Dr. Dani Nguyen Dental Blog

Nursing Bottle Decay

carriekpetartwork@gmail.com (Dani Nguyen) — Mon, 21 Oct 2019 21:32:16 GMT

Most baby teeth can be seen poking through the gums around 4-6 months.

Make a list

By the time they are 3 years old, most children will have 20 primary teeth. The most common cause of tooth decay in children is usually sugary drink.

Some of the tips to prevent tooth decay are:

Put only plain water, formula, milk or breast milk in bottles.
Juice and sweetened water can cause decay.
Avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle.
Milk (even breast milk) can still cause decay.
Try not to share saliva with your baby by using
the same spoon or licking a pacifier to clean it.
Tooth decay cavity causing bacteria can be passed from the mother to the baby.
Keep your baby's gums and teeth clean with gauze or washcloth.
You can start using a toothbrush when you see their teeth peeking through.

Oral Cancer Exam

carriekpetartwork@gmail.com (Dani Nguyen) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 21:32:16 GMT

Oral Cancer Exam

According to American Dental Association, 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with Oral and Throat cancer this year.

The 5 year survival rate for those diagnosed will be slightly more than 64%. The reason the survival Factors that contributes to the oral cancer are smoking and excessive drinking. More recently the Human papillomavirus have been associated with cancer of the oropharyngeal region that is part of the throat at the base of the mouth. Regular visits to your dentist can improve chances that any suspicious changes will be caught early on. Your dentist can see or feel any tissue changes. Early diagnose will allow the cancer to be treated more easily.

Oral cancer: What you need to know

Oral cancer is the sixth most common cancer, accounting for 30,000 newly diagnosed cases each year – and 8,000 deaths.1 If not diagnosed and treated in its early stages, oral cancer can spread, leading to chronic pain, loss of function, facial and oral disfigurement and even death.

Who gets oral cancer?

Anyone can get oral cancer. Heavy drinkers and people who smoke or use other tobacco products are at higher risk. Though it is most common in people over age 50, new research indicates that younger people may be developing oral cancers related to human papillomavirus (HPV).

Early detection can save

The good news? The earlier oral cancer is detected and treated, the better the survival rate – which is just one of the many reasons you should visit your dentist regularly. Twice-yearly dental checkups are typically covered with no or a low deductible under most Delta Dental plans.

As part of the exam, your dentist will check for oral cancer indicators, including feeling for lumps or irregular tissue in your mouth, head and neck. A biopsy will be recommended if anything seems concerning or out of the ordinary.

Warning signs

You should also perform your own self-examinations to check for early warning signs. Contact your dentist immediately if you notice any of the following symptoms:

Sores that last longer than two weeks
Swelling, growths or lumps anywhere in or near your mouth or neck
White or red patches in your mouth or on your lips
Repeated bleeding from the mouth or throat
Difficulty swallowing or persistent hoarseness
Some information courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion.

Periodontal Disease

carriekpetartwork@gmail.com (Dani Nguyen) — Sat, 19 Oct 2019 23:06:04 GMT

Periodontal Disease

Periodontitis disease begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end, if not properly treated, with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth

Periodontitis, also generally called gum disease or periodontal disease, begins with bacterial growth in your mouth and may end -- if not properly treated -- with tooth loss due to destruction of the tissue that surrounds your teeth.

What's the Difference Between Gingivitis and Periodontitis?

Gingivitis (gum inflammation) usually precedes periodontitis (gum disease). However, it is important to know that not all gingivitis progresses to periodontitis.

In the early stage of gingivitis, bacteria in plaque build up, causing the gums to become inflamed and to easily bleed during tooth brushing. Although the gums may be irritated, the teeth are still firmly planted in their sockets. No irreversible bone or other tissue damage has occurred at this stage.

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can advance to periodontitis. In a person with periodontitis, the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These small spaces between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body's immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line.

Toxins or poisons -- produced by the bacteria in plaque as well as the body's "good" enzymes involved in fighting infections -- start to break down the bone and connective tissue that hold teeth in place. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. When this happens, teeth are no longer anchored in place, they become loose, and tooth loss occurs. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

What Causes Gum Disease?

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease. However, other factors can contribute to periodontal disease.

These include:

Hormonal changes, such as those occurring during pregnancy, puberty, menopause, and monthly menstruation, make gums more sensitive, which makes it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Illnesses may affect the condition of your gums. This includes diseases such as cancer or HIV that interfere with the immune system. Because diabetes affects the body's ability to use blood sugar, patients with this disease are at higher risk of developing infections, including periodontal disease and cavities.
Medications can affect oral health, because some lessen the flow of saliva, which has a protective effect on teeth and gums. Some drugs, such as the anticonvulsant medication Dilantin and the anti-angina drug Procardia and Adalat, can cause abnormal growth of gum tissue.
Bad habits such as smoking make it harder for gum tissue to repair itself.
Poor oral hygiene habits such as not brushing and flossing on a daily basis, make it easier for gingivitis to develop.
Family history of dental disease can be a contributing factor for the development of gingivitis.

http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gingivitis-periodontal-disease

Regular Check-Ups

carriekpetartwork@gmail.com (Dani Nguyen) — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 23:06:02 GMT

Regular Check-Ups

Nearly 50% of children will have at least one cavity by age 5.

Regular dental visits are very important for keeping the teeth and gums healthy. It is recommended to have regular check-ups at least every six months. But it is not just enough to go for the dental visits. You will need to work to keep your teeth and gums healthy between those examinations by brushing them and flossing after every meal.

The Check Up

When you visit a dental professional, he or she will check for cavities. The professional will also check to see if there is a plaque or tartar on the teeth. If they are found, they will be removed to avoid causing diseases. The gums will also be checked to determine if they are healthy or not. If you have healthy gums, the spaces between them and the teeth will be shallow.

The Cleaning

Plaque and tartar cannot be removed by brushing or flossing your teeth alone. The dental professional will scale the teeth and then polish them to remove these substances. The professional will also floss the teeth to make sure that the areas between them are clean.