Smile Talk

Does my child really need braces?

2012-02-27T19:44:00.000-06:00

By - Agnes Kumar, DDS

Some parents ask this question as they are weary of orthodontists. There is a stereotype that an orthodontist will tell everyone that they need braces. This is a tricky question to answer since most likely no one will die if braces are not done. I think the root of this question is really what are the possible outcomes if braces are not done. Of course it all depends on individual circumstances such as genetic predisposition, skeletal relationships, size of teeth, etc. Sometimes the recommendation for braces is not esthetic but functional. Sometimes the jaws do not meet up well and could predispose a child to a lifetime of dental problems. It is well worth it to consult with a dentist regarding the function as well as esthetics of a growing child. The way teeth look in a child’s mouth is also important. It affects their smile and speech. Some kids are shy about smiling because they feel their smile is unattractive. Having a beautiful smile can be very beneficial to one’s self-esteem. I might add that this is true not only to children but adults as well. There are many adults who greatly benefit from orthodontic treatment. There are some options that are more camouflaged than metal brackets. So I encourage adults to consider this option as well.

Teenagers Are People Too

2012-02-10T14:29:00.002-06:00

TeenagersAre People Too

By: Shelley Berg

Shelly is the Patient-Care Coordinator at The Oaks Dental Center, Ltd.

February is the month forValentines Day, hearts, roses and lovers. Schools and dental offices however,also celebrate and promote children’s dental health during the month ofFebruary.
National Children’s DentalHealth Month generally brings to mind preschool and elementary aged children,tooth coloring pages, pink disclosing tablets, and new tooth brushes. Whileyounger children need encouragement and guidance to help them establish soliddental hygiene and knowledge, adolescents should not be overlooked.

Pre-teens and teenagers gothrough a myriad of transformations deserving of special attention, includingtheir dental health. During adolescence, a lack of motivation regarding oralhygiene can occur. Children of this age understandably have a lot on theirminds and busy schedules. There are several key aspects of dental health to payattention to during these whirlwind years.
Did you know that the hormonalchanges of puberty can affect the health of the gums? The rise of hormonelevels causes increased blood circulation to the gingival tissues (gums). Theresult is a tendency of swelling in response to irritants which can lead tored, tender, even bleeding gums. Prevention of chronic gingivitis includesdiligent brushing, flossing, and regular hygiene appointments with your dentaloffice.

The stresses of being a teenagernot only instigates moodiness, grumpiness, high energy, emotional outbursts andsurly comments, but can instigate a habit of clenching and/or grinding of theteeth. (The teen‘s, not the parent’s!) Tooth grinding and clenching can lead totired, and aching jaws, sensitive teeth, excessive wearing of tooth enamel andan increased risk of periodontal disease. Besides stress-relieving habits toease the tendency to clench and grind throughout the day, a custom fitted nightguard can be worn at night. An appointment to take impressions of themouth and follow up appointments to receive the nightguard is all that isnecessary. Nightmares about upcoming tests can then no longer pose a threat tothose pearly whites.

“What’s for dinner, what’s forbreakfast, where’s the snacks?” The appetites of most teens include a penchantfor easy to grab junk foods and soda. While it’s important to continue toinstill healthful eating habits, it’s a fact that teenagers have more freedomto choose their own foods and enjoy the camaraderie of friends and snacks andsweets. Not only are our children consuming an increased number of soft drinksper day but the serving size of a soda has gone from 6.5 ounces to as much as20 ounces. The problem is that acids in soft drinks and the acidic sugarbyproducts soften tooth enamel. The softening of enamel contributes to theformation of cavities. Since soda does not appear to be going out of styleanytime soon, it’s helpful to at least rinse with water immediately followingconsumption of soda. In addition to brushing with fluoride toothpaste, yourdentist may recommend rinsing with a fluoride mouthwash or Prevident (highconcentrate, special toothpaste).

