Acid Reflux Can Be Uncomfortable and Damage Your Teeth, Creating the Need for a General Dentist

As a local general dentist, we treat a lot of patients that suffer from acid reflux. While this condition impacts your digestive system, the acid can also harm other areas of the body. This is especially true with your teeth.  When you have a high amount of stomach acid, that acid can work its way up into your mouth, creating the uncomfortable acid reflux.  This makes it difficult to eat and sleep while also damaging your teeth. 

If acid is continuously put onto your teeth, it can start the process of erosion. This is the same with eating lemons and limes or dealing with this medical condition. The longer that the acid remains on your teeth, the more damage that it can do to your enamel, thereby eroding it.  As the enamel wears away, the dentin underneath becomes exposed, and you can start to experience sensitive teeth.  Dentin is full of small holes that contain nerve endings, so any time something touches the dentin; pain signals can be sent to the brain. In order to treat this condition, we can perform a bonding procedure to seal up the dentin.

This works in many cases but when the erosion is more severe, a simple bonding procedure won’t be enough to restore the tooth. When reflux-induced erosion becomes severe,  part of the tooth structure can start to wear away as you experience bone loss.  Some patients end up with holes in their teeth while others have brittle teeth that are susceptible to breakage.  The key is to prevent it from getting to this state.  If, however, your tooth does become severely damaged we can typically restore it with a dental crown.  As a local general dentist, we use dental crowns to protect and restore teeth that have become cracked, chipped, or where a portion of the enamel and tooth structure is missing. Once the crown is placed, it will surround the tooth and prevent anything from touching it, thereby eliminating any discomfort. 

It is important to visit our general dentist office for a teeth cleaning two to four times per year so that we can watch for signs of erosion.  It is far better to treat the damage regularly and consistently then it is to perform major dental work because it was left untreated for too long.  These quarterly visits allow us to strengthen teeth with things like fluoride and to try the bonding procedure before using crowns.  If, however, we notice that the erosion has picked up we may recommend wearing crowns as a precaution. 

When you do experience an acid attack, you should immediately rinse your mouth with water in order to mitigate. While it may seem strange, you need to avoid brushing your teeth for a full hour after the attack and when you do, use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.  This way you won’t accidentally strip away your enamel.  You should also visit your general physician to see if they can prescribe you medication to help keep the acid under control. 

Why Your Child May Need Orthodontics As They Age

When your child is growing, there are certain signs that they may need orthodontics.  If, for example, they suck their thumb past the toddler years, they may push their front teeth outwards and create an overbite.  Likewise, if their baby teeth fall out too soon, the remaining teeth may move into the position left vacant, eliminating the spot reserved for the new adult tooth. When this happens, overcrowding occurs, and a combination treatment of an expander and braces are often necessary.  Good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist can reduce some of these risks but ultimately genetics plays a role as well, leading to a trip to the orthodontist.

As a child, there are fewer options for straightening teeth.  This has to do with the bone structure and the child’s ability to sustain a long-term treatment.  For most children, it is recommended that traditional braces be worn instead of clear braces or aligners.  They have been proven to produce the best results with the least amount of effort on the part of the child.  While they need to be cleaned, and orthodontist appointments kept, they are fairly easy to keep in good condition.  Some children start their procedures as early as eight with an expander or spacers, while most kids don’t get braces until they are ten or older. 

As a child grows, there are more options for orthodontics treatments.  In teenage years and into adulthood, traditional braces are still extremely effective but the world of orthodontics opens up to include alternatives.  For example, some teens and adults can wear clear braces instead of metal ones.  They function in a similar fashion only the brackets are made of tooth-colored resin instead of metal.  The wires can also be made in a tooth-colored material for a natural or clear effect.  The challenge is keeping them clean.  Since it is normal for people to wear braces for around two years, this is a long time to keep the brackets from staining and many people end up with yellow looking spots on their teeth as a result.  They work well and can look great but extreme caution must be taken when caring for them. 

