DIY Braces: They May be Cheap, but They are Not a Good Idea

DIY Braces: They May be Cheap, but They are Not a Good Idea

By Mina Levi, DDS, 03/25/2015

       You may have seen a few stories floating around on the internet about people who have had success with cheap, $5 DIY braces in closing gaps in their teeth like this one. This method may be cheap and affordable, and you don’t have to go into the dentist for check-ups as often, however, there are many major problems that this can cause. Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS explains in this article some of the problems that can occur and why you shouldn’t try DIY braces.

1. Periodontal disease. Rubber bands that people have used as at-home braces can work their way under the gums where a person can no longer reach them or pull them out. This can separate the tooth from the gums and leave areas where the gums can collect bacteria and become infected. Even if the rubber band is retrieved, the attachments will be lost and the gums will harbor bacteria in those areas until the gums are healed with periodontal treatment and maintenance at a dental office.

2. Tooth loss. If rubber bands that sink below the gum line are un-retrievable, the separation of the gum and the tooth will continue and the rubber bands can wrap themselves around the root of the tooth, causing severe infection. The detachment of the gums from the tooth at this level can cause tooth loss alone, but with infection also in consideration, the tooth may be lost along with bone structure. The tooth will then need to be replaced with dentures or an implant. Implants are not an option, however, if there is too much bone loss in the area.

3. Lead poisoning. Metal that is found in DIY braces kits that are sold on the black market have been found to have traces of lead. Using this metal and putting it into your mouth can lead to lead poisoning; this can be fatal.

If the cost of professional Invisalign or metal braces is what may cause you to try DIY braces, please talk to Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS about the multiple financial options that are available to help you pay for Invisalign treatment such as in-office payment plans and Care Credit. If the multiple office visits is what is causing you to think about DIY braces, we can also talk to you about how often you will need to come in to the office and why, and we will try to make the treatment as seamless as possible for you. Please do not use DIY braces, as you could lose your perfectly healthy teeth. To learn more about Invisalign treatment, visit our Invisalign page here or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

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How to Tell if You Have Bad Breath

How to tell if you have Bad Breath

By Mina Levi, DDS, 03/19/2015

For some, bad breath is a once in a while occurrence that happens when they eat something like garlic or onions. For others, bad breath or halitosis is a chronic problem. If you notice that people tend to keep their distance from you when you’re talking, you may have bad breath. Below are some ways to tell if you have bad breath:

Ask: Some people try to get a whiff of their breath by cupping the hand to the nose and sniffing. This only gives you the smell of your hand.  The human body tends to adopt so that you can smell other beings and things apart from yourself so you cannot an odor just by breathing into your hand. If you see people tending to move away from you when you speak, ask someone whether you have bad breath. They may have noticed it but avoided telling you because they didn't want to embarrass you.

Use a kit: If you are too embarrassed to ask, use a home testing kit to test your breath. The kits are available in chemists and they are very well priced. One version of it is a pocket-sized kit.  If the kit comes out clear after you put some saliva on it, you are in the clear but if comes out blue, your breath is less than fresh. Whether you want to be sure that your breath is fresh before you step in for a job interview or ahead of a date, you can quickly use the kit and remedy the problem with a breath mint or breath spray if necessary. There are different versions of it which the smallest ones similar to a pack of gum in size to fit in a pocket or purse.

Wrist test: You can also be able to tell whether your breath is stale by licking the inside of the wrist, leaving this to dry for a minute and sniffing. The inner wrist is not constantly handling things so it can give you a true reading of your breath. You can also do this on the back of your hand. It works because if you have halitosis, sulphur salts will be transferred from your tongue to your skin.

Bad taste: Another pointer to bad breath is a bad taste in your mouth. Your may not be able to smell your breath by cupping your hand to your noise and smelling it but you can certainly taste it.  You may notice an odor after a heavily spiced meal or after  taking an alcoholic or sugary drink.  Brushing and a swirl of mouthwash usually takes care of incidental causes of halitosis.

Halimeter test: The best way to test your breath is to have it checked at the dentist's office where it is tested with halimeter. A halimeter is an instrument that accurately measures the concentration of sulfide molecules in the breath and saliva.  There is a big difference in sulfide concentration between breath that is fresh and breath that is stale and this is the basis of the test.  The instrument is now widely used in dentists clinics and  it's the most accurate and honest way to test the state of your breath.

