San Diego Cosmetic Dentist - Complete Dental Health

Swimmer's Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 17:06:00 +0000

The term swimmer's teeth or swimmer's calculus refers to a dark yellowish-brown color of teeth that is common among competitive swimmers. It is a direct result of the amount of time one spends in the pool, and most frequently appears on the front teeth. The discoloration of teeth is actually made of deposits similar to the natural tartar or plaque that builds overtime on everyone's teeth but is much darker and is not effectively removed by brushing.

Because pool water contains many chemical additives it has a higher pH than saliva and this causes the proteins in saliva to break downs creating the organic dark deposits on teeth. Swimmer's teeth is most common in teenagers who spend more than six hours a week in the pool. It has been estimated that as much as 58% of children who swim regularly in elementary school through high school experience this discoloration of the teeth.

There is good news though. While the frequency and/or quality of brushing is not proven to help the problem, it is completely removable by your dentist and the discoloration is not permanent. It is recommended that competitive swimmers or anyone who spends 6 or more hours a week swimming should visit their dentist regularly to keep the problem in check.

Types of Toothaches & What They Mean

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 22:00:00 +0000

There are many different types of toothaches and each can be a sign or signal of a mild to severe dental problem. However, pain of pressure in your teeth or could be completely unrelated to a dental problem. For example, pain in the upper molar teeth is often a result of a sinus infection. Many people are quick to ignore a toothache out of fear of the dentist and the drill, but this can be a big mistake and cause the problem (if there is one) to only get worse.

It is important to know that the dental industry is constantly advancing and many new technological procedures have been developed that allow most tooth problems to be handled quickly and easily. And, whether or not the pain or sensitivity is severe or just occasional and mild, it should always be evaluated by your dental professional to determine the gravity of the situation.

Below are a few of the major types of toothache pains and different conditions they may be a signal of:

Periodic/Occasional Sharp Pain or Sensitivity - This could be a sign of enamel loss due to over brushing or aging, gum recession, small dental cavity, a severe crack or decay.

Chronic Pain in One or More Teeth - This could be a sign of nerve damage from teeth grinding, decay or an injury.

Extreme Throbbing Pain - This is usually a sign of an infection or an abscess.

Pain While Eating - Often a result of tooth decay or a crack in the tooth.

Jaw Pain - Pain in the jaw (usually toward the back of the jaw) is often associated with the presence of wisdom teeth. It could also be the result of teeth grinding or a joint disorder known as TMD.

No matter what type or severity, it is important to let your dentist know of any pain or sensitivity in your teeth.

Zoom Whitening For The Most Dramatic Results

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 18:49:00 +0000

Zoom Whitening is a revolutionary whitening procedure done in-office that is super fast and is extremely effective. Zoom whitening delivers dramatic and immediate results in just one one-hour session at your dentist.

Zoom Whitening is superior to at-home teeth whitening for many reasons. First, no other whitening procedure produces faster or more dramatic results. It is also a safe way to whiten teeth as it is done by a professional with less possibility for tooth and gum sensitivity. There are no messy with trays, gels or strips that are time consuming, a hassle, and take several weeks to produce any noticeable results.

Here's how it works: Zoom Whitening consists of a high-concentrate, pH balanced hydrogen peroxide gel that is applied to teeth and then activated by a specific light that quickly penetrates to remove deep stains and discoloration.

The results of Zoom Whitening are amazing. After just one one-hour session teeth are between 6-10 shades whiter, and in some cases even more. Also, even after treatment teeth may continue to whiten.

Zoom Whitening is currently available at Complete Dental Health, for more information click here.

Alternative Composite Resin Fillings

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:18:00 +0000

Traditional silver amalgam fillings contain 50% mercury and have been around for over 100 years. There has been growing debate over whether or not these fillings are safe or not because of their mercury content. While there have not been any scientific studies showing evidence that silver fillings may pose any threat to your health, many dentists are offering alternative, more advanced technology for their patients fillings.

