Blog
Toxic Mercury Amalgam Fillings in the News:
By Dr. Kim | April 1, 2013
Confirming what my Holistic Cosmetic Dental office believes, metal amalgam mercury fillings ARE TOXIC!!
Here is a clip from last week’s Dr. Oz show. After viewing, there are several more clips..PLEASE WATCH all of them as to understand what exactly happens to amalgam in the mouth. For example, did you know that acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes and coffee cause the mercury vapor to increase when placed in the mouth!! Also, tips on natural ways through diet one can detox from heavy metals like mercury. I hope you enjoy watching this as much as I did! For a consultation on SAFE amalgam mercury fillings call my Southern California Dental office at (951)686-3666.
Dr. Oz Show Toxic Amalgam Fillings Episode
Topics: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Cosmetic Wellness Dentist Gives Oral Health Goals for 2013:
By Dr. Kim | December 31, 2012
As this year is coming to an end, I thought it would be a great idea to blog on how to set oral health goals for the New Year! Perhaps you have not been as thorough as you should be with your home care, maybe you have had a lapse in your dental cleanings, you may suffer from dental anxiety, finances are not there, or you do not have dental insurance. Whatever the situation, there is always room for setting healthy goals for the new year.
With that said, here are my recommendations for achieving oral health in 2013:
1. Pretend you had a magic wand ( I know that sounds a bit silly!) With this wand you could wave it and have the teeth, mouth, smile, oral health you’ve always wanted.
2. Make a list beginning with what is most important in your “magic wand list” for your teeth, mouth, smile, gums, health etc.
ex. chewing stability, white teeth, all metal removed from my mouth, clean teeth, gums that don’t bleed
3. From your “magic wand list” begin with addressing your list in the order of priority you listed. Now, for some this list may be completely doable in 1 year. For others, beginning with priority #1 may take all year or even a few years. This is OK! The most important step is that you determined what your goals are for your oral health.
4. Begin 2013 with a dental check-up and dental cleaning. A dental check-up is a great time to discuss your oral health goals for the coming year. A dental cleaning will help to ensure that the gums are healthy and stable, also the dental hygienist can give great tips on maintaining oral health at home.
5. Research your dental coverage and/or a flex-spending account which many companies offer. Knowing your out-of-pocket expenses will help to prevent financial stress. My Southern California Cosmetic Dental office offers financing through Care Credit, which is a great way to use 0% interest on monthly payments. As an added courtesy, we offer limited in-house payment plans.
Here at my Riverside Cosmetic Dental office, we pride ourselves in handling each and any circumstance which you feel may be hindering you from achieving your goal of oral health. Caring for your dental needs in your time frame to achieve your personal goals is rare to find as you search for a cosmetic dental office in Southern California. I assure you that myself along with my excellent dental team will be able to care for you in this way. Please call to schedule your dental visit at (951)686-3666.
Topics: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Riverside Cosmetic Biological Dentist Anthony Kim Targets Periodontal Disease:
By Dr. Kim | September 28, 2012
When it comes to effectively treating periodontal disease, the majority of the dental community is “behind the times.” With the emergence of the periodontal laser we can now eradicate the bacteria that destroy the gum tissue. We can also stimulate new bone to grow around teeth affected by periodontal disease. Unfortunately, many dentists out there have yet to invest in laser technology to improve patients’ oral health. When it comes to treating periodontal disease, it is imperative that the bacteria causing the infection are destroyed, otherwise the infection will return.
Inland Empire Holistic Cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Kim, along with his skilled dental hygiene team understand the devastating affects periodontal disease has on the mouth and one’s total body health. Dr. Kim and his hygiene team are committed to improving the long term health of patients’ which is why this Inland Empire dental office offers the latest in periodontal therapy and treatment for gum disease.
So, just how does Dr. Kim and his dental hygiene team treat and heal those with periodontal disease?
After taking a tour of the mouth and gum tissue, the dental hygienists’ uncover whether infection and inflammation are present in the periodontal tissue. If pocketing, bleeding, inflammation, and/or pus are present this becomes a “red flag” to signs that there is active disease present in the mouth. Primarily, certain groupings of bacteria play a role in the destruction of the gum tissue. It is this bacteria that can over time cause devastation to the gums resulting in tooth loss, not to mention from a health stand point, high blood pressure, heart disease, systemic inflammation, pre-term labor, and diabetes can result from untreated periodontal disease.