Testing with cotton: Another way to test is to with a piece of cotton gauze. Use some to wipe the back of the tongue and sniff it.  If it smells, then your breath smells. You may also see a yellow colored stain which is an indicator of higher than normal production of sulfide.

Testing with dental floss: You can find out if your breath is fresh using dental floss. Use some in between the teeth at the back which is where food particles are most likely to get caught. Smell the floss and you will get an idea of the odor others get when you speak.

Test with the mirror: Here is another method: stick out your tongue. Do this in front of mirror, bringing out your tongue as far as possible. If there is a white colored film on your tongue, you may have bad breath because of bacteria that lingers on this bio-film layer which keeps you emitting a bad smell.

The spoon test: You can also use a spoon to get to the back of the tongue. Invert a teaspoon and use it to scrap the back of your tongue. Do it gently so that you don't gag. If there is a whitish coating on the spoon, sniff it. It will most likely smell bad if there is a coating.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, bad breath, breath, bad, halitosis, onion breath, garlic breath, spoon test, bad breath test, floss test, stinky breath

Source: Davis and Dingle

How do I know if I Need a Root Canal?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 03/12/2015

Tooth pain is something that almost everyone will experience in their lifetime, whether it’s caused from dental decay, gum problems, trauma or another cause. Sometimes this tooth pain can mean that you need a root canal, which is the removal of the root or nerve of the tooth by an endodontist. In order to know when this is the case, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses four signs and reasons that you may need a root canal.

1. Sharp, throbbing pain. Sharp, unbearable or throbbing pain coming from a tooth that is enough to wake you up at night is a definite sign that you need to have a root canal done. If you have just had a dental procedure, and your pain is more of an ache (even if it is a high level ache), this is not necessarily a sign of root canal necessity. An achey pain is usually a reaction of the tooth to having been worked on, the gums responding to the area where the anesthetic was administered, or the bite needs to be adjusted. Do not panic if you are having this type of pain. Even if you are having throbbing or sharp pain, do not panic, simply call your San Francisco Dentist for an appointment to confirm that there is a need for a root canal and they will refer you to an endodontist.

2. Discolored tooth. A discolored tooth usually occurs when the tooth has experienced some sort of trauma and the tooth or nerve has died. In this case when the nerve is dead, it needs to be removed from the tooth immediately via root canal and the tooth will need to be restored with a crown. If the dead nerve remains in the tooth, the tooth will become brittle and will easily break. A severely broken tooth will need to be extracted and replaced with a denture, bridge or implant, which is a whole new set of procedures.

3. Tooth abscess. An abscessed tooth occurs when there is an infection in the root or nerve of the tooth. This infection, when not taken care of, will cause the tooth to die. A root canal will need to be performed in order to save the tooth. If the infection progresses, many complications can arise including the loss of the tooth.

4. Deep dental decay. When dental decay progresses deeply into the tooth, it can expose the nerve of the tooth and cause incredible pain and infection. In order to avoid this and avoid the need for a root canal, visit your San Francisco Dentist regularly for exams so that dental decay can be caught and treated before it progresses to the nerve of the tooth.

 

If you have questions regarding root canals, the process of a root canal, or if you are experiencing pain you believe needs to be treated with a root canal, visit 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, root canal, root canal San Francisco, endodontist San Francisco, endodontics San Francisco, nerve pain, tooth pain, tooth throbbing, throbbing pain, sharp pain, sharp tooth pain, throbbing tooth pain, severe tooth pain, severe pain, dental decay, root infection, tooth infection, tooth abscess, discolored tooth, deep dental decay, nerve pain

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Health Expo

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Health Expo

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/26/2015

Imagine starting with an interactive, entertaining and highly informative Health Fair, right on your company grounds. Around every corner your employees will discover Vendors that pamper the body, educate the mind and rejuvenate the spirit. Best of all, our experienced Wellness department will coordinate everything so all you have to do is show up and have fun. And because we are sponsored by the medical and professional community, this is one of the most economical benefits you can offer, plainly put... This event is 100% free for you.

