Archive for the ‘Dental Health News’ Category
Wednesday, February 1st, 2012
A recent study demonstrated that lollipops containing sweet licorice root extract dramatically decreased the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
A group of children ages 2-5 were given the sugar free, orange flavored lollipops for 10 minutes twice a day over a period of three weeks. Saliva tests showed that the cavity causing bacteria were greatly reduced and continued to be for 22 weeks after.
While more research needs to be done, this is promising news. Dental decay is one of the most common childhood diseases, affecting about 50% of children between 5 and 17 years old. Being able to apply a preventive measure in a way that kids will easily comply with has the potential for creating a positive shift in the dental health of children. It also opens the door for possible solutions for cavity prone adults and the disabled.
Until then – brushing, flossing, eating a healthy diet, and regular dental check-ups are still the best way to keep our children’s smiles healthy.
(626) 285-0285 Alhambra, CA
Tags: caries, cavities, licorice root, tooth decay
Posted in Dental Health News, cavities | No Comments »
Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Even when people are aware of the dangers of silver fillings with mercury they may hesitate to have them removed. They are concerned about disturbing the fillings and exposing themselves to large doses of mercury vapor. This puts them in a no win situation of fearing both the existing mercury in their mouths and the treatment that will free them of it.
We feel bad when we talk to people in this situation. Websites that recommend leaving mercury amalgam fillings alone neglect to inform patients that there are proven ways they can be removed safely.
Dr. Richard Chang of Evergreen Dental has studied these methods and follows the guidelines recommended by IAOMT. These guidelines are based on research and backed by science. Our office is dedicated to the safety of our patients and that includes helping them become mercury free.
If you would like more information, call us at (626) 285-0285 Alhambra, CA
You may also be interested in information available at: http://iaomt.com
Tags: amalgam, dental mercury, mercury fillings, mercury free, safe removal dental mercury, silver fillings
Posted in Dental Health News, Mercury Amalgam Fillings, mercury | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 21st, 2011
Holistic dentists are dedicated to saving teeth and providing beautiful smiles, but they also take into consideration how your oral health impacts your medical health. While there are many factors they take into consideration, there are two areas of primary concern.
- Infection – oral infections like periodontal gum disease or tooth abscesses are not just about tooth loss and pain. These infections get into your blood stream easily where they can travel to other areas of your body. The inflammation associated with these dental problems can also contribute to many major diseases, including diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer.
- Toxic Dental Materials – silver fillings, also called amalgams, are about 50% mercury. Mercury is one of the most dangerous toxins known to man and has to be handled as hazardous waste. It does not belong in your mouth. Some people may be more sensitive to it than others, but we know that it can be dangerous for everyone. Holistic dentists know how to remove these fillings safely and can provide you with the most biocompatible dental materials available.
You deserve a dentist who cares about your whole health.
Evergreen Dental – Richard Chang DDS (626) 285-0285 Alhambra, CA
Tags: amalgam, gum disease, holistic dentist, holistic dentists, mercury, periodontal disease, silver fillings
Posted in Dental Health News, Health, Mercury Amalgam Fillings, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease, mercury | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
Inflammation is a common denominator between these two conditions and may be why people with RA are 8 times more likely to have gum disease, also known as periodontal disease or gingivitis.
It is important for people with RA and other inflammatory or autoimmune conditions to see their dentist regularly. It’s not just about teeth. Gum disease is a bacterial infection that is also considered a causative factor for heart disease, diabetes, and other serious illnesses. This cycle must be prevented to protect your health. Treating gum disease has also been found to lessen RA symptoms.
People with RA may find it challenging to brush and floss their teeth due to damage to their finger joints. Dentists and Hygienists can provide assistance and tools to help in this area. RA patients may also benefit from more frequent professional teeth cleaning to prevent or manage gum disease and stay healthy. Be sure to tell your dentist if you have RA so that you receive the care that you need.
Evergreen Dental Care (626) 285-0285 Alhambra, CA
Tags: Arthritis, gingivitis, gum disease, periodontal disease, ra
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease | No Comments »
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
- Stay calm and reassure everyone involved.
- Verify if the tooth is a permanent or baby tooth. If it is a baby tooth you do not need to do anything.
- Avoid touching the roots of the tooth.
- If it is dirty, gently rinse it in cold water, saline, or milk for 10 seconds. Do not scrub.
- Try to place the tooth gently back into position and hold it there.
- If this is not possible, put the tooth in milk, saliva or saline. Do not put it in water.
- Go to the dentist immediately.
