Make a healthy mouth part of your 2018 resolution!

As the new year rapidly approaches, we're sure that you have a few great resolutions picked out. In addition to eating healthier and watching less TV, we hope you choose to up your oral health for 2018. At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, we've compiled a list of great ways and reasons to keep those teeth clean. As always, we hope everyone has a happy and safe New Year's holiday!

-78% of Americans will have one cavity by the age of 17.

- Populations in areas with fluoridated drinking water (like Thousand Oaks/Conejo Valley) experience 15% less cavities on average when compared to non-fluoridated areas. 

- Daily use of fluoride toothpaste is associated with an ADDITIONAL 25% reduction in new cavities.

- One in six Americans will miss work this year due to tooth pain or dental problems. 

- Over a quarter of Americans report never flossing; less than a quarter report flossing every day. 

- More than half of American adults suffer from gum disease. 

- Healthier gums are associated with better heart health, fewer pregnancy risks and better diabetes control. 

- The cost of electric toothbrushes is constantly falling, while the features (pressure sensors, timers, etc.) continues to grow.

- You only get ONE set of adult teeth- the best time to take care of them is now!

If you would like to learn more about caring for your teeth, toothpaste, flossing or other oral health topics, please give our office a call. Our main goal is ensuring that your teeth are healthy and beautiful for 2018 and beyond!

What causes tooth decay? - A Halloween refresher

With Halloween around the corner, we would like to take a moment to remind kids of all ages about the tooth decay process. While those sugary treats might make you happy now, they can cause a lot of problems if you aren't careful. Like many things in life, moderation is key to keeping your teeth protected from bacteria and cavities. 

The biggest point in understanding cavities is that duration, not amount, of sugar consumed is the main factor in the tooth decay process. Every time we eat or drink anything other than water, our mouth drops into an acidic state for the next hour. With this in mind, someone who snacks on candy all day will spend 24 hours bathing their teeth in acid and fueling bacteria with carbohydrates. If that same person ate the same amount of candy after a single meal, there would be a much less drastic effect on the teeth. 

Furthermore, it is important to remember that all carbohydrates can contribute to enamel demineralization and decay. Even foods that aren't necessarily sweet like goldfish crackers and pretzels are harmful to the teeth. Additionally, naturally sweetened or organic foods like fruits cause decay all the same as processed sugars. In fact, raisins are one of the most tooth-harmful snacks, due to their high sugar content, dryness and ability to stick to dental enamel. 

What can you do to prevent tooth decay? For starters, limit snacking and candy consumption to set times or pair them with scheduled meals. Do not let yourself graze on sweet food all day or take multiple hours to finish food. Additionally, rinsing your mouth out with water after eating sweets is an easy way to clear the carbohydrates from your teeth and limit their contact. Finally, brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily is the gold standard in preventing dental diseases. If you have other questions about tooth decay, candy or tooth healthy snacks, please give our office a call!

Dental Questions: Does the order of brushing and flossing matter?

One of the most common oral health questions dentists receive from patients is the proper order of brushing and flossing. We are here to assure you that there is no recommended order to a standard oral health regimen. As long as you are brushing twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, you are experiencing all the benefits of basic home oral hygiene. Dentists typically recommend brushing once in the morning and (definitely) once right before going to sleep/after your last meal. Flossing can take place at any point throughout the day, so long as it happens before you go to sleep. 

Beyond these suggestions, you may want to consider these options as well:

-Brush in the morning before breakfast. Brushing right after a meal can actually damage dental enamel due to the acidic affects of digested carbohydrates and the abrasive nature of toothpastes. 

-Using an alcohol rinse like Listerine after brushing can limit the fluoride activity of toothpaste. If you are at a high risk for developing cavities, consider switching to a fluoride rinse like ACT. 

-Chronic non-flosser? Consider keeping a bag of handle flossers in your car. It's a great reminder to keep those teeth clean!

-While sugar-free chewing gum can help clean/protect teeth, it is no replacement for brushing and flossing. However, a sick of gum after lunch or dinner can help dislodge food and stimulate protective salivary flow. 

We hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any other questions on oral hygiene, flossing, brushing or toothpaste choices, please give our office a call.

Bacteria on your toothbrush?

In a recent article, the American Dental Association recognized that where and how you store your toothbrush has a significant impact on the types of bacteria it harbors. Toothbrushes left sitting out on bathroom counters to dry harbor many types of bacteria, some associated with the "other" things we do in the bathroom. Fortunately, there is no scientific evidence that these bacteria can harm your mouth.

To keep the general level of bacteria on your toothbrush at its lowest, the ADA recommends rinsing with tap water after brushing and allowing the brush to air dry. Putting the brush in a case or cover can retain moisture and actually cause more bacterial growth between the bristles. The brush (or brush head in electric units) should be changed every three to four months to maximize their cleaning ability. 