Bonded ceramic composite resins are a great alternative to the old technology of the dark, unnatural and unappealing silver fillings. Composite resins are more natural looking since they are the same color as teeth so you can't even notice them at all. They are also very durable and allow the dentist to complete a more conservative repair on the tooth because they are able to remove less of the tooth structure than with traditional fillings. to see a comparison photo of teeth will the Click here to see photos of the traditional silver fillings and the more recent tooth colored fillings.

Completely Transform Your Smile With Porcelain Veneers

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 20:38:00 +0000

Porcelain veneers are a revolutionary way to safely, relatively quickly and dramatically improve your smile. Veneers are the perfect option to fix: chipped, stained, slightly crooked, spaced, or oddly shaped teeth, and irregular gum lines. Porcelain veneers can give you the brilliant and bright smile you have always dreamed of.

Here's how it works: in a few appointments with your dentist you will get custom-made, ultra thin veneers that are fixed directly to your teeth. Each veneer is specifically designed to fix your specific problems closing gaps, covering chips, whitening, so you end up with that clean, bright smile you've always wanted.

Check out some of these before and after photos to see how your smile can be completely improved.

Too Scared to See the Dentist?

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:04:00 +0000

Have you ever felt extremely anxious, nervous or even scared of a visit to the dentist's office? If so, you are definitely not alone and may be experiencing dental anxiety. This is very common and they are many reasons for why some people may feel this way while others do not. Some people will even go years without seeing a dentist because of it and this can be very detrimental to their oral health.

The staff at Complete Dental Health is very understanding of those who have anxiety about seeing the dentist, and know that it is a common problem. To comfort those uneasy about the dentist, Dr. Tim Collins and Dr. David Landau offer sedation dentistry so that everyone can receive the treatment they require while still feeling comfortable and calm.

What is is:
With Halcyon oral sedation you are given one pill to take an hour before your appointment. This will put you into an extremely relaxed and drowsy state and because of this you will need someone to take you to and from your appointment. During the treatment you are in a "sleep-like" state, meaning that you are able to speak and respond to questions or commands but will probably not remember much of the visit. You will be able to receive the treatment, and may even be able to combine the treatments you need into one and get it over with in one shot, all while feeling completely comfortable and relaxed the entire time!

Remember: that skipping dental visits today can mean more time and money down the road, so if you feel your anxiety gets in the way of maintaining your personal dental hygiene, contact the staff at Complete Dental Health today.

Toothpaste Abuse

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 17:14:00 +0000

Ongoing studies have shown that one of the main causes of tooth enamel erosion is people using too much toothpaste. People tend to abuse toothpaste when they are dissatisfied with the color of their teeth. Thinking that the more they brush and the more toothpaste used will whiten their teeth, they end over brushing and abusing toothpaste.

The fact is the more you over brush your teeth with toothpaste, the enamel begins to break down which leaves the dentine closer to the surface of the tooth and actually makes it appear darker overall. The decrease in enamel on the tooth then leaves your teeth more susceptible and sensitive which can lead to an increase in cavities and other complications that will require treatment.

Manufacturers of toothpaste recommend using only a pea-size amount of toothpaste, yet many people will use a thick line covering the entire brush and brush very vigorously. This combination of abusing toothpaste and brushing too hard leads to an effect similar to sandpapering your teeth.

Other main causes of tooth enamel erosion are swishing soda before swallowing, mulling acidic fruits, bruxism, and bulimia.

It is not however, recommended that throw out their toothpaste and quit brushing their teeth by any means. To maintain overall dental health apart from your regular dentist checkups, one should simply be conscious of how hard they are brushing and be sure to not go overboard on the toothpaste, and of course don't forget to floss!

Signs It's Time to See Your Dentist

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 17:49:00 +0000

An apple a day may not keep the dentist away. Recently the Chicago Dental Society listed the top five signs that one should immediately see a dentist. If you have one or more of the following it's definitely a good idea to get it checked out:

Bleeding gums
Sensitivity to hot/cold, or sweet foods and drinks
Chronic bad breath
Puffy red or receeding gums
Dark spots of holes in your teeth

Ignoring any of these early signs can end up costing you in the end with expensive dental surgeries and procedures. To save yourself the time, money and pain it is recommended you get regular (at least once a year) check-ups with your dentist to catch these problems early.