 

What sets up apart from all the rest? We want your employees to be able to take hold of their health this being said we only provide physicians who accept your Health, Vision, and Dental insurance! Are you looking to educate your employees on Cancer Prevention, Reducing onsite work injuries and becoming more physically active?  CHE Expos is the right program for you!

 

San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Health Expo yesterday, Wednesday, February 26th. We were able to talk to students about their dental care as well as the many whitening options that we have here at the office.

 

If you are interested in attending one of these health expos, check out corporatehealtheducation.com and see when the next one will be near you!

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Dentist, Health, Health Expo, health insurance, dental insurance, conference

Beating Oral Cancer

Beating Oral Cancer

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/19/2015

Most people are surprised to learn that one American dies every hour from oral cancer; a death rate that has remained virtually unchanged for more than 40 years. In fact, recent statistics published by the American Cancer Society indicate that while the incidence and death rates for cancers overall has decreased, the incidence of oral cancer has increased by 5.5% and the death rate has increased by 1.5%.

Oral cancer is far too often discovered in late stage development, the primary reason for the consistently high death rate. Oral cancer treatment often results in disfiguring effects on patients, and can seriously compromise their quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can make a tremendous difference in life expectancy; oral cancer is 90% curable when found in its early stages. Unfortunately, 70% of oral cancers are diagnosed in the late stages, III and IV, leading to a five-year survival rate of 57%. The Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS article this week tells Eva Grayzel’s story with oral cancer.

You can find out more about Eva or see her speak by going to http://www.evagrayzel.com.

In 1998, at age 33, in the midst of a successful career in storytelling, Eva was diagnosed with advanced stage oral cancer and given a 15% chance of survival. A non-smoker, she had been bounced from dentist to doctor for more than two years. The ulcer on her tongue became larger and more painful. After diagnosis, she endured a partial tongue reconstruction, a modified radical neck dissection and a maximum dose of radiation therapy. After getting a second chance at life, she wanted to do whatever she could to raise awareness about this disease and prevent what happened to her from happening to others.

If you have questions about oral cancer or would like to get screened for oral cancer, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. If you would like to see Eva Grayzel speak, visit her website at www.evagrayzal.com.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, oral cancer, cancer, cancer screening, oral cancer screening, cancer test, oral cancer test, cancerous lesion, lesion, cancer lesion, cancer tongue lesion, tongue lesion, cancerous tongue lesion, oral cancer treatment, cancer treatment, oral cancer survival, cancer survival, survival rates, cancer survival rates, oral cancer survival rates

Source: www.evagrayzel.com

Brush Up on Your Brushing

Brushing up on your Brushing

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/12/2015

Maintaining good oral health at home between normal dental office visits for professional dental cleanings is very important. Keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy ensures that your teeth will last for a long time and you will ward off dental decay. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS reminds us on how to maintain good brushing habits at home.

How often should I brush my teeth?

You should be brushing at least two times per day, at morning and at night, for at least two minutes at a time to ensure that cavity-causing bacteria are being removed from the teeth and gums.

What brushing technique should I use?

Be sure to hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle toward your gums and move the toothbrush in a circular motion, pressing firmly enough so that the bristles reach between the teeth and under the gums. Do not brush too hard, otherwise your gums will begin to recede away from your teeth. Make sure to brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of the teeth, floss between the teeth and brush your tongue.

What kind of toothbrush should I use?

At the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS, we suggest using an electric toothbrush. However, if an electric toothbrush is not an option for you, make sure your toothbrush has a long, wide handle so that a firm grip can occur. Use a soft-bristled brush, because a hard-bristled brush can cause damage to the teeth and gums.

How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Old toothbrushes with worn or frayed bristles are ineffective and can harbor old bacteria. The toothbrush or electric toothbrush head should be changed about every 3 months, or after an illness.

What toothpaste should I use?

No matter what brand or flavor of toothpaste, your toothpaste should have fluoride. Fluoride helps fight plaque and bacteria. Also, make sure the toothpaste has been approved by the ADA.

How much toothpaste should I use?

Only use a pea-size amount of toothpaste, you don’t need to fill the entire brush. A small amount should be enough to cover the entire mouth.

