Customized Mouthguards for the Whole Family

Spring has sprung and if you or your family plays any type of sports, talk to your dentist about a custom-made mouthguard.

According to the American Dental Association everyone who participates in a sport, whether recreational, amateur, or professional, should wear a mouthguard. ADA research shows that mouth injuries occur when men, women, children, and teens are not wearing mouthguards. Wearing a mouth protector can help prevent cuts on the tongue, inside the cheeks and jaw injuries. Mouthguards can also prevent knocked out or broken teeth and gum injuries.

It’s not just football and hockey players who should wear mouthguards. Your dentist recommends custom-made mouthguards for surfers, skateboarders, soccer players, baseball players, and people who participate in martial arts. You should also consider a mouth protector if you or a member of your family plays water polo, is involved in gymnastics or enjoys mountain biking.

There are three types of mouth protectors available. Stock or readymade, Boil and Bite and custom made. Although all three provide some protection, they are all different.

Stock or readymade mouthguards are formed and come ready to wear. Unfortunately, because stock mouth protectors are not made to fit, it can be difficult to talk and even breathe. Stock mouthguards are available at your local sporting goods store.

Boil and Bite mouth protectors are a bit better than stock mouthguards as they provide a better fit because they are softened in boiling water before being placed in the mouth for a more customized fit. More comfortable than stock or readymade mouthguards boil and bite mouth protectors can be found at the pharmacy or a local sports store.

The best and most comfortable mouthguard is custom fitted by your dentist. Custom fitted mouthguards are more expensive in the long run, but because they are softer and more comfortable are less likely to end up unworn in the gym locker.

Although the majority of mouthguards are made to fit the top teeth, your dentist may recommend a customized mouth protector for your lower teeth.

When choosing a mouthguard make sure that it is comfortable and that you can easily talk and breathe. If you wear a mouth appliance, such as braces, schedule an appointment with your dentist who can advise you on the best mouth protector for your particular needs.

Root Canal Therapy Can Be Avoided

If those two little words, “Root Canal,” make you cringe with fear, you need to schedule an appointment with your dentist, especially if you have been avoiding that nasty little toothache.

As with most things, prevention is worth a pound of cure. If you avoid the situation and do not take care of your tooth sensitivity, pain or swelling you could make the situation worse as the majority of the time a Root Canal could have been prevented had you scheduled regular checkups with your dentist in Rancho Mirage.

Root Canal Therapy is necessary when the pulp inside of your tooth is diseased or has died. If left to its own devices a diseased tooth could cause serious pain and become infected. Once infection sets in you could be asking for an abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible as the infection could go to other parts of your body, and in some cases, according to the American Dental Association, could send you straight to the ER.

Root Canal Therapy, also known as Endodontic therapy is a treatment used to remove the infection from the roots in your teeth. The roots in your teeth are filled with nerves, blood vessels, and tissue that can sometimes become infected if the tooth has become decayed. Root Canal Therapy removes the pulp from your tooth using dental tools that actually decontaminate the roots. Once the roots are hallowed, your dentist will get rid of the infection using dental files to widen the root canals. This process removes infected tissue and debris while helping save the tooth. After the roots have been filed, your dentist may treat the infection with an antibiotic before filling with an inert material.

Depending on the severity of the infection, your dentist may fill the tooth with a temporary crown to allow the infection to heal with antibiotics. If this is not necessary, your tooth will be permanently filled before being topped with a dental crown.   

If you have persistent pimples on your gums or around a tooth or teeth, experience swelling or a nagging toothache, you may need Root Canal Therapy.

Don’t wait until it is too late. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Rancho Mirage who can determine if Root Canal Therapy is necessary. 

The Perfect Smile with Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns have certainly changed over the years, and thanks to modern dentistry, you can have your existing crowns replaced or new crowns placed with dental restorations that look and feel just like your own natural teeth.  

According to the American Dental Association, porcelain jacket crowns were made in the early 1900’s, but unfortunately were not very efficient. During the 1950’s, dental crowns were a real possibility as porcelain was fused to metal. These days, crowns are made out of a high-grade porcelain or porcelain that is bonded to gold. Most dentists recommend higher strength materials for more serious dental problems such as lost teeth, excessive wear, and old filling breakdown.

Dental Crowns are used to replace missing teeth and offer support to broken or misshaped teeth. Dental Crowns look and feel natural and can fix a smile while taking care of chewing problems.

