“Periodontal Disease” is a term that many people have heard but are often unaware of the nature of the disease, its causes, symptoms and treatment. At Los Gatos Dental we frequently see patients who don’t fully understand the seriousness of it or the potential it has to impact their lives. Let’s start with a simplified explanation of “Periodontal Disease”:

When bacteria in your mouth are allowed to go unchecked; they build up around your teeth at the gum line causing an infection of the gum tissue, ultimately leading to periodontal disease (gum disease). The lack of proper dental hygiene is the primary factor leading to gum disease, tut you may be surprised to learn that there are other contributing factors such as genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, poor diet, medications and tobacco use

Many people are unaware that they have Periodontal Disease because it often progresses without showing any signs or symptoms (such as pain) normally associated with other dental issues. Here are some of the more common symptoms of Periodontal Disease:

• Unexplained bleeding while brushing, flossing or eating
• Pain, redness or swelling of the gums
• Longer-looking teeth caused by receding gums
• Bad breath due to food particles stuck between teeth and under the gum line
• Loose teeth/change in bite pattern resulting from loss of gum tissue

If you experience any of the above, contact your dentist or Periodontal professional immediately. At Los Gatos Periodontal Dentist we have specialized training and education to treat gum disease. Your comfort is of the utmost importance to our team, and we use advanced, state of the art, non-invasive laser treatments to eliminate gum disease quickly.

Unfortunately, Periodontal Disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the developed world today. But you do not have to become one of the statistics! With proper dental hygiene and regular cleanings and exams, it is highly preventable and easily treated.

An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

At Los Gatos Dentist we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse.  Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

• Using sugar-free candy or gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
• Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your Los Gatos, CA Dentist Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.

There are an increasing number of reports about the damage caused by dental erosion. The problems that result from this process are not new. But our increased consumption of fruity drinks, soda and energy drinks has caused an increase in the number of patients experiencing the unfortunate results of this excess.

How Acidic Foods Cause Cavities

Tooth enamel is made of minerals, and cavities are caused by a process known as demineralization. This occurs when the enamel on your tooth comes in contact with sweet foods and drinks. Waste products created by bacteria as it consumes these sugars contain the acids that cause demineralization. When these acids remain on the teeth they start producing tooth decay within minutes.

Most of us have experienced cavities, but left untreated over a long period of time, a simple cavity can result in the complete destruction of the tooth structure. With the increased consumption of soda, fruit juices and energy drinks, our Los Gatos, CA Dentist Office is seeing an increase in the number of patients with dental erosion. While sugar is the most common cause of dental erosion, some other causes are:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Consuming sour foods or candies
• Dry mouth or low saliva volume
• Acid reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn

If you experience sensitivity when eating hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks you may have dental erosion. Also, yellowing of the enamel indicates that it is thinning and exposing the yellow dentin beneath. Dental erosion can literally destroy your teeth over time if not addressed, and if it reaches this point, tooth extraction and costly dental prosthetics may be necessary.

Diligent oral hygiene habits and regular visits to your dentist are the best defense against the destruction caused by dental erosion. Your Los Gatos Dentist is trained to detect signs of dental erosion and take the necessary steps to arrest and reverse its damage. If the enamel has sustained significant cosmetic damage, veneers, either porcelain or Lumineers, may be recommended to protect your teeth and restore your healthy smile.

A number of my patients have come to me asking for more information about the benefits of Xylitol and Xylitol gum for maintaining healthy teeth. Today I’d like to address some of their questions and provide more facts about Xylitol.

What is Xylitol?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener first discovered in birch tree bark and also found in many fruits and vegetables. Xylitol is actually good for your teeth, unlike many other natural or synthetic sweeteners. Numerous clinical studies have shown that Xylitol does indeed prevent the growth of bacteria that causes decay. It also helps to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce plaque. Products sweetened with xylitol create an unwelcome environment for bacteria; they simply cannot stick to teeth in a xylitol-rich environment.

What are other benefits of Xylitol?

In addition, it not only has fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol also inhibits the creation of acid in the mouth. This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. Xylitol has a low glycemic index of 7, compared to sugar's level of 83.

Because Xylitol is low on the glycemic index, many diabetic patients can enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. When patients at my Los Gatos, CA Dental Office complain about frequent dry mouth, I can confidently recommend Xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production without promoting tooth decay.

Is using Xylitol gum a substitute for brushing and dental exams?
The answer to this question is a resounding “No!” If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing Xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly after meals and get routine exams and dental cleanings at your Los Gatos Dentist.
 