Alternatively, adults and some teens can use aligners to straighten teeth. This is an effective and convenient way to do so because the aligners are removable.  They only need to be worn for around twenty-two hours a day. This means that they come out every time you eat and to brush your teeth. This level of convenience makes it possible to enjoy your favorite foods and special events without worrying about your appearance.  It also reduces the amount of staining that can take place from daily eating.  Since there are no brackets to get around, there is less of a risk that food particles and plaque will remain on the teeth. 

As an adult, there are far more options available for straightening teeth. Whether your child begins the process of braces and orthodontics at an early age or waits until their teens is entirely up to you. 

How the 1980s Changed Cosmetic Dentistry

The past few decades have significantly changed cosmetic dentistry. Advancements in medical technology have made it possible for people to keep more of their natural teeth by preventing infections and restoring ones that become damaged.  With new materials and technology, we can save teeth and transform their appearance in a way that is both natural looking and durable. 

In the past, most dentists would look at an infected tooth and pull it.  Over the years, dentists moved toward restorations but would still use a sliver amalgam crown to complete the process, especially after something like a root canal.  While ceramic has been used in dentistry for over a hundred years, it wasn’t durable enough to be a popular solution.

The 1980’s changed that and made ceramic or natural looking dentistry, mainstream.  The reason is simple; resin cement was invented.  This cement allowed cosmetic dentistry offices to bond a ceramic crown directly to a natural tooth.  This made the crown far more durable so that patients could eat like normal without worrying about damaging their crown or causing it to pop off.  This change, while seemingly simple, solved a common problem and made natural looking crowns and veneers more accessible.

This technology was also used to make a dental bridge possible. A bridge restores a missing tooth by placing a dental crown on the two teeth surrounding the missing one and using those teeth to hold a natural looking bridge in place.  Resin cement is a necessary component of this process, making a bridge a widely available solution starting in the 1990’s.

After the invention of resin cement, a lot of Hollywood stars had their teeth corrected using veneers and crowns.  Stars like Tom Cruise, used to have teeth that were misshapen, stained, irregular sizes, and crooked.  The winning smiles that you see on television now did not exist before cosmetic dentistry.  In fact, in many places throughout the world – they still don’t.  We know, however, that a beautiful smile can drastically improve a persons’ appearance, and as celebrities started using these procedures, the rest of America followed suit. People throughout the world now think of Americans as people with beautiful smiles.

In our cosmetic dentistry office, we regularly help people that want to replace their old metal crowns and fillings with natural looking ones.  We can remove an old crown that was perhaps put in place in the 80s or early 90s and replace it with a strong and durable ceramic one by using resin cement to bond it to the tooth.  Those that are looking for additional stability can also benefit from using ceramic-on-metal crowns that provide the best of both worlds.  We recommend that front teeth are covered in all-ceramic crowns for the most natural appearance.  By taking care of your crowns with a good oral hygiene routine, they can last for years and remain comfortable.  

Dental technology has continued to advance, and while the 1980’s saw a major improvement with the invention of resin cement, there are new procedures and techniques being invented today.  To learn more, call and schedule your appointment. 

What You Should Know About Teeth Brushing From Our General Dentist Office

Patients of our general dentist office often ask questions about the type of toothbrush that they should use and how to properly brush their teeth.  This is an important question to ask because if you brush your teeth, but do so incorrectly, you won’t get the best clean.  In order to make your teeth brushing time count, follow these simple steps.

Start with the right toothbrush.
The type of toothbrush you use matters a great deal.  Do not use a hard toothbrush because they are known to strip the enamel away from your teeth. Your enamel protects your teeth and prevents sensitivity.  Once it is gone, you will need a dental treatment to seal your teeth.  This is not a worthwhile risk so throw away your hard toothbrush and replace it with a soft one.  Regardless of what type of toothbrush you have, replace it every three months.  We will give you a new one when your teeth are cleaned at our general dentist office.  After three months the bristles tend to fray or split, and the brush can get dirty.  If it smells or looks funny, replace it right away because it may be full of bacteria.   