1. Bacterial DNA Testing:
Beginning with determining the type of bacteria present in the gum tissue is the FIRST STEP in effectively treating periodontal disease. A simple sample taken of the saliva is sent to the lab to determine the type of bacteria present in the mouth. Along with testing the bacteria, the OralDNA lab also has the ability to determine my examining your own DNA if you are more at risk for periodontal disease.
2. Supporting the Gum Tissue with Nutrients:
Often times, when there is infection/inflammation present there is a lack of nutritional support for the gum tissue. Nutritional supplements that support the health of the gum tissue are recommended during and after periodontal therapy.
3. Unlimited Dental Hygiene visits:
The gums, teeth, and root surfaces need to be cleansed of all toxins and all debris must be removed for proper healing to occur. Dr. Kim’s hygiene team will place patients on 3 month regime of unlimited cleanings to detoxify and cleanse the oral tissues during the treatment process.
4. Unlimited Laser visits:
Consistent laser therapy has been shown to dramatically decrease the amount of bacteria present surrounding the gum tissue. This is one more reason the dental hygiene team uses the laser during every visit during periodontal therapy visits.
5. Providing the Correct Oral Hygiene Tools for at Home:
Finally, in order to ensure the treatment in office is a success, it is vital that the patients’ home care is consistent. Each patient has different needs, which is why Dr. Kim and team offer and suggest a wide variety of home care products. Whether purchased in or out of the office, they encourage and instruct proper home care regimens for success.
If comprehensive periodontal gum care is what you are looking for, please visit our Dr. Kim and his dental team, located in Riverside, Ca. just off of the 91 freeway.
Topics: Uncategorized | Comments Off
Dentist Anthony Kim Explains the Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea:
By Dr. Kim | July 30, 2012
In my previous blog, I touched on the topic of sleep apnea being a sleep disturbance that can affect the body many negative ways. In this blog, I am going to reveal the signs and symptoms one may experience when it comes to sleep apnea.
Are you wondering if your sleep disturbance is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that causes lack of breathing throughout the night, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. Chronic sleep deprivation causes: daytime sleepiness, lack of concentration, and serious health problems. High blood pressure,weight gain, and type II diabetes are all examples of what can happen to our system if a sleep disturbance is not discovered.
Here is a list of the most common signs and symptoms reported when it comes to sleep apnea:
Ask your partner if any of the following occur at night:
Loud and Frequent Snooring
Long Pauses in Breathing
Choking or Gasping
Ask your self the following…Do you….
Feel chronically tired throughout the day (like you just are not getting enough sleep)
Wake you with a sore or dry throat
Headaches primarily occur in the morning
Frequent nighttime awakening (especially to urinate)
Insomnia
Waking up feeling out of breath
Forgetful
Difficulty concentrating
Depressed
Irritable
As a dentist focused on the total body health of my clients, it was extremely important for me to expand my knowledge and dental practice in regards to sleep dentistry. As a trained sleep dentist, I have the ability to screen individuals for sleep disturbances (primarily sleep apnea). If you think that you may have sleep apnea or someone you love suffers from sleep apnea, please do not hesitate call my Inland Empire Sleep Dental office to schedule a free consultation. We look forward to working with you to get you sleeping and feeling well rested. (951)686-3666.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Dentist Anthony Kim Explains Why Dentistry and Sleep Disturbances are Related:
By Dr. Kim | July 14, 2012
Sleep disturbances are seemingly more and more common these days. According to WebMD, there are more than 85 types of sleep disorders. From lack of sleep to waking-up frequently, these sleep disturbances are causing an inflammatory response in our body. When this occurs, chronic disease, illness, and even in extreme cases death can occur.
In the past few years, mounds of research has come about explaining the damaging effects of inflammation on the body. It is inflammation that we as dental professionals try to eradicate with frequent dental cleanings and proper oral hygiene. Simply, inflammation is inflammation, it can manifest itself throughout the body in various ways. Inflammation in the body is linked to heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, gum disease, cancer just to name a few. Here at my Southern California Cosmetic Dental Wellness office, myself along with my team are focused on promoting total body health by decreasing inflammation in the body.
