How to Keep Teeth White Through the Holidays

How to Keep Your Teeth White Through the Holidays

By Mina Levi DDS, 12/24/2013

A concern of many is to keep their teeth pearly white, but not many people have the time to follow through with whitening treatments during the busy holiday season. This leaves people with questions like, what foods are going to stain my teeth? and are there foods that help keep stains away?  Below, we discuss tips on how to keep teeth at their whitest through the holidays.

What foods should I avoid?

There are many foods and drinks that are served during the holidays that can actually stain teeth and dull them. A few foods and drinks to avoid are:

1. Coffee. Coffee is a dark liquid that is very powerful, and can leave stained teeth after having only a few sips. If coffee is unavoidable, try to swish water or mouth rinse immediately after drinking it to best avoid staining.

2. Red Wine. Red wine, or any other colored fruit drink for that matter, is a staining agent as well. If you are worried about stains when you spill it on your shirt, you should be worried about what it is doing to your teeth. Try white wine as a replacement.

3. Cranberry Sauce. As a darker fruit product, cranberry sauce will stain like red wine does. Avoid cranberry sauce if you can.

4. Dark Chocolate. Chocolate is less powerful than coffee or red wine, but still has the capability of stainingteeth. Swish water in your mouth after eating dark chocolate treats, or try to substitute white chocolate instead.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce can stain your teeth due to the deep red color and also due to the acidity in the tomatoes. If you eat basic foods like lettuce beforehand, it may form a thin protective layer on teeth. Overall, though, try to avoid tomato sauce if possible.

Are there foods that help with whitening?

Just as there are foods that make teeth duller, there are foods that can help keep your teeth white while you eat them! A few foods and drinks to indulge in during the holidays are:

1. Vegetables High in Fiber. Veggies that have high fiber content like broccoli or spinach can clean your teeth while you eat. They also increase saliva production and lower acidity in the mouth.

2. Water. Water is good for you for unlimited numbers of reasons, and it is also good for keeping your teeth white, especially if it has added fluoride elements that fight oral bacteria.

3. Nuts.  Nuts are abrasive when you bite into them, which help clean plaque off of teeth. Nuts also increase saliva production much like fibrous veggies which lowers acidity and fights bacteria in the mouth.

4. Strawberries and Pineapple. Strawberries and pineapple act like astringents that reverse staining and have vitamin C. Strawberries are good to eat with dark chocolate to help keep stains caused by the chocolate at bay.

If you have any concerns about teeth whitening, or professional teeth whitening procedures, give the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com . Have a happy holiday season!

Topics: Holidays, Teeth Whitening, Stains, Staining Foods, Oral Bacteria, Saliva, Plaque, Dentist San Francisco

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Some people do not enjoy and do not look forward to going to the dentist, even for routine check-ups and cleanings. Most are able to suffer through some anxiety about dental visits and procedures, but those with dental phobia often put off going to the dentist for long periods of time due to the thought of going to the dentist is so terrifying. Avoiding dental appointments is not good for oral health and overall health, and creates problems that could have possibly been prevented. Below we go over what dental anxiety and phobia are, what the causes are and symptoms of dental phobia and anxiety.

What is it?   

People with dental anxiety feel uneasy about dental appointments, and may have exaggerated worries. People with dental phobia have a much more serious condition in which they feel an intense fear or dread. These people are terrified and/or panic stricken rather than feeling anxious or nervous. Although people with dental anxiety will avoid the dentist, people with dental phobia will put off dental care for years and deal with gum disease, pain, and other serious dental issues in order to avoid going to the dentist. People with dental phobia are at higher risk for gum disease, tooth loss as well as emotional costs due to teeth that are not taken care of properly being discolored or unsightly and causing them to become insecure.

What are the causes?

There are many different reasons that people develop dental anxiety and phobia. A few of the leading reasons are:

1. Pain. Fear of pain is common in adult patients, probably due to past experiences earlier in life before many of the advantages in dentistry allowed it to be mostly “pain-free”.

