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.
As technology emerges, there are new ways to treat tooth decay without drilling or without numbing the tooth. In order to treat these teeth without the use of a drill or anesthetic, the decay must be small. At my Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic Dental office, we use the Waterlase laser to treat tooth decay without drilling or numbing. Our dental team prides itself in using the latest in dental technology to treat tooth and gum disease.
This year, a truly innovative product called ICON emerged throughout the dental community. ICON is a biocompatible material that STOPS early tooth decay. In the past, dentists would watch and wait for early tooth decay to get “bigger” before treating. ICON allows dentists to treat tooth decay with a preventative and conservative approach. Now, when an early lesion is detected via X-rays or clinically we can treat it before it penetrates the tooth further. ICON treats beginning tooth decay that is found inbetween the teeth and treats those white spots commonly seen in patients with a history of orthodontics or heavy soda drinking. ICON penetrates these areas stopping further tooth destruction.
If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for ICON treatment which is covered by most dental insurances, please visit my Inland Empire Biological Dental office which is located off of the 91 freeway and Magnolia in Riverside, California. (951)686-3666.
As patients’ when an illness arises these days, we turn to the internet to research and find answers to our ailments. When traditional medicine does not determine a cause or reason for our illness, many of us are turning to alternative medicine. The alternative medicine arena, rather holistic doctors have for many years linked amalgam mercury fillings to many diseases and illnesses. Unfortunately, the general public as a whole turns to western medicine for answers they will not receive regarding the toxicity in mercury fillings.
In order to determine if you have high amounts of mercury in your system, you must have either a fecal test, blood test, or hair follicle test. The best test to determine the amount of mercury accumulated in your system is a fecal test. My Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic dental office is partnered with a few alternative medicine practices which provide these tests. Our dental team believes that total body health is of utmost priority prior to treating dental health. We believe that mercury in all forms is toxic and should be removed from an individuals body and diet ( as much as possible.)
The body absorbs mercury from the environment as well as dental fillings, which cause a variety of health risks and symptoms affecting the entire body. Just as all of our body’s are different, the affects of mercury in the system are different for everyone. This is why western medicine has a difficult time diagnosing mercury poisoning.
Symptoms of Mercury Toxicity:
Central Nervous System:
Restlessness, depression, multiple sclerosis, withdrawal, numbness, tingling/trembling of hands, irritability, lethargy, and anxiety.
Mouth, Head, and Neck:
Bad breath, metallic taste in mouth, excessive salivation, bone loss, bleeding gums, tingling of lips/face, ringing in ears, vertigo, and changes in vision,
Gastrointestinal, Cardiovascular, and Immune Symptoms:
Abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, increased allergies to food, diverticulitis, and colitis. Elevated cholesterol and abnormal blood presssures. Repetitive infections, cancer, lupus, and thyroid issues.
System-Wide:
Chronic headaches, allergies, dermatitis, kidney disease, changes in appetite, fatigue, inexplicable sensory symptoms such as numbing or pain.
*Note: It is highly recommended to rule out any mercury toxicity if you are suffering from any of these or any other inexpicable illnesses.
Please visit our Southern California office located in Riverside just off of the 91-Freeway and Magnolia (951) 686-3666.
In dentistry, mercury amalgam fillings became a gold standard in treating teeth with tooth decay in the mid 1800’s. During the mid 1900’s research began surfacing regarding the toxicity of metal mercury amalgam fillings. Research in 1926 by German chemist, Dr. Alfred Stock showed that the silver amalgam fillings were a source of mercury vapor. Around this same time period mercury amalgam fillings were widely banned from being used throughout Europe. However, in the United States, the American Dental Association and Federal Drug Administration disregarded the research.
Without controlled research, the Federal Drug Administration in 1976 regarded amalgam fillings as safe due to its long term usage in the dental community. Meanwhile, various organizations released more and more information in the 1980’s and 1990’s that mercury could be found in the blood and tissues of pregnant mothers, and autopsy studies showed mercury in tissues of the brain and kidney tissue which was directly related to the mercury amalgam in the teeth.
To add to the mercury in dental fillings controversy, in 1990 the television show “60 Minutes” aired a segment called “Poison in Your Mouth.” This segment created lots of buzz and was only aired one time. I think that it is interesting to see that the dental community at large has not banned this substance from its array of dental materials. Click below to watch this controversial segment.
Here at my Inland Empire Biological Cosmetic Dental Office, we do not use mercury in any of our materials. We only use products that are biocompatible with the human body. We also remove mercury fillings in a safe manner to protect your health, as well as, our own. Please contact our office if you are interested in safely removing your mercury fillings (951)686-3666.