Bad Breath: Causes and Solutions

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 00:08:00 +0000

Bad breath, or halitosis is one of the most common oral health problems affecting people of all ages (and the people close to them ;). Experts say that the problem of bad breath is the result of open-air bacteria entering the mouth, stomach, or nose. Contrary to popular belief, problems associated with the nasal and sinus passages may be more commonly responsible for bad breath. This is because an abnormality in the nasal ways may inhibit the natural mucus flows allowing bacteria to pass from the nose to the back of the tongue where they may remain and cause an unpleasant odor. Many different types of bacteria contribute to the problem. Disgustingly, all of the bacteria responsible for bad breath are also found in: corpse scent, decayed meat, rotten eggs and other revolting odors.

Since your mouth is one of your most valuable physical assets, allowing you to communicate with others, it should be of utmost importance to maintain proper dental hygiene. So, what can we do to avoid bad breath?

Brush your teeth at least twice a day
Floss between each tooth once a day
Antiseptic mouthwash used in the mornings, evenings and after eating is very helpful
Be sure to follow specific cleaning instructions when using dental appliances such as braces, retainers, and dentures
Eat Healthy!

Interestingly, diet plays a huge role. Everyone says breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it is true in more ways than one. Eating breakfast aids in producing saliva flow after sleeping which helps to rid of bacteria that flourishes while we sleep.
Also, fibrous foods are reccommended to help maintain a healthy mouth.
Don't forget to drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks.

Wisdom Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:59:00 +0000

Most of us have our wisdom teeth removed when we turn 18 years old. It is not however necessary for everyone to undergo this procedure. Those who require the surgery have wisdom teeth that are impacted under the jaw bone. According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, if people do not have the wisdom teeth surgically removed they run the risk of developing periodontal disease which may lead to "coronary-artery disease, stroke, kidney problems, diabetes and obstetric complications, according to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons."

Many people do not have impacted wisdom teeth and may be able to avoid the surgery by simply having regular dental checkups. The downside for them is there exists the chance that their teeth may continue to grow into their twenties and the tooth becomes more embedded in the bone while the bone hardens. This can mean a more difficult and painful surgery later on in life.

People need to consider the pros and cons of the extraction surgery. Although it can be a painful process that puts one out of a commission for about a week, there will at least be no chance of developing periodontal disease or the risk of a later more complicated surgery.

Source: www.chicagotribune.com/features/health/chi-0120_health1_r_djan20,0,3717404.story

Cosmetic Dentistry

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:17:00 +0000

A person's smile is one of the most prominent features on their face. Advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made it possible for everyone to have a beautiful and healthy smile. Procedures such as tooth whitening, veneers and dental implants can change your life giving you the confidence you need to succeed and excel everyday. You don't have to go to a dentist and pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to greatly improve your smile though.

What is Invisalign? How can it help you?

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 21:49:00 +0000

Invisalign is a trademark of Align Technology Inc., named for a process of orthodontics: an "invisible" way of straightening teeth without using braces. Instead of metal braces, you are fitted to clear custom-fabricated aligners which will gradually move your teeth into the right place.

The advantage to having Invisalign is that you are able to make your teeth straighter and more properly aligned. This can be both cosmetic or a functional change that is needed for your dental health and well being. Invisalign aligners are replaced every two weeks, so there is less force per week and less pain than tightening down a wire across the teeth - the way standard metal braces are designed. Invisalign is also quicker than many other cosmetic treatments.

Although there are many advantages, one needs to know that there are several disadvantages as well. Because the Invisalign aligners are removable, they are not always in contact with the teeth, which may affect performance. You must get in the habit of keeping them in all the time and may be tempted to often remove them. Also, you must take them out each time you eat. Another small but important precaution to note is that there are occasionally people who show allergic reactions to the implantable grade plastic. The FDA has recorded the symptoms to be mainly minor symptoms such as sore throat, cough and nausea, however.

