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.