Psst...Want to the Secret Behind Keeping Your Teeth for Life?

The Secret to Keeping your Teeth for Life

Everyone loves a good secret and everyone wants to keep their teeth for life. Well, today I am going to share that secret with you! The secret begins with one thing… YOU!  YOU have to be committed to good oral hygiene and keeping your teeth forever.  You need to believe that it is possible, and not only possible but probable if you follow these easy steps.

1. Pick a good dentist – I know what you are thinking… "Dr. Schlotz, how will I know if I've picked a good dentist?"

Good Dentists!

Well, Here Goes ... A Good dentist…

  Is current on the latest technology dentistry has to offer.

 Stays current on the latest research

  Is concerned about doing the least invasive procedure that is the most beneficial for their patient.

 Has a well-educated and current team.

 Makes you feel comfortable in the chair.

 Doesn’t hurt.

 Listens to your concerns and addresses them (he's not a "Dr Knows Best" type - he interactively treats - with your consent).

2. Make sure you follow (have performed) recommended treatment at the recommended time – This means staying current with your hygiene appointments and dental exams.  Skipping these could mean that little problems get bigger, which could cause more (and more involved, trickier) issues.

3. Watch what you eat – Don’t eat sweet, sticky foods and drinks that stick to your teeth.  Also avoid highly acidic foods and drinks.

4. Avoid habits that can harm your teeth – These include chewing ice, smoking, chewing tobacco, illegal drugs, excessive alcohol consumption, biting into hard candies…

Broken tooth from tongue piercing

5.  Avoid tongue piercings – there has been an epidemic of broken teeth from tongue piercings.  It is best to just avoid these.

6. Use athletic mouth guards – if you are playing contact sports make sure to protect your teeth with a mouth guard. 

7.  Use a Bite (night) Guard – if you grind or clinch your teeth, make sure you talk to your dentist about your options, and follow through!

8.  Floss (or use Floss Alternative - see next) Daily – This is a big one! Between your teeth is the most commonly missed oral hygiene area.  And it is the area where most "adult-onset" gum disease begins.  New research is showing a tie-in with your overall (systemic) health that makes gum disease prevention that much more important!  Gum disease prevention is proving to be not only tooth-sparing - but also life-prolonging!
 

9.  Floss Alternatives include proxy-brushes (many different types of new ones are out there) and "Rota-Points" (plastic, tooth contoured, gum-friendly cleaners).  The "Rota-Points" are an absolute favorite among the many, many patients who cannot (or will not) floss.  They're quick, ez and very, very effective.

10. Brush at least twice a day – Brushing after each meal is preferred, but if you can’t, brushing for two minutes at least twice a day would be great.

11.  After meals – rinse with water and chew a piece of sugar-free gum, if you can’t brush.

12. Do your recommended orthodontic work – having teeth that are in proper alignment helps with hygiene, but it also helps the teeth to match up properly avoiding excessive wear and tear on your teeth.

13. Educate yourself and talk to your dentist – Remember these are your teeth, make them last! Do all you can for your teeth and they will last you your entire life! Keep smiling folks!

 

 

Patient-Led Dentistry

 

Patient-Led Dentistry

“Does my insurance cover that?” This is a common phrase heard in every dental office.  Patients often wonder about cost rather than treatment.  I can’t say I blame them. In today’s economic times, it seems everybody’s budget is pushed to the limits.  Moreover, who doesn’t want to maximize their insurance benefits?  While this seems practical, there are some real concerns with this line of reasoning which allows your dental insurance provider to dictate treatment.   

Dental insurance companies are concerned with their bottom dollar. Their goal is to spend minimum amount of money on treatment while maximizing the amount of premiums they take in.  It’s simple math really.  If they pay out more money in benefits than they bring in in premiums, they would lose money.  Their interest is not in what is best for you, but rather what is best for their bottom line.  In fact, the insurance representatives have never met you or your family, nor have they taken the time to talk to you about your needs.  Instead of insurance-led dentistry, let’s talk about patient-led dentistry.

Your dentist on the other hand has spent time getting to know you, understanding your goals for your oral health and its appearance, and coming up a with a treatment plan that fits your needs and lifestyles.  Your dental team has a lot of experience in maximizing dental insurance benefits without compromising patient care.