Perhaps during this month ofCupid, chocolates and dental health, the blooming adolescents in our midst canbe encouraged to take the time to pay attention to their healthy smiles, rightalong with their younger siblings.

The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Attacks

2012-02-08T12:22:00.002-06:00

The Link Between Gum Disease and Heart Attacks
By Hilary Deiter, RDH

Hilary is the Hygienist and Periodontal Therapist at The Oaks Dental Center, Ltd.

Over the years, many studies have found a relationship between periodontaldisease and heart disease. People with periodontal disease are almost twice aslikely to have coronary artery disease (also called heart disease) which isrelated to poor heart-health, including heart attacks. Experts know that bacteria from the mouth can enter thebloodstream through the gums. Chewing andbrushing/flossing your teeth release bacteria into the bloodstream. These samebacteria have been found clumped in artery plaques in the bloodstream, whichthen are the cause of blockages. One of the body's natural responses toinfection is inflammation (swelling). It's possible that as these oral bacteriatravel through your body, they trigger a similar reaction by causing the bloodcells to swell. This swelling can then narrow an artery and increase the riskof clots. You won't feel your arteries hardeningor your cholesterol rising, but you might notice bleeding or painful gums. Ifyou keep your mouth clean, it's very hard for the bacteria that causeperiodontal disease to get started. You may also have other benefits, such asfewer fillings, healthier gums, and a brighter smile.

If you have cardiovascular disease,what should you tell your dentist?

According to WebMd.com; First, make sure you give your dentist acomplete medical history and list of the names and dosages of all the drugs youare taking for your cardiovascular condition (as well as any other prescriptionor nonprescription drugs you might be taking). This will help your dentistdetermine the best treatment for you, including medication selection for dentalprocedures.

Second, make sure to give your dentist the name and phone numberof your doctor(s) in case your dentist needs to speak to him or her about yourcare.

Third, if you are particularly nervous about undergoing a dentalprocedure because you believe your stress, worry and fears could make yourcardiovascular condition worse, talk with your dentist. He or she can provideyou with information and work with you on strategies to control dental pain andease your fears. (WebMd.com)

OTC vs Custom-Made Mouthguard

2012-01-25T15:29:00.000-06:00

The mouthguards that are available at the store are generally meant for protecting teeth during contact sports. They function fairly well for this purpose. They do not work well, however, for the purpose of protecting teeth from clenching or grinding. Also, the store-bought mouthguards do not provide for the proper relationship between teeth, joint, and muscles that help to stabilize the chewing mechanism. This type of mouthguard is generally bulky and does not adapt to your teeth properly.

A custom-made night tguard or, sometimes, an orthotic splint is needed to address the problem of grinding and/or clenching of teeth. It has to be customized to fit not only around your teeth but also such that upper and lower teeth meet in harmony. Muscles that hold the jaw are allowed to then relax and the jaw joint can then seat in a comfortable position. Grinding or clenching then is minimized as well as their very destructive and painful consequences (such as fractured teeth, periodontal disease, loss of tooth, etc.).
The fabrication and customization of a night guard and orthotic splint is a very precise and time-consuming process. However, like most things in life, doing things the right way is worth it in the long run.

Further reading- The mouth guards that are available at the store are generally meant for protecting teeth during contact sports. They function fairly well for this purpose. They do not work well for the purpose of protecting teeth from clenching or grinding. Also, the store-bought mouth guards do not provide for the proper relationship between teeth, joint, and muscles that help to stabilize the chewing mechanism. This type of mouth guard is generally bulky and does not adapt to your teeth properly.

A custom-made night guard or, sometimes, an orthotic splint is needed to address
the problem of grinding and/or clenching of teeth. It has to be customized to fit not only around the teeth but also such that upper and lower teeth meet in harmony. Muscles that hold the jaw are allowed to then relax and the jaw joint can then seat in a comfortable position. Grinding or clenching then is minimized as well as their very destructive and painful consequences (such as fractured teeth, periodontal disease, loss of tooth, etc.) The fabrication and customization of a night guard and orthotic splint is a very precise and time-consuming process. However, like most things in life, doing things the right way is worth it in the long run.