One may ask: What do my sleep habits have to do with dentistry? Let’s dive into this frequently asked question by the patients at my Riverside Cosmetic Wellness Dental office:
The main offender in sleep disturbances is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea occurs when breathing stops or becomes very shallow at night. When sleep apnea is diagnosed as obstructive, it usually is referring to a blockage in the airway. OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) in most cases is in many cases due to inflammation already present in the body. OSA is linked to diabetes and high blood pressure and in severe cases death. It is my goal as a dentist to reach out to patients’ on a broader spectrum in regards to their health. As the majority of my patients’ visit my team of dental hygienists at least twice a year, most do not visit their general physician on a yearly basis. Therefore, by screening patients’ for possible sleep disturbances our goal is to decrease our patients’ risk for chronic disease to occur due to inflammation.
When it comes to determining if you or a loved one has sleep apnea, you can find a sleep study test at my Riverside ,Ca. office. (951)686-3666.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Southern California Dentist Answers Common Dental Implant Questions:
By Dr. Kim | April 30, 2012
When it comes to dental implants, there seems to be many misconceptions regarding placement, time, cost etc. My goal with this blog article is to answer many of the questions patients’ ask during my cosmetic dental implant consultation. My Riverside Cosmetic Dental Implant office understands the importance of answering all questions and concerns in regards to all treatment. Which is why I spend an hour of time during each consultation regarding implants to ensure all concerns and questions are addressed prior to treatment. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked dental implant questions my Southern California Dental Implant office receives.
1. What is the typical length of time for the completed dental implant?
In generalities, the typical amount of time invested in placing a dental implant is 3-6 months. First, let me say that in many cases bone has to be added to provide proper structure and stability to the dental implant site. The bone graft material takes approximately 3 months to integrate with the bone at the implant site. Once the integrating is complete, then the dental implant is placed. This procedure is quick, a single implant may take 30-45 minutes to place. Once placed into the bone, the dental implant needs time for the bone to grow around it, this again takes approximately 3 months.
2. Will I have a tooth during the bone integrating process or immediately after the dental implant is placed?
Typically, I like to avoid any pressure on the dental implant until full bone integration is complete. However, there are many cases where I recommend either a removable appliance called a “flipper” or place a temporary crown on the dental implant. Any time the dental implant site is visible in the smile line, I recommend an appliance or crown for cosmetic reasons.
3. Is the dental implant placed at the time of my tooth being extracted?
A dental implant can be placed same day as the tooth extraction as long as there is no bone loss or infection in the bone present.
4. How do you know if I have enough bone to place a dental implant?
I require a CT cone beam scan which a digital 3D image of the jaw bone. This allows me to see the amount of bone present, amount of bone and type of bone graft needed, ideal placement of the dental implant along with the anatomy of the jaw.
5. Can more than one implant be placed during treatment?
Yes! The implant procedure is actually one of the more simple procedures in dentistry for individuals to go through.
6. Am I to old/young for a dental implant?
Age is only a factor in regards to the youth. It is not advised to place any final cosmetic crowns or dental implants until the jaw bone has matured. This typically is around the age of 16.
7. Is a dental implant safe for me…I have many allergies?
Yes! Titanium is biocompatible….meaning the body accepts the material as if it was its own.
8. Do implants fail?
Although rare, dental implants can fail. Individuals with hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and taking hormone replacement therapy have an increased risk of implant failure.
9. Who can place a dental implant?
Not every dentist is qualified to place dental implants. My Southern California Dental Implant Cosmetic office, located in Riverside, is equipped with the latest in technology in dental implants. I have my fellowship in dental implant placement and my dental assistants have taken implant speciality courses making them experts in the arena of implantology. My dental hygiene team also is well versed in dental implant care and knows how to evaluate implant health during dental cleanings.
If you are interested in learning if you are a candidate for dental implants please contact my Inland Empire Dental Implant office at (951)686-3666. We are confident that we can help you gain the stability and confidence you are searching for. Mention that you read this blog and receive a complementary consultation!
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Southern California Dentist First in Area to Offer At-Home Sleep Study:
By Dr. Kim | February 29, 2012
As a dentist who is focused on the total health and well-being of my patients, I have decided to embrace the technology of take home sleep studies. Why recommend a take home sleep study? The answer is simple: to determine if my patients’ are truly suffering from obstructive sleep apnea and/or determine a different type of apnea present. OSA is diagnosed in many cases where there are other apnea/sleep disorders present. The reason for this misdiagnosis: lack of training when analyzing the sleep cycles.
