Point Family Dentistry Blog

Children’s Oral Health
Did you know that tooth decay is the 3rd most common reason that children are admitted to the hospital in the United Kingdom?
Make sure your child has had their first oral exam no later than 1 year old. No more waiting till they are 3- it could be too late.
Mom’s need to learn the dos and don’ts to maintain health while they are still pregnant. This gives the moms time to make changes in their oral health which will ultimately affect their newborn.
The ongoing relationship between your dentist and your family is very important to keep in a continuous effort to prevent decay.

Listed Below Are Some Very Basic but Very Important Guidelines to Follow For Your Child’s Oral Health.

Feeding Guidelines

Breastfeeding
Stop night feeding once teeth erupt.

Bottle-Feeding
Should only be used with formula, breast milk or water
During bedtime or naptime bottle should only contain water: if bottle contains anything other than water use a cloth to wipe baby mouth prior to lying down.
Children who drink a bottle during Naptime or bed time may be more prone to ear infections.

Sippy Cup
Introduce as soon as the infant can sit unsupported (around 6 months)
Try to eliminate the bottle by 1 year
Should not be given at bedtime or naptime
Between meals should only contain milk or water
If juice is given restrict to mealtime

Food Guidance
Avoid Sticky Foods: Raisins or hard candies
Discourage Grazing
Pretasting and sharing utensil should be avoided because bacteria is transmitted through saliva

Nonnutritive Sucking

Thumb & Finger Sucking
Habit is usually longer than pacifier users
Prolonged sucking can cause changes in the roof of the mouth
Encourage children by the age of 4 to discontinue nonnutritive sucking.

Pacifier Use

During Sleep is associated with a decreased incidence of sudden infant death syndrome
Should have ventilation holes and a shield wide that a child’s mouth (1 ¼ inches in diameter or larger)
Should be `1 piece and never tied by a string to child crib or around hand
Physiologic pacifiers are preferable to conventional pacifiers: less dental effects

Teething

Begins around 3 months an continues until around 3 years of age
Diarrhea. Rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby
For Parents
Remove Drool to prevent rashes from developing
Rub baby’s gums with a clean finger
Give baby something cold: refrigerated teething ring. Pacifiers, spoons, clean wet washcloths, and frozen bagels ion bananas if old enough.
Regularly disinfect teething rings and objects

Fluoride
Naturally occurring substance

Water
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) My water’s Fluoride website (https://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/Index.asp) to learn about your water system.
The University of Minnesota will test the fluoride content of your home water supply for a nominal fee of $20.00, so your dentist can make the best recommendations for your child. A test kit can be obtained from your dentist.

Can be found in some bottled water: Look at Label

Toothpaste
A Smear can be used as soon as the first tooth erupts: If at high Risk for Cavities
Caution when using a fluoride toothpaste, may swallow in excess amounts
Younger than 6 years of age should only use a pea size amount

Should not be used if child is under the age of 2 unless the child has less than optimal exposure to fluoride.

Varnish
Lacquers containing 5% sodium Fluoride
Is painted on child teeth by a dentist
Protects teeth from decay

Tooth brushing
< 1 year: Clean teeth with soft toothbrush
1-2 years: Parent should perform brushing
2-6 years: Pea-size amount of Fluoride- containing toothpaste 2 times per day: Parent performs or supervises
>6 years: Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
All surfaces of each tooth need to be brushed

Begin wiping the gums with a soft washcloth or toothbrush even prior to first tooth.

Flossing
Removes particles and plaque between teeth that brushing misses
Begin as soon as 2 teeth touch (between 2 an 2 ½ years of age)
Usually need assistance until children are 8 years of age
Flossing tools, such as pre-threaded flossers or floss holders may be helpful

Referring Dr. Mesna as a professional friend.A great smile is only the first step in looking your best. After your teeth are exactly how you want them, why not make the rest of your body look the way you’ve always dreamed. It is our pleasure to refer you to a professional friend of ours, Dr. Mesna. Dr. Mesna is a medical professional who specializes in plastic surgery. For more information on Dr. Mesna’s services feel free to visit his site at: http://www.mesnaplasticsurgery.com

Would you like to have a whiter smile? Many people do. There are more options today than ever before available for whiter teeth.

At our office, we offer several options, all of which are effective and will give you a brighter smile you’ll want to show off! We invite you to come in for a consultation and we can work together to find the solution that is right for you. We have several specialists who can help you achieve the results you are looking for.

Even though there are many over-the-counter solutions out there, don’t you owe it to yourself to work with a trained specialist? So please schedule a consultation today, and get the smile you’ve dreamed about!

Meet a cosmetic dentist for Minneapolis & Bloomington MN with over 35 years of experience and quality: Dana Isaacson DDS of Point Family Dentistry.

Minneapolis Dentist Dr. Heather Carr offers excellent orthodontics treatment to get a beautiful smile for life. Serving to the Burnsville, Bloomington, Eden Prairie, Edina, Minnetonka, Plymouth and St Paul, Minnesota (MN) areas. Contact us at 612-246-4021 to schedule an appointment!