The "balancing act", therefore, is employing the knowledge of your dentist and dental office with your own custom list of concerns (wish list).  It's no longer "Dentist Knows Best" and it certainly can't be simply "Patient (blindly) Commands" - Patient-Led Dentistry means that the oral health concerns begin with the patient ("led") and the Dental Team then "follows" by offering treatment options and a full informed consent to dental care. 

Let’s talk about some questions you can ask your dentist that will help you practice patient-led dentistry while still maximizing your dental insurance benefits.

1.     What procedures do you think are my best option?

2.     Why do you feel this is my best option?

3.     How long can I expect this restoration to last?

4.     What are the pros and cons of this treatment option?

5.     How can I use my dental benefits to get the best possible results for me and minimize my out of pocket expense?

6.     How much money can I expect to pay out of pocket?

7.     Do you offer interest free financing?

By asking some simple questions you can get the best treatment and still maximize your benefits.  Your dentist wants to give you the best treatment as well as help you to maximize your benefits.  Trust them to help you practice patient-led dentistry.  Your dentist and their dental team have a vested interest in your happiness and oral health, whereas the dental insurance company is concerned only with their bottom line.  If you find you are questioning your dentist’s suggested treatment seek a second opinion, or find a dentist you can trust.  Practicing patient-led dentistry can keep you smiling for many years to come!

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer

Notice how this mouth otherwise looks healthy

Early detection and early intervention are key to maintaining sustainable dental health over your lifetime.  The soft tissue of the mouth is no exception.  While we could discuss periodontal disease, today’s topic is oral cancer. 

Oral cancer is growing at an alarming rate globally.  There are more than 50,000 cases of oral cancer diagnosed every year in the United States. In addition, more than 20 people die daily from oral cancer in the United States.  Oral cancer is very treatable, but if left undetected and untreated if can prove to be very fatal.  Seeing your dentist twice annually is the best way to ensure that it is detected early.  The best way to prevent oral cancer is to stop smoking and using smokeless tobacco.  Oral tobacco use is the number cause of oral cancer.  However, don’t be fooled into thinking that you are immune if you are a non-tobacco user.  Nobody is immune from oral cancer.

See your dentist immediately if any of these persist longer than 14 days…

Oral Cancer

·        Any suspicious sore or lesion

·        Have a discolored area

·        Have an area that bleeds easily

Your dentist has a trained eye and some dentist have specialized tests to test for oral cancer.  Your dentist can save your life.  Oral cancer is something that is diagnosed every day in this country.  Those annual visits could just save your life.  See your dentist and keep smiling!

Kor Bleaching - Whitening for Life!

Deep KoR Bleaching

Tetracycline Staining: Before and After KoR Whitening system

Unretouched Photos of an actual Deep Bleaching (KoR Whitening) Tetracycline stained teeth. 

Please note that the "shade guide tab" is the same in both photos.  The "before/after" photos were taken by Dr Rod Kurthy (DDS in California and inventor of the system).  His worldwide reputation and credentials are of the highest degree.  His KoR whitening system has been on the market (for Dentists who seek out the credentialing process to obtain a "license" to use it) for almost 10 years and is without question the absolute best and deepest bleaching methodology available.  This system makes ZOOM and LASER whitening virtually obsolete (unless is looking for a "same-day" "wow" result - but this result will not last anywhere near as long as KoR). 

·        Do you have deep staining in your teeth?

·        Do you get a lot of sensitivity from bleaching your teeth?

·        Do you have tetracycline staining?

·        Do you hate wearing bleaching strips?

·        Do you desire a beautiful, whiter and more youthful smile?

·        Are you embarrassed to smile?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, it is time to talk about Kor Whitening! 

More about Kor Bleaching ...
It is a bleaching procedure (available only to "licensed" dentists) that has the dental world talking!  It is the only whitening product to receive “Best Product” in Dental Shopper Professional Magazine for Practicing Dentists.   

There have been other  bleaching systems, but Kor Bleaching sets the bar! Read more to find out if Kor Bleaching is right for youKor Bleaching is perfect for you if….

·        You love a healthy, beautiful and youthful looking smile

·        You have tetracycline staining (grey or dark teeth).

·        You have staining that does not improve with over-the-counter products

·        You drink coffee, tea or red wine (you don’t have to give these up with Kor Bleaching).

Advantages of choosing Kor Bleaching include…

·       Little to no Sensitivity

·       Comfortable and easy process

·       Permanent results

·        Completely safe for teeth and gums

·        Perfect for ages 14 and up!

