraction or removal of the implant is not necessary. The problem can be fixed by the dentist without having to remove dental implants.

Infection is a dental implant problem caused by the implant device or the first process of inserting the device into the jaw bones. The gums around the implant and the bone area where the implant was placed are usually affected by infection. There are some cases where the teeth near the dental implant are also affected by the infection. Like in peri-implantitis, antibiotics and antiseptics can also be taken or used.

To avoid dental implant problems, make sure to follow your dentist’s advice and instruction prior to and after the operation.  The best way to keep your mouth healthy and reduce the risks of bacteria buildup and infection is to maintain a good oral hygiene!

Dental cavities are a very common dental health  problem, which is caused by improper and imbalanced diet and poor dental hygiene. Diet also plays an important role at the time of teeth development and eruption as any deficiency could affect the tooth formation and make it more prone to dental caries.

But generally it’s the diet we eat that makes us more susceptible to caries; therefore in such condition maintaining a good dental hygiene plays a vital role to prevent caries. Just by brushing your teeth after every meal, you can stop dental caries.

SUGAR

Foods usually cause damage to the teeth because of their high sugar content. Certain food products like white sugar, brown sugar, organic sugar, evaporated cane juice, corn syrup, or commercial jams and candies which are sticky in consistency are really dangerous to your teeth. The caries activity starts within few hours after its consumption, if the teeth are not cleaned properly.

Some microorganisms like Mutans streptococci bacteria and lactobacilli bacteria, present in our saliva, consume these sugar molecules on the teeth surface and produce acids as their byproducts. The acids released by these bacteria’s damage the tooth’s enamel which is the top most layer of the teeth and slowly dissolving the calcium in it causing tooth decay.

For a dental cavity formation to begin, the dental plague which is formed on the teeth surface, should be present on the teeth for more than three hours. Fresh formed dental plaque is not able to provide the necessary conditions for a progressive development of caries by the bacteria. That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth after meals, minimum twice a day.

DOUBLE REFINED FOODS

Some doubled refined food products like White flour and wheat flour are harmful for the teeth. Bread, crackers, cookies, doughnuts, breakfast cereals, muffins, pastries, tortillas, bagels, and sandwiches should be avoided, even if they are brought from the health food store, or are organically labeled. This is because the more refined the food product is the more harm it can bring for your teeth.

Besides, these products contain carbohydrates which are rich in starch and simpler compounds which easily convert in to simpler components and cause tooth decay. Most of the foods which damage our teeth are sticky. Especially chewy and sticky products should be avoided as they stick to the tooth surface and provide good medium for caries activity.

FAST FOOD

Nowadays, most of the youngsters are consuming fast food; this is not only harmful for our body but also has adverse effect on teeth as well. This junk food lacks the necessary vitamins and minerals and destroys the tooth structure from its molecular levels, creating conditions for dental cavities formation.

CERTAIN BEVERAGES

Coffee, soft drinks, and juices with artificial flavors and coloring agents can cause tooth discoloration. In order to achieve a beautiful smile, you need to avoid beverages like tea and coffee and carbonated drinks. Besides, causing unwanted tooth discoloration these artificial ingredients influence the enamel structure by weakening the enamel surface and making teeth more susceptible to dental caries.

Sometimes milk which contains sugar can cause bottle caries or rampant caries in bottle feeding children. Continuous contact of bottle milk with the teeth can cause caries in children (baby bottle tooth decay), if the dental hygiene is not maintained properly. Such caries can be avoided by cleaning the teeth of infants and toddlers by using wet cotton gauze to wipe the teeth and gums.

Drinking excess alcohol damages the teeth surface by removing enamel from the tooth surface and hence causing tooth discoloration. It is also more prone to dental caries. Smoking is also responsible for tooth discoloration and dental decay.

WHAT’S GOOD FOR YOUR MOUTH…AND TEETH

Eating lots of fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables are good for the teeth. Meat, nuts and fish are also good for the teeth. Whatever you eat, if your dental hygiene is not good then you are more prone to dental cavity. A Proper brushing technique should d be followed and brushing should be done twice. Floss your teeth regularly and change your tooth brush very frequently. Get a regular check up done by a dentist every six months.

