3D Cone-beam

Tuesday, June 07, 2011

In an early blog we talked about early detection is a must with any type of cancer, and with new innovative oral cancer screening equipment this can be done. On Wednesday, June 8, 2011 Dr. Oz will be discussing oral cancer screening and the VELscope, which is used at each professional cleaning visit at Tocci Dental. Early detection is a must as more people die from oral cancers than skin cancer. With each professional cleaning you have with us, we always keep a keen eye for telltale signs like lumps and discoloration, and for suspicious areas or roughness or of any change whatsoever. As always remember—as we do—the first step in prevention and successful treatment is awareness.

If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to speak with Dr. Tocci or your dental hygienist at your next visit. If you feel your need is urgent, feel free to call or contact us through our website and we will connect to answer your questions or schedule an exam.

Your oral wellness is our only objective!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Thursday, March 10, 2011

Do you often wonder how to protect your child's teeth from decay? Previously we discussed steps parents should take to help your child have healthy teeth (January 13, 2011 Blog). Today's information provides you with additional information to prevent tooth decay. A recent article found in Consumer Guide To Dentistry focuses on preventative measures to help you and your child. If you child does develop tooth decay, the treatment of baby teeth are treated the same as with permanent teeth. Have questions regarding caring for your child's teeth? For more information inquire at your next visit at Tocci Dental.

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Monday, February 28, 2011

As a dental hygienist, one of my toughest jobs is enforcing good home care. We do everything we can with you in the chair, but when you leave it is still our responsibility to teach how to maintain the health of your teeth and gums at home.

Our most frequent complaint about homecare is lack of flossing. Good brushing habits control most of the germs on the sides and tops of your teeth, but flossing is even more important that brushing when it comes to preventing gum disease, or improving areas that are already inflamed or bleeding. This is because the most common places for the germs that cause gum disease to multiply is down under the gums in between your teeth.

I’ve come across a great article on ways to overcome the most common reasons for avoiding daily flossing.
Flossing Teeth: No More Excuses!

Are there any other ways you have come up with to make flossing part of your day?
If you aren’t currently flossing daily, do you think any of these ideas would work for you?

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Thursday, February 17, 2011

After much discussion with our wonderful patients, there seems to be some confusion as to the difference between Listerine rinse and Fluoride rinse.

With all of the different multiple mouth rinses on the market, it is easy to be confused. Simply, Listerine is an antimicrobial that when used two times per day after regular brushing and flossing, will help to reduce the amount of bacteria in one’s mouth.

Fluoride rinse (e.g. Fluoriguard, ACT) has substantial research showing a decrease in decay and possibly re-mineralizing and strengthening the enamel on your teeth, a great help in preventing cavities.

What have your experiences been?

Are these products effective for you?

VS

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Many people suffer from jaw pain, discomfort and/or malfunction and don't realize this could be related to TMJ/TMD. There are a variety of symptoms that differ from one patient to another as discussed in Consumer Guide to Dentistry. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, please discuss with Dr. Tocci or your hygienist at your next visit at Tocci Dental. This is an area that Dr. Tocci specializes in.

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Friday, January 28, 2011

Dental insurance isn’t really insurance (a payment to cover the cost of a loss) at all. It is actually a money benefit, typically provided by an employer, to help their employees pay for routine dental treatment. The employer buys the plan based on the amount of the benefit and how much the premium costs per month. Most plans are designed to only cover a portion of the total cost. Even if your plan says that it will cover some procedures completely, this is seldom the case. The complete coverage they refer to is usually just what the carrier allows as total payment toward a procedure, not what any dentist may actually charge. So, the amount that will be paid is based on what your employer has negotiated as a benefit for you; tied more to the premium being paid to the insurance carrier rather than the fee for the service you need. Because of this, most patients find that there will be an amount that insurance doesn’t cover, even when they say they are paying 100%. That amount is your responsibility.

Most insurance plans specify how many of certain types of procedures they will consider annually. These include “cleanings”, periodontal (gum and bone) treatments, x-rays, and examinations, because these are the types of services that many people regularly need. Since they are “in demand” the carrier wants to limit how many they will cover. If they did not limit their payment toward these procedures, the employer’s premiums would be much higher. A way to think about this might be to compare dental benefits to what is covered under your car insurance. Accidents and damage to the car are typically covered; not replacement of windshield wiper blades, oil changes, or tires. Why is this? Replacement of wiper blades, oil, and tires occur frequently and would be expensive to include in any policy. Damage to a car, less frequently.