If you are experiencing pain in your back teeth, you may have a hairline crack. Your dentist may decide to place Dental Crowns on the teeth in order to relieve the pain. Crowns on your molars will also allow you to return to full dental function.

Porcelain Crowns and Bridges are used in the front teeth to replace older fillings that might be chipped or stained. Porcelain Crowns are also used where Porcelain Veneers are unsuitable.

Your dentist may also recommend a Dental Crown over Root Canals to prevent breakage.

If the damage to your tooth or teeth is extreme, your dentist may use Porcelain or Porcelain fused to gold Dental Crowns. Your dentist explains that Dental Crowns can last for twenty to thirty years if you practice good oral hygiene.

Dental Crown fitting takes two or more dental appointments. During your first visit, your dentist will remove the tooth decay before shaping the tooth and fitting it with a temporary Dental Crown made from metal or plastic.

During your next visit, your dentist will take out the temporary crown before fitting and adjusting your new permanent Dental Crown. The final step in the process is cementing your new Dental Crown in place.

If you would like more information regarding Dental Crowns, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. A beautiful smile really is just a phone call away. 

How Smoking Affects Oral Health

Kicking that nasty cigarette or cigar habit will not only do wonders for that nagging cough, but will also help your teeth and gums.

According to Web MD, Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can cause serious damage to your teeth and gums. If you use tobacco, and that includes the popular Hookah Pipe, your teeth will eventually become discolored and you will have bad breath. 

Smoking also causes inflammation on the roof of your mouth where some of your salivary gland openings are located, and tartar and plaque on your teeth and gums. If that isn’t reason enough to kick the habit, smoking, and smokeless tobacco products can lead to increased jawbone loss and an increased risk for oral cancer. Smoking and smokeless tobacco products can also delay healing after dental treatments such as tooth extraction, oral surgery, and periodontal treatment. Smokers and people who use smokeless tobacco products have a lower success rate when it comes to Dental Implants and have more chance of developing periodontal disease than people who do not smoke.

Bad oral hygiene isn’t the only thing that causes gingivitis and periodontal disease. According to recent studies and your dentist in Rancho Mirage, smoking actually interferes with normal gum tissue cell function making smokers and those who use smokeless tobacco products more susceptible to gum disease. Smoking also impairs the flow of blood to your gums, which could affect your ability to heal quickly.

Cigars and pipes lead to just as many oral health issues as cigarettes. In fact, cigar smokers suffer from jawbone loss just as much as cigarette smokers do. Although pipe and cigar smokers do not inhale, all are still at risk when it comes to throat and oral cancer as well as stained teeth and bad breath.

Dr. Randall Szutz explains that smokeless tobacco isn’t any better. Chewing tobacco and snuff contain more than 28 harmful chemicals that will increase your risk of esophageal, throat and oral cancer. Have a single snuff, and you are giving your body more nicotine than 60 cigarettes. Chewing tobacco also irritates your gums making them pull away or recede leading to tooth loss. Once your roots are exposed, you will become more sensitive to temperature changes making eating uncomfortable. If that isn’t reason enough to throw out that can of snuff. 

The Journal of the American Dental Association discovered that people who use smokeless tobacco products were more than four times more likely to develop dental caries as snuff has added sugar in order to enhance its flavor.

If you are having trouble kissing your smokes goodbye, schedule an appointment with your dentist who may be able to help you understand how dangerous smoking is for your body and your teeth and gums.

Contact your Dentist in Rancho Mirage if you Have Bad Breath

If those party invitations are becoming few and far between, it may have something to do with your breath. Chronic halitosis is a big turnoff, especially if you are on the receiving end. Unfortunately, sometimes even your closest friends will not utter those four little words, “You have bad breath.”

Thankfully, there is something you can do about your halitosis. If you do not use tobacco, and have ruled out chronic infections, kidney or liver ailments, dry mouth, diabetes, odorous foods, or systemic diseases, it most probably has something to do with your oral hygiene, and that is where your Dentist in Rancho Mirage can help.

Poor dental habits are the number one cause of chronic halitosis. In fact, more than 60 million adults in America suffer from it.

You really are what you eat, and if you are not brushing twice, flossing once a day and seeing your Rancho Mirage Dentist regularly you are inviting gingivitis and its worse relative, periodontal disease into your teeth and gums.