If you are looking for a provider in the St. Louis area that does Kor Bleaching, look no further.  Plaza Health Dentistry is proud to be a "licensed" provider for this extraordinary product.  Visit our website (www.stlouis-cosmeticimplantdentist.com) or call our office to schedule a consultation (314-843-0500). We look forward to meeting you!

Artificial Sweeteners and Your Teeth

Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for My Teeth?

If you are like many Americans you may be turning to "Sugar Substitutes" (artificial or natural sweeteners) as a way to lose weight or curb your sugar intake.  You might be wondering if all Sugar Substitutes are the same for your teeth. 

Sugar Substitutes are often found in products labeled “sugar-free” or “diet”.  They are found in many products including juice, chewing gum, desserts, candy, soda, ice cream, yogurt, etc.  Importantly, Sugar Substitutes are not all the same.  2 large categories include Artificial and Natural (non-sugar) type Sweeteners (see table).   

Artificial Sweetener	Natural Sweeteners
Sunett, Sweet One	Agave Nectar
Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet)	Date Sugar
Neotame	Fruit Juice Concentrate
Saccharin (Sweet’N Low)	Honey
Sucralose (Splenda)	Maple Syrup

 

In addition, there are "Sugar Alcohols" such as Mannitol, Sorbitol, and Xylitol.  As you can see this can be a very confusing subject.  Sugar Substitutes (esp. artificial sweeteners) are regulated by Federal Drug Administration, and are generally recognized as being safe for human consumption in moderation.

Not all "Sugar Substitutes" are the same when looking at the effects on tooth decay.  Dental health agencies promote the use of Xylitol, because of its anti-cavity properties.  Meaning, there is scientific evidence that suggests that Xylitol reduces the bacteria in the mouth that causes dental cavities.  In addition, Xylitol has also shown to help relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.  Dry mouth can also cause cavities as saliva is necessary to help reduce the amount of acid that can be found in the mouth.

While Xylitol may be proven to be the superior Sugar Substitute (S.S.), it's really the truth that all S.S.s are better than plain sugar, honey, molasses or sugars derived from fruit and here's why.

Bacteria in the mouth often combines with these sugars and creates an acid that when left on the teeth that cause decay.  Bacteria cannot combine w the S.S.s so the bacteria remain harmless when exposed to these products.

Further ... Many dentists recommend chewing sugar-free gum after meals if brushing is not an option.  The current research suggests that Xylitol gum may be the best option for sugar-free gum, but they all sugar-free brands show benefits when used after meals.

Here is the "Catch" however.  Don’t be fooled into thinking that because something is sugar-free it is good for your teeth.  Many diet sodas and fruit juices, although they contain artificial sweeteners, they have high levels of acid - which by itself is harmful to your tooth (it doesn't even need the bacteria to "eat away" at your tooth (ie decay).   If you have concerns about artificial sweeteners, Sugar Substitutes and the effects they may have on your teeth, your dentist is a great source of information.

WHITE-4-Life: FREE WHITENING FOR LIFE!!!

FREE WHITENING FOR LIFE? YES, PLEASE!!!

With all the health benefits that come with seeing your dentist regularly, do we really need one more reason to visit your dentist every six months? YES!  

Now at Plaza Health Dentistry you can have free whitening for life!!!

Yes, let me repeat that … Free-Whitening-For-Life ...
                                                          ... Also known as "WHITE-4-Life"

 

Before and After Whitening

This is how it works …

1.     You buy the custom made trays that fit your teeth perfectly, for $299.00.  These bleaching trays are fabricated specifically for your teeth and gum architecture.

2.     You visit the dentist every six months (or at least you know you should (: ), right? Right! So, while you're doing the "right" thing for your oral health - seeing your dentist and hygienist for "continuing care" visits (eating your veggies) you'll receive whitening gel syringes for FREE - for the rest of your life (dessert)!  
      That’s right! At every six-month visit when you get your teeth cleaned and examined you will receive complimentary syringes of whitening gel … not to mention the old standard of a new toothbrush and floss!  

The whitening gel that you receive with this program is considerably better than over-the-counter whitening products and can only be obtained through a licensed professional.  The whitening agent used in our gel is professional strength carbamide peroxide.  It is often recommended that you whiten your teeth after a professional cleaning.  If you find your smile needs to “lighten up” in between appointments, just stop in for your complimentary “booster” gel.  Don’t wait, ask one of the Plaza Health Dentistry team members for details on how to get started! Never worry about whitening your teeth again! 