Use toothpaste.
While most people use toothpaste, few understand the difference between types and brands.  Whitening toothpaste is the rage right now, but we recommend that you use one with fluoride instead.  Fluoride is important because it can help to re-mineralize and strengthen your teeth which will in turn reduce your risk of getting cavities.  By simply using it twice a day, you can help your teeth to stay healthy without any additional work. 

Do it right.
You need to brush your teeth in a circular pattern in order to get the best possible clean without irritating your teeth.  Many people go back to front, but this can just push the bacteria and plaque from your back teeth towards your front ones.  It can also irritate your gums.  By going in a circular pattern, you can move food and bacteria from your gum line towards the center of your mouth.  This will promote better gum health overall.  If you have an electric toothbrush, it will move automatically so that you have less work to do. 

Brush often.
Carry a travel toothbrush with you and use it after each meal.  This way sugar can’t stay on your teeth and pose a cavity risk.  If you don’t have time to brush, use an antiseptic mouthwash instead.  At the very least make sure to brush your teeth every night before bed and when you wake up in the morning.  Floss at the same time to get any food particles out of hard to reach spaces.

As a general dentist, we can help you to stay in good oral health by cleaning your teeth twice a year.  This way we can remove bacteria and plaque that didn't come off while brushing at home.  Working together we can keep your teeth and gums healthy.

The Stages of Orthodontics You Must Go Through When Straightening Your Teeth

If you are using orthodontics to straighten your teeth, you will see results before you know it.  Both traditional braces and clear aligners are excellent ways to move teeth into position so that they can look perfect.  There is, however, more to moving teeth than simply wearing braces.  Very often teeth are too crowded and the bite is misaligned, as well.  We address all of these issues in our office in order to move your teeth and jaw into position.

Here are the basic stages you must go through in order to correct all of the issues with your smile.

Overcrowding

We must first address overcrowding.  This happens when you have too many teeth for your palate and must be dealt with before teeth are straightened.  We can do so by expanding your pallet using a metal expander that is attached to the roof of your mouth, or pulling your teeth.  During your consultation, we will discuss the various options so that you can determine which one you would prefer.  Once done, we will be able to move your teeth into position because there will be enough room for them.

Aligning and Straightening

This is the part of orthodontics that most people think about and where you will start seeing a noticeable difference in your appearance. Most often this is done either by wearing clear aligners like with Invisalign® or by using metal braces.  If aligners are used, you will replace them every couple of weeks so that your teeth will slowly move into place.  If you wear metal braces, brackets are placed on each of your teeth, and a wire is threaded between them then held in place with rubber bands.  On regularly scheduled appointments, the wire will be replaced or tightened and be secured with new rubber bands.  Both will be used to move your teeth into position one tooth at a time.

Correcting Your Bite

Moving your teeth into place isn’t enough.  We must also correct your bite so that your upper teeth fit perfectly over the top of your bottom ones.  This is important because it impacts your jaw.  People with misaligned bites can experience jaw and TMJ pain on a regular basis in addition to having difficulty eating.  We can move your jaw into place using several orthodontics methods.  This includes stringing a rubber band from one of your upper brackets to one of your lower brackets.  The rubber bands hold the teeth and jaw in place.  In order for your jaw to be perfectly aligned, your teeth must be in the correct position front-to-back, side-to-side, and top-to-bottom. 

It can take time to accomplish all three of these things and before your braces come off they must be done.  In order to get an idea of what you need and how long these stages will take, schedule a consultation.  We can inspect your mouth and give you an idea of what will happen along with treatment options that you can choose from.  

Learn How Long Cosmetic Dentistry Solutions Normally Last and How to Care for Your New Teeth

In our cosmetic dentistry office, we offer a variety of solutions for restoring damaged teeth and transforming smiles.  We believe that our patients should love their smile, and we have the tools to make sure that they do.  Some of our solutions include dental veneers and dental crowns, both of which can cover dark stains, close gaps, restore damaged teeth, and make teeth look even and perfect.  The results are natural and absolutely beautiful.

