Dental Questions: Is Nitrous Oxide Safe?

Nitrous oxide, also known as "laughing gas," is the most common form of sedation used at dental offices nation wide. It can calm anxious patients and turn a stress filled dental visit into a relaxed experience. With its strong effects, you may be concerned that nitrous oxide has the potential to be harmful when used at dental visits. On the contrary, it is one of the safest relaxation drugs at a dentist's disposal. Take a look!

When administered at a dental office, pure nitrous oxide is mixed with pure oxygen in a mixture not exceeding one-to-one. In this setup, there is actually more oxygen in the nitrous mask than in ambient air, making it safe for those with breathing problems such as asthma. The nitrous system delivers the gas via a nose hood that both provides medicine to the patient and removes it as they exhale. This prevents other occupants in the room from receiving secondary doses of nitrous. It typically takes about five to ten minutes for a patient to feel the effects, and about the same amount of time for the gas to wear off when stopped. Most patients are fine to drive themselves home or return to work after receiving nitrous oxide sedation. 

Nitrous oxide works by stimulating receptors in the brain stem to create a calm, sedated and relaxed sensation in the recipient. Contrary to the name "laughing gas," it should make you feel sleepy or compliant during treatment. When used properly (in a healthcare setting with proper equipment) it is virtually impossible to overdose on nitrous. The gas is eliminated from your body by breathing, where you gradually exhale it from your blood supply and back into the nitrous mask. 

Naturally, nitrous oxide isn't for everyone and should only be used for patients that truly need sedation. Needlessly adding nitrous to a dental procedure adds unnecessary risks and difficulties to the treatment. If you would like to know more about dental sedation options, nitrous oxide therapy or other ways of coping with dental phobia, please give our office a call!

Smoking, E-Cigarettes and Oral Health

You've heard it a thousand times before- smoking tobacco products is detrimental to your overall health. Between increased cancer risk and diminished lung capacity, using cigarettes, cigars and other products stands as one of the most preventable causes of death nation wide. We would like to take a moment to inform you on the ways that smoking can harm your teeth and the oral cavity. We present this information not to scare or shame our patients who smoke, but rather as a means of informing and starting a conversation on quitting. 

In any smoked tobacco product, there are hundreds of different chemicals that pass through your mouth and into your lungs. Almost all of these compounds are damaging to the human body in some capacity. The two most notable are nicotine and tar. Nicotine is the chemical that causes addiction in smoking. It triggers the dopamine pathways in your brain to program you to enjoy the sensation of tobacco use. This is what experts refer to as the "physical addiction" of smoking. Nicotine alone does not cause cancer, but it can cause deadly poisonings in high doses.

Tar is the collection of burned compounds that comes out of smoked tobacco. It is very volatile, with the power to create the genetic changes that lead to cancer. In the mouth, smoking is a leading risk factor for oral cancers. Think about it- all that tar has to travel past the lips, teeth cheeks and gums before it even hits the lungs. Furthermore, smoking is shown to increase the risk of periodontal disease, tooth loss and soft tissue irritation. In general, bathing the oral tissues in smoke inhibits their ability to heal properly. Thus, small problems like gingivitis and ulcers tend to become more destructive and take longer to resolve. 

What about e-cigarettes? Also known as "vaping" or "vaporizers," e-cigarettes are marketed as a healthier alternative to cigarettes. Unfortunately, recent research shows that e-cigarettes create more smokers than they eliminate. Furthermore, it is important to understand that the world of e-cigarettes is largely unregulated. Vaporizers, vape pens and so called "e-juice" (the liquid you put inside vaporizer) are not well monitored for quality and safety. Caustic chemicals in juice, nicotine overdoses and too-hot heating elements are all reported problems with e-cigarettes. 

In short, putting anything other than fresh air in your mouth and lungs is a bad idea. This includes cigarettes, e-cigarettes, marijuana, hookah, smog and anything else packed with volatile chemicals. If you are a current smoker and are thinking about quitting, a good starting point is calling 1-800-NO-BUTTS or visiting tobaccofreeca.gov. At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, our sole focus is improving and maintaining your oral health. If you would like help quitting smoking or simply need a list of reasons and resources, please let us know at your next appointment. 