Replace Missing Teeth in 2013 - Dentures & Implants

Dentures & Implants

When I was little I thought dentures were part of the normal aging process.  My  grandparents would take their teeth out at night (and even around meal times!). How we think about losing our teeth is a cultural phenomenon and varies greatly depending on what part of the country, or world that you live in.  However, with the advances in dentistry and knowing what we know about preventative care in oral health there is really no need to ever need dentures, notwithstanding tooth loss due to trauma.  For those who do need dentures…Let’s talk dentures!

George Washington's Dentures

Dentures, also known as false teeth, are actually a prosthetic, much like an artificial leg or arm.  Their purpose is to replace a missing body part with an artificial body part.  Dentures have changed greatly since…we’ll just go with the most famous pair of dentures in the United States…George Washington’s false teeth.

 Today, dentures can be custom made to fit your mouth exactly.  We realize that while we need dentures to chew our food and enunciate words correctly they also serve a cosmetic purpose and provide cheek and lip support.  Did you know that you can pick out the shape and size of your teeth on a denture?  In some cases, the lab can make your dentures to look just like the smile you were born with. 

Dentures have come a long way, and we even have options as far as securing dentures in your mouth.  Many people who live with dentures hate using denture adhesive, and the hard plastic shell that goes across the upper palate.  Many people say that the plastic upper palate on the upper denture keeps them from tasting their food or feeling the temperature of their food.  Many people are choosing implant supported dentures for this reason.

Implant Supported Dentures

 Implant-Retained dentures are dentures that are secured in place with the assistance of dental implants.  See Dental terminology for a full list of terms if you don’t understand.  Dental implants help to maintain jaw bone and prevent further bone loss.  Implants also provide a stable base for the dentures which eliminates completely the need for adhesive, the plastic upper palate, as well as dentures that flop around in the mouth. Implant-Retained dentures are a great option, but still need to be removed at night for cleaning. 

Implant Supported Bridges

For a more life like long term "Fixed" option implant supported fixed-bridges are a great option.  These are dental bridges that are held securely and remain "fixed" in the mouth with dental implants.  These would not have to be removed at night and are considered a fixed option.  This is a great option for people who are embarrassed by having to take their teeth out at night! 

As with any prosthetic, dentures and bridges do need regular maintenance and care.  It is recommended that dentures be replaced every 5 to 7 years.  In addition, regular exams with your dentist are recommended to make sure dentures are fitting properly and that no other oral health concerns are present.  Daily hygiene is still very important to ensure that your oral health is at its optimal.  Brushing the soft tissue in the mouth is still recommended and that dentures are brushed and soaked daily to remove any bacteria or fungus that may be on them. 

The dentures of today have come a long way - especially with the advent of Implants.  Today's "false teeth" aren’t your grandma’s dentures anymore!  

 

Bad Breath

Whew! My Breath Stinks!

Did you know that Americans list bad breath as the number one thing they would change about their co-workers?  For many people bad breath can be very embarrassing.  Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be a temporary thing caused by diet, such as eating onions or garlic.  However, if you have bad breath that is persistent and doesn’t improve with hygiene or diet changes, also known as chronic bad breath,  you might want to consult with your dentist. 

There are many reasons that people experience chronic bad breath, but the most common are:

·        Gum Disease – People who experience advanced stages of gum disease, also known as periodontitis, often have a very distinct smell to their breath.  Periodontitis, if left untreated to can cause many health concerns, some of which can lead to premature death or premature aging.  The only way to treat periodontitis is treatment provided by your dentist.

·        Dry mouth – Dry mouth occurs when there is a dramatic drop in the amount of saliva production in the mouth.  Saliva helps to minimize bacterial growth and to wash away food particles. For those who experience this it can be very uncomfortable, but it can also cause bad breath and tooth decay.  Consult with your dentist for treatment options.

·        Sinus problems – postnasal drip can cause bad breath as well.  Working with a physician closely to find the best treatment options can help to minimize this problem.

·        Systemic infections – These affect your entire body.  These include diabetes, respiratory infections, certain liver conditions and many more.

