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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.

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.

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.

As a parent, we watch our children go through many milestones and they grow.  One of which, is losing their baby teeth.  Some children tend to get their permanent teeth much earlier than expected while others get their permanent teeth much later.  It is important during this transition to really develop a toothbrushing regime that your child enjoys while at the same time is effective.

Typically at the age of 6, children lose their first tooth.  The teeth that are lost first are the central incisors.  This is then followed by the eruption of the first permanent molars.  Around 12 years of age is when the last of the baby teeth are lost.   It is during this time, that we recommend sealants to be placed on the permanent molar teeth.  Below is a chart on the eruption of the permanent dentition.

1.  Dental  Checkups are Important:

Going to the dentist for regular checkups is one of the most important factors in maintaining good oral health.  Regular checkups can prevent root canals, cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental conditions.

2.  Dental Cleanings are Extremely Important:
Having frequent dental hygiene cleanings will help prevent gum disease and gingivitis.

3.  Gum Disease (Periodontal) Affects Your Overall Health:
Gum disease is linked to heart disease and is the main reason for tooth loss.  Routine cleanings along with proper oral hygiene at home will help decrease one’s chance of getting gum disease.

4.  Bad Breath Could be the Result of a Dental Problem:                                                                                                                                                          Do not be embarrassed to discuss bad breath with your dental hygienist or dentist, as is could be due to a dental condition.   85% of individuals with malodor (bad breath) have a dental condition as a cause of their bad breath.
5.  Brushing Teeth Twice Daily to Help Keep Cavities Away:
Keeping plaque removed frequently will help keep the bacteria level down along with the acid level in the mouth.

6.  Flossing Daily to Help Keep Cavities Away:
Daily flossing removes the plaque and helps to prevent cavities in between the teeth.  Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease.

7.  Proper Nutrition is Good for Oral Health:
Sugars from soft foods and drinks combine with the bacteria in the mouth to produce acid which attach tooth enamel.  Taking vitamins B, C, and D are all helpful in keeping the gum tissue healthy.

8.  Dental Problems do Not Get Better or Go Away Without Treatment:
Cavities only get bigger with time and if not treated in a timely manner could lead to a tooth needing a root canal or even tooth loss.

9.  Change  Toothbrushes Frequently:
To keep teeth and gums healthy, changing toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every 3 months is necessary.  Always change your toothbrush or toothbrush head following an illness, or use a UV sanitizer.

10.  Yearly Oral Cancer Screenings are Important:
Our Biological Dental office offers routine oral cancer screenings with each visit.  We also recommend patient’s have a Velscope examination yearly.  The Velscope exam is the best in dental technology to detect oral cancer in its earliest stages.