Is flossing as important as brushing?

Yes, brushing removes plaque from the outside surfaces of the teeth, and flossing removes plaque from in between the teeth. You should floss your teeth at least once per day for two minutes. When flossing, make sure to reach below the gum line.

If you have any questions about home care or regular professional dental cleanings, visit 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, dentist, San Francisco, toothbrush, toothpaste, toothbrushing, brushing, toothbrushing skills, toothbrushing technique, brushing technique, brushing skills, brushing up, flossing, removal of plaque, plaque removal, toothpaste, soft-bristled brush, hard bristled brush, electric toothbrush, gum health, tooth health, healthy mouth, oral health, home care, dental home care, home care instructions

Relieving Toothaches on the Fly

Relieving Toothaches on the Fly

By Mina Levi, DDS, 02/05/2015

In honor of National Toothache Day coming up on February 9^th, we wanted to talk about toothaches and that pang of fear that we feel if we start to get a toothache when we are on vacation or somewhere where we cannot see our Dentist. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses toothaches, possible causes, and how to potentially relieve some pain if you are in a bind to hold you over until you can visit your San Francisco Dentist.

What is a toothache?

This may sound like a silly question; a toothache is a pain in your tooth, right? Yes, however, there are many different types of toothaches that mean different things. For example, a constant, throbbing pain that wakes you up from your sleep may be a nerve issue/infection and you may need a root canal. A pain when you bite down on food may be an issue with the occlusion or the contacts between your teeth and can be easily fixed with a slight adjustment. No matter what the pain is or how intense it is, it is important to never ignore the toothache or brush it off. Something that could have been fixed in 5 minutes could turn into something that needs a root canal or needs the tooth to be extracted if it is not attended to in a timely manner.

Possible causes of toothaches?

As mentioned above, there are many reasons why a person would be having pain in their tooth or jaw area. Causes include infection, trauma, dental cavities, and occlusion issues.

How to relieve toothache pain when getting to a dentist is not an option:

As a disclaimer, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS wants patients to know that every person’s anatomy and experience are different. Tips that can work for one person may not work for the next person. These are just tips that can maybe give the patient some relief before having the tooth checked out. We always suggest seeing a dentist as soon as possible when you are having tooth pain.

1. Aspirin. Taking aspirin at the recommended dosage throughout the day will help relieve some of the pain symptoms you may be having, but will not treat the cause.

2. Anbesol. Anbesol is a liquid pain reliever that can be applied directly to the teeth/gums to numb the area.

3. Avoid hot and cold drinks. Sometimes tooth pain comes from a wearing down of the enamel that exposes the dentin underneath. By avoiding hot and cold drinks, you will not be putting any extra stress on that area and it will stay relatively calm until it can be sealed.

4. Oil pulling. Although not scientifically proven, oil pulling has been seen to have some pain relieving effects. See our article about oil pulling here.

In an emergency – always see a dentist! Even if it is in another country, if you need treatment, get the treatment. Just make sure that they are up to date on health codes and wear protective gloves. If you have any questions about having a toothache on vacation or if you are planning a trip and need an opinion on some dull tooth pain you are having now, visit Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, tooth pain, toothache, strong pain, strong tooth pain, toothache dentist, toothache dentist San Francisco, emergency dentist, emergency dentist San Francisco, root canal, enamel, dental cavities, occlusion, adjustments, dental office visit, vacation, tooth pain on vacation, remedies for tooth pain, aspirin, pain reliever, foreign dentist, pain relief, tooth pain relief, quick tooth pain relief

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

3 Ways to Whiten Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/29/2015

With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, many of us want to be looking our best, which can include whitening the teeth. There are many options when it comes to the treatment of whitening the teeth. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS goes over three ways to whiten the teeth in terms of efficacy and cost-effectiveness.

1. Whitening toothpaste/home care regimen. This option requires the patient to purchase whitening toothpaste and mouthwash and brush, floss, and rinse with these products two to three times per day for about 6 weeks. This is the most affordable option, but it takes a lot of time and dedication on the part of the patient in order to achieve a desired effect.