According to Web MD, the foods that you eat are broken down by the acids in your mouth and will be absorbed in your lungs and eventually carried to your support system, your lungs. Garlic, onions, and those spicy ethnic meals that you love could be the culprit when it comes to your bad breath.

Brushing, flossing and mouthwash are only masking the odor as these types of foods will never go away completely until they have passed through your entire body, which can take more than 72 hours after you have digested them. If you love to eat spicy tacos, curry laden with garlic or deep-fried onion rings, you may want to enjoy when you are on your own, or with someone who could care less about your bad breath.

By far the worst thing you can do is not brush or floss. Brushing and flossing will get rid of the food particles and bacteria that cause chronic halitosis in the first place. Be sure and take care around your gums and do not forget to brush your tongue, as this is where bacteria will truly thrive.

Other causes of chronic halitosis include poorly fitting dentures and chronic dieting. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Randall W. Szutz in Rancho Mirage who will be able to determine the root cause of your chronic bad breath.

White Teeth for Life with your Rancho Mirage Dentist

Wouldn’t it be great if you could whiten your Teeth for Life? Well, now you can thanks to modern technology and the cosmetic dental expertise from your Dentist in Rancho Mirage.

Those whitening strips, tooth whitening pastes and mouthwashes may work for a while, but these types of over the counter whitening products are only temporary. If you want to keep that beautiful smile, you will have to use them for as long as you want white teeth.

Dr. Randall Szutz focuses on restorative and cosmetic dentistry and continually advances his education with training courses. Dr. Szutz can provide you with a quick, safe, and affordable teeth-whitening treatment that will help rid your smile of stains, dark spots, aging, and staining. Your dentist uses a 21^st century tooth whitening procedure that can lighten your upper and lower teeth. All you have to do is commit to an hour each day for a white, brighter smile.

Without altering the structure of your tooth, your dentist will fit you with special custom bleach splints that will be ready for you within a couple of days of your appointment.   

Unlike other bleaching agents, you decide how bright you want your smile. Once your teeth have reached the desired color, you will only need an occasional treatment for smile maintenance.

Teeth become stained for a variety of reasons including food, drink, prescription drugs, and simple aging. With Dr. Szutz safe and effective tooth whitening treatment, you can have the brilliant and beautiful smile that you never thought possible.

Of course, there are some extreme cases where your dentist will not be able to whiten some of your teeth that have been previously restored.

Your dentist recommends tooth whitening if you have mottled, yellow or brown teeth regardless of your age. Tooth whitening is an almost perfect and permanent solution for that dull smile that you want to cover up at every opportunity.

When it comes to a whiter, brighter smile, you can count on your Rancho Mirage Dentist to provide you with the latest products and services giving you the confidence to show everyone your famous grin. 

Make Your New Year’s Resolution Count

If you indulged in too much red wine or any other food over the holidays, it might be more than your waistline that is suffering from all of your good-hearted excess. According to your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, tooth decay is one of the biggest issues he confronts when seeing patients after the New Year.

Most people are too busy to schedule an appointment with a their dentist before the holidays, and if that sounds like you, it is imperative that you go online or pick up the phone and call your dentist.

That toothache that you had just before Christmas may have been helped with a bit of clove oil, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have a cavity. Sometimes patients have no idea that tooth decay has invaded their teeth until after a visit with their dentist.

Ignoring a toothache can be downright dangerous, especially if an infection is present. Once an infection advances to the abscess stage, you need to make a beeline to your dentist. Untreated abscesses can travel through your bloodstream into the brain and that could be deadly. Problems with your teeth and gums should never be ignored and that includes bleeding gums.

Gingivitis and the more advanced periodontal disease can result in tooth loss if ignored. Those little pockets that sit between your teeth and gums can become loaded with food particles that form bacteria eventually turning to plaque and tartar. Make an appointment with Dr.Randall Szutz who can access your gum situation by measuring the pockets, or sulcus, in-between your teeth and gums.

Your Dentist in Rancho Mirage is the only one who will be able to determine if your gums are healthy. If Dr. Szutz believes that gingivitis is to blame for your bleeding gums he may recommend a deep cleaning, otherwise known as scaling and planing.

This year add, “Dental checkup,” to your New Year’s resolution list and make an appointment today.