While fluoride alone will not prevent tooth decay, it is the most effective agent available to help maintain healthy teeth.  It is a mineral that is present to some extent in most all foods and water supplies. The benefits of fluoride have been well known for over 50 years and are supported by many health and professional organizations.

Why are fluoride treatments important?

Although most people receive fluoride from food and water, it is not always enough to help prevent decay.  Some of the reasons your dentist or dental hygienist may recommend the use of fluoride treatments are:

•    Deep pits and fissures on the chewing surfaces of teeth
•    Exposed and sensitive root surfaces
•    Fair to poor oral hygiene habits
•    Frequent sugar and carbohydrate intake
•    Inadequate exposure to fluorides

How does fluoride work?

Topical fluoride is introduced through the use of fluoride-containing dental products such as toothpaste, mouth rinses and gels. Topical fluoride strengthens teeth, making them more resistant to decay by seeping into the outer surface of the tooth enamel. At Los Gatos CA Dentist Office, we generally recommend that children have a professional application of topical fluoride twice a year during dental check-ups.

We gain systemic fluoride from most foods and our community water supplies Systemic fluoride strengthens not only teeth that have erupted, but those still developing under the gums. It can also be obtained as a supplement in drop or gel form prescribed by your dentist or physician.  Generally, fluoride drops are recommended for infants, while tablets are best suited for children up through the teen years.

It is very important for a dental professional to monitor the amounts of fluoride a child ingests.  If too much fluoride is consumed while the teeth are developing, a condition called fluorosis (white spots on the teeth) may result.

Shopping for oral hygiene aids can be overwhelming. Supermarket shelves are filled with various types of products, and it can be challenging to determine what’s right for you. Today I’m going to provide a quick summary of the different oral hygiene aids available along with their appropriate uses.

Dental Flosses
Dental floss is the most common interdental (below the gum) cleaner and comes in a variety of types and flavors. Floss helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth. Floss should normally be used twice daily after brushing.

Interdental Brushes
Many hygienists & periodontists recommend interdental brushes in addition to dental floss. These tiny brushes are gentle on the gums and very effective in cleaning the contours of teeth in between the gums.

Mouth Rinses
There are two basic types of mouth rinse available: Cosmetic rinses, used to temporarily suppress bad breath, and therapeutic rinses which may require a prescription from our Las Gatos, CA Dentist Office. Therapeutic rinses are regulated by the FDA and contain active ingredients that can help reduce bad breath, plaque, and cavities. Mouth rinses should generally be used after brushing.

Oral Irrigators
Oral irrigators (like Waterpiks) are designed to clean debris from below the gum line. Water is continuously sprayed from tiny jets, helping to remove harmful bacteria and food particles.

Rubber Tip Stimulators
The rubber tip stimulator is an excellent tool for removing plaque from around the gum line and also for stimulating blood flow to the gums.

Toothbrushes
Electric toothbrushes are generally recommended by dentists because they are much more effective than manual brushes. The vibrating or rotary motion helps to dislodge plaque and remove food particles from around the gums and teeth. Manual toothbrushes can achieve similar results but with greater effort and should be replaced every three months.

Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining excellent oral hygiene and diagnosing potential problems, but in-office cleanings are only the first step. If you still have questions, the team at Los Gatos Dental can recommend the most suitable products for your needs.

There are many reasons for teeth to become dull and discolored. Age, stain-producing food, drink and tobacco are just a few of the causes that can lead to a less-than-dazzling smile. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry provides many options for whitening your teeth and to bring back your radiant smile.

At Los Gatos Dental we use the Sapphire Teeth Whitening System. This is a bleaching process that is very effective in lightening discolored tooth enamel. One of the benefits of this system is that this is one of the few companies that have incorporated a desensitizing agent into their whitener's formulation. This feature helps minimize the patient's potential for post-bleaching sensitivity.

The Sapphire Whitening Process
Treatment begins by protecting the lips and gums, leaving only the teeth exposed. A hydrogen peroxide-based gel is then applied. The Sapphire procedure uses a light bleaching unit that has been designed to filter out infrared emissions. This feature helps to insure that the teeth being treated don't become over-heated, which is important for your comfort.

The whitener is usually applied to the teeth in two 30-minute applications. Upper and lower teeth are treated at the same time, and the total time including pre- and post-treatment is somewhere around 90 minutes.

At-Home Follow Up
You will be given a Sapphire touch-up kit to take home along with instructions on how the kit should be used. We also advise you to use certain stain-producing foods and beverages in moderation to maintain the whitening effects of the Sapphire treatment.