2. Custom whitening trays. This option is when the patient comes to the dental office to have impressions taken and custom-made whitening trays are fabricated. Then, when the patient comes back to check the fit of the trays, they will receive the whitening gel, which is between 8-32% carbomide peroxide gel.  The patient will then wear the trays with the gel for about 15-20 minutes per day for two to three weeks. This option is effective, and is more affordable than the Zoom whitening procedure, but it takes a long time to achieve the desired result and requires active dedication/participation from the patient.

3. Zoom whitening. The patient will make one appointment at which they will be sat in a dental chair and their gums will be covered with a protecting gel so that the gums are not damaged in the process. The patient will then undergo three to four fifteen-minute sessions of the Zoom! light with a 25% hydrogen peroxide gel applied to the teeth. This procedure requires only one office visit for about one and a half hours to achieve the desired whiteness. However, this is the most expensive option and can cause some sensitivity for up to 24 hours after the procedure.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding whitening or whether or not you are a good candidate for Zoom whitening, visit 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, Whitening Dentist San Francisco, whitening, whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening, zoom whitening, whitening toothpaste, whitening mouthwash, whiter teeth, Valentine’s day, brushing teeth, custom whitening trays, whitening gel, sensitivity, sensitivity after whitening, Zoom procedure, Zoom dentist San Francisco, home care, brushing, flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, gums, gum health, peroxide gel, whitening gel take home

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

5 Foods and Drinks that Stain Your Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/22/2015

 

Many people come to the dental office of San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS asking about how they can whiten their teeth, or asking about why they get stains on their teeth. People get staining for a number of reasons, which may be due to lack of proper home care (brushing, flossing) and it can also be contributed by the foods or drinks a person consumes. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses 5 foods and drinks that stain your teeth.

 

1. Wine. Red wine with tannins and a dark color will stain teeth easily. White wine, even though it lacks the deep color, also has staining factors.

2. Tea. Tea (black tea, for example) has staining tannins just like wine. Black tea is the worst stain offender; while white and green teas are less likely to stain.

3. Coffee. Coffee is a notorious teeth staining aggressor. However, since it is high in chromogens but low in tannins, it is less likely to stain the teeth than black tea.

4. Soda. Both light and dark colored sodas are very acidic, and can promote staining by other foods and beverages by “prepping” the enamel of the tooth and making it more porous.

5. Tomato Sauce. Tomato sauce has a deep red color just like red wine, and can easily stain the teeth.

 

To minimize staining, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS suggests swishing with water after eating/drinking staining foods, using a straw to attempt to avoid long exposure on tooth surfaces, and swallowing promptly. If you have stained teeth and would like to whiten them, it is suggested that you have a regular cleaning done first and then Zoom whitening or take-home whitening trays are both options. Keep a look out for next week’s article when we discuss 3 options for teeth whitening. Visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Cosmetic Dentist San Francisco, whitening, white teeth, staining, teeth staining, yellow teeth, staining foods, foods that stain teeth, red wine, wine, wine staining, will wine stain my teeth, tea, tea staining, coffee, soda, tomato sauce, foods, eating, dental cleaning, zoom whitening

A Toothbrush That Tracks Progress

A Toothbrush that Tracks Progress

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/14/15

Recently, the company Kolibree came out with a new toothbrush product that allows you to track and improve yours or your children’s dental hygiene routine. This toothbrush uses a unique technology to analyze brushing habits and display them on a mobile dashboard. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi discusses the Kolibree toothbrush, what it does and what problems it aims to solve.

How does this toothbrush work?

First, the user of the toothbrush will need to download the free mobile app, connected via Bluetooth. From there, every brushing with the Kolibree toothbrush is downloaded to the app. The data about the brushing session will synchronize to a smart phone and tell the user whether or not they brushed for long enough and whether or not you reached the hard to reach parts of your teeth and gums. The stats from the app are easily shared with Dentist San Francisco, and the app even works with multiple toothbrushes/family members. The Kolibree toothbrush gives positive feedback and cheers on improvement, which encourages children to improve habits.

What problems does the Kolibree toothbrush solve?

Home care is essential for the overall health of your mouth. With the Kolibree toothbrush letting you know how to improve, it can improve the home care aspect of dental care. With improved home care, it can make an improvement in gum disease and lower dental caries. It is still very important to visit the dentist regularly.