When trying to decide which solution is right for you, it is important to understand the differences between them and how long they last.  A veneer is a thin shell that is placed on top of your natural tooth, so the tooth structure needs to be in fairly good condition.  If too much of the structure has been lost, a crown is a better option because a crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth. While a veneer can improve a tooth’s appearance, a crown can strengthen and protect it in addition to improving the appearance.  In other words, the more damage you have, the more likely you are to need a crown.

In order to take care of veneers and crowns, you need to brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and floss throughout the day. You should also schedule a teeth cleaning with our cosmetic dentistry office for at least twice a year.  The goal is to keep your teeth and gums in good health because if they become infected, your veneers and crowns could be in jeopardy.  You should also avoid eating ice, jawbreakers, biting your nails and anything that could cause them to fall off or become chipped.

When you practice these simple steps, your veneers and crowns should stay in good condition and last for years to come.  How long they last depends on you maintaining good oral hygiene along with how long they are designed to last in the first place.  Veneers, for example, are made to last for five to ten years.  After that time, you will probably need to replace them.

Understanding how long a crown will last is a little trickier because it depends on the type of crown that you wear.  All-porcelain crowns are typically worn on front teeth because they look the most natural.  They are made of the same material as veneers but surround the tooth.  They typically last for at least five years, the same as a veneer would.  If you have a porcelain-on-metal crown, it should last for five to ten years but during that time the porcelain may start to wear away, leaving a portion of the metal exposed.  This happens most frequently around the borders of the tooth and looks like a grey shade.  If you really want a long-term solution, you should consider an all-metal crown.  This doesn’t look natural at all, so it is best for your back teeth.  It will, however, last for fifteen years or longer.

To learn more about your options and how to help your new teeth last longer, call our cosmetic dentistry office.

Dentures Can Help Restore Teeth After a Sports Injury

If your teeth have been injured while playing sports, dentures are your first option in replacing them.  Whenever possible we try to save natural teeth by using modern dental procedures and restorative dentistry.  Saving a natural tooth is always better than having it fall out or needing to pull it out.  The challenge is that it is not always possible to save a tooth.  Sometimes it is so significantly injured that replacing it is the best option.

When this is the case, we offer several cosmetic dentistry solutions for permanently replacing teeth.  This can include creating a dental bridge where a crown is placed on the two teeth surrounding the missing one in order to hold a new tooth in place.  If that is not a preferable option, we also offer dental implants and in this procedure a new tooth and root system is created.

Even if a patient elects to have a bridge or implant, dentures will likely be needed while the procedure is being completed.  Permanently replacing a tooth is not an instantaneous process.  It takes time to prepare the gums and teeth and to have a new tooth created in a dental lab.  These types of procedures can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on which direction you go.  During that time, you can either walk around toothless or wear an immediate denture so that your smile can still look amazing.  This is especially important for people that have lost one of their front teeth since no one wants to walk around with a silly smile.

When giving patients an immediate denture we try to make the tooth match the surrounding ones as closely as possible but since it is a temporary solution, it may not look perfect.  It is typically worn like a retainer would be and held in place by a wire.  This is an easy way to get an immediate tooth, and most people appreciate having the ability to look normal while in the transition.

Some people actually prefer dentures to a replacement option like a dental bridge or dental implant.  This is because wearing dentures is non-invasive. For people that are uncomfortable with the idea of having oral surgery or any major dental work, dentures provide an option that can look amazing while being completely non-invasive.  If you come in for an immediate denture and decide that you want to keep them, we can have a permanent set created in the lab.

Modern dentistry has come a long way, and dentures look more natural than ever because they can be created in the lab using an impression of your teeth. Our technicians can make sure that every aspect of it looks and feels great. This is important because you need to be able to bite down comfortably and without discomfort, which is only possible when the new tooth or teeth are created in the perfect size and shape.  If you are an athlete that has damaged their teeth, speak with us about dentures to determine whether or not it is the best solution for you. 

A University of Boston Study that Kevin J Daily DDS as a Dentist is Excited About

Many people like coffee and as a dentist it can be difficult to say whether or not drinking a cup of java will help or hurt your teeth – until now.  Researchers at the University of Boston wanted to find out if there were any oral health benefits to drinking coffee or if it could lead to periodontal disease. Understanding that antioxidants fight gum disease and coffee contains antioxidants made the question even more intriguing.