Office Spotlight: Hygienist Adrienne Spaeth

At Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry, our team is what makes the experience special! We are fortunate to work with a dedicated group of dentists, hygienists, dental assistants and office staff that are passionate about excellent care. As such, our office wouldn't be complete without hygienist Adrienne Spaeth. As a true Conejo Valley local, she really understands what our patients want and need from a dental cleaning!

Adrienne joined our team as a registered dental hygienist at Thousand Oaks Family Dentistry in December of 2013.  Adrienne is from Newbury Park and is a graduate of Newbury Park High School.  She received her Associates of Science degree from Moorpark College and then obtained her degree in dental hygiene in 2003 from the West Los Angeles School of Dental Hygiene.  Adrienne resides in Newbury Park with her husband and two elementary school aged daughters.  On the weekends you can find Adrienne on the soccer fields or camping, boating, and hanging at the beach with her family.

At our office, we pride ourselves in selecting staff members to suit a number of different dental needs and personality types. Our goal is to have every patient to feel like part of our "family." To schedule an exam and/or cleaning, please give our office a call at (805) 480-9820 today!

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: Is chewing gum good for your teeth?

Many popular gum brands market their sugar-free products as dentist recommended or protective against cavities. The general idea behind this is that chewing gum is a natural saliva stimulant. Your saliva is one of the most important protective factors in fending off tooth decay. It naturally buffers acidic foods and inhibits the ability of bacteria to damage dental enamel. This is why patients with chronic dry mouth are extremely prone to getting new cavities. Chewing gum triggers your saliva glands to create more fluids and thus better protect your mouth between meals. 

An important point in this recommendation is that the gum has to be sugar free. If the product contains fructose, sucrose or any other dietary sugar, any benefit from saliva stimulation is lost. In this circumstance, the constant contact to sugar weakens enamel and fuels the decay-causing bacteria. Look for gums sweetened with a sugar substitute like sorbitol or (ideally) xylitol. When consumed at a high enough concentration, xylitol can actually interfere with bacterial enzymes and stop their ability to produce acid. However, you would need to specifically seek out a xylitol gum (such as Xyloburst, typically available at health food stores) and consume about six sticks a day. While six pieces of gum a day may seem excessive, it is an inexpensive and easy preventative measure for those with the highest risk of developing new cavities. 

We know that picking good products for your oral hygiene can be difficult. If you have any further questions on chewing gums, mints or other supplements, please give our office a call. We are always happy to help you find the best tools for your oral health needs!

The Primary Teeth

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. 

One of the most miraculous features of the human body is our ability to develop two full sets of teeth. Baby teeth (also known as "deciduous" or "primary" teeth) begin developing before birth and are completely shed by about 12 years of age. During this time, they serve a number of developmental and nutritional purposes. 

For starters, baby teeth are usually whiter and more widely spaced than adult teeth. They also have relatively larger nerve spaces and thinner enamel, meaning the likelihood of a cavity going to the tooth nerve is much higher. There are also no baby premolars- just incisors, canines and molars. 

A handy guide illustrating when you should expect baby teeth to erupt and shed. It is important to note that the ranges are estimates and many children will fall outside these dates. 

In their most basic form, primary teeth allow a child to properly chew and break down food for digestion. They also act as guides to save space and allow the permanent teeth to grow in. This is one of the guiding principles of phase one orthodontics, or braces on primary teeth. It is also believed that the deciduous teeth play an important role in the development of facial bones. Finally, children's teeth are crucial in learning phonetics and vocalizing specific sounds. 

WIth all this in mind, you can see how losing baby teeth early can have a significant impact on childhood development. Premature toothlessness in children is often associated with pain, problems eating, lower self esteem and greater orthodontic complications later in life. The best way to prevent these problems is regular dental examinations coupled with good oral hygiene at home. Positive parental attitudes towards dentistry can go a long way in keeping children's teeth healthy and well protected. If you would like to know more about baby teeth, braces or dental exams for kids, please give our office a call!