Just by following a good balanced diet, lifestyle changes and proper dental care, you can avoid dental cavity.

Are you dreaming of a white smile? Thanks to a variety of tooth whitening methods available, whitening your teeth has never been more accessible!
Before considering whitening your teeth, book an appointment for a check-up and cleaning with us, Southland Dental Care. Surface stains will need to be removed before whitening to achieve the best results. We will then determine if you are a candidate for tooth whitening.

Are You a Candidate for Tooth Whitening?

Not everyone can use tooth whitening solution. Here are some circumstances that may prevent the use of tooth whitening products.

• Teeth that have restorations, such as veneers or having been bonded with white fillings, cannot be whitened with hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These materials do not whiten past the color they were originally made. The color of these types of restorations were determined by the surrounding teeth. If the surrounding teeth are whitened, the restorations will stand out and look artificial. Replacing old or discolored restorations will allow you to change their appearance.
• Teeth that have internal staining, discoloration from developmental conditions or have been root canalled may not be affected by the typical whitening process. Internal tooth whitening or permanent restorations may be an option to consider.
• Natural tooth colors that are brown or gray in hue may not produce desired results. Typically, teeth with a yellow hue will produce the best results.
• Pregnant or nursing mothers should avoid whitening their teeth as there is not enough research to determine the safety of tooth whitening products during pregnancy or lactation.
• People with hypersensitive teeth should avoid tooth whitening, because this process may enhance the level of sensitivity they experience.

How Are Teeth Whitened?

Enamel, the first layer of tooth surface, is actually semi-translucent, or clear. The layer underneath the enamel, known as dentin, is typically yellow, but may be gray, brown or black. This hue is what is seen penetrating through the enamel. In order to whiten the dentin, a peroxide solution is placed on the enamel. This process opens the pores of the enamel, allowing the solution to reach the layer of dentin. The solution will then begin to lighten the dentin, resulting in the appearance of whiter teeth.

Several brands of tooth whitening products are on the market that all promise one thing — noticeable results. Professional in-office whitening, professional take-home whitening and over-the-counter whitening products remain the most common ways to whiten your teeth.

It is important to have realistic expectations when evaluating your final results; it may take several treatments to achieve a whiter smile. Whitening results may not be permanent, as your teeth will naturally pick up stain from foods or beverages or from tobacco use. Remember to brush and floss daily, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and examinations. Tooth whitening results will vary from person to person, so chose an option that will suit your specific need and budget.

At Southland Dental, we are always willing to give advice and tips on how to keep your smile gleaming white.

Many of us frequently use sugar free products with the aim to protect our teeth from harmful effects of sugar. Especially, parents like giving sugar free bars and products to their children in order to lower the risks of damaging children’s teeth. However, the specialists ring the bells saying that such products are very often overfilled with acidic and other types of additives, which can be not less but even more harmful to our teeth than sugar. The same can be said about sugar free drinks.

When choosing a product in the markets or shops, modern consumers usually look ate sugar content. But they do not realize that other ingredients can also be as bad. The specialists tested more than 85 popular sugar free snacks, including the ones of such popular brands as Kellogg’s and Nestle. It turned our that all of those products have harmful acidic elements, and the same can be said about commercial orange juice.

Acid damage is sometimes more dangerous than sugar damage, because it not only weakens the enamel and erodes the minerals in it. It also extremely increases sensitive teeth and makes tooth enamel more vulnerable for harmful activity of sugars. Many specialists consider acid erosion even more dangerous than damage  from sugar as the former causes enamel demineralization, and the latter is more likely linked to cavities and tooth decay. That is why we all should be careful of consuming sugar free foods thinking that the risks of damaging teeth are minimized.

Millions of people around the world put their health and well-being to risk by placing their toothbrushes in a close proximity to the lavatory which can be a source of thousands of harmful bacteria. When we flush our toilet, those pathogenic bacteria are sprayed around and land on various surfaces located around, including our toothbrushes. That is why it is dangerous to keep the toothbrushes in an opened container.