Talk to Your Dentist. Be sure to consult with your local AACD member cosmetic dentist to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

Losing Hair? Alopecia Tied To Dental Health

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 01:07:00 +0000

In a recent NBC report, researchers claim to have found that some hair loss cases (alopecia) were actually closely tied to having infections of the teeth.

"We have found that bald patches caused by tooth infection are not always in the same place. They normally appear on a line projected from the dental infection and can thus can be located on the face at the level of the maxillary teeth, above a line through the lip-angle to the scalp, beard, or even to the eyebrow. Nevertheless, they can also be located far from infection outbreak," researchers Gil Montoya and Cutando Soriano said in a news release.

The researchers also said some cases of alopecia may be attributed to auto-immune problems, meaning the body attacks hair follicles as if they were invaders.

Bruxism

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 22:21:00 +0000

Bruxism is the fancy word for when people grind or clench their teeth. Don't think that you are the only one with this problem, 8-10% of adults share in suffering from this sleeping disorder. It is the third most common sleeping disorder following snoring and sleep talking.

During sleep Bruxism the upper and lower teeth come into contact up to 40 minutes every hour and at a force of 115 kilograms. This creates jaw pain, headaches, and damage to the teeth and surrounding tissue.

So what can you do? Stress, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine are believed to set off or worsen the condition so steer clear of those. Dentists may also fit you for a customized mouth guard to help protect your teeth and alleviate some of your symptoms.

What Smoking can do to your Teeth

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 21:43:00 +0000

We all know that smoking is bad for us. It not only harms our overall health, but there are many lasting effects on our mouth and teeth. Smoking can result in:

Oral cancer
Bad breath or halitosis
Black hairy tongue
Gum recession - especially with chewing tobacco, the gums recede away from where you place the tobacco, exposing the roots
Delayed healing of the gums
Increased severity of periodontal disease
Nicotinic stomatitis (smoker's palate) - inflammation of salivary gland openings on the roof of the mouth
Staining
Tar deposits remaining on the teeth

Cosmetic Dentistry Takes Over

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:37:00 +0000

While it is crucial to take care of your teeth in the traditional sense, such as: oral hygiene, preventing, diagnosing, and treating oral diseases, and keeping the mouth generally healthy; cosmetic dentistry is gaining in popularity. Partially due to technological advances and innovations, dentists are now able to offer a wider range of services. It is also becoming more affordable for patients to reap the benefits of these treatments.

At Complete Dental Health, many cosmetic services are available in addition to traditional dental services. Below is a list of the treatments that Complete Dental Health has to offer.

Zoom whitening
Invisalign invisible braces
Porcelain veneers
Dental implants
Bonding
Porcelain crowns, onlays and inlays
Recontouring

The ADA Joins the Race to Go Green

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:42:00 +0000

The American Dental Association, which represents more than 155,000 dentists nation wide, is taking steps to become more environmentally friendly. They have implemented several BMPs (Best Management Practices) in order to better protect the environment.

One step that the ADA is taking is to eliminate the use of bulk mercury in dentistry. Dentists now use encapsulated amalgam, which are capsules containing a small amount of elemental mercury and the powdered metals with which it is mixed. The ADA has also reduced the amount of dental amalgam that enters the waste stream.

Since dentists are voluntarily taking on these new practices, it provides hope that other fields of business and other associations will begin to implement their own environment protection programs.

Comfort in the Office

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 21:46:00 +0000

People may dread going to office visits such as the doctor or the dentist, but it does not have to be that way. Many offices have taken steps towards making customers feel more comfortable.

The staff at Complete Dental Health have incorporated many of the comforts of home into a patients visit. IPods are in every room with enough music choices to suit anyones preference. Customer Laura Walcher states, "In Hillcrest, Drs. Landau and Collins ought to get the Nordstroms award for customer service, since theirs may even leave Nordstroms in the dust. Show up: you get hot and cold drinks, cookies, flowers, coffee cups filled with sugar-free treats, cordial greetings by name coming and going, and friendly reminder calls for each appointment. I may move in."