Replace That Toothbrush!

Is your brush looking a little frayed? Its probably time to grab a new one! The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes (or electric brush heads) every three to four months. Older brushes lose their ability to reach the fine areas of your mouth and harbor potentially harmful bacteria. If your brushes are wearing out sooner than the three month mark, it could be a sign of using too much pressure while brushing. Children's brushes will likely need more frequent replacement and should be monitored closely. 

We always recommend using a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles and a small head. Brushes with stiff bristles can actually do more damage than good and large heads make it difficult to navigate the narrow spaces in the back of the mouth. Also make sure you're pairing your new toothbrush with a fluoride toothpaste. Finally, if you plan on switching to a electric brush, make sure it has a pressure sensor and built in timer, along with readily available replacement heads. If you have any further questions about toothbrushes, oral hygiene or taking care of your teeth, please feel free to contact our office!

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!

What to Expect When Your Baby is Teething

This post comes courtesy of the American Dental Association's Mouth Healthy blog.  The original article can be found here. Enjoy!

Teething can be a very stressful time for parents between fussy daytime hours and restless nights. For better or for worse, it is a necessary, natural and healthy process of childhood development. Babies have twenty primary teeth that start coming in at about 6-12 months and finish at about three years of age. During this time, irritability, poor sleep, loss of appetite and increased drooling are common. Fever, rash and diarrhea are not normal signs and need to be evaluated by a pediatrician.

To sooth a teething baby, you might be tempted to try a anesthetic gel like Orajel or Orabase. These products may provide temporary relief, but pose a risk of inducing a rare but fatal condition known as methemoglobinemia. Rather, try gently rubbing your clean finger, a cold spoon or a piece of gauze over the irritated gums. You can also use a teething ring to alleviate some pain. This age range is a critical period for your child to become inoculated with decay causing bacteria, so make sure whatever you use is cleaned and not shared between family members or siblings. 

We know that caring for an infant is a true labor of love. If you ever have any questions about your child's dental needs, development or expectations, please give our office a call! 

Triclosan in Toothpaste

Antibacterial hand soaps recently made national news as the FDA banned a number of substances from their composition. On this list is triclosan, a controversial antibacterial that has been noted in a number of health concerns. While blanket banned in Europe, triclosan is still used in millions of American products available today, including toothpaste. In this article, we will discuss why triclosan is still used in oral health products, and if you should be concerned. 

Triclosan provides its antimicrobial action by preventing bacteria and fungi from making new cell membranes. Without new membranes, the bacteria cannot repair or reproduce themselves. While triclosan does not affect our own ability to make cell walls, the FDA banned it from consumer soaps due to concerns of breeding bacterial immunity and "lack of efficacy." In other words, overusing triclosan isn't making humanity healthier OR helping keep bacteria superbugs at bay. 

In toothpastes, triclosan is used to fight plaque and gingivitis by killing bacteria similarly to how it worked in hand soaps. The FDA continues to approve its use (in small doses) as research has proved its effectiveness in improving oral health. It is usually found in products like Colgate Total and other toothpastes with "antigingivitis" properties. 

Do you need to use a toothpaste with triclosan? Should you be worried if your brand contains triclosan? It's really a matter of preference. To be effective, toothpastes really only need a single active ingredient- fluoride. All other chemicals- antiplaques, desensitizers, baking soda, etc.- may help certain patients but are not universally beneficial as part of daily oral care. Some individuals may see a decline in plaque and inflammation by using a toothpaste with triclosan. However, the best way to eliminate plaque is by mechanical disruption- regular, daily flossing. 

In short, there is no reason to panic if you're using a toothpaste that contains triclosan. However, if the recent changes in FDA regulations have made you weary, feel free to switch brands. Many  all-natural offerings like Toms of Maine Cavity Protection Toothpaste are organic, antibacterial free and contain an therapeutic dose of fluoride. If you would like more help in picking out toothpaste, floss, or mouth rinses, please give our office a call!