The scientists say that after flushing, harmful and lethal bacteria can fly up to six feet away from the lavatory. At that, according to the latest statistics, every second toothbrush is kept in less than 40 inches away from the lavatory. This way, thousands of harmful bacteria is found on such brushes, including Candida, streptococcus, ecoli and staphylococci. This situation requires immediate action for the sake of improving dental health of modern people.

Here are the final 10 things that can ruin your smile. While reading, you can learn tips and tricks on how to make sure your teeth stay sparkling white!

Hot drinks

Your hot-drink habit may be one reason your teeth look a little dingy. Black tea and coffee contain stain-promoting tannins that lodge into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface, which is sticky and can retain decay-producing bacteria.

Consume such beverages in moderation, drink more water every day, and add milk to your coffee or tea to help neutralize the acids.

Aging

As you age, you’re more susceptible to decay near old fillings or root surfaces unprotected by receding gums. But there’s no reason you can’t keep your teeth. Oral disease—not aging per se—is the danger.

Bumping up your fluoride protection is key. And if you have arthritis, there are dental products that can make brushing and flossing less painful.

Seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride rinses or gels regularly have fewer cavities.

Birth control pills

Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis. 

Additionally, some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills may have more trouble healing after tooth extractions and are twice as likely to develop painful dry sockets where the tooth used to be.

If you use birth control pills, it’s not a bad idea to discuss their effect with your dentist before major procedures.

Not flossing

Although many of us are much more diligent about brushing than flossing, they are equally important.

Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It’s the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults.

Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, and gives you a brighter smile by polishing the tooth’s surface; it even helps control bad breath.

Brushing at the wrong time

Although we’ve been taught to brush after every meal, depending on what you eat or drink, that’s not always the best advice.
After consuming high-acid food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits, and soft drinks, rinse with water to neutralize the acids, but wait an hour before reaching for the toothpaste.

Brushing teeth immediately after drinking carbonated drinks and acidic foods can cause erosion.

Overzealous whitening

It is not clear whether bleaching erodes tooth enamel, but it can increase sensitivity, especially when done too often.

 Even at-home whitening treatments should be used with moderation, as some whitening toothpastes and gels contain abrasive ingredients that can increase tooth sensitivity, which can be painful.

Plus, as you get older, whitening products can only do so much, so after a certain point, using more won’t necessarily do anything for your smile.

Soft drinks

Soft drinks are chock-full of sugar, which puts you at a risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum infections, and dark colas can also stain your teeth, leaving you with a lackluster smile. We recommend drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after consumption to neutralize the acids.

We also recommend waiting at least an hour before brushing.

Citrus and acidic food

Although lemons, grapefruits, and citrus juices don’t directly cause cavities, like soft drinks, they contain acids, which cause erosion of the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth and making it prone to decay.

Waiting to brush, rinsing your mouth with water, or chewing sugar-free gum can help. In particular, consider xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants and fruits that was FDA approved as a food additive in 1986.

Found in sugar-free gum, mints, and toothpastes, xylitol can inhibit the cavity-causing oral bacteria.

Dentists will often recommend patients chew at least two pieces per day if they are at high risk for developing cavities.

Tobacco

Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that. It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss.

Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face.

People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time, they wear away their tooth’s enamel, causing chipping and sensitivity.

Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding. Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it’s also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard.

The health complications of being overweight, such as increased risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, have long been reported. Health care professionals urge patients to manage their weight and strive to get physical exercise each day to achieve and maintain overall health.

Now, researchers have now uncovered another benefit of maintaining a fit lifestyle: healthy teeth and gums.

In a study published in the August issue of the Journal of Periodontology, researchers found that subjects who maintained a healthy weight and had high levels of physical fitness had a lower incidence of severe periodontitis. Using body mass index (BMI) and percent body fat as a measure of weight control, and maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) as a measure of physical fitness, researchers compared subjects’ weight and fitness variables with the results of a periodontal examination. Those with the lowest BMI and highest levels of fitness had significantly lower rates of severe periodontitis.

