We are pleased to offer a wide range of dental care services including: children's dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, general dentistry, implant dentistry, preventive dentistry and sedation dentistry.
Showing posts with label general dentistry. Show all posts
Showing posts with label general dentistry. Show all posts
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health. Diet and Tooth Decay The foods you eat and the beverages you drink can have a direct influence on the incidence and progression of tooth decay, depending upon:
The form of the food-whether it’s liquid, solid, sticky or slow to dissolve makes a difference.
How often you eat sugary foods and beverages and how often you eat or drink acidic foods and beverages.
The nutritional makeup of the food.
The combination of the foods you eat and the order in which you eat them.
Medical conditions you may have, such as gastrointestinal reflux and eating disorders, which can increase risk of cavities and weaken teeth.
How Snacking Affects Your Dental Health For dental health, it’s recommended that people limit eating and drinking between meals. Of course, sometimes eating between meals must happen. Unfortunately, most people choose foods like sweets and chips for snacks; foods that harm teeth by promoting tooth decay. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, vegetables or nuts-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other dental health problems? Here are some MouthHealthy tips. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. The remainder of the article details the following:
Recommended Nutritional Guidelines
Foods That Harm Your Dental Health
Sugar and Your Dental Health
How Sugar Substitutes Affect Your Teeth
4 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Cavities
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Keeping your teeth clean, smooth and beautiful... Proper oral hygiene is your key to a healthy, beautiful smile. Here are our and the American Dental Association's recommendations for at home care:
Brush 2-3 times every day with a fluoride toothpaste (it doesn't matter which brand)
Floss once a day
Eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, etc)
Limit consumption of sugary foods and beverages. Soda drinks can destroy teeth faster than almost anything else
Eliminate or at least limit use of alcohol, chewing tabacco, and cigarettes
We also recommend using an electric high-speed toothbrush in conjunction with a waterpik for your daily at-home oral care. And don't forget six-month professional cleanings and checkups. The American Dental Association recommends checkups every six months for those ages four and older. Professional cleanings by qualified hygienists will remove bacteria and plaque, which can cause serious dental problems if not kept in check. If you have not been seen recently call our office for an appointment! Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Plaque is that soft, sticky stuff that builds up on your teeth over time. It contains legions of bacteria. Left untreated it will eventually lead to gum disease, bad breath and tooth loss. Frequent brushing and flossing are required to keep plaque at bay. But it's virtually impossible to remove all plaque without the skills of your professional dental hygienist. In other words, you're going to need some help. Call our office today to schedule your next routine teeth cleaning to receive help with your plaque removal!
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Normally we think of a teeth cleaning as just that. Our tongues love the smooth and clean feeling we get after visiting our dental hygienist. But there's another huge benefit to regular teeth cleaning. Hygienists spend time in your mouth. That give them the opportunity to spot suspicious tissue or other possible signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer has a fantastically high cure rate - but only if it's detected early. Another reason to love your dental hygienist!