Further reading.

Can there be decay underneath a crown?

2012-01-17T22:02:00.000-06:00

Crowns are an excellent way to protect a tooth from fracture and therefore extend its’ longevity. The tooth structure on which the crowns rest, is still vulnerable to environmental factors such as acidic attacks from bacteria and sugar. Decay can occur on the edge of a crown and leak underneath the crown. Also, if the biting forces on the tooth are very strong or improperly loading the tooth, the tooth could be weakened from underneath and decay. Crowns are vital to protecting teeth, but one still has to come in and have them checked and maintained in order for problems such as decay not to reoccur.

Use of Laser Technology in Dentistry

2011-11-23T14:55:00.001-06:00

I am really excited about the new technology we have incorporated into our office recently. The one piece of technology that I would like to highlight is a soft tissue laser. Many of you are familiar with lasers in other applications to medicine such as varicose vein treatment, wart removal, and corrective eye surgery. There are several exciting applications of lasers in dentistry.

First, the laser can decontaminate our gum pockets. There are millions of bacteria in our mouths. If we have gingivitis, that is bleeding gums, swelling and inflammation of the gums, the bacteria can cause a bacteremia. Bacteremia is where the bacteria from our mouth can travel in our bloodstream and get into the rest of our body. This bacteria can cause plaques in arteries which can lead to heart disease. There is also a link between gum disease and diabetes. So, if we can reduce the bacterial load in one’s mouth, and help to keep the bacterial load down to within healthy limits between visits, then we have increased one’s oral health and quite likely overall health. The laser can decontaimated the mouth , taking the bacterial level from 100 million to 100.

Second, the laser is used in the treatment for periodontal disease. We have the ability to do guided tissue regeneration with lasers. Prior to lasers our treatment options were to clean the gums and teeth, place antibiotics, and surgery. The laser allows us to provide a less invasive approach than surgery, while eliminating deep gum pockets. If you really want to know the more technical aspects, read on in this paragraph, otherwise skip to the next paragraph. You see, there is a race between soft tissue and hard tissue growth. Soft tissues grow faster than hard tissue such as bone. With a laser we can take away the soft tissue and allow the hard tissue to grow, thereby allowing bone growth in some critical areas around the teeth. Incremental de-epitheliazation allows for the bone growth. We can therefore, eliminate pockets not only by trimming them down, but also by re-growing bone at the base of the pocket. The laser biostimulates the tissues to heal faster-stimulates collagen, fibrin, and osteoblasts. As a dentist, I get very excited about that!!!

Third, we can do much less invasive method of minor surgical procedures with the laser. I won’t get too graphic, but suffice it to say, we get much quicker healing. If you are interested in those details please feel free to ask me.

Fourth, lasers can shape gums for a much more esthetic and contoured look.

Fifth, for those who suffer from canker and cold sores, the laser can be very helpful. The laser can stop the cold sore virus in its tracks. When one gets that uncomfortable tingling, itching of the lip, that is called the prodrome symptom of the virus activating. With the laser, we kill the virus in the tissue from the outside. Typically, the cold sore does not have a chance to “blow up.” We have helped severeal patients in this way already. Also, anectodotally, those who had a few treatments this way, do not get them anymore. Canker sores are an autoimmune origin and the laser can numb the sore, biostimulates it for faster healing, and can create a “band-aid” for the sore.

Bad Breath (Halitosis) - American Dental Association - ADA.org

2011-11-16T22:16:00.000-06:00

Bad Breath (Halitosis) - American Dental Association - ADA.org

Stressing? Grinding? Don’t take it out on your teeth!

2011-11-15T10:29:00.000-06:00

The last few years have been challenging for many. As a dentist I see more fractured teeth, more jaw and muscle pain, and more headaches. Why? Well, we could have plenty to be stressed out about, but let’s not take it out on our teeth.