Is Sapphire Whitening Right for You?
Before deciding whether Sapphire In-Office teeth whitening is right for you, your Los Gatos Cosmetic Dentist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure your overall oral health and discuss your at-home oral hygiene and lifestyle. This will help you and your dentist agree on the whitening product or technique that's best for you.

When consulting with patients about Invisalign treatment, many are surprised to learn that they are required to wear retainers once the alignment portion of the treatment is complete. Wearing retainers after completion of your Invisalign treatment should be considered an essential element of the treatment so today I’d like to explain why this is so important.

Whether you’ve gone through Invisalign treatment or not, teeth are continually moving to some degree and it may not always be perceptible. This means that you will need to wear some type of orthodontic retainer after your Invisalign treatment is completed to maintain the corrected alignment.

If you do not wear the retainer provided by your Los Gatos Invisalign Dentist, it is likely that your teeth will begin to drift. You may be surprised to learn that going without a retainer for even a relatively short period of time can give teeth an opportunity to shift causing another misalignment.

There are essentially two types of retainers: fixed and removable. As the names imply, these terms refer to the fact that the retainer is either permanently attached to your teeth or is removable. Each has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Your Los Gatos, CA Invisalign Dentist can discuss both these options with you and help you make the decision as to which will be most beneficial to your situation.

Certain teeth alignment problems need to be retained longer than others. Therefore, retention is more critical in these cases. Your Invisalign dentist is the best person to determine what is appropriate in your situation.

Now that you’ve completed the Invisalign treatment successfully it makes sense to consider the retention phase as an ongoing and necessary part of your treatment. You’ve already made an investment in a beautiful, even smile. By conscientiously using your retainer you are simply protecting your investment.

We’ve talked about Periodontal Disease, its causes and the devastating effects it can have on your oral as well as your general health. In addition to regular check-ups and cleanings, proper at-home oral hygiene can go a long way toward minimizing or preventing the onset of Periodontal Disease. With that in mind, I’d like to review the basics of proper brushing and flossing techniques.

Brushing:

1. Brush at least twice a day; in the morning and before bed.  Unsure of which brush is right for you? Los Gatos Dental will be happy to help you select the one that suits your needs.
2. Place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the gums and teeth meet.
3. Use small circular motions to gently brush gum line and teeth.
4. Don’t apply too much pressure to the teeth - this can damage gums and tooth enamel.
5. Brush every surface of every tooth, cheek-side, tongue-side, and chewing surfaces. Pay special attention to the surfaces of the back teeth.
6. Use back and forth strokes to brush the chewing surfaces.
7. Brush the tongue to remove fungi, food and debris.

Flossing:

Flossing is a great way to remove plaque from between teeth, preventing periodontal disease. The flavor and type of floss are unimportant; choose floss that will be easy and pleasant to use.

1. Cut a piece of floss about 18” long.
2. Wrap one end of the floss around the middle finger of the left hand and the other end around the middle finger of the right hand until the hands are 2-3 inches apart.
3. Work the floss gently between the teeth toward the gum line.
4. Curve the floss in a U-shape around each tooth, carefully sliding it beneath the gum line.
5. Carefully move the floss up and down several times to remove interdental plaque and debris.

If you still have questions, your Los Gas, CA Dentist will be more than happy to answer them for you.

Todd was a new patient at our practice. Like many new patients, Todd had a fear of dental procedures and dentists in general, often referred to as “dental phobia”. I assured Todd that he was not alone in experiencing these fears and then tried to find out a bit more about Todd’s history and why he was so fearful.

As he discussed his fears he related a story of negative childhood experiences with a dentist he considered to be a less than compassionate practitioner. As he spoke, Todd lost the “deer in the headlights” look he had when he first came into the practice. Making patients feel at ease with me and the setting is our goal and the first step to controlling and eliminating these fears. Todd was responding positively to having his own feelings taken into account.

We discussed how Sedation Dentistry provides many options for fearful patients. Sedation treatments such as Inhalation, Oral, and IV (Intravenous) Sedation can provide an anxiety-free experience from beginning to end. There are many factors to take into account when choosing your best sedation option, and everyone reacts differently to different types of sedation. At Los Gatos Sedation Dentistry we match the needs of the patient with the correct treatment or combination of treatments. Todd also began to understand that delaying dental treatment because of his fears could lead to neglected oral care and long-term problems that would ultimately become difficult and costly to repair.

Todd was happy to learn that a controlled and regulated approach to the chosen level of sedation would allow me to monitor his comfort throughout the duration of his treatment, ensuring that the post-procedure experience would leave him feeling refreshed and renewed. Through Sedation Dentistry at Los Gatos Cosmetic Dentist, Todd finally found a way to feel confident and happy about taking positive steps to ensure his oral health.