Tags: dental emergency, dental sports injury, lost tooth, tooth knocked out
Posted in Dental Emergencies, Dental Health News | No Comments »
Thursday, November 3rd, 2011
- Cavities
- Diabetes
- Weight gain – obesity
- Speeds the aging process
- Suppresses the immune system
- Can contribute to osteoporosis
- Over-stresses the pancreas and kidneys
- Can cause headaches and migraines
- Increases bad bugs like yeast in the digestive tract
- Interferes with absorption of calcium and magnesium
Tags: aging, cavities, dental, dentist, dentistry, diabetes, immune system, osteoporosis, stop eating sugar, sugar, sugar cravings, wrinkles, yeast
Posted in Dental Health News, Health | No Comments »
Friday, October 14th, 2011
When most people think about straightening teeth they think about having a beautiful smile and how it will make them feel. We agree. Creating beautiful smiles is one of the most rewarding things that a dental team can do. We know that when people are confident in their smiles it can change their lives.
We are also excited about the way straightening crooked teeth contributes to the health and function of your dental system. It is important that your teeth are aligned to balance the force on them and allow them to work together as they are meant to. This protects the teeth so they last longer and can prevent issues like excessive clenching, grinding, or TMJ joint problems.
Straight teeth are easier to keep clean. Clean teeth are less likely to develop periodontal gum disease. Because this disease contributes to conditions like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease, having straight teeth can help you have a longer and healthier life.
Finally, when you have straight teeth you are much more likely to smile. Smiling creates brain chemicals that improve your mood and health. Smiles also make great gifts and affect the moods of others. After all, Mother Teresa once said, “Peace begins with a smile.”
If you or someone you know would benefit from having straighter teeth, we can help. We offer both Fastbraces and Invisalign as orthodontic options. Call: (626) 285-0285 Alhambra, CA
Tags: crooked teeth, dental, dentist, dentistry, Fastbraces, Invisalign, orthodontia, smile makeover, Smiles, smiling, Straight Teeth, straighten teeth
Posted in Dental Health News, Periodontal Gum Disease, Smiles, Straight Teeth | No Comments »
Wednesday, October 5th, 2011
You may be familiar with some of these risk factors for heart disease and stroke:
- Heredity
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Alcohol consumption
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Lack of physical activity
- Inability to handle stress
- Chronic inflammation – like periodontal gum disease
Chronic inflammation is the latest added to the list and continues to be highly researched. One of the most common sources of chronic inflammation in your body is gum disease, also known as periodontal disease.
Taking care of your dental health and seeing your dentist regularly is more important than ever. If you have heart disease or are at risk for it, it is important to see a dentist who is proactive in treating inflammation and the dental issues that cause it.
Evergreen Dental – Richard Chang, DDS
Alhambra, CA – (626) 285-0285
Tags: chronic inflammation, dental, dentist, dentistry, gum disease, heart disease, periodontal, stroke
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease | No Comments »
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Research shows that dental health issues, especially periodontal gum disease, can contribute to the onset and severity of diabetes. Oral infections like gum disease affect blood glucose levels and your body’s ability to control them. The inflammation they produce can contribute to many conditions including heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and cancer. And, infections strain your immune system.
Millions of people have periodontal disease and don’t know it. There are often no obvious symptoms. Seeing your dentist regularly is important for diagnosing and controlling this condition and other dental issues in order to protect your health.
If you have already been diagnosed as diabetic, you should see your dentist more often than the standard 6 month interval. Your condition will make you more susceptible to infections like gum disease and tooth loss. When diabetes affects your oral health, the condition of your mouth can then worsen your diabetes. It‘s a dangerous cycle.
The links between diabetes and gum disease are clear. Be proactive and see your dentist and hygienist regularly to give yourself the best chance for a healthy life.
Tags: diabetes, diabetic, gum disease, heart disease, holistic dentist, holistic dentistry, oral infection, Oral Systemic Link, periodontal disease
Posted in Dental Health News, Oral Systemic Link, Periodontal Gum Disease | No Comments »
Thursday, August 11th, 2011
- You are afraid of dental treatment or it makes you nervous
- You know your teeth are extra sensitive
- You gag easily when having dental treatment done
- It’s hard for you to keep your mouth open wide
- You have a history of your teeth not getting completely numb
- You would like to enjoy more relaxed and comfortable dental visits
- You want to get all of your treatment done in as few visits as possible
Tags: afraid of the dentist, anxiety free dentistry, dental fear, fear free dentistry, fear of the dentist, gagging at the dentist, oral sedation dentistry, save time at the dental office, Sedation Dentistry, sensitive teeth
Posted in Dental Health News, Sedation Dentistry | No Comments »