In order to find the answer, researchers reviewed data that had been collected by the Department of Veteran Affairs over the course of thirty years.  During this time, they observed and documented the oral health of over 1,100 men in the Boston area.  The study included results from tests and exams along with information on food consumption.  Since coffee was included in the study, researchers were able to break the subjects into two groups – those that drank a cup of coffee or more every day and those that did not.   Based on dental exams, participants that drank coffee regularly had fewer teeth with bones loss than those who did not.  Since bone loss is a common sign of gum disease, researchers have concluded that drinking coffee is good for the health of your gums.

The logic behind this conclusion is that the caffeine and antioxidants in coffee may prevent gums from becoming swollen or reduce the swelling if they do.  As a dentist, swollen gums are typically the first sign of gum disease so addressing it at this phase is important. This information could also benefit diabetics since they are at an increased risk for gum disease due to restricted blood flow. Pregnant women, smokers, and those that use chewing tobacco are also at a greater risk for gum disease so coffee could be a way to help reduce their risk.

Researchers also wanted to know if drinking coffee had any negative effects on oral health.  “We found that coffee consumption did not have an adverse effect on periodontal health, and, instead, may have protective effects against periodontal disease,” said Nathan Ng, lead author of the study.  This is contrary to what popular belief has been that coffee can lead to gum disease.   Research shows no direct negative health consequences though as a dentist we do recommend that people brush and floss throughout the day since the sugar and cream in coffee could create a risk for cavities.  The only downfall of black coffee is that it will probably stain your teeth and make them appear yellow, something we can correct with a teeth whitening procedure.

This is the first study of its kind, and we are curious to know if drinking coffee has a similar impact on gum health in women and if drinking tea would have the same benefits as coffee.  Additional research needs to be done to find out but in the meantime we can safely recommend adding a cup of coffee to an existing oral health routine.

Studies Find that Teeth Whitening Can Make You More Attractive

Patients often ask us if teeth whitening will make an impact on their appearance.  The answer is unequivocally, YES!  A bright and beautiful smile is part of what makes people look warm and friendly.  Now, there are studies that show how important a smile actually is in a person’s overall appearance.  Match.com polled 5,000 people to see what they felt was the most attractive quality in a person.  They could select from personality traits and physical qualities.  Many people were surprised to find that the answer for both men and women was the same.  A beautiful smile is the number one thing that makes a person attractive.  This is excellent news for people that are spending hours in the gym or considering plastic surgery.  All you may need to do is schedule an appointment with the dentist.

In order to have a beautiful smile, you need to start by keeping it healthy.  Teeth that are infected or damaged will hurt your appearance.  Additionally, gum disease can make your gums recede and swell, making your smile look unhealthy.  Infections can even produce a bad smelling odor that makes it difficult to have good breath.  By having your teeth cleaned twice a year, you can prevent many common oral infections and have them treated immediately if they develop.  Additionally, you can take care of your teeth at home by brushing and flossing throughout the day.

Once your smile is healthy, a teeth whitening procedure is the first step towards improving your smile.  It is by far the easiest and most affordable way to do so.  We recommend having it done professionally because the drug store solutions come in a one size fits all design that tends to be uncomfortable or slip out of place.  Simultaneously, they only whiten teeth by around two shades so it is not a good option when compared with the dramatic results we can provide.

Our professional teeth whitening procedure starts by taking a mold of your mouth.  We use this mold to create customized teeth whitening trays that fit perfectly around your teeth.  This is extremely important because a whitening solution goes into the trays, and if they do not fit snuggly the solution can leak out.  Getting the perfect fit is one of the major benefits of having teeth whitened professionally.

Once the trays are complete we will provide professional grade whitening solution that you can place inside of the trays prior to securing them in place.  The solution should be worn for a few hours a day for a week or so.  Every day you will see progress towards the white teeth that you are looking for.  Once you are satisfied with the results you can stop.  Since the trays are yours to keep, you can whiten at any time regardless of where you are in the world.  This is ideal for college students, people that travel for work, or those moving out of the area.  Simply pack your trays and keep your smile beautiful for years to come.