Our patient Mary discusses her experience with our office

1. What is Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™?

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™ is a completely new category of performance gear designed for all athletes looking to get better in their chosen sport.

2. How does UA Performance Mouthwear differe from mouthguards?

Mouthguards provide protection. UA Performance Mouthwear, which includes mouthpieces and mouthguards powered by ArmourBite™ Technology, does more: It enhances performance. It is not only backed by some of the biggest names in pro sports, it’s also recommended by dentists, pro trainers, strength coaches and wellness experts.

3. How does it work?

Clenching the jaw triggers the production and release of a cascade of hormones, including cortisol, the stress hormone. UA Performance Mouthwear powered by ArmourBite™ Technology prevents teeth clenching and relieves pressure on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). By preventing the excessive production of hormones, the body is able to unlock its full potential.

4. Are there research studies to support the performance claims?

Absolutely. There are studies published in peer reviewed journals to support the claims. More information is available online at www.underarmour.com.

5. who should use UA Performance Mouthwear?

Hundreds of professional athletes are currently relying on the superior performance and protection benefits of UA Performance Mouthwear. But it isn’t just for pros-UA Performance Mouthwear is for all athletes who want to excel in their sport or activity.

6. How do I chose the right product?

The UA Performance Mouthguard offers superior protection in addition to its performance benefits and should be used in contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse. The performance mouthpieces are appropriate for non-contact and limited-contact sports such as running, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis and training.

7. How complicated is the fitting process?

Your dentist will make accurate impressions of your top and bottom teeth. A bite registration will be taken as well. The process is completely painless and usually takes less than 20 minutes.

8. How long does it take to get a custom piece of UA Performance Mouthwear?

Once fitted, the orders typically take 10 days for delivery. Talk to your dentist about shipping options to receive your product sooner.

9. Does UA performance mouthwear come in different colors?

UA performance Mouthwear is currently available with yellow bite plates and decals.

10. How long will the product last?

Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™ should last at least one season unless your teeth change dramatically or you chew on the product.

11. IS UA Performance Mouthwear for everyone.

Individuals with a history of joint pain, missing molars or braces should talk with their dentist to determine if UA performance mouthwear™ is best for them.

12. Is UA Performance Mouthwear just for adults?

All adults and children ages 8 and older are candidates for Under Armour Performance Mouthwear™.

13. How is UA Performance Mouthwear properly cleaned after use?

Most dental cleaning products work on UA Performance Mouthwear, ask your dentist for more details reguarding cleaning slutions

14. What is a defective product and what isn’t?

UA Performance Mouthwear is custom-made, and each product is different. As a result of the manufactering process, small imperfections such as cloudy spots and air entrapment in the appliance material may occur. However, if your product breaks apart at the seams or elements are dislodged from normal wear and tear, it might be defective. Please refer to the warranty information for more details.

It seems like every day a new bleaching product is coming to market, and deciding which product to use can be confusing. I will explain the different types of stain that occur in and on teeth, and the best bleaching options for each scenario.

Tooth whitening removes intrinsic and extrinsic staining. Many tooth-whitening options are currently available, including in-office whitening treatments and home-use products that can be professionally dispensed or purchased over the counter.

Extrinsic, or surface stains, are non-developmental stains on the surface of teeth caused by tobacco use, drinking coffee, tea and red wine and some pigmented foods. Whitening toothpaste removes superficial stains and smoothes out the microscopic defects on the surface of enamel because they contain fine rounded abrasives, causing more reflection and a whiter appearance. Toothpaste with amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) actually fills in the microscopic surface irregularities, making the teeth appear whiter. I recommend using whitening toothpaste on an alternating basis with a non-whitening toothpaste, as overuse may lead to premature wear of the enamel near the root of the teeth, actually making them appear darker as a result of more of the dentin showing through the enamel. Some mouthrinses and toothpaste contain hydrogen peroxide, but they are in low concentrations and are in contact with the tooth surface for only short periods of time.

Instrinsic, or dentin staining, may be due to systemic conditions, the use of medications during or after tooth development (e.g. minocylcine, tetracycline), childhood diseases, infection or trauma to a primary tooth while the permanent tooth is developing. Tooth-whitening agents contain either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, and recently agents containing enzymatic whiteners have been introduced. Both hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide work in the same manner. Carbamide peroxide actually breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. It is actually the hydrogen peroxide that is responsible for the whitening effect.

Where do the stains go?

This is a great question, the hydrogen peroxide actually diffuses through the enamel and then oxidizes (breaks down) the stain molecules, that results in the stain molecules becoming so small they are invisible to the naked eye. Surfactants in the whitening agents work to lift off the surface stains.

Does bleaching whiten crowns or fillings?

No, bleaching agents only whiten natural teeth, they do NOT whiten caps, crowns, veneers, fillings, or dentures. Also, if you have dental work to be treated, consult with your dentist before use.

What about the lights I see in the malls?