If you have any questions regarding the Kolibree toothbrush or how to improve your home care, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, toothbrush, Kolibree toothbrush, smart toothbrush, toothbrushing app, home care, oral care, oral health care, tooth brushing, flossing, mouthwash

Why Would My Tooth Hurt After a Root Canal?

Why Would My Tooth Hurt After a Root Canal?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 01/08/2015

At the San Francisco dental office of Mina Levi, DDS, we refer a number of patients to endodontists if there is nerve pain that requires a root canal. After a root canal, the root is gone; so many people think that there should be absolutely no pain after a root canal, which sometimes is not the case. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS explains what a root canal is and why someone may have pain after a root canal is performed.

What is a root canal?

Inside of a tooth, under the white enamel part and under the next  hard layer called dentin, there is a soft tissue which is the pulp of the tooth. The pulp contains blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue. In a fully developed tooth, the tooth can survive without the pulp because the tooth continues to be nourished by the tissues surrounding it. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed, caused by deep decay, repeated dental procedures, faulty crowns, crack in the tooth, etc, then endodontic treatment may be necessary to remove it. If the pulp infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. This pain is a sign that the dentist uses to decide if the tooth will need a root canal or not.

A root canal removes the infected pulp and the inside of the tooth is cleaned out and disinfected, then filled and sealed with a rubbery material. After this, the tooth is restored with a crown or filling for protection. After the tooth is restored, the tooth continues to function like it did before.

What would cause pain after a root canal?

There are a number of possible causes of pain after the completion of a root canal. After a root canal is completed no living pulp tissue remains inside the tooth, but nerve endings remain in the ligaments that attach the tooth to the surrounding bone. These ligaments have nerve fiber associated with them that can feel pain.

Another cause could be inflammation of the periapical tissues post root canal. This inflammation may be due to extruded sealer or “over instrumentation” during the endodontic procedure. Sometimes the root canal files go past the apical terminus and can either inject some debris periapically or just damage the ligaments. This inflammation usually resolves by itself given enough time.

Another source of post root canal discomfort is a high bite and this can easily be corrected by a dentist. If a patient bites down, with no food in their mouth and their root canalled tooth hurts, then the bite should be adjusted.

Other possible causes of pain are a persistent infection or a root fracture. If a root canal is completed, but an infection still is present around the periapical area then a retreatment may be indicated especially if significant time has gone by without a resolution of the infection.

If you have tooth pain or think you require a root canal, or if you are having post-root canal pain, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, root canal, root canal pain, root canal dentist, endodontics, endodontist, endodontic treatment, endo, pulp, dentin, enamel, tooth structure, inflammation, infection, pulp infection, root infection, pain, tooth pain, achy pain

Pregnancy and Gum Disease

Pregnancy and Gum Disease

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/31/2014

In a previous article, we discussed eight ways to keep gums healthy during pregnancy, which gave some tips on prevention of gum disease during pregnancy. What it didn’t cover, and what Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS is going to cover in this article, is what exactly happens to your gums during pregnancy, why the prevention is important, and what the outcomes of non-treatment are.

Will pregnancy affect my oral health?

Gingivitis occurs in 60 to 75% of pregnant women, tending to surface most frequently in the second trimester of pregnancy. Expectant mothers (and some women taking oral contraception) experience elevated levels of hormones, specifically estrogen and progesterone. This causes the gums to react differently to plaque bacteria and in many cases causes gingivitis. Symptoms include swollen, red gums and bleeding when brushing the teeth. If a woman already has gingivitis, it will most likely get worse with pregnancy, especially without treatment. Bacteria in the mouth causes the gingivitis, the hormones provoke it. The infected gum pockets provide access to the bloodstream, allowing bacteria to travel through the body. Your body reacts to the infections in your gums by producing prostaglandins, a natural fatty acid that's involved with inflammation control a smooth muscle contraction.  During your pregnancy the level of prostaglandins gradually increases, peaking when you go into labor.  One theory is that, if extra prostaglandins are produced as a reaction to the bacterial infection in your gums, your body may interpret it as a signal to go into labor and your baby can be born to early or too small.