The Many Benefits of Dentures

Dr. Kevin J Daily provides patients with dentures as an option for replacing missing teeth.  It is fairly common for adults to lose a tooth throughout their lifetime.  The percentage of people that lose all of their teeth has decreased significantly, but there is still a need for 70% of adults to replace at least one of their teeth.

Dr. Daily provides multiple ways for patients to replace teeth and the first thing to consider is why a tooth fell out in the first place.  If, for example, a tooth fell out due to an accident or an isolated infection there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry solutions that can be considered.  The challenge is that many people suffer from repeated cavities or severe gum disease.  If this or a general deterioration due to old age is what has caused tooth loss, then using a procedure like dental implants doesn’t make sense because the mouth isn’t healthy enough to support it.

Dentures are an ideal solution for people that have lost a few or all of their teeth.  They are very flexible in that an expert dentist can use them to replace teeth in a natural looking way without an invasive procedure. Partials can be worn in conjunction with natural teeth.  They are created after a mold is taken of the mouth to ensure that the new teeth look and feel natural. Typically, they are secured to the surrounding teeth using a bracket like system.  This way they can easily be removed.  Many people prefer to wear partials rather than having a cosmetic procedure performed because of how quickly the process is completed.  Once done, no one will notice that dentures are mixed in with natural teeth.

A full set is a good option for people that are struggling with oral health issues.  When teeth start to fall out, and appear likely to do so again, full dentures can make it easier for people to go about life.  Losing teeth or struggling from constant cavities can be traumatic.  In this scenario, it may not make sense to wait for all of the teeth to fall out when they can be carefully removed and replaced with a full set of dentures.  Once done, patients no longer need to worry about tooth pain.  This is one of the reasons that caregivers often prefer them to natural teeth.

Dentures are also more comfortable than ever.  They can fit securely into place and make it easy to enjoy eating and drinking like normal while maintain a person’s appearance.  Many patients elect to wear them immediately after losing teeth while making a determination of whether or not they want to use a more permanent replacement option like a dental bridge or dental implants.  Partials can be worn long-term or simply used while considering which direction a person wants to go.

Dr. Kevin Daily is an expert at restoring damaged teeth and replacing ones that have fallen out.  If you want to learn more about the various options available to you, call and schedule an appointment today.

An Implant Restoration is Your Alternative to Dentures

Patients of Kevin J Daily DDS often ask about an implant restoration and what it would mean for their long-term oral health.  This is a permanent procedure that can restore the functionality of missing teeth.  Unlike dentures that must be taken out, an implanted tooth will remain securely in place and is cared for like a natural tooth would be.  It is an ideal solution for those with an active lifestyle who don’t want to slow down to worry about their teeth. 

Dentures are a common and practical solution for replacing missing teeth.  They have been around for centuries and allow patients to have the functionality of a full set of teeth without undergoing a surgical process.  The main challenge with dentures is that they can come loose when eating or speaking and must be taken out to be cleaned and allow your gums to rest.  While functional, these inconveniences can diminish a person's quality of life and make it difficult to enjoy some of their favorite foods. 

An implant restoration eliminates these concerns because the new tooth is attached to an implanted synthetic root system that is completely durable.  During the process, a metal piece is implanted underneath the gum line and secured to the patient’s jaw bone.  The metal and bone fuse together to create a synthetic root.  A second metal piece is then attached at the surface of the gum line, and the synthetic tooth secured to it. This three-part system is the most stable and durable solution for replacing missing teeth. Once in place, a patient can eat all of their favorite foods, speak clearly, and enjoy life without worrying about their implant.

An implant restoration is also used for people who want to have a straight smile but don’t want braces.  In this scenario, the natural teeth can be removed and replaced with an implant.  Some patients elect to have this done for several teeth that may be sticking out or not fitting with the rest of their smile.  Instead of wearing braces this procedure can be completed and a permanent straight smile will emerge.  This addresses a common challenge that braces cannot – roots.  Braces move teeth, but the root system remains in place and can start to pull teeth back to their former position. This is why most patients are required to wear a retainer after having their braces taken off.  In fact, some adult patients need to wear a retainer for the rest of their life.  With an implant the root system is new so there is no risk of the tooth moving out of place. 