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Tooth enamel is very hard but... That doesn't mean you can't break it. Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel. It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy. Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth." These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids. As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Elizabeth SanFilippo Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health. Why Is Sugar Bad for Dental Health? Whether your kids are eating chocolate cake, sugar cookies or peppermint candy, they are ingesting sugar. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar, and the byproduct is acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The more time teeth spend exposed to sugar, the higher the risk that your children will face dental health problems. Hard candies, and sticky candies such as taffy and caramel, can be worse for teeth than other treats such as cake and cookies. Brush after Eating a Sugary Treat In general, the ADA recommends that everyone brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should also be done at least once a day. During the holidays, encourage your kids to brush and floss even more than this, particularly right after they finish dessert. If a toothbrush is not handy, the next best thing to do is rinse. Encourage your kids to rinse their mouths with water - not soda or even sparkling grape juice ó which will help wash away sugar, acids and any other food that may be stuck to their teeth. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
Limit Sugar Time
Make Dessert a Part of the Meal
Make Toothbrushing Fun
Schedule a Dentist Visit
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were. An Element of Strength The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth. So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
'Moo're Dairy Please
Swish and Swallow
Candy and Chewing Gum
Nature's Toothbrush
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health. Gum Disease
Notice some bleeding when you brush or floss? That may be an early sign of gum disease. If it becomes more severe, the bone that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet. Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, so do your best to keep it in check. Dry Mouth Studies have found people with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty. (Medications and higher blood sugar levels are also causes.) Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva to wash away leftover food, can lead to cavities. To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. Here's how you can help your family stay MouthHealthy on Halloween and year-round. Time It Right Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles. Stay Away from Sweet Snacks Snacking can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s double the trouble if you keep grabbing sugary treats from the candy bowl. “Snacking on candy throughout the day is not ideal for your dental health or diet,” Dr. Ferraz-Dougherty says. Choose Candy Carefully Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. The remainder of the article details the following:
Avoid Sticky Situations
Have a Plan
Drink More Water
Maintain a Healthy Diet
Stay Away from Sugary Beverages
Chew Gum with the ADA Seal
Brush Twice a Day
Clean Between Your Teeth
Visit an ADA Dentist
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.” When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority-and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Romo says. Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: Practice Good Hygiene When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well. According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. “The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when you are sick,” Dr. Romo says. You also probably don’t need to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Unless your immune system is severely compromised, the chances of reinfecting yourself are very low. “But if you’re still in doubt, throw it out,” says Dr. Romo. “Especially if you’ve had your toothbrush for 3-4 months, when it’s time to replace it anyway.” Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drug store with an eye to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. “Many cough drops contain sugar, and it is like sucking on candy,” says Dr. Romo. “Sugar is a culprit when it comes to cavities.” The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. The remainder of the article details the following:
Swish and Spit After Vomiting
Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth
Choose the Right Fluids
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Katriena Knights Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and is therefore vital to the health of your teeth. Not everyone's is the strongest, though, and still others have teeth without enamel at all. Without enamel to protect the softer interior parts of your teeth, they can't stand up to the stress of natural biting and chewing. These abnormal developments require special care and treatment. Enamel Hypoplasia Teeth can come in without enamel as a result of inherited issues or because of exposure to certain substances while the teeth are erupting. Baby teeth and permanent teeth can both emerge with enamel that is weak, improperly formed or missing altogether. One of these conditions is enamel hypoplasia, which literally means "underdeveloped enamel." A disorder that causes the teeth to develop with thin, deficient enamel, it sometimes manifests as a pit in the tooth ñ or even a hole. In advanced cases, there is no enamel at all, leaving the more sensitive dentin exposed. Under normal conditions, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), special cells in the teeth called ameloblasts form the cells of the tooth enamel. If these ameloblasts are damaged or do not fully develop, the enamel can't develop normally either. What Causes It Many factors can cause enamel hypoplasia. These include:
Poor nutrition during pregnancy or infancy.
Infection during pregnancy or infancy.
Genetic disorders.
Trauma to the teeth or jaw.
Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy or infancy.
Nonetheless, it's often difficult to determine exactly what caused the teeth to develop abnormally. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
Enamel Hypomineralization
How to Treat It
Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating the insides of teeth) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.
Causes of an infected pulp could include:
a deep cavity
repeated dental procedures
a cracked or broken tooth
injury to the tooth (even if thereís not a visible crack or chip)
If you continue to care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, regular checkups are necessary; a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.
To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Russell E. Graham, DMD 2935 N Country Club Road Tucson, AZ 85716 (520) 327-1205 RussellEGrahamDMD.com
Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org. If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.
Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools? Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating. They’re essential for chewing and swallowing-the first steps in the digestion process. Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also that of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your mouth. Here are a few helpful things to know about how what you eat can impact your dental health.