2. Helplessness. Many people develop fear in situations in which they do not have any control. When visiting the dentist, they need to sit still in the chair and cannot see what’s going on and cannot predict whether or not there will be pain involved. It is very common for people to feel helpless of not in control and trigger anxiety.

3. Negative Past Experiences. People that have had negative dental visits that included pain and discomfort amongst other things will most likely be more anxious to go back to the dentist again.

4. Embarrassment. The mouth is one of the most intimate parts of the human body, and it can be embarrassing to have someone looking inside the mouth. This issue can be worsened if the person is embarrassed about the way their teeth looked or the way that they’ve taken care of them. Also, dental visits usually require the dentist and staff to be very close to the person’s face, which may make people uncomfortable and cause anxiety.

What are the symptoms?

Many people experience anxiety and phobia differently and have different methods of coping with it. Some of the main symptoms of dental phobia are:

1. Losing sleep the night before a dental exam.

2. The thought of going to the dentist makes the person feel nauseous.

3. When thinking of going to the dentist, the person feels like crying.

4. The person panics or has difficulties breathing when objects are placed in the mouth for the dental exam.

5. The person feels increasingly nervous while in the waiting room of the dentist.

If any of these symptoms relate to you, or if you have any questions or concerns about dental phobia and anxiety, visit Dr. Mina Levi Dentist San Francisco on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. She can help you overcome feelings of anxiety about dental visits and will be proactive about it in your treatment.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Anxiety, Dental Phobia, Symptoms, Dental Exams, Oral Health, Gum Disease

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease

Seven Factors That Lead to Gum Disease 
By Mina Levi DDS, 12/12/2013

Gum Disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss, but since gum disease is pretty painless, you may not know that you have it. Research has shown that gum disease can be linked to heart attack and stroke as well, but only about three percent of those affected by gum disease seek treatment for it. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS will be effective in determining if you are afflicted by gum disease and need treatment. Below we discuss seven factors that make you vulnerable to gum disease.

1. Genetic Susceptibility. Unfortunately, sometimes we get some susceptibility from our parents or grandparents at no fault of our own. About thirty percent of the population inherits the tendency to be six times more at risk for gum disease. If anyone in your family has been diagnosed with gum disease, it’s a good idea to see the Dentist Mina Levi DDS in San Francisco to see if you are at risk.

2. Stress. We all have times in our lives where we are overly stressed, especially now around the holidays. This stress has been linked to cancer and can make it more difficult for you to fight off oral infections such as gum disease. During periods of stress, keep a close eye on your oral and gum health, and get a professional check up if you feel a difference in your mouth.

3. Clenching or Grinding Teeth. Clenching and grinding of the teeth is an unconscious activity that usually occurs during sleep, but can occur when a person is concentrating. This grinding puts excess force on the supporting tissues of the teeth as well as tooth structure itself, and can speed up the deterioration of the gums and teeth which leads to gum disease.

4. Hormonal Changes. Many people, especially women, go through life stages in which hormones in the body are changing, such as pregnancy, puberty, menopause or andropause. These changes can cause differing levels of oral bacteria and saliva production and cause gum disease easily.

5. Tobacco and Alcohol. Smoking or chewing tobacco and drinking alcohol are the leading causes of oral cancer and the use of these tobacco products cause a drastic change in the oral environment and can lead to gum disease and gum recession, amongst many other issues. Using both tobacco and alcohol could put you at fifteen times greater risk than others.

6. Diabetes. Diabetics are at higher risk for infections, which includes oral infections like gum disease. This can make it more difficult to control blood sugar, so it is important to have these infections diagnosed as soon as possible.

7. Avoiding Dental Exams. Many people openly admit to disliking or have dental anxiety and thus avoid dental visits. This can lead to a multitude of problems in the mouth. Regular exams and confirmation of proper home care techniques can help you prevent gum disease, and professionals are able to identify the signs and symptoms of gum disease that would not be identified at home. This can help you to halt or even reverse gum disease progression.

