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Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Posted February 7, 2011 in Home

Periodontal disease is also known as gum disease and pyorrhea.  In many cases, individuals do not realize periodontal disease is occurring in their mouth.  Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that surrounds the tooth and over time creates bone-loss and eventual tooth-loss.  Here at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic dental office, we have the latest in technology to diagnose and treat periodontal disease. From digital X-rays to Laser therapy, myself along with my team of dental hygienists’ strive to eliminate gum infection.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease:

  • It has been over 2 years since your last dental exam and cleaning
  • Bad breath (halitosis)
  • Bleeding while brushing or flossing
  • Red and or swollen gums
  • Sores in your mouth
  • Change in your bite
  • Loose or separating teeth
  • Pus present in your gums
  • Periodontal probing scores greater than 4mm (your dental hygienist should notify you of this)

If you are suffering from any of these warning signs of gum disease or if it has been too long since your last dental visit, please contact our Biological and Cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666.


Adult Braces Yes You Can!

Posted January 23, 2011 in Home

There are many reasons why braces are necessary for adults.  Yes, even if you have had previous orthodontics you may need revision orthodontics.  Technology and theory have both changed in regards to tooth movement.  Fifteen plus years ago, most orthodontic procedures were performed to simply straighten teeth.  There was limited research on using orthodontics to balance the chewing system during this time period.  Fortunately, research over the years has provided the dental community with more proof that a balanced bite allows for tooth longevity.

When the chewing system is not balanced evenly, bone and tooth loss can occur.  An uneven bite can also be a trigger for migraines, neck pain, periodontal disease, broken teeth, T.M.J. disorder and excessive tooth wear.

Our Riverside Biological and Biocompatible Dental office works very closely with our referring orthodontists to ensure that your bite is balanced along with the cosmetic aspect of straightening your teeth.  Please contact our office located off of the 91-Freeway and Magnolia (951)686-3666.


FDA Recall on Hyland’s Teething Tablets

Posted January 14, 2011 in Home

As a parent, I know that teething is a stressful time.  From fussiness, fever, diarrhea, drooling, rashes, runny noses, gum swelling, and sleeping problems we make a huge effort to help minimize the discomfort that comes with teething.  Most parents associate these symptoms with teething, however there is much debate with experts on whether or not the symptoms above are associated with teething.  One doctor who believes in these symptoms is Dr. Sears.  He believes that teething can cause a fever due to inflamed gums (under 101 degrees Fahrenheit.)  He also believes that diaper rashes can occur due to the increased amount of saliva entering the digestive tract.

As a Biological Dentist, I recommend that parents “hang in there” and comfort their child naturally.  Teething crackers, cold teething rings, and rubbing the gums with a clean finger for approx. 2 minutes are a few ways to soothe the discomfort.  Any type of pain/fever reducer should be recommended by your pediatrician.

Recently, many parents have been turning to homeopathic teething tablets.  Specifically, Hyland’s teething tablets have come under speculation by the FDA  This over the counter homeopathic drug has been recalled because it may pose a risk to children.  The tablet contains Belladonna, which is  a plant used in naturopathic medicine as a poison and as medicine.  The FDA tested various Hyland’s teething tablets and found that the amounts of Belladonna were varied.

 

Overexposure to Belladonna includes:

Fast heart rate, dry skin and mouth, skin flushing, agitation, decreased urination, disorientation, hallucinations, and dialed pupils.  Drowsiness is also a sign in infants.  Seizures, slowed breathing, and lethargy  are also experienced symptoms from children.

If your child has experienced any of these symptoms after using Hyland’s teething tablets, it is extremely important to notify your pediatrician and the FDA at 1-800-332-1088.  My Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic Dental office offers biocompatible and safe products for your entire family.  Please contact us at (951)686-3666.


Fluoride Level in Public Water Proposed Reduction

Posted January 13, 2011 in Home

WOW…..is really all I can say!   A win for health advocates in our nation, less fluoride in our water.  The Department of Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection Agency released a statement January 7, 2011 ( just a few days ago) that they are proposing to decrease the amount of fluoride currently in our water table.

The EPA is recommending reducing the amount of fluoride added to our water systems by 1/3.  The reason for this proposal, more research has shown the variety of health problems that can arise from too much fluoride.  These include hormone disruption, tooth discoloration, and possible bone cancer.  The new bone cancer link to fluoride has been researched at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

My Inland Empire Biological Fluoride-free Dental office addresses tooth decay using safe and natural products.  Please visit our biocompatible dental office located in Riverside, California just off of the 91-freeway. (951)686-3666.


Common Foods/Drinks that Stain Tooth Enamel and Porcelain Veneers

Posted January 11, 2011 in Home

Patients often visit the dentist for cosmetic purposes.  Whether it is for teeth that are discolored or aged discolored porcelain, a bright smile is important.  Which is why our Riverside Biological and Cosmetic Dental office offers same-day whitening procedures along with other tooth whitening options.  If you are an individual who has stained discolored porcelain, replacing the porcelain crowns with a new whiter and brighter less-porous porcelain is your only option.  Regardless of what treatment you decide on, it is important to know which foods/drinks over a period of time cause tooth/porcelain discoloration.

Limit the following food/drink(s) or follow the tips below to ensure your smile to be bright and white…

Coffee– tip: drinking through a straw especially post whitening procedure or if veneers are placed will help protect the brightness of the teeth.

Tea– tip: black tea and green tea are the worst of all teas.  These teas stain more than coffee. Again, drink through a straw or limit consumption.

Soy Sauce– tip: also great for Asian cuisine, soy sauce easily “sticks” to the tooth surface, thus staining the enamel or porcelain.  Brush following your meal

Curry– tip: the herbs and spices that make up curry are very strong pigmented and stain teeth quite easily.  Thus, drink lots of water and brush as soon as possible after this meal.

Red Wine– tip: the polyphenols in wine stain teeth and wine is acidic. DO NOT brush right after drinking red wine. Rinse mouth out with water and chew gum.

Soda– tip: Regular and diet soda will both stain teeth and erode enamel away causing tooth decay.  Minimize soda drinking; drink through a straw to minimize stain.

If you are interested in same-day tooth whitening procedures or replacing your discolored porcelain crowns or veneers, please contact our Riverside Biological Cosmetic dental office (951)686-3666.