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Pediatric Tooth Decay

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

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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Listerine vs. Fluoride Rinse

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

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

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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Bleeding teeth? Bleeding Gums? Is it normal?

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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Dental X-rays - Are all your questions answered?

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

An important tool for any dentist including Dr. Tocci here at Tocci Dental Associates are dental x-rays.  Dental x-rays are used to determine what is going on in your mouth. Without these pictures, Dr. Tocci is limited to just what he can see on the tops of your teeth. It is impossible to see between the teeth or under the gums and bone without dental radiographs. It would be like taking your car to your mechanic and asking him to figure out what is wrong with the engine without opening the hood!

Patients often have questions concerning x-rays. Here are some answers.

How often should I have dental x-rays?
Dental radiographs are prescribed based on what you need as an individual. There are guidelines available from the ADA, however, Dr. Tocci will determine what you require after factoring in your general health history, including any conditions making you more prone to dental problems, your dental history, including frequency of decay and cavities, any periodontal concerns, such as gingivitis and gum and bone disease, and any other issues that might impact your oral health. For example, a person who has had many cavities in the past will need x-rays taken more frequently than a person who has had little decay.

How much radiation is in dental x-rays?
At Tocci Dental Associates  we use digital sensors to take your radiographs. These use a fraction of the radiation required for most medical x-rays. For example, a chest x-ray uses 0.080 mSV (mSV is a millisievert, which is a unit of measurement for radiation) while four decay detecting radiographs uses only 0.038. Another way of looking at it is four dental x-rays expose a person to less radiation than a person receives simply living in Denver, Colorado. Even though the amount of radiation is small, we will cover you with a lead shield so that only your teeth and mouth area are receiving any x-rays.

Can you use the x-rays from my previous dentist?

We can absolutely use the x-rays from your previous dentist as long as they are recent and have good, clear images on them. Let us know if you have had radiographs taken during the past few months and we will help you get them to us.

Will my insurance cover my x-rays?

Many dental plans cover x-rays, however your particular plan will specify how many dental x-rays it will consider paying a portion of each year. Some plans limit the number of radiographs and other services such as professional teeth cleaning and gum treatments it will pay because these are the types of procedures many people need to have frequently. Since they are needed often, the insurance plan limits how many they will pay toward.

Can you take care of my dental needs without x-rays?

The simple answer to this is “no”. Dental x-rays are essential to correctly diagnosing a person’s dental problems. Even if a patient wants to sign a “waiver” stating that he/she has refused x-rays according to their personal wishes; any dentist who treats that person knows better. Doctors cannot provide care for patients based on an incomplete diagnosis. From a legal standpoint a patient cannot give consent for a dentist to be negligent. So-radiographs are necessary and essential to the care of dental needs.

 We are always happy to help and welcome your questions. 

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Chronic Illness is Related to Mouth Germs!!

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

The dental profession has known for decades that the condition of a person’s mouth is directly related to their overall, general health and well-being. Now it appears that the medical community at large is recognizing and even encouraging more research into this connection. It turns out that inflammation and bacterial infections in the mouth are linked to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even pregnancy issues! Taking care of your teeth and gums is not just about having an attractive smile, it can be essential in staying healthy.

What do we know?
We know that bacterial infection and tissue inflammation are important factors in the development of gum and bone (periodontal) disease. We know that inflammation is also a major factor in the development or worsening of many chronic illnesses. Ironically, inflammation is the first response of a healthy immune system to injury, infection or irritation. It is only when the inflammation spreads or the source of the injury, infection or irritation is allowed to continue, that the entire body suffers.

Here’s why:
• Blood vessels dilate around the site of an infection, often causing swelling, redness and heat. White (infection killing) cells rush to an affected area with the purpose of surrounding the bacteria and preventing their spread.
• If the infection and the source of the infection is eliminated by the white cells, the situation is resolved. If the cause of the inflammation does not go away or gets worse, the inflammatory process continues.
• If the inflammatory process is overwhelmed by infection, the white cells just keep trying. The body recognizes trouble in the system and continues to ignite defenses. If nothing is done about the source of an infection, the swelling, heat, and attack of the white cells will affect more than just the bacteria. Damage can occur to organs, blood vessels, joints and even nerves.
• An overstressed inflammatory system also does not do its job of killing bacteria. They can spread and eventually travel throughout the body, doing even more damage.
• So, if bacteria in the mouth are not controlled, which is what can happen in chronic gum and bone (periodontal) disease, the body may never shut down the “full body” inflammatory process. Why? Because the cause of the inflammation, the bacteria in the mouth, continue to incite the process. It can just go on and on.
• The longer bacteria and the inflammation they cause are allowed to spread from the mouth, the higher the chance for damage to the body as a whole.

What can we do?
Here at Tocci Dental we have many methods of helping people control bacteria in the mouth. We actively look for and treat periodontal disease so that our patients can maintain a healthy immune system. This may include more frequent professional cleanings, or more extensively; root planing and scaling of the teeth to remove diseased tissues and bacteria. In some cases certain medicines may be recommended, and we will provide you with detailed home care instructions and help with your daily mouth cleaning routines. With the mouth germs brought under control, the body’s immune system can begin the healing process.

Even if no dentist has ever previously told you that you need gum and bone care, new conditions require new treatment. It is not uncommon for even “regular” patients to develop mouth infections from time to time and need more than “just a cleaning” such as they have had in the past. Just as a person may develop high blood pressure, having never had it in the past, so may a person develop gum and bone disease. Our bodies change and face challenges all the time.

At Tocci Dental we are here to help you maintain the health of your mouth, which in turn will make you a healthier person.

We are always happy to help!

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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Mouthguards - Mandatory for all sports?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Do you where a mouthguard for the sports you play?  Does your son/daughter where a mouthguard for the sports they play?  The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: acrobats, basketball, boxing, field Hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shot putting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, wrestling.  If you have teeth and want to keep them Tocci Dental highly recommends wearing a mouthguard.  To learn more about sports dentistry and mouthguards  visit Sports Dentistry and Mouthguards.  At Tocci Dental we fabricate custom mouthguards as well as Under Armour Performance Mouthwear. Let us know what you think about making mouthguards mandatory for all sports at all levels.

 

Posted by Donna Pinzone

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