Bonding Could Be the Answer

Your Rancho Mirage Dentist has a wonderful alternative if you have been toying with the idea of veneers, but have been put off by the cost. Dental veneers do look natural, and if you are planning on cosmetically enhancing all of your teeth, Dental Veneers are probably the way to go, but according to Dr. Randall Szutz, bonding could be just the ticket if you only have a couple of teeth that require Cosmetic Dentistry in Rancho Mirage.

Bonding is a wonderful restorative treatment that is used to repair chips, cracks, discolorations, and misarranged teeth. Dental bonding is an alternative to Veneers, is much quicker, and can usually be completed in just one appointment with your Rancho Mirage Dentist.

When you schedule an appointment with your Dentist in Rancho Mirage, Dr. Szutz will examine your teeth for any decay or gum issues including gingivitis and periodontal disease. If you have been given the all clear, your Rancho Mirage Dentist will begin by etching the surface on the teeth that are to be bonded. Once etched your dentist will apply a bonding liquid. Once the liquid has set, the plastic resin will be applied and artistically sculpted by your Rancho Mirage Dentist who will then trim, smooth and polish your teeth giving your new smile a natural appearance.

Whether you are a candidate for dental bonding is really up to your dentist. The composite material used by Dr. Szutz is made up of quartz particle and resin and if you like to suck on hard candy or lemons, indulge in soda on a regular basis, or grind your teeth at night, dental bonding in Rancho Mirage may not be the best solution for your cosmetic dentistry issues.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Szutz and the team from Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage today for Cosmetic Dentistry, which could include bonding or veneers. After all, isn’t it time that you started smiling again? 

Talk To Your Rancho Mirage Dentist about Silver Amalgam Fillings

If you have been thinking about replacing those old silver amalgam fillings, contact your Rancho Mirage Dentist, Dr. Randall Scutz, who can take out your old fillings and replace them with porcelain inlays or tooth colored restorations.

Unfortunately, there are plenty of disadvantages when it comes to silver amalgam fillings. Silver fillings can wear down and even break. Over the years, your dentist will tell you that those silver fillings can actually weaken the structure of your tooth.

Silver fillings can also be dangerous as they contain 50 percent mercury. According to Dr. Oz, your silver fillings could actually be making you sick. Over 100 million Americans have had their teeth filled with silver amalgams. These fillings are made of other metals, and of course silver, but it is the mercury content that actually binds the materials together. Dentists have been using fillings containing mercury for almost 150 years.

It was over thirty years ago that the media brought attention to silver amalgam fillings containing mercury. Some of the health issues that are causing concern are memory loss and mood swings, anxiety, and in some cases, autoimmune disorder. The American Dental Association stands by silver amalgam fillings, but the latest evidence claims that mercury is released when you drink, eat, and even when you brush your teeth.

According to recent surveys, over 50 percent of dentists no longer use silver amalgam fillings, but, how much amalgam is too much? Because there are not enough studies, nobody really knows the answer, but any amount of mercury can be causing you health issues.

Back in the 80’s the ADA claimed that the mercury in your silver amalgam fillings is locked into place, but since that time, your Dentist in Rancho Mirage knows better. Mercury is one of the most damaging substances and can cause nerve damage. Mercury can also suppress your immune system. Patients from Country Club Dentistry have seen a significant improvement in their health after they have had their silver amalgam fillings removed and replaced with tooth colored restorations. Patients who have had their fillings removed and replaced have had their migraines disappear, report more energy, and have better coordination.

Look in your mouth, and if you see silver, gray, or even black colored fillings, you have silver amalgam fillings. Schedule an appointment with your Rancho Mirage Dentist who can safely remove your silver amalgam fillings and replace them with porcelain inlays or tooth colored restorations.

When it comes to Your Teeth Watch What You Eat

Everyone knows that a bad diet can wreck havoc with your body, but according to the Huffington Post Canada, there are certain foods that you should steer clear of if you do not want to visit your Rancho Mirage Dentist every four weeks.

Dried Fruit

This one will shock most people, but dried fruits are very high in sugar and sticky, which is not a good combination for your teeth, as the sugar will be stuck in between your teeth and stay for hours. The sticky and sugary substance will actually feed the bacteria in your mouth causing dental erosion.