If you are wondering about your insurance coverage, a good place to start is the Employee Benefits Coordinator where you work. He/she will likely have the answers you are looking for. In addition, if you are unhappy with your insurance, or if you feel you are not getting the proper benefits, he/she is the best person to go to with your concerns. Most employers want their employers to receive the benefits for which they are paying. If the insurance is not paying correctly, they want to know.

Whether your insurance plan pays a little or a lot toward your dental treatment, it helps. However, it is a mistake to let your benefit plan tell you what treatment you should have. At Tocci Dental, Dr. Tocci will recommend treatment you need, your insurance plan has the responsibility of limiting payments.

We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

An overall healthy mouth is essential for your health. A healthy mouth aids in a healthy body!

Every day we see television commercials for toothpastes and mouthwashes. One would think that by simply using a certain brand of toothpaste, or a “special” commercial mouthwash, we could eliminate tooth decay and gingivitis. While it is true that fluoride toothpastes may be helpful in controlling tooth decay, they can’t do the job by themselves. As for mouthwashes; rinsing after eating can remove food particles, but can’t take the place of a thorough brushing. Tocci Dental offers prescription toothpastes and mouthwashes here for persons who need them. However, there is much you can do on your own to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. Here are some tips:

1. Brush for at least two minutes.
Two minutes is considered the minimum amount of time it takes to be effective when brushing. While this is not a long time period, you may be surprised by how long it seems when you are actually doing it! (Most of us brush for around 20 seconds!)All tooth surfaces that can be accessed with the brush should be thoroughly cleaned. This means the sides of the teeth toward the cheek, the sides of the teeth toward the tongue or palate, and the tops, or biting surfaces of the teeth. When brushing the cheek and tongue sides, angle the brush slightly “into” the gum area. Imagine that each of your teeth is sitting in its own little turtleneck sweater, and your job is to clean out the turtleneck. Aiming the bristles along the gum line, and then sweeping toward the biting surfaces removes food debris and plaque from the “turtleneck”. Don’t use a “sawing” motion on the cheek or tongue sides. This can actually contribute to gum recession and erosion of tooth root surfaces!

2. Use a soft bristle brush.
While it may seem that a hard or medium bristle brush would do a better job of cleaning the teeth, the opposite is true. Hard bristles may be okay on the biting surfaces, but they can damage the gum tissues and root surfaces, while leaving plaque behind. Soft bristles can be used safely around and under the “gum turtleneck” surrounding each tooth. Plaque and food can be removed without hurting tooth surfaces or your gums.

3. Change your brush every two months.
The bristles on a toothbrush get a lot of wear. It is definitely time for a change when they look frayed or flat. However, even before they are looking worn, the bristles may not be sufficiently sturdy to do a good job of cleaning. Also-change your toothbrush after you have been ill. Cold and flu germs can live on the bristles, and re-infect you after you get well! Needless to say-never share a toothbrush with other family members.

4. “Power” brushes can help.
A powered toothbrush typically provides rapid brush strokes that can help a person be more effective when cleaning their teeth. Usually they are also “timed” keeping track of the two-minute brushing sequence for you. If you think you need some help in the brushing department, a power brush might be good for you.

5. Use dental floss!
There is no better way to get between the teeth than dental floss. Floss can clean out the “turtleneck” of gum tissue that a brush can’t reach. If you don’t use floss you are missing 40% of the surfaces of your teeth! Cavities and gum disease thrive in the crevices between the teeth. Keep these areas clean to keep the teeth healthy.

In addition, keeping up with your regularly scheduled professional cleaning appointments with Tocci Dental will also help keep your teeth healthy!! Be sure to inquire at your next visit to Tocci Dental about our prescription toothpaste and other products (mouthwash, Smile Pics, etc.) to see if they would benefit your. We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Thursday, January 13, 2011

At Tocci Dental we know that all parents want their children to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. Keeping teeth healthy begins at a very young age. Take this true/false test to learn more.