Here is an abstract of the study

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the supporting bone and tissues around the teeth. Gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, and research has suggested gum disease is associated with other diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Dr. Hanookai and Dr. Abaian believe that research connecting overall health and periodontal health should motivate people to maintain a healthy weight and get enough physical fitness.

They as well as the rest of Southland Dental Care encourage comprehensive periodontal care through daily tooth brushing and flossing, and routine visits to a dental professional, such as a periodontist, a specialist in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of gum disease.

Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it sparkling. But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough. Here are some factors that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.

Sports drinks

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren’t great for your teeth. Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth’s enamel.

Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as “food” for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Bottled water

Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply. However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).

Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible. Studies have confirmed that the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation.

Diabetes

Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, so you’re at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help. Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial.

Research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health.

Wine

Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel. Wine’s acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase dental staining. Still, you don’t have to give up your regular glass of vino to save your smile.

Enamel erosion develops when wine drinkers swish the wine, keeping it in constant contact with the enamel, so instead, take small sips and rinse with water when you’re done drinking,

Pregnancy

It’s especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you’re expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.

Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection. If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or rub your teeth with a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting, since it can lead to tooth decay.

Diet pills

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay. Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort.

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.

Candy

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won’t directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.

Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime. If you can’t brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids.

Puberty

The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores. But typically the gums only respond in such a manner if hygiene care is poor. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses daily, and sees a dentist regularly.

Dry mouth

A dry mouth isn’t just unpleasant, it’s bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids.Without saliva, you would lose your teeth much faster—it helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems.

Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if it’s a frequent problem.

Dieting

Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile. It’s especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.

Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease.

Find out the last 10 things that can ruin your smile…

Lumineers and porcelain veneers are often confused but are quite different. The difference between porcelain veneers and Lumineers are important to know so you can make the appropriate choice for your needs.

Commitment

Veneers are everlasting- a large amount of tooth enamel is removed, then the veneers are applied and they become your permanent teeth. Lumineers on the other hand do not remove much, if any, tooth enamel and can be removed once applied, if necessary. For permanence, Lumineers are the superior choice, but don’t make your mind up just yet.

For Lumineers, your Dentist will grind down about .2mm of enamel, almost none, and then place them on the surface for a brighter, whiter smile. For Porcelain veneers, your Dentist will shave down about .5mm, most of the tooth enamel, and then place them on the surface as well, butit is done much more invasively. With the Lumineers shaving down so little of the actual tooth, you are still able to have them removed and use your natural teeth if you decide you do not like them. Veneers, however, shave down most of the tooth leaving little of the natural enamel. Knowing this, you must be positive that you want veneers because they cannot be removed- you will not have much of your original teeth left.

What they can do

Lumineers are a  simple and perfect cure for small imperfections such as cracks, chips, and discoloration- they do not fix large problems like gaps and crooked teeth. Unlike Lumineers, Porcelain veneers can cure many different kinds of deformations or imperfection, such as genetic problems and cosmetic problems. Worn down enamel, abnormal spacing, discoloration, uneven teeth, and natural wear and tear from everyday use can all be fixed by Porcelain veneers.

Durability

Lumineers are very thin white pieces that get applied to your natural teeth. About the thickness of a contact lens, Lumineers are less noticeable when on. But due to the extreme thinness of Lumineers, they are much more susceptible to cracking and breaking. Porcelain veneers are a much more durable applicant that will not be damaged by everyday eating and drinking.

Cost

The cost of Porcelain veneers and Lumineers are very competitive. Their prices do not differ much, from about $600 to around $1,200. Lumineers cost about the same or a little bit more than porcelain veneers depending on the extensiveness of the individual’s complication.

Lumineers are for people who want a semi-permanent clean, bright, white smile who don’t want to endure an invasive procedure, who do not have any severe problems with their teeth and are ready for a new, bright, beautiful smile. Veneers are for those who have gaps and broken teeth that need more intense treatment and are ready to live with painless, clean, white teeth.

Choose wisely- both Lumineers and veneers are great methods to leave you with that movie star-like smile, and both will give you the confidence and happiness you are seeking.

Want more information on Lumineers or Porcelain Veneers? We’d be happy to help you. Please call us at: (818) 788-8787.