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.

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz On Proper Care of Dentures

Are you a new denture wearer?  Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz of County Club Dentistry wants you to know about the importance of proper denture care. 

Dentures, sometimes called false teeth, replace teeth you have lost, or teeth that have been extracted.   Here are some tips to help keep your dentures in top condition.

Handle With Care

Dentures are quite delicate and can break if squeezed too hard or dropped even a few inches.  A great way to reduce risk of breakage is to always handle and clean them over a full basin of water, or a folded towel to cushion them should they fall.

Brushing

Dentures must be brushed daily for proper oral hygiene and care and to prevent staining.  Brushing dentures requires soft bristle toothbrush that's specifically designed for cleaning dentures, along with a denture cleaner.

Avoid using bleach or toothpaste to clean dentures, as these are too harsh and can damage dentures.  It's especially important to stay away from whitening toothpastes, which are extremely abrasive, so you don't wear out the denture.

Always use a light touch, as aggressive scrubbing can bend or damage parts of your denture.

Rinsing

To keep dentures free of debris, make a habit of removing dentures and rinsing them off after eating.  Also rinse before inserting dentures if they were just soaking in a chemical solution.

Overnight Storing

Dentures can warp if they dry out, so when you're not wearing your dentures, they should be placed in warm water, never hot.  Dentures will loose their shape in hot water.  You can also soak dentures in a mild denture solution overnight as well.  You'll want to store dentures in a container with a fitted container that is the appropriate size for your denture, making sure your denture is completely submersed in the solution or water.

Alternatives to dentures include dental implants.

Remember, regular dentist examinations are still important for the denture wearer who no longer has natural teeth.  Consult the Country Club Dentistry office should you experience any oral discomfort when using your dentures, or if you have a problem with the fit of your denture. You can always talk to our friendly staff about your dental concerns at (760) 341-2599.

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz On Tooth Decay

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz stresses that although tooth decay is extremely common in both children and adults, it is largely preventable. 

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay, also known as cavities or caries, is the destruction of the tooth material.

When food particles are left on the surface of the tooth, they leave behind bacteria.  This bacteria feeds on sugars in the food and produce acids, which combine with the sugars to form plaque.  The acid inside the plaque can dissolve the minerals in the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) and cause tiny holes to appear.  With time, these holes become bigger and form one large hole, or cavity.

If a cavity is left untreated, it can get larger and affect deeper layers of the tooth like the dentin.  Ultimately, this can lead to toothaches, infection and even tooth loss.

For teeth with a small amount of decay, you may consider a composite filling, or an inlay.  If the decay is considerable, it can be repaired by your dentist with an onlay or crown.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent tooth decay. 

Preventing Tooth Decay

Brushing your teeth regularly is an essential part of your oral health care routine.  It's recommended that you brush at least twice a day, and it's especially important to brush after each meal, as well as before bedtime. 

Flossing is also an essential part of preventing tooth decay.  For optimal health, and to help remove plaque in between teeth, The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day.

It's also recommended to avoid sipping sugary drinks, as well as frequent snacking of foods like candy, pretzels and chips, which can remain on the surface of your teeth.

For children and teenagers between 6 and 16 years old who are susceptible to cavities, Dr. Szutz may recommend a sealant - a thin, plastic coating applied to the deep grooves of the molars and premolars.  This is also a wonderful option for an adult who has deep depressions or grooves on tooth surfaces.

Of course, visiting your dentist regularly to removing plaque will go a long way to prevent tooth decay. Contact the Country Club Dentistry Office in Rancho Mirage for your next appointment to help prevent tooth decay by calling (760) 836-0808.

Rancho Mirage Dentist Dr. Szutz Discusses Porcelain Veneers

If you are looking to improve your smile, Cosmetic and Restorative Dentist Dr. Szutz of Country Club Dentistry can correct a range of dental problems with porcelain veneers.  Porcelain dental veneers can be an excellent way of addressing common dental conditions such as gaps between teeth, and teeth that are worn down, discolored, crooked or misshaped.

What exactly are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin shells of ceramic that bond directly to the front and top surfaces of the teeth to change the shape, size or general appearance of teeth.  

Veneers are becoming increasingly popular due to their simplicity and versatility. Dr. Szutz  individually crafts veneers for each patient using a unique combination of science and artistry and advanced technology.  The result is so natural looking, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth. 

Unlike natural teeth, custom-made veneers are highly resistant to stains from coffee and tea, and even cigarette smoke.  Veneers are quite durable as well. Generally, veneers last between 5 to 10 years.  With proper care and maintenance, veneers can have you smiling an improved smile for well over a decade.

The procedure of getting veneers at Country Club Dentistry in Rancho Mirage, CA can be done quickly over a period of three appointments:

Diagnosis and treatment planning

At this stage, Dr. Szutz will conduct a personal consultation with you at his office on Frank Sinatra Drive in Rancho Mirage, CA to discuss your dental concerns and help you design your new smile.  Dr. Szutz values and encourages doctor-patient communication.  In his opinion, an informed and involved patient is most likely to achieve the highest level of healthcare.

Preparation

To prepare teeth for the veneer, Dr. Szutz will remove approximately 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface with buffing.  This is essential to allow for the added thickness of the veneer, and can be done with a local anesthetic.  Next, a dental impression is made and sent to a laboratory to make the veneers. The custom veneers should be ready in approximately three weeks.

Bonding

In this visit (generally lasting between one to two hours) Dr. Szutz will temporarily place the veneer on your teeth to check their fit and color. The exact color shade can be adjusted for the best match to your natural teeth.  Next, the tooth is cleansed with specific chemicals to achieve a bond. A special cement is placed between the teeth and the veneer and a light is used to harden the cement, in order for it to bond.

Veneers can be a great solution for gaps, stains, crooked teeth or fractured teeth.  However, it is important to be informed of the disadvantages of veneers.

Getting veneers is an irreversible process.  After 5-10 years, the veneers will need to be replaced.  Also, since some enamel is removed in order to bond the veneers, some patients may experience more sensitive teeth.  Dr. Szutz is available to further discuss the pro's and con's of porcelain veneers and help you decide if veneers are the best option for you and your smile. 

Country Club Dentistry is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.  

Randall W. Szutz, DDS specializes in Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry and offers a variety of different services to enhance your smile such as bonding, bridges, crowns and more. For a complimentary consultation, call 760-341-2599 or send Dr. Szutz an email.