One of my goals in 2012 is to focus on sleep issues, therefore I have recently purchased the Emblettax100 take home sleep study. After much research, I chose this model due to its efficiency and size. I also purchased an acoustic Pharynometer and Rhinometer. These two devices aid in screening patients prior to diagnosis. The diagnosis of the Pharynometer records airway changes when the mandible (lower jaw) is moved. Thus, the conclusion of the result will determine if a oral appliance for sleep apnea is appropriate for each individual patient. The Rhinometer determines the pathway that the air travels in the nasal septum. The Rhinometer is used to evaluate patients with the following: deviated septum, allergies, congestions, and polyps etc.
Stay tuned to my blog for future posts on how this amazing technology is helping patients rest better at night. If you or a loved one suffers from sleepless nights or you suspect your health is being affected by sleep apnea, please call my Riverside Dental Wellness office at (951)686-3666.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Holistic and Cosmetic Dentist Anthony Kim Blog Series Part IV: What's inside the mouth?
By Dr. Kim | January 10, 2012
In my previous 3 blogs, I discussed the roles of the following parts of the mouth: the oral mucosa, gum tissue, and the jaw joint and jaw bones. In this blog, I am going to explain the importance and function of the tongue.
The tongue plays an essential role in our speech, eating, and swallowing food. What many individuals probably don’t realize is that the tongue is an extremely powerful muscle. It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a frenum, which is a heavy duty piece of tissue. The base of the tongue is attached at the back of the throat/back floor of the mouth. It is covered with oral mucosa (which the first blog discussed.) On top of the mucosa lay thousands of papillae which we call taste buds. Taste buds are nerve-like cells which relay taste to the brain. The four common tastes that are signaled to the brain are: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.
When it comes to speaking, the tongue partners with the upper front teeth to create the sounds of our words. Often times, when one is “tongue tied,” the frenum is attached too far forward on the tongue. This can create a speech impediment. The frenum can be detached with a laser or scalpel in a quick surgery, thus improving tongue movement for speech. The tongue is also considered an accessory organ to digestion. It helps move and prepare the food to the back of the throat into the esophagus.
Conditions Associated with the Tongue:
Thrush: (yeast infection) typically occurs from a decreased in the immune system in the very young or elderly. Also many individuals taking prescription steroids can get thrush. Thrush appears as a white coating on the tongue, often times with red patches.
Oral Cancer: Typically oral cancers show on the sides of the tongue or under the tongue. The lesions can be white or red. A precursor to some oral cancers is leukoplakia. White patches appearing on the tongue can become cancerous over time.
Geographic Tongue: Is a condition that can be caused by stress, spicy foods, and low immunity. It is not a harmful condition, however can be unsightly. The tongue appears patchy, meaning parts of the tongue are missing papillae and look red and glossy. Geographic tongue will come and go, there is no medication to alleviate the appearance.
Burning Tongue Syndrome: Is a condition caused by misfiring nerves. This is where the tongue feels a burning sensation or strange taste.
Canker Sores: These small lesions can be quite painful on the tongue. The cause of these are unknown, however can be related to stress, spicy, and sweet foods.
Hairy Tongue: This condition occurs when the tongue papillae overgrow. The tongue appears black and hairy in texture.
Here at my Holistic dental office we offer advanced technology to examine all the oral mucosa including the tongue for abnormalities. We also make dietary and product recommendations that help to reduce many of these tongue conditions that I listed above. If you are looking for a dental family who is focused on total body health as well as dental health, please call us at (951)686-3666. Our Inland Empire Holistic Dental office is located in Riverside just off of the 91-freeway.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Holistic and Cosmetic Dentist Anthony Kim Blog Series Part III: What's inside the mouth?
By Dr. Kim | January 9, 2012
In my previous two blogs on “what’s inside the mouth,” I explained the tissue called the oral mucosa as well as gum tissue. Aside from just defining the roles of these two important parts of the “chewing system,” I also discussed diseases/infections that are common with these tissues and how to prevent infection from occurring.