Could pregnancy gingivitis affect my baby?

There is a connection between gingivitis during pregnancy and low birth weight/pre-term delivered babies. Excessive bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums. If this does happen, it can travel to the uterus, triggering the production of prostaglandins, which cause uterine contractions that induce premature labor.

Is it safe to have dental treatment while pregnant?

Oral care is vital during the pregnancy, and regular dental cleanings and check ups to avoid oral infections that can affect the fetus is incredibly important. Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS recommends that any major dental treatment that isn’t urgent should be postponed until after the baby is born. For more urgent procedures, the second trimester is the best time to have procedures done to minimize risk to the baby.

Prevention

We have talked about prevention before, but we will re-iterate. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean, especially near your gum-line and:

1. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and after meals when possible

2. Floss daily

3. If you suffer from morning sickness, repeatedly rinse out your mouth with water and brush your teeth as often as possible to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting.

4. If brushing your teeth causes morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water, brush without toothpaste and then use an anti-plaque fluoride mouthwash

5. Eat a well-balanced diet with vitamins C and B12

6. See the dentist for help controlling plaque and preventing gingivitis, and go to your scheduled routine exams and cleanings to maintain good dental health.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding gingivitis and pregnancy, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, pregnancy, gingivitis, gum disease, gum disease and pregnancy, gingivitis and pregnancy, pregnant gingivitis, early delivery, under-weight baby, per-term baby

Can I Use my Medical Insurance for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances?

Can I use my Medical Insurance for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Appliances

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/23/2014

If you suffer from sleep apnea or you snore at night, your Dentist San Francisco may recommend that you have an appliance custom-made for you, as untreated sleep apnea and snoring can lead to a number of issues. However, many patients are concerned with the relatively high cost of sleep apnea and snoring appliances and have questions about how they can have their dental or medical insurance cover the cost of the appliance. In this week’s article, San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses medical insurance billing for sleep apnea and snoring appliances.

First, check dental:

If you are being seen by a dentist and the dentist is going to be fabricating the device for you, the first thing that you should check is your dental insurance coverage of the specific appliance code that the dental office gives you. For example, an occlusal guard has the code D9940, and some plans cover these types of mouth guards at 50% of the insurance company’s contracted rate. When speaking with your dental insurance company, you should ask three things:

1) What is the contracted rate for this procedure code?

2) Is this procedure code a covered benefit on my plan?

3) What is the coverage percentage rate?

Next, check medical:

Many medical policies offer coverage for oral appliances. Check with your dentist to see if they will be billing to your medical policy or if you will be needing to submit your own claim. If you are submitting your own claim, there are some things you will need to gather from the dentist:

1) A copy of the medical claim form (latest revision as of April 2014)

2) Exam notes and patient history (including symptoms, past treatments, exam findings, and treatment plan)

3) Radiographs such as an FMX or panoramic x-ray, or if those are not available then 4 Bitewings may be sufficient

4) The medical code for the appliance (this will be different from the dental code)

5) Letter/narrative of medical necessity

Another treatment that is also covered by most medical insurance companies is a sleep study, in which physicians monitor your sleeping patterns and diagnose your sleep apnea. The records from the sleep study can be sent in to the insurance company to ensure coverage of a sleep apnea appliance.

If you have questions regarding sleep apnea and related appliances, visit 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, sleep apnea, sleep apnea symptoms, sleep apnea appliance, snoring, snore guard, snoring appliance, medical insurance, dental insurance, dental claim, medical claim, medical coverage, dental coverage, medical coverage oral appliance, dental coverage oral appliance, medical coverage sleep apnea appliance, dental coverage sleep apnea appliance, dental coverage occlusal guard, occlusal guard

Stem Cell Banking

Stem Cell Banking

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/18/2014

Many people are considering the idea of “banking” or saving stem cells to be used in future health care situations. What many people don’t know is that baby teeth and wisdom teeth stem cells can be banked easily and can have many health care benefits. In this article, Dentist San Francisco discusses banking teeth stem cells with programs such as StemSave and Store-a-Tooth.

Why Bank Stem Cells?