Here’s a common scenario:

The dentist tells you that you grind your teeth. You just know you don’t. And the stand off begins. Who’s right? Is the dentist trying to push treatment you don’t need? Are you in denial?

Some of you know you grind or clench your teeth. The more stress there is in your life, the more likely you are to grind or clench. Some do it consciously during the day, but the majority does it at night when they are sleeping. You cannot consciously decide not to grind in your sleep. (Hypnosis could influence sleep.) What if your spouse doesn’t hear you do it? Does it mean you don’t do it?

So how does a dentist come to the conclusion that you grind or clench your teeth? Well, there is the evidence. No matter what age you are, your teeth, under normal function of chewing, will not wear down. Remember, enamel is the hardest substance in the body. So the first piece of evidence is worn teeth. Frequently, we can see that the 1-2mm layer of enamel is gone from the top of the tooth, exposing the inner dentin layer. The inner dentin layer wears even faster than enamel and you’ll see little divets in the tooth.

The second piece of evidence is fractured teeth. How could a tooth fracture when chewing something soft? The likely answer is that it has been primed for fracture by extreme lateral (side to side) forces over the years. The soft bread wasn’t the culprit, rather the last straw that broke the camel’s back.

The third piece of evidence is bone loss. In the absence of bacterial causes of gum disease, what could be causing bone loss? Stress on the teeth and the supporting bone structure can be to blame. When the bite is not properly balanced and in harmony with where the joint and muscles want to take the jaw, the teeth get stressed severely.

Most of the muscles in the head are associated with the jaw and the chewing muscles. It may be difficult to understand, but a lot of muscle tension headaches could be prevented when there is coordination between the bite and the jaw joint. When theses two factors are working properly, the muscles of the masticatory system are able to function in a more relaxed state. Hurray! Relief!

The other aspect of this story is a bit of a paradigm shift for some. You see, both you and the dentist have valid points. Even if you don’t grind or clench your teeth, you could have the “evidence” mentioned above. Why? The answer is occlusal disharmony.

There are three things that need to be in balance in our chewing system; the joint, the muscles, and the teeth. If the joint is blocked from its full seating by the position of the teeth, the muscles have to tense up to hold the jaw in an awkward position. This muscle hyperactivity leads to banging of teeth into each other in very unfavorable ways. When you look in the mirror, you might say that it looks like your teeth meet up pretty well. Neither you nor the dentist can tell how your bite looks just by peeking. Truly the way to analyze the way your teeth come together and whether it is in harmony with your joint position is by your dentist working up an occlusal analysis with models.

The dentist can help get the teeth into the right place so that they are not in the way of proper joint seating. This sometimes involves braces, but not always. The desired harmonious result can be achieved in other ways.

So, relax, laugh and enjoy ... your teeth will greatly appreciate the effort.

Headaches & Occasional Ringing in the Ears

2011-11-10T09:52:00.000-06:00

One of the questions we frequently get is this -- I get headaches and occasional ringing in the ears. My doctor tells me there is nothing wrong. What is causing this?

Once a physician has ruled out certain diseases, and the discomfort continues, the right dentist may help. Tension headaches are due to muscle pain in the head and neck region. These muscles are involved in chewing. The chewing mechanism involves not only the teeth and the jaw, but also muscles as high as your temple area and neck. Frequently, the way your teeth are positioned can lead to extra stresses on teeth and the muscles which move your jaw. Many patients have found significant relief with proper treatment.

Stacking the Odds in Your Favor

2011-11-05T01:30:00.000-05:00

Stacking the Odds in Your Favor -

by Rita Spantideas

Office Manager & Treatment Coordinator

The Oaks Dental Center, Ltd.

Do you feel that picking a new dentist is like spinning a roulette wheel? If it’s a good spin, you pick a winner, and if not, you keep playing the game. However, don’t despair. There are ways that will help you stack the odds in your favor.