Pickles

Another surprise is the humble pickle, which may be good for your waistline, but not so good for your teeth. Dr. Randall Scutz from Country Club Dentistry explains that vinegar, which is used for pickling, is very acidic and could wear away the enamel on your teeth.

Sugar

Not so surprising, sugar creates a very acidic environment and will eventually wear away the enamel on your teeth. If you must eat something sweet, dentists recommend that you rinse your mouth out with water as soon as possible.

Wine

Both red and white wine contain erosive acids. These acids can soften the enamel on your teeth after just five minutes. Everyone loves a good drop of red, but the tannins that are found in red wine can dry out your mouth and stain your teeth.  

Soda

Fizzy drinks are loaded with sugar and drinking soda can lead to tooth decay, but it can also cause your teeth to erode. Even diet soda, which contains phosphoric and citric acid could damage the enamel on your teeth.

Hard Candy

Because it takes a while for a piece of hard candy to dissolve the sugar tends to stick to your teeth and could cause serious damage to the enamel on your teeth because the candy stays in your mouth allowing bacteria more time to produce.

Chewy Candy

Bacteria loves chewy candy as it sticks to your teeth. The bacteria from sticky and chewy candy will begin to form acid when it is exposed to sugar attacking the enamel.

Citrus Fruits

Of course, citrus fruits are essential for a balanced diet, but that does not mean sucking on a lemon or lime all day. Over time, the acid in citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruits, and limes will wear away the enamel on your teeth, which could lead to cavities.

Fruit Juices

Cranberry, lime, and orange juice can be just as acidic to your teeth as the acid in vinegar. As mentioned previously in this article, acidic foods will wear away the enamel on your teeth.

Tea and Coffee

Because black teas have high levels of tannin like red wine, they will cause staining. It is a known fact that the darker the beverage, the darker the stains will be on your teeth.

Crackers

Carbohydrates, especially refined carbohydrates, come in many forms. Crackers, potato chips, pretzels, and even pasta can affect your teeth. People who consume refined carbs are at a higher risk when it comes to chronic diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.

You Can Prevent Tooth Decay

Fighting tooth decay can be a never-ending battle, but not if you talk to your dentist about sealants. According to Colgate, dental sealants can help protect the chewing areas of your teeth against tooth decay in both children and adults.

Your molars and your kids premolar teeth have fissures or grooves that make them susceptible to tooth decay. Because the grooves are quite deep, they can be very difficult to keep clean. Some are narrower than one bristle on your toothbrush. Once plaque begins to accumulate, bacteria will start to attack the enamel on your teeth eventually causing cavities.

Country Club Dentistry and your Rancho Mirage Dentist can apply sealants that will give your teeth and your kids teeth the extra protection needed to prevent cavities. These sealants will give teeth a smooth surface covering the pitted areas preventing tooth decay.

Dental sealants have been used since the 1970s and can last for years. Your dentist can provide you and your children with tooth sealants that can help prevent tooth decay.

After Dr. Randall W. Szutz cleans the surface of your teeth he will make sure that the area is washed and dried. After an acidic solution is placed on the chewing surface, it is rinsed off. This acidic solution causes the surface of the tooth to become rough enabling your Dentist in Rancho Mirage to attach the dental sealant to each tooth. Country Club Dentistry will then dry the sealant until it becomes a hardened plastic like coating.

Your Rancho Mirage Dentist can provide you and your family with dental sealants that are proven effective in the fight against tooth decay. Each sealant application only takes a few minutes and can hold up to normal chewing.

If you would like more information about dental sealants, schedule an appointment with your Rancho Mirage Dentist. Fighting tooth decay has never been easier thanks to Dr.Randal W. Szutz and the professional team from Country Club Dentistry. 

Call Your Rancho Mirage Dentist If You Have Sensitive Teeth

If you have been having sensitivity issues when it comes to hot or cold beverages, it could be time to make an appointment with your dentist. Country Club Dentistry has the tools you need to get rid of those sharp pains allowing you to enjoy that hot cup of coffee before you head off to work. Best of all, instead of saying no to that bowl of ice cream you used to look forward to, you can savor it with all of the gusto that you remember.

Your Rancho Mirage Dentist will tell you that you are not alone if you have sensitive teeth. According to Sensodyne, the condition is common in more than 45 million adults in the United States. Although sensitive teeth can be annoying the condition is treatable. 