Finally, it is important to remember to never share a toothbrush. We now understand that both gum disease and tooth decay are bacterial in nature, and that these bacteria can be transferred from person to person. This is particularly important for children under the age of three who are highly susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria. If you have any other questions on dental hygiene or oral health products, please give our office a call! 

Dental Questions: Can eating fruit harm your teeth?

Fruits and vegetables are often hailed as the healthiest parts of a balanced diet. They bring vitamins, minerals and antioxidants to almost every dish, while avoiding harmful fats and oils. However, since many fruits are acidic and high in sugars, they can be potentially harmful to your teeth.

As with all foods, the quantity and quality of the fruit you eat doesn't matter as much as the duration in which it is consumed. The bacteria in your mouth don't care if it's organic and natural or processed and preserved. To them, sugar is sugar. As such, the best way you can modify the bacteria's response is to limit the time that your teeth are exposed to carbohydrates.

Every time we eat or drink our mouths turn to an acidic state for 30 minutes. During this period, dental enamel becomes softened and prone to decay. In this sense, someone who eats every 30 minutes spends nearly the entire day damaging their teeth. This is why snacking on apple slices all day is more harmful than eating a single candy bar immediately after a meal (in a strictly dental sense).  

Another factor you can control is the consistency of the foods you eat. Sticky and dry fruits like raisins can be much more harmful than something crisp and moist like pear or apple. This is particularly true in children, who don't have a natural tendency to pick food out of their teeth. 

In total, fruit makes an excellent healthy snack, but must be enjoyed in moderation. Realize that it still contains acids and sugars that fuel the tooth decay process. As with any sweet food, we recommend keeping snacking on fruits to a minimum and sticking to eating only at mealtime. If you must snack, make sure that you are cleaning your teeth of any residual food and rinsing with water when you're finished. If you have any more questions on diets, tooth decay and cavity prevention, please give our office a call!

Dental Sealants

February is the official National Children's Dental Health Month, as recognized by the ADA. Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry will be rolling out weekly topics relating to pediatric dentistry all month long. Make sure to check back regularly to catch all the great information. 

While Dental Sealants are appropriate for patients of all ages, they are most commonly placed on kids and teens to maximize their preventative ability. The pit and groove patterns of the chewing teeth create near-perfect food traps. In fact, they are often so deep and narrow that toothbrush bristles cannot reach the furthest depths. Bacteria can then grow in these areas undisturbed and fueled by a constant food source. This is the general pattern behind cavities on the biting (occlusal) surfaces of teeth.  

Sealants interrupt this process by physically filling in the deepest parts of these pits and grooves. With the space gone, the risk of developing cavities in these areas is significantly decreased. The process of placing a sealant takes about 45 minutes (depending on the number of teeth) and does not require a shot. We start by cleaning the teeth with gentle air abrasion. Once the teeth are free of saliva, bacteria and food, we place the material into all deep grooves. The procedure is finished by checking the patient's bite and making sure the sealant is well bonded to the tooth. 

It is important to understand that sealants only protect against decay on the biting surfaces of the teeth. Cavities between the teeth (another common area) are only prevented by proper brushing and flossing. Additionally, it is worth noting that sealants can fall off over time and are much more likely to fail if the patient's home care is insufficient. As always, the key is brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. If you have any more questions about sealants, what they do or why we place them, please give our office a call!

Dental Sealants

According to a recent report from the CDC, dental sealants could potentially prevent 80% of cavities in school aged children. They also add that sealants generally save money over a child's lifetime and prevent the eating, speech and learning problems associated with cavities and dental pain. Could your child benefit from a sealant? What is a "sealant" anyways? Keep reading for the full story. 

A dental sealant is a thin layer of filling material placed in the pits and grooves of the back teeth. By blocking out these hard-to-clean areas, we can prevent food from sticking and eliminate spots that are difficult or impossible to clean with a toothbrush. First, the tooth is prepared using gentle air abrasion or an acid etch. We then flow the sealant material throughout the tooth and use a special light to harden it. Finally, we check to make sure the final product is completely smooth and doesn't interfere when your child bites or chews. The entire appointment takes about thirty minutes (varies with number of teeth to be sealed and cooperation) and doesn't require a shot. 

In the past, sealants received bad press for possibly "sealing in" decay or (if improperly placed) creating a catch to trap food. Recent research has shown that placing sealants over small areas of decay actually arrests bacterial grown and has the same effect as removing the decay. Likewise, we use a number of techniques to make sure our sealants are properly placed on clean, dry teeth. We wont let anything but the best leave our office!

Would your child benefit from sealants? Statistically, most children have at least one tooth that has pits or grooves that would qualify for this treatment. However, a complete dental examination is necessary to tell for certain. If you would like to know more about sealants or any other procedures offered at Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, please give our office a call!

Dental Questions: What's the difference between sealants and fillings?