For more information on gum disease, the signs and symptoms of gum disease and what you can do to avoid it, visit Dr. Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Gum Disease, Oral Cancer, Oral Bacteria, Dentist San Francisco, Oral Hygiene, Tobacco Use, Clenching and Grinding , Dental Anxiety 

Tips to Reduce Cavities

Tips to Reduce Dental Cavities

          When we think of cavities in the mouth, we immediately think that the teeth brushing routine has been poorly implemented and that must be the only reason. However, there are quite a few components that go into the cause of dental caries and along with them come a few ways to reduce their occurrence. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is the most important aspect of keeping cavities out of the mouth. Below, we discuss the components that lead to caries and how to avoid them.

 

 
 

Components:

1.      Diet and Sugar Intake. When a person ingests carbohydrates (sugars), the bacteria in the mouth produce acid as they break down and metabolize these sugars. This acid causes dental caries and deepens the cavity over time with exposure, so-called tooth de-calcification.

2.     Oral Hygiene. Yes, we have been told over and over again that if you don’t have a proper oral hygiene regimen, that you will see decay in your teeth. This not only means brushing often, but also includes brushing correctly, using dental floss, and properly cleaning the tongue. Another important aspect of oral hygiene is to get your teeth professionally cleaned and examined by the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS.

3.     Genes and the Strength of the Enamel. Sometimes, unfortunately, we inherit genes that give us weakened enamel without any fault of our own. Enamel is the hard substance that makes up the outside of the teeth, and protects the tooth structure from bacteria and decay. If enamel is weak or is weakened, dental caries will be more prominent.

 

Tips to reduce caries:

 

1. Use Xylitol products. Xylitol is a sweet, white substance that looks and tastes like sugar, but has 40% fewer calories than sucrose and is diabetic -friendly. Xylitol is a naturally occurring alcohol found in the fibers of fruits and vegetables like corn, berries and mushrooms, and the wood of trees like the birch. It is even produced naturally in small amounts by our bodies.  Unlike sugar, it is not converted in the mouth to acids that cause tooth decay. It reduces levels of decay-causing bacteria in saliva and also acts against some bacteria that cause ear infections. Xylitol not only rids the mouth of sticky harmful bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria. Plaque bacteria use sucrose and carbohydrates from our diet to grow and multiply. They create sticky threads that allow them to attach to the tooth surface and each other to form thick layers and acids that damage teeth. When plaque bacteria absorb Xylitol, they cannot multiply, produce acids, or stick to teeth. Using products like Oxyfresh toothpaste and mouthwash and chewing Spry gum means less plaque will form on teeth, and eventually plaque bacteria may be undetectable in the mouth. Xylitol also raises mouth pH and encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth. This can protect and re-mineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of enamel.

2.  Using MI Paste or “Liquid Tooth”. Saliva helps provide essential minerals that strengthen teeth and protect enamel. MI Paste is a product that helps release these vital minerals and stimulates saliva flow in the mouth, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities from forming so easily. MI Paste uses casein phosphopeptides that are derived from milk casein, and is ideal for buffering acids produced by bacteria and plaque, comforting dry mouth, minimizing tooth sensitivity before and after cleanings, and reducing high oral acid levels. Video: http://youtu.be/qHfBDfIZ6kQ

3. Reducing Carbohydrate Intake. Carbohydrates are sugars, which stimulate acid release in our mouths when we consume them and cause cavities. Women should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than six teaspoons per day and men should try to reduce their added sugar intake to no more than nine teaspoons per day. Reducing sugar intake will also reduce the acid production by bacteria in the mouth and thus, reduce the presence of dental caries.

4.     Dental Visits. The most important tip to reduce the prominence of dental caries in the mouth is to visit the dentist regularly. It is normally recommended to have a professional cleaning and exam done about twice per year. These exams and cleanings remove built-up plaque and calculus from the mouth and reduce the amount of bacteria that cause dental caries.