The bottom line with light assisted bleaching is that there is no definitive research to backup the use of a light. Some research shows it speeds up the effect, other show it has no visible effect. I believe that marketing by the developers of the bleaching agents have made people perceive they are getting a faster or deeper bleach. The reality is, patients get a lot of rebound after those treatments and the added cost of using the light does not make it better. These patients still need custom bleaching trays after bleaching with the light. Point Family Dentistry does not offer or promote light based bleaching because the results did not meet the “marketing hype” promised by the companies. Do not feel that you are getting treated improperly if your dentist does not recommend or utilize a light during in office bleaching. In fact, the light may increase the temperature inside the teeth, leading to more sensitivity.

What about over-the counter (OTC) bleaching products found in drugstores?

These products work well for many patients, and I often recommend the use of these as a first line approach to bleaching. These products come in standard trays, strips or paint on applicators and contain either hydrogen or carbamide peroxide in lower concentrations than in in-office agents. The results achieved with these strips are equal to those of in-office treatments, but they take much longer to achieve. The issue I have with these products is that a patient does not have a diagnosis for their tooth discoloration, and these products will not work well for all types of stain. These strips typically only cover the six front teeth, and only the teeth in contact with the strip will be bleached. Patients with misaligned teeth are not good candidates for strips because only the portions of the teeth in contact with the bleaching strip will whiten. If you choose to use OTC whitening agents be sure to be supervised by your dentist, and have a check up to make sure you don’t have any undiagnosed cavities.

As a side note, Crest™ offers a professionally dispensed product, Crest Whitestrips Supreme™. These strips can only be dispensed by a dentist and contain a higher concentration of carbamide peroxide, more strips per box (84 strips-42 upper and lower strips), and are larger, extending beyond the front six teeth.

What is in-office Bleaching?

In-office bleaching treatments typically use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide for a more rapid effect. The teeth are isolated with a rubber dam barrier device to protect the gums, because the concentration of bleaching agent is much higher. The agents can cause gingival irritation, sloughing or burning, so isolation of the gingival tissues is an important step in the in office bleaching process.

Why do you fabricate custom trays for at home bleaching?

The trays are fabricated using molds of your teeth, and trimmed to cover the teeth only, avoiding the gums. These trays fit intimately with your teeth, and limit the amount of bleaching agent that leaks out, and maximizing the contact of bleach with the teeth.

Is bleaching permanent?

No, typically stains will reform over time, and does need to be maintained with the use of a whitening toothpaste and yearly touch up bleaching to maintain the whitening effect. For patients with custom bleaching trays, touch up kits can be purchased at a reasonable cost from your dentist. In-office bleaching has shown a relapse of 41% at one year, while tray bleaching shows a relapse of 26% at 18 months. There have been mixed reports about staining susceptibility after bleaching, and it is best to avoid high staining foods and drinks while bleaching and some time after completing your bleaching process.

Will my teeth be sensitive?

Tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect associated with tooth whitening, and is most likely caused by dehydration. Sensitivity has been reported in 18-78% of patients, and is typically transient with no long term effects. Sensitivity can be managed by using a desensitizing agent, such as potassium nitrate and/or fluoride. Using fluoride gel or Sensodyne™ toothpaste in the tray 10-30 minutes before bleaching can reduce sensitivity. Using a lower concentration of hydrogen (or carbamide peroxide) may also reduce sensitivity if you are especially prone to sensitive teeth. Some of the bleaching agents contain both potassium nitrate and fluoride, and have been shown to reduce sensitivity.

Will my gums become sore when bleaching?

The higher the concentration of bleaching agent, the higher the incidence of both sensitivity and gingival irritation. If you have preexisting gingival irritation or gingivitis, it is important to get the gums healthy before beginning any bleaching regimen. If you experience gingival irritation, burning or sloughing, stop using the agent until the issue has been resolved and the dentist decides to resume treatment or make a modification to your tray or concentration of bleaching agent.

Invisalign is a clear alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment, so you can smile during and after treatment. In fact, almost no one will know your’re wearing Invisalign unless you tell. By using a series of clear, removable aligners, Invisalign straightens your teeth right before your eyes. Change them about every two weeks, and your teeth will move-little by little-towards the smile you’ve always wanted.

Invisalign is comfortable to wear and easy to live with. You visit your orthodontist every month or two to check your progress and dispense new aligners. Average treatment time varies, but average treatment times are typically 6-18 months. Because the aligners are removable, you can brush and floss normally to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Invisalign utilizes 3-D computer imaging technology to map the complete treatment from start to finish. From this plan, a series of custom made aligners unique to your treatment is produced. each aligner is worn for about two weeks, and is then replaced by the next aligner. Gradually the teeth move toward their final position.

Treatment with Invisalign is often similar to price to traditional braces, and Point Family Dentistry offers affordable financing options that may be available to fit your budget. In addition, you may choose to use your Flexible Spending Account, if your employer provides it.

Call today to schedule a no cost consultation with Dr. Heather Carr, a Board certified orthodontist and Invisalign provider.

We have made appointments available for the rest of the year to help with the year end rush to complete dental treatment before December 31st, 2009, so please call to schedule your appointments today. The last few weeks of the year are a busy time as people begin to schedule their end of the year appointments to utilize their flex spending accounts. Call Jamee today to reserve your appointment times.