Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Holiday Oral Health Tips!

As 2016 comes to an end, Beachside Dental would like to thank all of our patients for their business and support throughout this year.  We truly feel fortunate to be embraced by the Mesa community and to be able to provide quality oral health care to the residents of Santa Barbara County.  As our "gift" to you, here are some oral health tips for the holiday season...


Stocking Stuffers: 
Instead of stuffing your stockings with candy canes and other sugary treats known to cause tooth decay, consider other items that are less harmful to your teeth.  You might even consider including toothbrushes, toothpaste and floss.

Beware of Candy Canes:
A favorite holiday treat is the candy cane, and not many people realize the harmful effects this sweet can have.  Sucking on a candy cane over a long period of time exposes your teeth to prolonged periods of sugar "attack" on your enamel.  Many people can't fight the temptation of biting/chewing on candy canes and run the risk of fracturing your teeth when you do so.

Holiday Songs While You Brush:
You should be brushing your teeth for two minutes in the morning and evening, but many people fall short of the proper amount of time.  Try humming your favorite Christmas tune to help you spend a longer amount of time on your brushing.

Avoid Using Your Teeth as a Tool:
When wrapping or opening presents, many people make the mistake of using their teeth as a tool.  Even using your teeth to "cut" tape or ribbons can cause significant damage and possibly lead to teeth fracturing.  Use scissors!  :)

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Dental Therapeutic Treatments for TMJ/Headaches


Do you or someone you know suffer from migraine or tension headaches?  Have you experienced TMJ related facial pain?  Depending on the type of headache and facial pain, there is now a solution your dentist can provide! 
Botox/Xeomin Injections
While typically associated with facial esthetics, botulinum toxin (Botox®) and incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin®) have both become important in their clinical uses for treatment of facial pain and teeth grinding.  Several studies have shown patients who received these injections experienced significant improvement in pain level, function, ability to open their mouth and levels of tenderness to the touch. At Beachside Dental, Dr. Savidan can determine if you are a candidate for this treatment.

What is Botox/Xeomin and How Does It Work?

Botox® is the trade name for botulinum toxin, a neurotoxin in the form of a purified protein.  Xeomin® is made of a protein purified from the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The mechanism of action for these products is really quite simple; botulinum toxins block nerve activity in the muscles, causing a temporary reduction in muscle activity.  As a result, the action of the muscles is greatly decreased, reducing wrinkles or lines on your face as well as reducing the pain you may be suffering from related to the TMJ or other muscles. 

What Areas of the Face Are Treated?

The areas typically treated with botulinum toxins are the forehead, between the eyes (glabellar region), around the corners of the eyes (crow’s feet), around the lips (smokers lines or gummy smiles) and the masseter muscle located by the jawline.


What To Expect?
Receiving botulinum toxin takes only a few minutes and there’s no need for anesthesia or down time. The injections are made using a very fine needle and are virtually painless.
The esthetic results of botulinum toxin injections include decreased wrinkles and lines in your face and a slimming result along the jawline.  The dental therapeutic benefits are described above and pertain to the decreased activity of problematic muscles.
Generally, results are noticed within two to ten days. To reduce the possibility of bruising/swelling, it is recommended to avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours and aspirin/anti-inflammatory medications for a period of two weeks prior to the procedure. As always, consult your physician before stopping any medications.  The effects of botulinum toxins last approximately three to four months, at which time the patient will require re-treatment.  Over time, overall muscle activity will decrease meaning that the results of the injections are cumulative as the muscles become trained to relax, requiring less frequent injections.
To achieve a successful outcome, it is important for your dentist to use the correct injection technique, as well as follow the appropriate dosage guidelines. 


Dr. Savidan is a certified member of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics (AAFE) and is credentialed to perform botulinum toxin injections for purposes of dental therapeutics.

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Scary Halloween Candy!



Halloween is right around the corner, and children everywhere are dusting off their favorite pumpkin pails or pillow cases in anticipation of the candy they will collect.  Interestingly enough, nearly 88% of parents admit to eating some of the candy their little "ghouls" and "goblins" bring home.  No matter your age, if you are going to indulge in candy this Halloween, here are some things to remember...