First, determine what kind of dentist you should look for. A general dentist is trained to perform all types of procedures. A general practitioner is what most of us should select. If you have unusual or difficult needs, a general dentist may refer you to a specialist for the specific treatment. Dentists, both general practitioners and specialists, can be degreed as D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine).

The degree the doctor is given depends on the school from which the doctor graduated. The requirements for either one of these degrees are identical: he/she must complete four years of postgraduate study for a general practitioner and an additional two to four years of advanced study for a specialty. They must then pass a state licensing examination to be allowed to open a practice.

Okay, now that you have determined what kind of dentist you want, you need to do a little more research. Remember, you are looking to form a long-term partnership with your dentist and you need to pick someone you can trust and feel comfortable with. Establish what your priorities are in selecting a dentist. Try asking yourself the following questions and make a list in the order of importance. How important is a beautiful, healthy smile to you? Are you interested in longlasting quality work or just patchwork that will get you by? Are you concerned about price only? Is the dentist contracted with your insurance company network? Are you more interested in a dentist that does comprehensive, esthetic dentistry or the “drill and fill” type? Is the dentist gentle and compassionate? Do you have to wait a long time to get an appointment? Are you kept waiting long upon arriving for your appointment? Are the office hours convenient to your schedule? Is the doctor’s staff friendly and efficient? Is information about fees and payments given to you prior to treatment being done? Where was the doctor educated and trained? Is the office located close to your home and work? Will the doctor take time to answer my questions? You get the picture.

Experience may be a priority to you. However, don’t let that be the only criteria. A new dentist comes prepared, with all the latest techniques, materials and technology available in the industry. You might want to ask a long-practicing dentist how often they attend dental conferences and continuing education workshops/seminars.

Once your priority list is completed, it’s time to start searching. Wow! That’s not so easy! In Crystal Lake alone there are approximately forty dentists. Sure, you could look them all up in the yellow pages or the Internet, then call all forty and ask your questions. Talk about time consuming! So, what’s your best approach? The best way is to ask family, friends, neighbors or co-workers if they can recommend a good dentist. They may also be able to answer a lot of your priority questions. Once you have the name of the dentist, call the office and ask your questions. That first phone call can be very revealing! If you like what you hear, it’s appropriate to ask if you can visit the office before making your appointment. An on-site visit will allow you to see if the office is clean and neat. You’ll also be able to determine if the staff is professional, friendly and cares about their patients.

These tips should help make picking your new dentist a lot less of a gamble. I can tell you with utmost confidence that when you choose The Oaks Dental Center, you will have chosen a winning spin!

Growing up about growing old

2011-05-04T16:22:00.001-05:00

Dealing with Dental Emergencies

2011-03-09T11:15:00.002-06:00

From the Doctor's Perspective

2010-12-06T15:27:00.000-06:00

Recently, I had my first experience of being on the receiving end of root canal

therapy. Please note that it was not negligence on my part, but rather an unfortunate set of circumstances that necessitated the treatment. Prior to the root canal treatment, I experienced an increasing amount of sensitivity to hot and cold over several weeks. I decided to wait it out; to see what my patients feel when they wait for the pain to go away. It was tolerable for a while but it steadily got worse, rather then better. It started to throb at night. Initially, an over-the-counter analgesic such as ibuprofen was sufficient to take care of the pain. After waiting a few more days, the discomfort continued to progress in intensity. That is when I decided to schedule an appointment for the root canal therapy. I’ve had enough “waiting to see if it would go away.” I couldn’t wait for the root canal. After the doctor anesthetized me, I felt no discomfort. Only once, did I need a little additional anesthesia directly into the tooth. The rest of the procedure was painless! The anesthetic wore off in about three hours. I expected residual discomfort not only from the inflammation in the tooth but the procedure itself. I felt great after the procedure! I felt no pain. I didn’t even need an ibuprofen! I couldn’t believe how immediate the relief was. I learned that waiting things out is not in one’s best interest when it comes to dentistry. I was grateful for the experience it is an eye-opening experience to know what the patient feels when they have root canal treatment. Now, I fully appreciate the suffering and the urgency of the situation when a tooth “really” hurts.