Patients that want a youthful, beautiful smile may want to start with a basic procedure like teeth whitening to see how it improves their smile.  If teeth still look dull, crooked, or several are missing, an implant restoration is a great next step.  The process can take several months to complete, so temporary dentures are often worn.  However, once the implant is securely in place, patients have gorgeous looking permanent teeth that are both durable and stunning

A Dentist Can Look for Signs of Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a serious disease and dentist, Kevin J Daily can identify symptoms during a routine dental examination.  Many people don’t think about oral cancer when they evaluate their cancer risk.  There has been limited education on the risks or symptoms of the disease which actually increases a persons’ risk due to a lack of early detection.  Regular teeth cleanings and dental exams can be the first line of defense in identifying the cancer before it has the opportunity to spread.

It is difficult to see inside of your mouth, which makes spotting symptoms of cancer nearly impossible to do on your own.  It is much easier for a dental professional since they have the proper equipment and lighting.  Additionally, they see hundreds of patients and know when something looks out of place. 

Some common symptoms of oral cancer include:

• Red velvety bumps.  A dentist will look to see if there are any strange bumps inside of your mouth during a routine dental checkup.  If some are found they will ask questions to determine if further investigation is necessary. 
• Hard bumps or lumps.  If a hard lump develops inside of your mouth, you may notice it.  If so, tell Dr. Daily.  He will examine it and determine if it should be biopsied.  If so, an oral surgeon will complete the biopsy and send it to a lab so that they can determine if there are cancerous cells inside. 
• Rough patches.  The surface of your cheeks and gums are naturally smooth.  After brushing your teeth, run your tongue along the inside of your mouth.  If you feel a rough patch, it could be a cause for concern and should lead you to schedule an exam. 
• Severe bleeding.  If you are experiencing bleeding in your gums or mouth, you should call the dentist.  It could be a sign of gum disease which can and should be treated right away.  If not gum disease, oral cancer may be to blame. 
• Teeth are moving out of place.  As an adult, your teeth should not move unless they have been pushed. If they stop fitting together properly or your dentures feel out of place, a dental exam is needed to determine the root cause.  If a growth is pushing on them, it will need to be biopsied.

There are several habits that increase a persons’ risk of developing oral cancer. Chewing tobacco is the main culprit by increasing the risk by sixty percent.  This is a significant risk, making it important to avoid smokeless tobacco products.  Smoking cigarettes and drinking too much alcohol increase the risk by six times and should also be avoided.  Another known risk factor is overexposure to the sun.  You can decrease your risk by avoiding these things.  Simultaneously, preventative measures should be taken to stay in good oral health overall. 

It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, use an antiseptic mouthwash and visit your local dentist twice a year in order to stay in optimal oral health.  This will help you avoid all types of oral health problems and provide Dr. Daily with the opportunity to identify any oral cancer symptoms, should they arise.

An Implant Restoration Can Restore Your Tooth After an Accident

If you’ve been in an accident an implant restoration can restore your missing or damaged tooth.  Millions of people are in accidents every year.  Car accidents, slip and falls, workplace injuries, sports injuries and more can knock teeth out or cause them to become permanently damaged.  Sometimes no matter how careful you are these types of accidents cannot always be avoided.  Fortunately, there are options for replacing your missing tooth. 

You can be fitted immediately with a temporary denture that can be worn right away while you consider your other dental options.  Some people select to continue wearing dentures since this is an affordable solution.  However, dentures can make it difficult to eat certain foods, can come loose when speaking, and need to be taken out at night.  This creates an inconvenience for those with a busy and active lifestyle.  

Dr. Daily can provide an implant restoration as a permanent solution for tooth loss. This procedure is preferable for people who want to replace a missing tooth without needing to take any additional steps caring for it after it has been installed.  The process can take several months, so most patients continue to wear a temporary denture until it is complete. 

