Brush your teeth twice a day to a healthier heart

The California Dental Association Foundation in collaboration with several other organizations and state and national agencies have come up with some new guidelines to help pregnant women get the best treatment possible. During pregnancy, many women ignore or avoid dental care, and are sometimes even advised to postpone treatment - when in reality - good oral health and controlling dental disease protects a woman's health and quality of life before and during pregnancy. It also decreases the chances of the mother transmitting harmful bacteria to their newborn children. They came up with a long list of recommendations for health care professionals to help pregnant women get the oral care they need to be as healthy as possible.
One of their recommendations is to - "encourage all women at their first prenatal visit to schedule a dental examination if one has not been performed in the past six months, or if a new condition has developed or is suspected." Their study also shows that the use of local anesthetics and x-rays as needed provide more benefits than risks to the pregnant mother.
The full report of all their recommendations is provided in the link below. It provides some nice "bullet" lists for both providers and patients.

Recommendations for pregnant women and dental care

A word of caution - some yogurts have lots of sugar, and those types of yogurts may reduce the anti-cavity benefits of the yogurt. A link to the article can be found below.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1283673/Yoghurt-slashes-risk-children-developing-tooth-decay-22-cent.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

In The Dentist's Chair A Sniff Of Local Anesthetic Could Replace The Needle

I will be keeping an eye on this possible technology.

Here is a copy of the interview below...........

An Interview With Dr. William D. Payne, DMD , A Qualified Dentist For Moms In Salem
1. Do Invisalign braces cost more than regular braces?

Invisalign braces will generally cost about the same or slightly more than regular braces. It just depends on the office and your particualr case.

2. These Invisalign invisible braces (aligners) seem to be plastic; why should they cost more?

Each Invisalign aligner is designed by computers and specialists, and each one is made by computers and robots. There are many steps to manufacture each individual custom aligner. This cost is not for the material cost of the plastic but for the work involved to make each one.

3. Can Invisalign treat all of the problems that braces can?

Invisalign can treat many common orthodontic problems like crowding of teeth, but more complicated problems need to be treated with regular orthodontics.

4. Do I have to wear the aligners all the time?

Yes - you need to wear Invisalign aligners all the time except for when you are eating or drinking or brushing and flossing your teeth.

5. What happens if I lose an aligner?

If you lose an Invisalign aligner - just call your dentist and they can order a new one. Or sometimes if it is close to when you were giong to change aligners anyway - you can move to the next aligner in the series.

6. Will I need further treatment in the future?

You will generally need to wear retainers afterwards, if you want to keep your teeth nice and straight. Sometimes, after straightening your teeth you will need some cosmetic dentistry to make them look perfect.

http://www.cosmeticdentistryusa.org/salem/cosmetic-dentistry-salem.php

Here is a copy of the interview.........

1. Is there a difference in quality among various types of veneers and crowns?

Yes - there can be a huge difference between the look and quality of different veneers and crowns. The natural look is the ultimate blend of science and artistry. The skill of the dentist in doing the work and picking the right materials for each individual case are important. And the time, effort and artistic talents of the lab technician are also a huge factor. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages - and it is up to the skills of the dentist and the lab technician to pick the right materials for the job.

2. What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?

Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth colored composite material that can alter the shape and color of a tooth. It is commonly used as a white filling material. It is generally less expensive than a porcelain veneer, but it tends not to be as strong or natural looking as a porcelain veneer. It will pick up discoloration over the years and will need to be replaced more often than porcelain veneers.

3. What can be done for excessive gum tissue?

Laser gum treatments can be used to correct minor amounts of excessive gum tissue. Larger amounts of excessive gum tissue need to be treated using orthodontics, gum surgery or jaw surgery or any combination above. It just depends on the case. There are also some cosmetic lip procedures that can be used to hide excessive gum tissue.

4. Is cosmetic dental work expensive?

Cosmetic dental wok can be expensive if it involves a lot of work on a lot of different teeth. It is like having custom jewerly done many times over. Cosmetic dentistry can be relatively inexpensive if you only need minor treatments to make your smile the way you want it. It all depends on what you need and want. How much is the self confidence of a beautiful smile worth?

5. What about my dental insurance? Will it cover this?

Dental insurance will cover some parts of cosmetic dentistry, but there are usually out of pocket costs involved for the patient also.

6. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories:

Extrinsic discoloration -- This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained by coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic discoloration -- This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.

Age-related discoloration -- This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged. In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations.

http://www.bizymoms.com/salem/dentists/salem-tooth-whitening.php

Here is a copy of the interview........

An Interview with Dr. William D. Payne on Tooth Whitening
Dr. William D. Payne is a dentist and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tooth Whitening.

Q. What is tooth whitening?

A. Everybody loves a bright white smile, and there are a variety of products and procedures available to help you improve the look of yours.

Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with a fluoride-containing toothpaste, cleaning between their teeth once a day and the regular cleanings at your dentist' s office. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.