Dr. Szutz will tell you that sensitive tooth issues arise when the enamel begins to wear down on your teeth or your gums start to recede. Those sharp pains occur when the nerves are exposed to cold or hot temperatures and sometimes even by the air that you breathe.

Other causes of sensitive teeth include cracks in the surface of your tooth enamel. When temperatures begin to change your teeth will contract and expand.

Before you make an appointment with your dentist try changing your toothpaste. Some brands could be causing your sensitivity. Whitening formulas contain sodium pyrophosphate, which could heighten your sensitivity to hot, and cold.

Try avoiding acidic foods as they can aggravate your teeth. Lemons, tomatoes and sodas could be causing sharp pains when you least expect it.

Buy a soft bristled toothbrush as the hard-bristle variety could wear down the surface of your teeth exposing them to sensitive spots. If you already use a soft bristled brush, look at your brush, as it could be time for a new one, especially if your bristles are flattened or pointing in all sorts of directions.

Call your Rancho Mirage Dentist if your teeth are sensitive for more than three days. If you have strong reactions to cold and hot temperatures, it would be a good idea to get an opinion from your Rancho Mirage Dentist. If you have a cavity or abscess, it is best to find out before the problem gets worse.

If you do have sensitive tooth issues, and it is not an abscess or cavity, your dentist can prescribe various treatment options including in-office treatments and take-home dental products.

Turn Your Frown Upside Down

A picture really does paint a thousand words, but so does your smile. According to an article in Shape Magazine, 96 percent of those who responded believe that a toothy grin is the most important part of a person’s appearance, and that is where Dr. Randall W. Szutz and Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage come in.

Unfortunately, most people tend to take their smile for granted, but unless you whiten your teeth on a regular basis, your pearly whites could eventually turn your frown upside down.

As you age, your teeth can lose luster and begin to yellow. Common drinks, food and yes, even mouthwash, can wreck havoc on your teeth. Of course, you can avoid your favorite foods all together, but why should you have to give up your favorite glass of red wine with your evening meal?

There are home remedies that you can experiment with, or you can try one of the tooth-whitening products that are available at your local pharmacy. Some manufacturers even sell toothpaste that can help get rid of surface stains, but if you have tried every product on the market and nothing has lightened your teeth, it is time to make an appointment with Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage.

Dr. Szutz and his team of professionals from Country Club Dentistry have helped people just like you brighten their smile with a simple whitening technique that is more affordable than you think.

Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage can help you get rid of yellow, brown, or mottled stains, and best of all, dental whitening from Country Club Dentistry is a safe and effective method that works on people of all ages.

Unlike over the counter tooth polishes and whiteners, which can actually harm your teeth and gums, Country Club Dentistry’s whitening technique can significantly alter the color of your teeth in one or two weeks turning your once yellow smile into a Movie Star grin fit for the red carpet.

The best thing about the whitening technique from Country Club Dentistry is that it is permanent, you may need an occasional touch up, but you will never have to reach for those whitening strips again.

Dr. Szutz will be able to determine if your stained teeth can be brought back to life, or if you require veneers or crowns to take care of your severely stained teeth. Make an appointment today and find out if the Country Club Dentistry whitening technique is for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain, including your smile. Schedule your consultation for the best dentist in Rancho Mirage today.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

What Type of Toothbrush Should I Use?

With so many shapes, sizes and styles of toothbrushes on the market, deciding which kind to buy can be confusing. Here's what you should look for:

• Most dental professionals agree that a soft-bristled brush is best for removing plaque and debris from your teeth. Small-headed brushes are also preferable, since they can better reach all areas of the mouth, including hard-to-reach back teeth
• When it comes to the type of handle (such as non-slip grip or flexible neck), shape of the head (tapered or rectangular) and style of bristles (such as rippled, flat or trimmed to a dome shape), pick whatever is most comfortable for you. The best toothbrush is one that fits your mouth and allows you to reach all teeth easily
• For many, a powered toothbrush is a good alternative. It can do a better job of cleaning teeth, particularly for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

You should replace your toothbrush when it begins to show wear, or every three months, whichever comes first. It is also very important to change toothbrushes after you've had a cold, since the bristles can collect germs that can lead to reinfection.

Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Choosing-The-Right-Toothbrush/article

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

www.countryclubdentistry.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countryclubdentistry

Understanding Tooth Sensitivity -- Video

Video Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Understanding-Tooth-Sensitivity/video


If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

www.countryclubdentistry.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countryclubdentistry

All About Cavities

What's In Your Mouth?