It is very important to consult your dentist or physician if you experience chronic bad breath, because bad breath may be a symptom of a bigger underlying health issue.  Using products that are often marketed to cure bad breath can often cause more harm.  These products often mask bad breath, but don’t treat the underlying cause of the bad breath. Many people find discussing their bad breath to be uncomfortable or embarrassing, but I can assure that your health care provider only wants to help you, and has helped many people just like you.  By seeking treatment you no longer have to live with embarrassing bad breath, but you may also do your health a favor!

Dental Terminology and Dental Procedures

Dental Terminology and Dental Procedures

Visit any dental office or clinic and more than likely you will hear dental teminology or dental procedures that you are not familiar with.  Don't worry you're not alone.  Most patients, unless they have a background in dentistry, don't get the "tech talk" uttered by the staff of a dental office .  So, as a 101 style education on the subject, here are a list of some of the more common dental terms and what they mean.

Tooth numbers – In dentistry we number teeth as a way to help us identify which tooth/teeth we are talking about accurately and quickly.  Adults have 32 permanent teeth, sometimes called secondary teeth.  Adult teeth are numbered 1 – 32. Tooth #1 is your top right wisdom tooth. As you go towards the front of your mouth the next one is tooth #2.  Go all the way around the top of the mouth, numbering each tooth in consecutive order as you go, to the wisdom tooth on the top left and that is #16. Then we drop down to the lower teeth, but this time we go left to right.  The lower bottom left wisdom tooth is #17 go all the way around, numbering as you go, and to the lower bottom right and that is tooth #32.  Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are lettered A – T, and are lettered in the same rotation as permanent teeth.

Crown of the tooth- this is the part of the tooth that is above the natural gum line.

Root of the tooth – This is the part of the tooth that is below the gum line.  Sometimes people  have gum recession and will have root exposure, but typically it is below the gum line.

Composite/resin fillings – These are fillings that are tooth colored.  Unlike amalgam fillings these bond to the teeth and more aesthetically pleasing.

Amalgam (silver-mercury) fillings that are made of metal.  At one time these were a great option for filling cavities, but today we have materials that are much safer and better for our teeth and health.

Crowns – This is a restoration that is used when there is not enough natural tooth structure to support a filling or an inlay or onlay. Crowns cover the whole tooth.  Your natural tooth is prepped in a way that allows this restoration to sit on the tooth and cover it completely all the way around all sides. These are typically made of porcelain, but can be made of metal or porcelain fused to metal.  Crowns are really "Old-School" - and are almost always less-optimal of a treatment option (they are more invasive - and don't last as long due to re-decay).

Inlays and Onlays

Inlays/Onlays – These are dental restorations that are used when the decay in the crown of the tooth is too big to use a filling, but not large enough to warrant a crown.  They fit in the decayed area of the tooth like a puzzle piece and, unlike (and better than) a crown, they are BONDED to the tooth.



Dental Bridge – a fixed restoration that is used to replace a missing tooth. Bridges use the adjacent teeth on each side of the missing tooth.  Crowns are placed on each of the adjacent teeth and a false tooth is bonded to these crowns, essentially creating a bridge between the crowns.



dental bridge

Root Canal – is a procedure used to save a tooth from being removed.  When the nerve inside the tooth becomes irreversibly damaged or infected the only two options for treatment are extraction or root canal.  While root canals have a nasty reputation, they really are as easy as getting a filling. Dentistry today has made great strides in ensuring patient’s comfort.  During this procedure the dentist opens a small hole in the tooth then “painlessly” removes the infected/damaged part of the tooth.  The tooth is then filled in with a material and restored with a crown.  This allows the patient to keep their tooth, which is preferable to any replacement option.

Dental Implants

Dental implant – If you do have a missing tooth, this is my preferred replacement option.  This is the option that is most like your natural tooth/teeth.  It feels, looks and functions like a natural tooth. A screw is placed in the bone below the gum line, where the root of the tooth would have been.  Then a crown made for the implant is placed on top of the implant.  It may sound painful, but just as you can’t feel the roots of your teeth, you won’t feel the implant either.  There are many advantages to this option.  The biggest being it is permanent! Also, with other tooth replacement options patients still lose bone levels, with this option bone levels are maintained. Implants can be used to support dentures or bridges as well.

If you have any other dental terms you would like to have explained please leave a comment and I will be happy to answer any and all questions!  Adjacent teeth on both sides of where the tooth/teeth are missing. Crowns are placed on the existing teeth on either side of the missing tooth and a false tooth is bonded to these crowns where the tooth is missing, essentially, making a “bridge” between two crowns.