A recent study released by the Journal of the American Dental Association identified dental sealants as one of the most effective means of reducing cavities in children. Sealants were found to be more effective than fluoride varnish at preventing decay and are associated with a 70%-80% reduction in cavities in the pits and grooves of teeth. 

A dental sealant is administered by cleaning the tooth surface, fillings the grooves with a resin material and adjusting any high points that interfere with biting/chewing. This may sound similar to the way that a traditional dental filing is performed because it is essentially the same procedure. The main differences come from the goals of the treatments and the amount of modification to the tooth. 

A dental filling is provided to remove active decay from a tooth's enamel and dentin. They usually extend 3-5 millimeters into the tooth and are used as a reparative treatment. By taking out the damaged areas, we can halt bacteria's progression into the tooth. In contrast, a sealant is performed on an undecayed tooth as a preventative measure. Typically, no tooth structure is removed. The end goal is to "seal out" food and bacteria from the deep grooves in our teeth. These tiny nooks create a perfect spot to catch food, harbor bacteria and avoid cleaning (most times the grooves are too thin to be reached by a toothbrush bristle!). 

In total, there are many similarities between traditional fillings and sealants. However, placing a sealant takes less time, requires less tooth structure to be removed and is an overall less traumatic experience for young patients. If you would like to know if you or a family member would benefit from sealants, please call our office to schedule an appointment!

The Benefits of Sugar Free Gum

Are you a frequent gum-chewer? Men's Health Magazine recently published an article discussing how chewing sugar free gum can save you thousands of dollars in dental expenses. Find out why adding gum to your daily routine can help fight cavity causing bacteria!

Every time we eat or drink anything made with sugars or carbohydrates, our mouths turn acidic for a thirty minute period. This is caused by bacteria in our mouths processing sugars into their associated acids. Over time, the acid buildup weakens dental enamel and begins to form cavities in our teeth. These cavities tend to develop in areas that trap food, as bacteria have more fuel to turn into acid. This is one of the reasons why decay in common in between teeth and in the pits/grooves of posterior teeth. 

The Men's Health article correctly identifies that sugar free gum lacks the necessary ingredients to fuel bacterial acid production. In addition to this, gum helps loosen food that gets packed into our teeth after meals. Finally, chewing gum stimulates saliva flow which is a crucial factor in preventing tooth decay. Our saliva has incredible natural remineralizing properties and can have a tremendous effect on the progression of cavities.  

One topic the article does not address is the type of sweetener to look for in sugar free gum. Most brands use typical sugar substitutes like sorbitol and aspartame. However, chewing gum made with xylitol will add even more protective factors into your daily routine. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that inhibits ability of bacteria to grow and stick to our teeth. While xylitol gum can be purchased at many stores, health food markets typically carry the best variety. You can also order it online from companies like Dr. John's Candies (our office's favorite!).

It is currently believed that Xylitol's maximum dental benefit comes from using it three to five times a day. However, it is not a substitute for flossing or brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. If you would like to know more about the protective factors of xylitol gum, how it is best used and what it does for our teeth, please give our office a call!

Link to Men's Health Article: www.menshealth.com/health/habit-save-money-dentist

Hidden Sugars

While we typically think of tooth decay as a childhood disease, it can affect anyone at any age. In fact, while cavities are slowly declining in young children, 92% of adults over the age of 20 have some form of decay. This is largely attributed to "hidden sugars" in our daily diets. 

Nearly everyone tries to eat healthy and stay away from sweets and sugary drinks. However, it is important to understand that sugars can "hide" in the foods we eat every day. These hidden sugars are particularly detrimental when used as snacks or consumed over a long period of time. Duration, not quantity, is the most important factor in the decay process. A prime example of hidden sugars would be cheese crackers like Goldfish or Cheez-its. While they may have a low sugar content by recipe, our saliva can break down the carbohydrates into smaller glucose and fructose molecules. Combine this with the the crackers' sticky nature and you have a perfect storm for tooth decay!

Other sugars we consume aren't quite as discreet, but still manage to sneak in without us noticing. This is particularly true in an office environment where coworkers are constantly bringing in donuts, birthday cakes and sweet treats. While we may not plan or think of these foods as part of our diet, they still can have a serious effect on our teeth. 

Asking someone to give up their favorite snacks "cold turkey" is usually impossible. Instead, we suggest keeping the duration and number of snacking sessions to a minimum. For example, instead of eating a box of raisins over the course of an afternoon, try to consume all of them in an even fifteen minute period. Also, make sure to follow any snack or meal with a rinse of water and some xylitol gum. This combination is a quick and easy way to minimize bacterial activity after an influx of sugar.

If you would like to know more about tooth decay, what causes it and how we can stop the process, please call our office. The most important component of dental care is prevention, and we want to keep our patients equipped with the latest research in hygiene and oral health.