Friday, July 11, 2008

Plaque is the Enemy

Dr. Jason and Jamie Sands hope that you find some helpful information here and that you are inspired to forward it on to friends and family! We love referrals and some of our best patients refer some of our best patients! We wish you brighter smiles and greater overall health.


Snacking and Tooth Decay

If Fluoride is one of the best ways to protect against decay then I would say frequent snacking can be one of our teeth's biggest enemies. Every day, children face snacking challenges. The truth is when it comes to dental health what your child eats is not as important as when and how often they snack! It all has to do with the "plaque reaction"– and this is how it works:

The Plaque Reaction


Everyone has plaque bacteria in their mouths. But when these plaque bacteria meet up with the sugars and starches that are found in snacks such as cookies, candies, dried fruits, soft drinks, or even pretzels or potato chips, the plaque reacts to create acid, and a "plaque attack" occurs.
The fact is most snacks that you eat contain either sugars or starches that give plaque this opportunity to make acid. And each "plaque attack" can last for up to 20 minutes after you have finished your snack. During this period, the plaque acid is attacking tooth enamel, making it weak. That's when cavities can start!

Fighting Back Against Plaque!

The good news is you can help your child take a stand against plaque! By brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and by reducing the number of times they snack each day.

When it comes to snacking, your child should try to choose something nutritious and to snack in moderation. It is also better to eat the whole snack at one time! Here's why: eating five pieces of a snack at one time exposes your teeth to possible tooth decay one time — for approximately 20 minutes. Nibbling on those same five pieces at five different times exposes your teeth to possible tooth decay for approximately 100 minutes. What a difference!


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www.smilesbysands.com

Monday, July 7, 2008

Dental Implants By Dr Sands

Dental implants are the most natural replacement for a missing tooth.

A dental implant is an artificial root which replaces the natural root then a crown is placed on top of the new artificial root. Several types of dental implants are available. A titanium screw is placed into the jaw bone by a surgeon then Dr. Sands restores the area with a crown or a bridge.

This forms a structural and functional connection between the living bone and the implant. The bone takes two to six months to heal after the surgery. The process of Osseo integration occurs when the bone around the implant fuses to the implant. This process takes from two to six months depending on the area of the mouth.

Once the healing phase is complete, the implant or titanium screw is used to anchor the crown, bridge or dentures.

For more information call us at 818- 766-6121.

Visit our website:
http://www.smilesbysands.com/dental-implants.html

Gum Disease and Your Heart !

Can Gum Disease affect your Heart??

Did you know that over 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 have some form of gum disease?

Gum Disease and Gingivitis — What are They?Gum disease — also known as periodontal disease — is a form of inflammation and infection that occurs in the mouth.

Gingivitis - an early phase of gum disease and the easiest to treat — is an inflammation of the gums caused by the accumulation of plaque, a soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria above the gum line.

Plaque provides a shelter for over 400 species of bacteria and other microorganisms to grow and proliferate. If not routinely removed by proper brushing and flossing, plaque can build up on teeth and gums and lead to gingivitis. Fortunately, gingivitis can be treated, which can help prevent it from developing into periodontitis, a more serious and damaging stage of gum disease.
Recent research indicates that gum disease and or periodontitis is associated with the development of heart (cardiovascular) disease. There are several theories as to how periodontitis may have an impact on heart health. One theory is that bacteria may enter the bloodstream through the mouth and have the potential to attach to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which may contribute to heart disease. Another theory is that the inflammation associated with periodontitis may play a role. A recent study examined the presence of bacteria known to cause severe chronic gum disease and the thickening of the blood vessel wall commonly seen in heart disease. After examining over 650 subjects, the investigators concluded that there was an association between an increased level of blood vessel thickening and the presence of the bacteria found in dental plaque known to cause periodontitis.

Other recent studies have demonstrated there is an association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases, such as stroke, diabetes, and heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death in both men and women. More research is needed and is underway to better understand the exact nature of this association and the potential impact serious gum disease may be having on these systemic conditions.

How Do I Know if I Have Gingivitis? Classic signs of gingivitis include red, swollen and tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Since some symptoms of gingivitis are not painful, the disease may remain untreated for many years.

Signs of periodontitis, a more advanced stage of chronic gum disease, include the presence of gum ulceration, gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, permanent teeth that are loose or separating, any change in the fit of your teeth when biting and recurring bad breath and/or an unpleasant taste in your mouth.

How Can I Help Prevent Gingivitis? The key to preventing gingivitis is to remove the plaque and bacteria that accumulate on your teeth. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings are extremely important. Good at-home oral hygiene is also crucial.

You can help stop gingivitis before it develops by:

· Brushing and flossing to remove plaque and
· Eating right to ensure proper nutrition for your jawbone and teeth
· Avoiding cigarettes and other forms of tobacco
· Scheduling regular checkups with your dentist

So…..Brushing your teeth may be more important than you think.

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http://www.smilesbysands.com/