This blog is going to discuss an extremely important part of the chewing system, the upper and lower jaw and jaw joint. The upper and lower jaw bones provide the chewing system with structure and shape. This important balance is necessary for proper speech and chewing. Both the upper and lower jaw combined with other bones in the face create the shape of the face. The upper jaw is fused to bone in the skull and the lower jaw is separate from the rest of the skull. The lower jaw joint itself acts as a “hinge” allowing the lower jaw joint to move during chewing and speaking. When the upper and lower jaw joint are not aligned properly, the chewing system becomes off balance. This imbalance over time can cause damage to the teeth and their surrounding tissue. Talk show host, Jay Leno has a clearly visible “under bite” which is why his lower jaw appears to be shifted so far forward. This is a true misalignment in the jaw joint, and can cause bone and tooth destruction over time. The only way to treat a condition such as his is by undergoing jaw surgery.
Problems Associated with Jaw Joint Imbalance (TMJ):
Excessive wear of the teeth: teeth appear to be flattened, natural teeth and tooth restorations “crack” or wear down faster than usual. Notching of the teeth also occurs along the gum line.
Gum Recession: when there is consistently too much pressure on the teeth, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This leaves the root of the tooth exposed causing sensitivity and root caries.
Excessive Headaches: many individuals who suffer from migraines or cluster headaches find that they are resolved once the jaw joint and bite are properly aligned.
Facial Pain: typically associated with opening and closing the jaw.
Ear Pain: A surprising 50% of individuals with chronic ear pain discover that they have been misdiagnosed as having chronic ear infections, when in fact it is their jaw joint (TMJ) causing the problem. Ear pain associated with TMJ disorder is in front of or below the ear.
Ear Pressure: around 30% of individuals with TMJ disorder report that their ears feel “clogged.” When there are imbalances in the jaw joint, the muscles in the inner ear can spasm causing middle ear problems.
Tinnitus: again approximately 30% of individuals with TMJ disorder report ringing of the ears. Once the jaw joint is balanced the ringing goes away!
Crepitus: grinding or popping noises when chewing food or opening the mouth.
As a dentist who specializes in evaluating the jaw joint, I am confident that with a little investigation we will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and best way to care for you. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call to schedule a free consultation regarding your jaw joint. My Inland Empire OBI Dental office is located in Riverside, Ca. (951)686-3666.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
Holistic and Cosmetic Dentist Anthony Kim Blog Series: What's inside the mouth?
By Dr. Kim | January 8, 2012
This blog series “what’s inside the mouth” is going to explore the various parts of the inside of the mouth and what roles they play for chewing, digestion, and speaking. The mouth and its surrounding tissues are considered a “chewing system” all must work together for proper function to occur.
In Part II of this series of blogs, I will be discussing the role of the gum tissue. This tissue is also covered by the oral mucosa. Gum tissue is tough as it is made with the collagen material keratin. The reason for its resilience is to help with chewing food along with protecting the teeth that they cover. Its role is to protect and cover the root and bone surrounding the tooth. It also makes up the tissue that is in-between the teeth. When the gum tissue is healthy it remains firm to touch. Proper oral hygiene and preventative dental care will help to reduce one’s risk for gum infection.
What happens when gum tissue is infected?
When the gum tissue is infected, it bleeds and is soft in texture. The very beginning of gum tissue infected is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by lack of oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, it eventually builds-up along and underneath the gum line. Gingivitis is treatable and reversible. However, when left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontal disease. When the gum tissue is infected, the bacteria go underneath the tissue releasing toxins. These toxins create an inflammatory response in our body which causes bone and tissue destruction. When infected gum tissue goes untreated, tooth loss can occur. Infection of the gum tissue can also lead to more serious infections such as heart disease and diabetes.
How to prevent gum infection:
1. Brush and floss regularly.
2. Visit your dental hygienist at least twice a year.
3. Eat food rich in Vitamin C, B6 and B12, D, and supplement with a high quality fish oil.
4. Switching to all natural fluoride-free toothpaste. Many individuals are allergic or have reactions to the ingredients in over the counter toothpastes. Constant irritation to the gum tissue can cause destruction to occur.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle adequate sleep and stress reduction will help to keep the inflammatory response from occurring.
6. Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking. Both can cause oral cancer along with suffocating the gum tissue.
If you are interested in a more holistic approach while visiting the dental hygienist, please visit my Inland Empire Cosmetic Holistic dental office. My dental hygiene team is very knowledgeable and highly skilled in maintaining oral health. Through the use of natural products and dental laser therapy, your gum tissue is in good hands. Call (951)686-3666 to schedule an appointment.
Topics: Home | Comments Off
« Previous Entries