For more information regarding how to reduce and prevent cavities from forming, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dental Caries, Cavities, Dental Plaque, Oral Health, Oral Bacteria, Cleanings and Exams, Xylitol, MI Paste, Tooth Mineralization, Tooth Decalcification

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces

Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Pros and Cons

By Mina Levi, DDS 11/26/2013

 

Alignment of the teeth is one of the most important aspects of having the optimal, beautiful smile. The treatment to align the teeth known as Orthodontics can be a bit of a hassle, especially when thinking about having a mouth full of metal for a long time. However, there are options available for patients who are longing for straight teeth that don't involve all of the wire work. The most popular of alternatives is called Invisalign, which is clear alignment. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS can be helpful in making the decision between traditional metal braces and Invisalign clear aligners. Below we discuss some of the differences between the two, and the pros and cons of both.  
 

 

1. Visibility. Invisalign aligners are exactly as they sound, invisible. They are manufactured with a plastic material and are clear. Traditional braces are made of metal and are absolutely visible.

 

2. Removability. Invisalign aligners are completely removable and can be taken out of the mouth when needed. There are disadvantages to this, however, if the patient is not compliant with the amount of time prescribed to wear the aligners the straightening process will not move along on track. Traditional braces are not removable, which is inconvenient and they get in the way of many activities. The patient compliance is a non-issue with the traditional braces since it is not an option to remove them.

 

3. Oral Hygiene. Since Invisalign aligners are removable and do not block any part of he teeth, oral hygiene is much better than with traditional braces in which it is difficult to remove the plaque from in between and around the brackets. Also, with traditional braces, if the plaque remains on and around the brackets it can cause de-calcification of the teeth and gum inflammation. This changes the color of the teeth permanently in those areas because calcium has been leeched out of the tooth structure by the plaque build-up.

 

4. Irritation. Traditional braces are very bulky and can have sharp edges and ends. Because of this, they commonly cause irritation of the lips and cheeks. Also, it allows for spaces for plaque to accumulate, which causes gum irritation and gum disease. Invisalign clear aligners are customized to fit tightly to the teeth and so they do not irritate the gums or surrounding tissues.

 

5. Diet. Traditional braces come with dietary restrictions due to their physical nature; certain foods are difficult to eat and can cause the brackets to come loose. Also, when braces are tightened it makes the teeth very sore and hard foods are almost impossible to consume. Invisalign allows the freedom to choose one's personal diet due to the fact that they are removable.

 

6. Whitening. Teeth whitening is not an option with traditional braces since parts of the tooth surfaces are covered in metal, and whitening the other surfaces would leave discolored squares on the teeth when the braces are removed. Invisalign aligners can double as whitening trays during the alignment process. You receive whitening gel through the Dentist San Francisco and place it into your trays, then rinse out after 15-20 minutes.

 

7. Straightening Issues. There are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with Invisalign aligners, such as a deep bite condition. However, there are certain teeth conditions that are better treated with traditional braces, such as an open bite condition or rotation of cylindrical teeth.

 

8. Price. The price of Invisalign is very comparable to traditional braces, about $4000-$6500.

 

After reviewing the positive and negative aspects of both Invisalign clear aligners and traditional braces, you can make the next step in finding an Invisalign Preferred Provider dentist for treatment. Dr. Mina Levi, DDS has been a Preferred Provider for Invisalign since 2009. If you have any other questions or would like to schedule a complementary Invisalign consultation, visit the Dentist San Francisco on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Invisalign, Teeth Whitening, Traditional Braces, Orthodontics, Dentist San Francisco, Gum Disease, Dental Plaque

How to Take Care of Your Tongue

How to Take Care of Your Tongue 

          We all have been told over and over again how important it is to brush and floss your teeth, and even how using mouthwash is great for destroying germs. One thing that isn’t emphasized enough is how to take care of our tongue, leaving questions such as, “is my tongue getting clean with just mouthwash?” and “does my tongue need to be cleaned separately?” The tongue is one of the strongest muscles in the body relative to size, and helps us speak, eat and drink throughout our entire lives. We think that deserves some recognition and that our tongue deserves to be cleaned and taken care of properly. Visiting the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS can be helpful with getting familiar with the proper tongue cleaning techniques and routines. Below we discuss the nature of the tongue and how to properly clean it.