1. Sugar-free candy/gum containing xylitol
Sugar-free candy or gum containing an ingredient called xylitol may actually protect teeth by reducing acid-producing bacteria in the mouth.  Xylitol also increases saliva flow, which rinses away excess sugars and acids.

2. Powdery candy (such as sugar straws)
Powdery candy is definitely loaded with lots of sugar, but it dissolves quickly and doesn’t stick to the teeth.  Sticky/chewy candy is much harder to remove from the surfaces of teeth.
3. Chocolate 
Chocolate dissolves rather quickly in the mouth and can be eaten quickly, decreasing the amount of time sugar stays in contact with teeth. Chocolates with caramel and/or nuts are more harmful for teeth than the plain variety.

4. Hard candy 
Hard candy is bad for teeth because it tends to be sucked for an extended period of time, meaning the sugar stays in contact with teeth longer. Biting down on hard candy can also chip or break teeth.

5. Chewy candy
Chewy or sticky candy is probably the most damaging because of high sugar contact and prolonged amount of time stuck to teeth.  Our saliva also has a much harder time breaking down this type of candy.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Do I Need a "Deep Cleaning"?


When you brush your teeth, have you noticed that your gums bleed?  Has someone told you that your breath doesn't smell very fresh?  Maybe you've been getting food stuck between your teeth when eating, or maybe you experience sensitivity when drinking hot or cold liquids.  If any of these scenarios pertain to you, there is a good chance you have "gum disease".  The condition known as periodontitis affects 47% of adults 30+ years old in the United States. Unfortunately, many are unaware of the active disease in their mouths, and end up suffering the serious consequences when they do not seek treatment from a dental professional.

Gum disease starts when a sticky film of bacteria called plaque, attaches to your teeth, causing your gums to become inflamed.  This inflammation is known as gingivitis, and if left untreated, spaces or "pockets" will form between your teeth and the gums. Plaque then gets trapped in these pockets and cannot be removed with regular toothbrushing. As the inflammation in your gums progresses, a more serious form of disease known as periodontitis occurs.  Whereas gingivitis can be reversed with regular hygiene visits, periodontitis is more of a chronic disease which if left untreated, can cause irreversible damaged to your mouth.




So...what's the difference between a "regular cleaning" and "deep cleaning"????
A regular cleaning or prophylaxis, focuses on cleaning the areas of your teeth at or above the gum-line.  This is an appropriate treatment for patients with zero to moderate plaque accumulation, and normally performed on patients who see a dentist regularly for their cleanings.
Patients with a diagnosis of periodontal disease need to have a "deep cleaning" to actively treat their infection.  This type of special cleaning consists of two techniques: 1) Scaling occurs when your dentist removes all the plaque and tartar (calculus) deposits above and below the gum-line, making sure to clean all the way down to the bottom of the pocket. 2) Root planing involves smoothing out your teeth roots to help your gums reattach to your teeth. Scaling and root planing may take more than one visit to complete and may require a local anesthetic for your comfort. A tooth that has been scaled and root planed  free of tartar buildup has a better chance of allowing the gum tissues to heal and reattach to it. As a result, some deep gum pockets can be reduced after a deep cleaning.

When performing your oral examinations at Beachside Dental, Dr. Savidan will provide you with an honest assesment of your periodontal condition.  With the best interests of the patient in mind, we don't "up-sell" treatment that is unnecessary.  However, we will recommend any treatment which we feel is necessary for achieving your optimum oral health.  Please feel free to discuss your periodontal treatment needs with Dr. Savidan and our friendly staff!

Friday, August 12, 2016

Back-To-School Dental Tips

With the start of the school year fast approaching, your student is probably stocked up on supplies and sports equipment but do they have a healthy mouth and the tools to maintain oral health?


According to the American Dental Association, a dental examination is as important as immunizations and booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. 

Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other chronic infectious disease and 19 percent of children ages 2 to 19 years old have untreated tooth decay. Dental pain or disease can lead to difficulties eating, speaking, playing and learning, not to mention hours of missed school.

Your child's back-to-school dental checklist should include:

    • Regular dental examinations to diagnose/treat or prevent dental problems.       The dentist may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to prevent decay           and can diagnose and treat dental problems to save your child from losing         valuable time at school.

    
    • Regular brushing and flossing is vital.  Your child should brush their teeth            twice a day and floss once daily.  Toothbrushes should be changed every            three to four month, or after an illness. 
    
    • Eating healthy lunches and snacks. Recommendations for your child's sack          lunches include grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. If              your child eats in the school cafeteria, review healthy, balanced food                  choices with them before the first day of school. The amount of sugary              foods and soft drinks should be very limited.

Give us a call today to schedule your child’s back-to-school dental examination!

Friday, July 1, 2016

The Importance of Oral Cancer Screenings

This year, 42,000+ Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers with a 5-year survival rate of slightly more than 64 percent.  

When cancer is detected and treated early enough, health problems are greatly reduced.  During your dental visits, we will talk to you about your health history and examine the entire oral cavity for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. 

A screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck. Regular visits to the dentist can improve the chances of any suspicious changes in your oral health being caught early.

Symptoms of oral cancer may include:

 
   • a sore or irritation that doesn't go away
   • red or white patches
   • pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
 
   • a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area 
   • difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
   • a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth
 

If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, and they do not resolve in at least two weeks, make sure to schedule a dental visit.

Friday, June 10, 2016

The Importance of Periodic Dental Examinations

illustration of dentists on scaffolding cleaning and checking teeth in giant mouth
A periodic oral evaluation should be regularly performed (1-2 times a year) in order to determine if anything has changed with your oral health since your last regular visit and to serve as a benchmark of your overall health.
 

During a dental examination, the dentist will perform a visual examination, and possibly take x-rays in order to detect: 


   • New cavities
   • Weaknesses in existing crowns, fillings and bridgework   • Gum disease or bone recession   • Teeth deterioration due to abnormal bite, bruxism or TMJ
 

Your dentist may also perform a visual and digital examination of lymph nodes throughout the face and neck looking for any abnormalities, pain, or flexibility within the nodes that could be markers for systemic diseases.  

Likewise, a similar examination of your lips, gums, tongue and other internal mouth surfaces will be conducted, again looking for any signs of oral cancer or systemic diseases. 

 

A periodic oral evaluation is a valuable part of your preventative health maintenance plan, and the dentist is your ally in keeping an eye out for dental disease or other illnesses you may not be aware of.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

5 Reasons to Smile More!

In honor of National Smile Month, here are 5 reasons to smile more often:
National Smile Month banner logo
  1. Confidence- Nothing conveys confidence more than a nice smile.
  2. Improves your mood- A smile will make you and those around you feel better.
  3. Boost your immune system- Smiling reminds your body to produce white blood cells, boosting your immunity.
  4. Laws of attraction- Studies show that persons smiling in photographs are more attractive to an audience.
  5. Fountain of youth- Smiling is the least expensive anti-aging product you can find.

Friday, April 8, 2016

Save Face; National Facial Protection Month

Would you know what to do if someone you were with, or even yourself, incurred a facial injury?  April is National Facial Protection Month, and for this month’s here is some information on what to do if these types of injuries occur.
 

photo of male dental patient for Natiional Facil Protection MonthThe Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Dental Association (ADA), offer the following first aid tips to assist you in case an accident occurs:
 

Fractured/Broken tooth
• Find the broken pieces, store in water or milk.
• See dentist within24 hours – may be able to reattach the broken pieces of tooth.
• Analgesics for pain.

Displaced tooth 
• See your dentist immediately.
• If the tooth is extruded (hangs down) try to reposition.
 