In order to start the procedure, the gum tissue needs to be healed from the accident. Once it is, Dr. Daily will implant a metal piece underneath the gum line and secure it to the jawbone.  The gums will then heal, and the metal will fuse with the bone. Afterwards, a second metal piece is attached to the first at the surface of the gum line, and this is what the new tooth will be attached to.

A new tooth is created in a dental lab and matched in both color and size to your other teeth.  If you don’t like the existing color of your teeth, you should have them professionally whitened before the new tooth is created.  Otherwise, you will have one tooth that doesn't match the rest. 

An implant restoration is a fantastic solution for replacing missing teeth with results that are stunning.  Many patients are so thrilled with how they look that they have other natural teeth replaced with an implant.  This same procedure can be used to replace a crooked tooth or one that is damaged, but still in place.  Replacing all of your front teeth with implants is an effective solution for creating a stunning Hollywood style smile. 

Patients who are unsure about having an implant restoration should consider other restorative options as well.  A bridge is a viable alternative that does not require surgery.  In this procedure a crown is placed on the two teeth that are next to the missing one, creating a “bridge” that a new synthetic tooth is attached to.  This is a durable solution that will allow you to eat most, if not all, of your favorite foods.  It will also be matched to your existing teeth and appear natural.  The main benefit of an implant restoration over a crown is that there is less wear and tear on the surrounding teeth.  To learn more about your options, schedule an appointment with Dr. Daily today.

Local Dentist, Dr. Kevin J Daily, Treats Diabetic Patients

Those suffering with diabetes need to see a dentist who understands how to properly care for and treat their oral health issues.  Diabetics are at a higher risk for a variety of health problems, including oral health issues because of spikes in blood sugar.  When blood sugar levels are not controlled they can become elevated and prevent the white blood cells from doing their job.  White blood cells are in place to fight disease naturally by fighting off bacteria before it turns into an infection.  With diabetics, the body is less able to fight the bacteria and as a result gum disease and other issues are more common. 

The best way to prevent these oral health issues is for a diabetic to keep their blood sugar levels under control.  This can be done with proper diet and staying on the medication routine prescribed by a physician. Failure to do so can result in many health issues.

As a local Santa Cruz dentist, Dr. Daily works with diabetic patients to help prevent oral health issues.  Since diabetics have a more difficult time fighting bacteria and infection it is important to have regular teeth cleanings so that bacteria and plaque can be professionally removed.  Where typical patients should see a dentist twice a year, diabetics may need to come more often.  During these appointments plaque and bacteria will be removed from teeth and gums along with difficult to reach areas.  With fewer bacteria in the mouth, a diabetic doesn’t have to work as hard to fight oral disease. 

There are ways to prevent gum disease and tooth decay at home, including:

• Brushing after every meal.  Instead of waiting for the nighttime and morning routine, diabetics should carry a soft toothbrush and use it every time they eat.  This will help prevent bacteria from staying on teeth after a meal.
• Floss frequently.  It is important to floss at least daily and more often if possible.  This will remove food particles and bacteria from in between teeth. 
• Use mouthwash.  An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that wasn’t removed through brushing and flossing.  This should be done at least daily and is a good substitute for gum and breath mints. 
• Drink water.  Diabetics tend to produce less saliva.  Saliva is the body’s natural way to flush food particles and bacteria off of the teeth.  Without it, a person is at a greater risk for tooth decay and gum disease.  It is important for diabetics to drink plenty of water so that they can stay hydrated and assist the body in creating the saliva necessary for good oral health. 

When visiting the dentist, a patient needs to discuss all of their current health issues, including if they are a diabetic.  This is critical because the dentist needs to know if there have been any recent diabetic episodes and blood sugar spikes.  Dental procedures besides routine cleanings should not be performed unless the patient’s blood sugar is under control.  Otherwise, the recovery process will be prolonged. 

If you are a diabetic and need a routine cleaning and oral health inspection, call the office of Kevin J. Daily DDS to schedule your dental exam today.