It is important for patients to feel welcome and comfortable during an office visit. Good customer service helps to keep anxiety down and patients relaxed during treatments and checkups.

USC Oral Cancer Screenings

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 23:06:00 +0000

College students and those with a college education have traditionally smoked less than that of lower educated Americans. However, recent studies by the American Cancer Society show that this is changing and that 20% of college students have admitted to smoking.

USC's School of Dentistry is launching a campus wide event on Thursday, November 15th in conjunction with Great American Smoke Out Day. The dental hygienist class of 2008 will be offering free oral cancer screenings and stop smoking kits to the hundreds of students who are expected to attend.

The dental hygiene students are joining the American Cancer Society, USC Colleges Against Cancer and the USC Pharmacy to help students and the community become aware of the benefits of being tobacco free.

Dentists in the Senate

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 17:09:00 +0000

On November 6th, three general practice dentists were elected to the New Jersey state senate. This is the first time that three dentists have served on the New Jersey Senate at the same time. This means that 8% of the NJ senate will be represented by dentists.

Dr. S. Gerald Cardinale is the longest-serving member of the New Jersey senate, and Dr. Jefferson Van Drew and Dr. Joseph Pennacchio will sit as first time members. They will all be able to keep their practices full time while serving on the part time legislature.

California has at least one senate member who owns his own dental practice, which means, there is plenty of room for more!

Too Much Fluoride?

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 17:31:00 +0000

Fluoride has always been thought to be a good thing, however, there is debate about whether or not there is too much fluoride put in our drinking water. Fluoride is also found in places you would least expect it: soft drinks and even beer.

Dr. Fleming is a Durham dentist and on the FDA dental advisory committee, and he believes that the fluoride added to water could be damaging to the the teeth as well as overall health. In 2006, a report by the National Academy of Sciences identified fluoride as a potent hormone disruptor that can affect your thyroid and potentially lower the IQ of children. The report also says that children who drink fluoridated water can develop fluorosis, which is a defect in their teeth that can cause discoloration and erosion of the enamel. Last year, Harvard researchers released a study that showed that the risk of bone cancer increases five fold for teenage boys who drink fluoridated water.

However, the American Dental Association said that as long as the fluoride that is being added to water is regulated and held to the guidelines, then it is safe as well as good for dental health.

Athletes: Don't Forget About Your Teeth!

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Thu, 08 Nov 2007 21:50:00 +0000

While athletes spend hours perfecting their body and keeping it healthy, they often forget about their teeth. Athletes face extra hazards when it comes to oral hygiene.

Runners, cyclists, and other athletes can often experience "cotton mouth." This is when the mouth becomes dry due to an increased air intake which in turn reduces saliva. Saliva forms a protective coating around our teeth, so when we experience cotton mouth we are at a higher risk for dental decay.

This problem is only made worse when athletes go to quench their thirst. Sports drinks, gels, and special diets that are consumed during races and training only create more problems. The sugar and carbohydrates found in these items increase the overall acidity in the mouth.

Don't stop working out though! Here are some helpful hints that can help protect you and your mouth:

Chew gum between workouts and meals to help your teeth become re-mineralized
Use sports drinks that contain xylitol as a sweetener instead
Rinse your mouth out with water or ice after consuming a sports drink or bar

Welcome to the Complete Dental Health Blog!

noreply@blogger.com (San Diego Cosmetic Dentist) — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 23:46:00 +0000

Stay tuned for great articles and resources on dental health, Invisalign, cosmetic dentistry, veneers, orthodontics, implants, sedation dentistry, and much more!

San Diegans are in luck - San Diego Dentists Dr. David Landau and Dr. Tim Collins are sponsoring this blog to provide answers to your questions on all aspects of dentistry. We hope you visit the blog often for new tips and news!