Knocked out tooth
• See your dentist immediately – time is essential! For best results, replantation should be done within 5 – 10 minutes.
• Upon locating the tooth, hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
• Rinse the tooth but avoid rubbing it or touching the root. Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it. Or, briefly store the tooth in cold milk. Alternatively, spit in a cup and place the tooth in the cup.
• Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth can usually be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.
 

Facial cuts
• Cover the wound with a clean dressing and apply pressure.
• Dressing may become saturated; do not remove it. Apply more dressing and pressure.
• Go to a nearby hospital for emergency assistance.
Cuts inside of the mouth
• Gently rinse the mouth with cold water.
• Bite on some gauze, a clean cloth or tissue and apply pressure to the wound.
• Go to the closest hospital emergency department for immediate treatment.
 

Jaw injuries
The U-shaped lower jaw often suffers multiple breaks. An upper jaw fracture may cause visible distortion of the face. If teeth fit together properly when the mouth is closed:
• Apply ice to control swelling and take ibuprofen or a similar remedy to control pain.
• Restrict diet to soft foods and if no improvement occurs within 24 hours, seek dental care. If teeth do not fit together properly when the mouth is closed: • Immediately seek emergency care.
• Gently align the jaws.
• Immobilize the jaw; wrap a cloth bandage under the chin and secure it over the head.
• Apply ice to control swelling.
 

Broken nose
• Gently pack the nose with gauze or tissue.
• Apply ice. Do not blow nose. Head and neck injury
• Do not let the injured person be moved unless by professionals or if in danger.
• Immobilize the head by placing rolled towels on either side. • Keep the injured person warm to avoid the risk of shock.
• If unconscious, clear the person’s mouth and hold their tongue forward to maintain an open airway and seek emergency care

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Why So Sensitive?

Does eating ice cream or taking a sip of hot coffee or tea make your teeth hurt? Is brushing or flossing uncomfortable? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

Various causes of sensitive teeth include:

• Tooth decay
• Fractured teeth
• Old fillings
• Gum/periodontal disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth roots

Normally, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth above the gum line. Under the gum line, a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is a layer called dentin. 

Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and when dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum, microscopic tubules in the dentin layer allow heat or cold or certain types of food to reach the nerves and cells inside of the tooth. Dentin can also be exposed when gums recede, resulting in hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can usually be treated, depending on the cause of the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

Desensitizing toothpaste. This type of toothpaste contains compounds that help block transmission of sensations from the tooth surface to the nerve.  This usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is noticeably reduced.

Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.

A crown, inlay or bonding. These types of restorations may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.

Surgical gum grafting. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.


Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, 

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Oral Health Tips for Kids, Part 2

How you care for your child’s teeth will affect their ability to learn and to grow up healthy. By encouraging good oral health habits in your family, you will keep your child’s teeth healthy and strong and give them a smile to treasure for a lifetime. Below are some tips to help keep your child’s mouth healthy.

Tips for choosing a toothbrush

Choosing a Toothbrush
There are so many toothbrushes available, the choice can be overwhelming for some parents. The following are recommendations to help you make the right choice:


• Choose the correct size, based on age (most toothbrush packages are now labeled for the appropriate age group)
 

• Choose a toothbrush with soft, round-tipped, nylon bristles. Medium or hard bristles can injure gums and wear down tooth enamel (this is true for adults as well).

• Replace your child’s toothbrush when the bristles look bent or worn, usually between two to four months of use, depending on the brand


• Let your child help them select their own toothbrush. Kids are more interested in brushing if they are involved in the process
 

Electric toothbrushes are popular with children and are very effective. Many of the electric tootbrushes also have a built-in timer function, to remind children to brush for two full minutes.

Wall of Toothpaste. in store

Choosing Toothpaste
Toothpaste is another important tool in fighting tooth decay.  Do you know how much (if any) to use?
 

Newborns without teeth should have their mouths wiped with a moist washcloth, after all meals.
 

Once the first tooth appears in the mouth, depending on your child’s cavity-risk, it can be appropriate to use a “smear” of children’s toothpaste containing fluoride, on the bristles of a wet toothbrush.

Usually around 2 years of age, children can begin using a pea size amount of children’s toothpaste.
 