Understanding the Tongue

 

The tongue is a mysterious, wriggly muscle that lives in our mouths and although we use our tongues every day almost constantly, many people don’t know much about the tongue. The tongue is covered with papillae and taste buds (receptors for taste), which allow it to be the primary organ of taste and helps us manipulate food for eating. The tongue is very sensitive since it is supplied immensely with nerves and blood vessels, which is why it is so painful when we accidentally bite down on it. Not only is the tongue used for eating, but it also functions in creating sounds and words. For example if you hold your tongue between your fingers and try to complete a sentence, you will notice that not only can you not produce the words and sounds that you want to, but also your tongue will contract and fight against your fingers slightly to try to make the correct sounds. Another very important function of the tongue is a natural toothbrush. The saliva that keeps the tongue moist has antibodies and proteins that clean up the bacteria in the mouth, and the tongue can manipulate itself into many positions and areas in the mouth which allows it to detect and remove bits of food that are left over from our last meal.

The tongue has what is called a “tongue map”, which shows that different areas of the tongue are more sensitive to different tastes. Contrary to popular belief, these areas of the tongue are not completely secluded to one particular taste, but different areas of the tongue have different thresholds for sensitivity to particular tastes. The tip of the tongue (4) is known for the sweet taste and the sides of the tongue toward the tip (3) are known for the salty taste. The sides of the tongue toward the back of the tongue (2) are known for the sour taste and the back area of the tongue (1) is known for the bitter taste.

The papillae and taste buds in the tongue are very sensitive and are what help us taste food at all. However, if the tongue is not cleaned properly, build up can cover up endings of the taste buds and dull the sensitivity, making it more difficult for the tongue to taste foods. Also, an unclean tongue can cause very bad breath and allow more bacteria to linger in the mouth, leading to other problems such as plaque build-up on the teeth and cavities. But, how are we supposed to clean the tongue? Here are a few good tips:

 

1.     Get a tongue-cleaning device. These tongue-cleaning devices usually have a handle similar to a toothbrush but the tip is a triangle or oval shape with a large hole in the center, similar to an enlarged, widened eye-hole of a needle. You can find these devices at grocery stores and online, or you can get one through the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS. Some toothbrushes have a textured back designed for scrubbing of the tongue, but this doesn’t work as well as getting a separate tongue scraper.  

2.     Scraping the tongue. In the morning before eating or drinking anything, take the tongue-cleaning device and place it on the surface of the tongue towards the back. Then firmly but gently press the tip of the device and then “drag” the tip from the back of the tongue to the front. The residue you’ve cleaned off of your tongue will build up on the device, so you will need to rinse it off after each scraping. Repeat this process multiple times until the entire tongue has been scraped with the device.   

3.     Rinse. After the tongue scraping is completed and you have cleaned off your tongue-cleaning tool, rinse your mouth thoroughly with mouthwash. This will wash away any of the build-up that still remains in the mouth, and will also clean away bacteria in the rest of the mouth.

4.     Repeat! The most important part of cleaning your tongue is to continue to clean it and make it part of your every day routine.

5.     Cleaning Your Tongue Scraper. Once every two weeks, soak your tongue-cleaning device in denture cleaner or a hydrogen peroxide-water solution to ensure that it remains sanitary.

 

For more information about the tongue cleaning process or how it affects your overall oral health, visit the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Oral health, Tongue Cleaning, Teeth Cleaning, Tongue, Oral Bacteria, Dental Plaque, Tongue Scrapers