1. Parents should begin cleaning their child’s teeth as soon as the first tooth appears.

TRUE-You should begin cleaning your baby’s teeth right from the start. When the first tooth appears, you can use a soft damp cloth, or an extra-soft bristle brush, (no toothpaste). This performs two functions. It keeps the baby’s teeth clean, and it helps the baby become accustomed to having his mouth cleaned.

2. Parents should brush their child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste.

FALSE-While fluoride toothpaste is of significant value in reducing cavities, a young child may swallow the paste instead of spitting it out. Refrain from using fluoride toothpaste until your child is old enough to understand that she should not swallow the paste. (This may be around 2 or 3 years of age.) Also-keep fluoride toothpaste or any other products containing fluoride out of your child’s reach. Many of these items have pleasant flavorings and your child may think they are “treats”. Think of fluoride as you would any medication. You would not leave children’s pain-relievers where your child could get to them. Pain relievers are of significant value when used correctly, but they can also be dangerous! Used correctly, fluoride has helped millions of people avoid tooth decay. However, too much can be harmful.

3. Use enough fluoride toothpaste to “cover” the top of the toothbrush.

FALSE- Once a child is old enough for fluoride toothpaste, use only a pea-sized amount on the brush.

4. Parents should encourage their young children to brush twice a day.

FALSE-Parents should take charge of brushing their child’s teeth until he or she is old enough to do it adequately. While each child is different, this might not be until age 6 or 7. Young children do not have the coordination to brush their teeth correctly and may simply be swishing the brush around the mouth. Also, because we know that two-minutes is the minimum amount of time for adequate brushing; enforcing this may be difficult with a very young child. When the parent decides that the child is ready to begin taking on brushing, the parent may allow the child to brush alone in the morning, but brush her teeth for her at night. In this way, food debris and plaque is removed before the child goes to sleep, and therefore is not allowed to do its’ damage during the nighttime hours.

5. Parents should avoid putting a baby to bed with a bottle.

TRUE-Allowing a child to fall asleep with a bottle can be extremely harmful to her teeth. In fact, there is a term for the rampant tooth destruction that this can cause; “baby bottle syndrome”. When a child falls to sleep with a mouth coated with milk, formula, juice, or any other sweetened liquid, bacterial invasion of the teeth is assured and cavities will develop. This is painful and unsightly and a very bad way for a child to start off in life.

6. Sucking on hard sugared candy, chewing sugared gum, and drinking sugared soft drinks cause tooth decay.

TRUE- This is an easy one. The presence of sugar in the mouth provides an environment that bacteria love. The longer the sugar is present in the mouth, the more the bacteria can grow. The teeth literally receive a “sugar bath” when a child is sucking on candy or chewing sugar gum. This is why a diet consisting of large amounts of sugar contributes to tooth decay, among other problems. If you give your child sweets, have him at least rinse his mouth afterward. (Brushing is best).

These tips are just a few of the ways you can help your child grow up with healthy teeth. In addition, Dr. Tocci highly recommends that children visit our office for their dental check ups. We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Tuesday, January 04, 2011

One of the most valuable services you can receive from Tocci Dental is your professional dental cleaning. In the past, you may have thought of this service as “just a cleaning” or simply “polishing teeth”. You are not alone. In fact, many patients believe that coming in for regular cleanings is not very important. After all, nothing is hurting, no “fillings” or crowns are being prepared or placed, and you brush your teeth every day. Right?

The truth is, a professional dental cleaning is an important service Dr. Tocci and your dental hygienist provide to help you prevent the emergence or growth of dental disease. The dental term for a professional cleaning is prophylaxis, which is “a measure taken for the prevention of a disease or condition”. In dentistry, a prophylaxis, or professional dental cleaning, functions as just that.

The mouth is a breeding ground for all types of bacteria and infections; so preventing these problems from overwhelming a person’s defenses is very important. Your oral health and the possible development of gum and bone disease are not the only considerations. Your general health is greatly affected as well! In recent years the importance of reducing or eliminating mouth bacteria and infections has become well known. While your dentist and dental hygienist have always realized that the bacteria that breed and spread in the mouth can have a negative affect on your general health; this fact is finally being recognized by the medical world as a whole. Conditions in the mouth can make systemic diseases (diseases that affect the entire body) much worse. Keeping the oral bacterial load under control has never been more important. Here’s why:

• Studies show that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important factors in periodontal (gum and bone) disease. Bacterial byproducts and the inflammation they can cause in the body can also be major factors in the development of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and other serious problems. What does this mean? It appears that inflammation is a significant link between systemic (body) disease and oral disease.
• Inflammation is the first response of the immune system to injury, infection or irritation. When the body’s immune system senses an infection, a series of reactions begins which are designed to protect the entire body, not just the area directly involved. However, if an infection in the mouth persists, the inflammatory process can never shut down! The body thinks it is under constant attack.
• Periodontal (gum and bone) disease typically begins from bacteria growing around the teeth, causing infection and starting up the body’s inflammatory response. The combined “one-two punch” of bacterial attack plus inflammatory reaction causes destruction of the gum tissues and bone around the teeth.

A professional cleaning can be the first step in getting your mouth bacteria under control so that your dental health is protected and your immune system can function normally.

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Wednesday, December 22, 2010

People sometimes believe that bleeding when brushing is normal. They say that their gums always bleed and so do their other family member’s. Are bleeding gums normal?

The short answer is No. Healthy gums do not bleed with brushing or flossing. In fact, bleeding gums is a sign of gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. If you watch TV, you have heard of gingivitis. A multimillion dollar industry surrounds various types of products that are purported to eliminate gingivitis. The problem is, most of the products don’t really work. They can make your mouth “feel” clean, but the source of the gingivitis remains. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Gingivitis is caused from an inflammation of the gum tissues. This inflammation can be from caused from a bacterial infection or some other type of irritation. It is known that there are at least 11 different strains of bacteria that can cause gum and bone disease. These bacteria thrive in dark, moist areas, such as the gum tissues around the teeth. Our immune systems recognize that there is a problem and send out cells to get rid of the bacteria. Blood to the infected area is also increased to help flush away the invaders. However, if the invaders don’t go, our tissues become engorged with blood and our gums can bleed when we brush.
2. Bleeding is sometimes the “first alert” to more damaging problems arising. Because gum and bone disease can exist in the absence of other noticeable symptoms, bleeding may be the only sign a person notices; until some destruction of bone has already occurred.
3. Brushing with a soft bristle brush or a soft bristle “power” brush and using dental floss can reduce plaque, which is a soft, sticky substance that forms on our teeth. Plaque is a breeding ground for bacteria.
4. Prescription products, such as medicinal mouth rinses and pastes can help. These provide ingredients known to reduce bacteria.
5. Professional cleaning or prophylaxis, where the dentist or hygienist removes plaque, calculus (also known as tartar-a hard deposit), and stains also reduces bacteria.
6. If bleeding continues, or if you have “pockets” that are 4mm or deeper around any of your teeth, root planing may be needed. Root planing is not the same as a professional cleaning. It is a more extensive procedure to rid the teeth of germs and deposits.
7. Since bleeding gums may be the first sign of a mouth infection, and since infections in the mouth are related to many chronic illness, such as diabetes and heart disease, a mouth infection is nothing to ignore.

There are sometimes other serious reasons for gums that bleed. These include blood disorders, clotting disorders, liver problems, kidney disorders, artery or capillary diseases, and diabetes and heart problems. Bleeding gums can also be the result of vitamin C and K deficiencies. Fungal infections are implicated with bleeding tissues, as well as certain medications such as aspirin and blood thinners.

What should you look for?
• Bleeding gum tissue upon brushing or flossing
• Red, tender or swollen gums
• A bad taste in the mouth
• Recession of gums from the teeth
• Sensitive teeth,
• Bad breath

If you have any of these symptoms, Dr. Tocci and your hygienist can help. Gums that bleed are not normal and that's why your professional dental cleanings are so important. It is one of the most valuable services you can receive from Tocci Dental!

Please talk with Dr. Tocci and your hygienist at your next visit with us. We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Oral Cancer Screening - Are you at Risk?

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Pediatric Tooth Decay

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Do you floss? Or, do you often find excuses not to?

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Listerine vs. Fluoride Rinse

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How's your jaw feeling? Pain, discomfort and/or malfunction......

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Dental Insurance - What do you know about your insurance coverage?

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How do you keep your teeth and mouth healthy?

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Healthy Teeth - Beautiful Smile Is What We Want For Our Children

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One of the most valuable services you can receive from Tocci Dental....

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Bleeding teeth? Bleeding Gums? Is it normal?

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