To understand what happens when your teeth decay, it's helpful to know what's in your mouth naturally. Here are a few of the elements:

• Saliva: Your mouth and teeth are constantly bathed in saliva. Although we never give much thought to our spit, this simple fluid is remarkable for what it does to help protect our oral health. Saliva keeps teeth and other oral tissues moist and lubricated, washes away some of the food particles left behind after we eat, keeps acid levels in the mouth low, and protects against some viruses and bacteria.
• Plaque: Plaque appears as a soft, gooey substance that sticks to the teeth a bit like jam sticks to a spoon. It is, in fact, colonies of bacteria, protozoa, mycoplasmas, yeasts and viruses clumping together in a gel-like organic material. Also in the mix are bacteria byproducts, white blood cells, food debris and body tissue. Plaque grows when bacteria attach to the tooth and begin multiplying. Plaque starts forming immediately after a tooth is cleaned; it takes about an hour for plaque to build up to measurable levels. As time goes on, different types of microorganisms appear, and the plaque thickens.
• Calculus: If left alone long enough, plaque begins to mineralize and harden into calculus or tartar because the plaque absorbs calcium, phosphorus and other minerals from saliva. These minerals form crystals and harden the plaque structure. New plaque forms on top of existing calculus, and this new layer can also become calcified.
• Bacteria: We have many different strains of bacteria in our mouths. Some bacteria are good; they help control destructive bacteria. When it comes to decay, Streptococcus mutans is the bacterial strain that does the most damage. It attaches easily to teeth and produces acid.

How Your Teeth Decay

You need food, particularly sweet and sticky food, for the bacteria in your mouth to produce acids that will attack the tooth enamel (outer surface of the tooth). Sugars, especially sucrose, react with bacteria to produce acid. The acid from the bacteria can decay your teeth.

It's not just candy and ice cream we're talking about. All carbohydrate foods, as they are digested, eventually break down into simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose. Some of this digestion begins in the mouth. Foods that break down into simple sugars in the mouth are called fermentable carbohydrates. These include the obvious sugary foods, such as cookies, cakes, soft drinks and candy, but also pretzels, crackers, bananas, potato chips and breakfast cereals. The sugars in these foods combine with the bacteria normally in the mouth to form acids. These acids cause the mineral crystals inside the teeth to begin to dissolve.

The dental caries lesion forms when these acids start to dissolve a tooth's outer protective layer, the enamel. A cavity forms when the tooth decay breaks through the enamel to the underlying layers of the tooth. You can reverse a caries lesion (before it becomes a cavity) by using a variety of fluoride products. These include fluoridated water, fluoride rinses for use at home, and, of course, any commonly used fluoridated toothpaste.

Every time you eat, the bacteria in your mouth produce acid. Therefore, the more times you eat the more times your teeth are exposed to an acid attack.

Types and Stages of Decay

Dental decay, also known as dental caries, begins first inside the tooth. A white spot appears on the enamel where the tooth has started to weaken inside. At this stage, the tooth can repair the weakened area with the help of fluoride and minerals in saliva. But if the decay continues and breaks through the surface of the enamel, the damage is permanent. The decay must be cleaned out and the cavity filled by a dentist. Left untreated, the decay will worsen and destroy a tooth all the way through the outer enamel layer, through the inside dentin layer and down to the pulp or nerve of the tooth.

In young children, teeth that have recently emerged have weak enamel and are highly susceptible to acid decay. A type of decay called baby bottle tooth decay or early childhood caries destroys enamel quickly and is common in children. This type of decay can eat through enamel and leave a large cavity in a matter of months.

Older adults sometimes have chronic caries: cavities that don't seem to get any worse or do so at a very slow rate. Teeth with chronic caries will tend to be darker in color because the edges of the cavities become stained from normal eating and drinking.

Root caries (decay in the roots of the teeth) is more common in older adults. Older adults are more likely to have gums that have receded from years of hard brushing or periodontal disease. They also are more likely to have dry mouth (xerostomia), which increases the risk of decay. Dry mouth is caused by many common medicines. Be sure to ask the doctor or pharmacist if any of your medicines cause dry mouth.