Children should be taught at an early age how to spit out their toothpaste, in order to not swallow the contents.

Toothpaste-amount-for-kids

Proper Techniques for You and Your Children
Adults should help brush their child’s teeth until the ages of 6 or 7, depending on the ability of the child to correctly use their toothbrush.
 

Try to place the brush at a 45-degree angle to the tooth and use a gentle scrubbing/circular motion technique.
 

Brush all surfaces of the teeth including the area near the gum line.
 

Apply gentle pressure while brushing.
 

Encourage your child to brush for at least 2 minutes, 2 times a day.

Friday, February 5, 2016

Oral Health Tips for Kids- Part 1:

Primary “Baby” Teeth
 
Did you know that baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they appear, usually around age 6 months. 


Infant tooth decay (aka baby bottle rot) most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth can be affected. In some cases, infants and toddlers experience decay so severe that their teeth cannot be saved and need to be removed.

Most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth by the time they are 3-years-old. As your child grows, their jaws will also grow, making room for their permanent teeth.



Wednesday, February 3, 2016

Tips for Kids: National Children’s Dental Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others.
 

The theme created for the 2016 American Dental Association campaign is “Sugar Wars.”  

Children are faced with a confusing array of food choices, from fresh produce to sugary and processed convenience meals and snacks foods. 

What children are eating today poses not only affects their oral health, also poses serious concerns regarding their overall health.
 

The following are some tips to help reduce a child's risk of tooth decay:

happy tooth illustration
Sugary foods and drinks should only be consumed with meals. This is because saliva production increases while eating and helps neutralize acid production and rinses food particles from the mouth.

happy tooth illustration
Limit snacks between meals. If children crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.  
happy tooth illustration
If your children chew gum, choose sugarless gum with xylitol or recaldent. Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.
 

happy tooth illustration
Monitor beverage consumption. Instead of soft drinks, sports drinks or energy drinks, children should drink water or low-fat milk.
 


happy tooth illustration
Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits. Parents should assist their children until the ages of 8-10, depending on the child’s ability to brush properly.
 

happy tooth illustration
Schedule regular dental visits.  Children should be seen every 6 months for check-ups to monitor the development of their teeth and for regular teeth cleanings.

Saturday, January 9, 2016

New Year’s Resolutions For A Healthier Smile!

A New Year’s resolution often involves some sort of short-term or long-term goal.  Ask yourself, what are your “goals” for oral health in 2016?  We at Beachside Dental want to help you achieve those goals!  Before you ever step foot into our office, here are some resolutions that will help you achieve the smile you desire.

1) Schedule a Dental Appointment
Nearly one third of people in the United States do not visit the dentist annually, according to the American Dental Association. Making a dental appointment is actually the first and most important step towards oral health. To make the process of scheduling your appointment easier, you can make an appointment at Beachside Dental on our website (www.beachsidedds.com) or even on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/beachindentist).

2) Daily Flossing
Brushing your teeth twice a day isn't enough.  Flossing will help to keep plaque from building up between your teeth or to remove particles of food from your mouth. If your gums bleed when you floss, this is a sign that your gums are inflamed and that you actually need to floss more often.  If you stick with this healthy habit, you’ll be on your way to a healthier smile.

3) Cut Back On Sugar

Cutting back or eliminating sugar can drastically reduce your risk for tooth decay. Here are some suggestions; Drink sugar-free sparkling water (flavored is OK) instead of soda, or chew a piece of sugar-free gum when you have a craving for something sweet.

4) Stop Smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking nearly doubles your risk of having gum disease, and is linked to a host of other health issues. Prepare for the cravings you will have when you quit and find healthy activities to engage in to keep you from giving in to any temptations. General medical practitioners can help in conjunction with dentists, to help you address any nicotine addictions.

5) Eat Healthy

In addition to cutting back on sugary foods/drinks, consider eating as healthy as possible. Dairy products high in calcium are great for your teeth, as well as foods high in fiber which increase the amount of saliva in your mouth