You can take several approaches to whiten your smile:

1) In-office bleaching;
2) At-home bleaching;
3) Whitening toothpastes

Q. Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

A. Anyone who wants whiter teeth

Q. Who are not recommended to undergo teeth whitening?

A. People who have temperature sensitive teeth may not want to whiten their teeth because one side effect of whitening can be increased temperature sensitivity. There are some products that can help with the sensitivity - but you would really need to talk to your dentist to figure out if it is right for you. Also people who are sensitve to the whitening products may not be able to whiten their teeth.

Q. What does tooth whitening involve?

A. What is in-office bleaching?

If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office.
This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.

During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

Q. What are at-home procedures and products?

A. There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.

Bleaching solutions. These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels carry the ADA Seal.

You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritations either from a tray that doesn't fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. "Whitening"
toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

Q. How long does this take?

A. It can take a couple of hours to a few weeks depending on the type of whitening you choose.

Q. How much does tooth whitening cost?

A. Anywhere from $200 - $900 depending on the type of treatment you choose.

Q. What are the side effects?

A. The main side effect is temperature sensitivity. It will go away when you are done bleaching. Some people have no sensitivity at all and others can have severe sensitivity.

Dr. William D. Payne

How Does Oral Appliance Therapy Work?
Custom made oral appliances reposition the tongue and lower jaw forward during sleep to maintain an open airway. Dentists trained in dental sleep medicine know how to select, fabricate, fit, and adjust these devices, which look like mouth guards, to help patients breathe freely during sleep.
Follow-up visits and post-adjustment sleep studies help dentists determine if oral appliance therapy is effectively treating their patients' sleep apnea.
Dentists are not permitted to diagnose sleep apnea. Diagnosis should be done at an accredited sleep center (www.sleepcenters.org).

Who should use an oral appliance?
Oral Appliance Therapy is indicated for mild to moderate OSA patients if they prefer it to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), or if they cannot tolerate CPAP, or they are unable to use positional therapy or weight loss to control their apnea.
Oral appliances are also recommended for severe OSA patients if they cannot tolerate CPAP. Patients with severe OSA should always try CPAP before considering oral appliance therapy. Patients with severe OSA usually need combination therapy.

As we move forward with our blog, we hope to promote dental awareness as a vital part of your healthy lifestyle. Here you will find a variety of articles and topics including dental news, advancements in dental technology and treatment, practical dental health advice and updates from Dr. Payne and his staff.

We hope you find our blog to be helpful, engaging and informational to ensure your best dental health.
As always, feel free to contact us with any dental questions or concerns.

--Dr. William D. Payne

Veneer FAQ

Here is a copy of the interview below.........

An Interview With Dr. William D. Payne, DMD , A Qualified Dentist For Moms In Salem
1. Is there a difference in quality among various types of veneers and crowns?

Yes - there can be a huge difference between the look and quality of different veneers and crowns. The natural look is the ultimate blend of science and artistry. The skill of the dentist in doing the work and picking the right materials for each individual case are important. And the time, effort and artistic talents of the lab technician are also a huge factor. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages - and it is up to the skills of the dentist and the lab technician to pick the right materials for the job.

2. What is bonding and how is it different from a veneer?

Cosmetic bonding uses a tooth colored composite material that can alter the shape and color of a tooth. It is commonly used as a white filling material. It is generally less expensive than a porcelain veneer, but it tends not to be as strong or natural looking as a porcelain veneer. It will pick up discoloration over the years and will need to be replaced more often than porcelain veneers.

3. What can be done for excessive gum tissue?

Laser gum treatments can be used to correct minor amounts of excessive gum tissue. Larger amounts of excessive gum tissue need to be treated using orthodontics, gum surgery or jaw surgery or any combination above. It just depends on the case. There are also some cosmetic lip procedures that can be used to hide excessive gum tissue.

4. Is cosmetic dental work expensive?

Cosmetic dental wok can be expensive if it involves a lot of work on a lot of different teeth. It is like having custom jewerly done many times over. Cosmetic dentistry can be relatively inexpensive if you only need minor treatments to make your smile the way you want it. It all depends on what you need and want. How much is the self confidence of a beautiful smile worth?

5. What about my dental insurance? Will it cover this?

Dental insurance will cover some parts of cosmetic dentistry, but there are usually out of pocket costs involved for the patient also.

6. What causes the discoloration of a tooth?

Your teeth can become discolored by stains on the surface or by changes in the tooth material. Dentists divide discoloration into three main categories:

Extrinsic discoloration -- This occurs when the outer layer of the tooth (the enamel) is stained by coffee, wine, cola or other drinks or foods. Smoking also causes extrinsic stains.

Intrinsic discoloration -- This is when the inner structure of the tooth (the dentin) darkens or gets a yellow tint. Causes include excessive exposure to fluoride during early childhood, the maternal use of tetracycline antibiotics during the second half of pregnancy and the use of tetracycline antibiotics in children 8 years old or younger.

Age-related discoloration -- This is a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors. In addition to stains caused by foods or smoking, the dentin naturally yellows over time. The enamel that covers the teeth gets thinner with age, which allows the dentin to show through. Chips or other injuries to a tooth can also cause discoloration, especially when the pulp has been damaged. In rare cases, children with a condition called dentinogenesis imperfecta are born with gray, amber or purple discolorations.

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