Decay can form beneath fillings or other restorations, such as crowns. Sometimes, bacteria and food particles can slip into a tooth if a filling hasn't been placed properly or if the filling cracks or pulls away from the tooth, leaving a gap.

Preventing Cavities

Do you or your family members get cavities frequently? Dental research has identified factors that increase your risk of getting decay. Next time you visit the dental office, ask about your risk factors and discuss the best ways to reduce your risks and limit dental decay.

To prevent your teeth from decaying, you can do two things — strengthen your teeth's defenses with fluoride and sealants, and reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by penetrating the tooth structure and replacing lost minerals to repair acid damage. Everyone should brush with a fluoride toothpaste every day. Dental offices sometimes recommend additional toothpastes, gels and mouthrinses for both children and adults.

Sealants are protective coatings placed over the tops of chewing teeth — molars and premolars. They block bacteria and acids from sticking in the tiny grooves on the chewing surfaces of these teeth. Children should get sealants soon after their teeth erupt into the mouth.

Although you can never get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth, you can control bacteria by brushing regularly and flossing daily, seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly for a thorough cleaning and check-up, and reducing the number of times each day that you consume fermentable carbohydrates.

Some prescription mouthwashes (those that contain chlorhexidine) can help prevent decay by reducing the number of bacteria in the mouth. Chewing sugarless gums, especially those with xylitol, can help reduce decay and increase the flow of saliva.

Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/All-About-Cavities/article

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry

72775 Frank Sinatra Drive

Suite B

Rancho Mirage, CA 92770

Tel: 760-341-2599

www.countryclubdentistry.com

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countryclubdentistry

How To care For Your Children's Teeth - Video

Video via Colgate

If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

www.countryclubdentistry.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countryclubdentistry

Bad Breath and Its Relationship to Oral Systemic Diseases

“About 75 percent of bad breath or “halitosis” is caused by the mouth itself.  Other causes include gastric problems, sinus infections or severe gum disease,” says Mark Wolff, DDS, Ph.D., director of operative dentistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. One of the key successes in treating bad breath is determining the cause. Once your dental professional determines what the cause is then treatment for it can then begin (1).

Bad breath can be caused by the following:

• External factors – foods such as onions and garlic, beverages like coffee and alcohol, and smoking
• Poor oral hygiene – where plaque and food debris is left on the teeth
• Dentures – plaque and food debris can form on dentures, which need to be cleaned daily
• Tonsils – cryptic areas (crevices) in the tonsils can allow food debris to become lodged in the tonsil area
• Respiratory tract infections – throat, sinus and lung infections
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – can be caused by salivary gland problems, medication, mouth breathing, radiation therapy and chemotherapy

Who Should You See If You Have Bad Breath?

If you believe your diet is causing bad breath, then consult with a dietician or nutritionist who can work with you to modify your diet. If you have poor oral hygiene and are suffering from gingivitis (inflammation of the gum tissue in your mouth) or have periodontal disease (bone loss around the teeth sometimes referred to as “pyorrhea”), consult your dentist and periodontist and work with your dental hygienist to improve gingivitis and thorough oral hygiene instruction at home. The tonsils and respiratory infections will need to be followed by your physician or a specialist such as an ear, nose and throat physician or pulmonologist. A large majority of people in the United States are suffering from dry mouth due to medications they may be taking, salivary gland dysfunction and those who may be going through radiation and chemotherapy treatment for cancer therapy. Please consult your oral maxillofacial surgeon, your physician or oncologist for their professional recommendations for prescription or over-the-counter products that can alleviate dry mouth symptoms. Those patients who are diabetics, have liver or kidney conditions, and gastrointestinal disorders should see their physician, urologist or gastroenterologist for their insights on how bad breath can be reduced regarding these systemic diseases. Contact your dentist office for a recommendation of which dental or medical professional you should see for your bad breath condition.


Article Source: http://www.colgateprofessional.com/patienteducation/Bad-Breath-and-Its-Relationship-to-Oral-Systemic-Diseases/article


If you live in or near the Rancho Mirage, CA area and are currently looking for a new dentist, then please contact Country Club Dentistry. We provide exquisite dental services in a caring environment.

Country Club Dentistry
72775 Frank Sinatra Drive
Suite B
Rancho Mirage, CA 92770
Tel: 760-341-2599

www.countryclubdentistry.com
Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/countryclubdentistry