My advice… do not wait!

ADA: American Dental Association - X-rays/Radiography

2010-11-23T14:03:00.000-06:00

ADA: American Dental Association - X-rays/Radiography

Alzheimer’s and Dental Care

2010-11-21T13:33:00.000-06:00

It is very important that the elderly receive the proper care. Sometimes, because of advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease, limited dental services can be performed. However, it is very important that the patients are not left with infections and pain. Sources of infection, such as a severely decayed tooth, or severe gum disease should be addressed as it may cause a serious abscess, not to mention pain and/or difficulty with eating. The elderly may need to come for dental visits more often as they may not be able to perform some of the oral hygiene regimens as well as in the past due to diseases such as Alzheimer’s or arthritis. It is very important that they maintain good oral hygiene, especially since a lot them have taken excellent care of their mouths and had extensive work. It is easier to maintain one’s oral health than to rebuild. Therefore prevention of big problems, even in the elderly, is critical.

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What lies below the brain? — the teeth

2010-11-17T19:33:00.000-06:00

What lies below the brain? — the teeth

ADA: American Dental Association - Kellogg moves ahead on dental therapist project

2010-11-17T19:26:00.000-06:00

ADA: American Dental Association - Kellogg moves ahead on dental therapist project

A Paradigm Shift in Dentistry

2010-11-17T13:17:00.003-06:00

When most people think of going to the dentist, they think of getting checked to see how many “cavities” they have. While it is true that it is necessary to check whether the “cavities” are present, there are other equally important issues that get checked and addressed.

Let’s talk about the cavities first. When bacteria have entered a tooth through the enamel layer and into the inner part, the dentin, they can spread and not only destroy the tooth but also enter the nerves and blood vessels, causing a major infection. Those who have a high rate and amount of “cavities” have a problem. Three things need to occur in order to get cavities. One has to be a susceptible host, which means that vulnerable teeth have to be present. Second, bacteria that can cause the damage have to be present.
Third, the bacteria have to be fed sugar in various forms in order to survive. We can attempt to minimize these factors by having proper nutrition with limited “mealtime-only” sugar intake.

We can minimize the bacteria that are present by using specific mouth rinses in a prescribed regimen.We have xylitol gums and mints to help also. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that can be found in foods such as berries,
fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, birch trees, etc. It can be man-made as well. When you eat xylitol, the acid attack that would otherwise occur after a meal or a snack is stopped in its tracks. Because the decay-causing bacteria are unable to metabolize xylitol, their growth is reduced. The number of acid-producing lactobacilli and streptococci bacteria falls by as much as 90 percent. Because acids are not formed, the saliva and plaque pH do not fall. The bacteria cannot stick to the tooth surfaces as much then and the plaque decreases.
This leads to a reduced rate of “cavities.”

One of the paradigm shifts with cavities is that when there is a start of decay, it has a potential to stop or reverse as long as it hasn’t entered the dentin layer of the tooth. Using xylitol, mouth rinses, proper nutrition, fluoride, and meticulous oral hygiene can arrest the decay process in some cases. That is very exciting indeed!

In addition to cavities, your mouth gets checked for cancer at a dental office as well. This is a very important part of your overall health. Sometimes a biopsy of tissue with a small brush is necessary. Another important part of your checkup is the way your teeth meet together. It is important to check for signs of clenching,
grinding, and other improper forces on teeth as this may lead to severe damage to teeth as well as to the bone that holds your teeth.

Another paradigm shift in dentistry is that dentistry can be beautiful. When nature does not give one a perfect smile, current dentistry can make teeth look as beautiful as natural teeth or better.