You plan for your child's education, plan for their healthcare, too. From teaching healthy eating habits to instilling strong values, you already do so much to prepare your child for a happy and healthy life. Banking stem cells may not be as obvious as saving for college, but it could mean just as much to your child’s future well-being and quality of life. For decades, doctors have harnessed the unique ability of stem cells to treat cancer and genetic blood diseases using therapies such as bone marrow transplants which is a type of stem cell therapy. Today, more than 1,700 clinical studies are under way, demonstrating the use of stem cells to treat diseases, to heal injuries, and to grow replacement tissues like tendons, muscles, and blood vessels. This exploding field of research holds the promise that your child, utilizing a toolkit of their own stem cells, will live a life of unprecedented wellness extended by decades. Banking today means your child has the potential to benefit from the advanced therapies of tomorrow.

The restorative properties of stem cells:

Stem cells are unique because they drive the natural healing process throughout your life. Stem cells are different from other cells in the body because they regenerate and produce specialized cell types. They heal and restore skin, bones, cartilage, muscles, nerves and other tissues when injured. There are two main types of stem cells: adult stem cells, such as those found in bone marrow and teeth (see Stem Cells in Teeth),and embryonic stem cells (see Other Stem Cells).

Today, medical researchers are learning how to control stem cells and direct their growth into specialized cells, including: blood, skin, bone, cartilage, teeth, muscle and nerves.

As a result, amazing new medical treatments are being developed to treat a range of diseases contemporary medicine currently deems difficult or impossible to treat. Among them are:

• Parkinson's Disease
• Brain Injuries
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Arthritis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Leukemia
• Crohn's disease
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neimann-Pick Type C
• Periodontal Disease
• Sports Injuries
• Cosmetic and Anti-aging Applications

 

Why Teeth?

These teeth are going to come out, so why discard them when you can bank them? There are many reasons why teeth are a great source of stem cells for banking. The most obvious one is that it’s easy to collect a baby tooth that’s naturally falling out or a wisdom tooth being extracted. More importantly, the dental pulp in your child’s baby and wisdom teeth is an excellent source of mesenchymal stem cells, one of the most well-understood, widely researched and promising types of stem cells. Plus, it appears that the younger cells are when banked, the more potent their power later on. Which makes sense: why else would a seven year old heal so much faster than a seventy year old?

 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding stem cell banking or extracted teeth, visit 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, stem cells, cells, tooth, tooth cells, tooth stem cells, baby tooth, baby tooth stem cells, baby tooth cells, wisdom tooth, wisdom tooth cells, wisdom tooth stem cells

The Toothpaste Guide

The Toothpaste Guide

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/11/2014

 

When you walk into a store and head to the oral care isle, you may become overwhelmed with all the different kinds and brands of toothpaste, you may not know the difference between them and it is difficult choosing which one is right for you. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses the different types of toothpaste and how to choose the right fit for you.

 

What is toothpaste?

 

This may seem like a silly question, most of us know what toothpaste is in terms of it’s the gel paste that we brush our teeth with. However, toothpaste is more than just the stuff we squeeze onto our toothbrushes. Toothpaste’s active ingredients are made up of abrasives (cleaning and polishing agents), detergent (foams to loosen plaque and debris) and fluoride (for caries protection). All of these components together help remove plaque and bacteria from the teeth and prevent decay and cavities.

 

Types of toothpaste:

 

1. Tartar control: this type of toothpaste helps prevent further build-up of tartar (hardened plaque), but cannot reach tartar that builds up below the gum line. If tartar collects below the gum line, a deep cleaning or scaling and root planning may be necessary.

2. Sensitive teeth: this toothpaste is low-abrasion, and is gentler on exposed dentin or receding gum lines that cause tooth sensitivity.

3. Whitening: these toothpastes vary in the results since they vary in strength. Some that are too strong may cause damage to your teeth, so make sure to consult San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi before using it.

4. Children’s: this type of toothpaste contains a smaller amount of fluoride than adult toothpaste.  

 

No matter which type of toothpaste you choose, you should always choose toothpaste with at least a small amount of fluoride in it to help protect your teeth from cavities. If you have questions or concerns about which type of toothpaste is right for you, give Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS a visit on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, San Francisco toothpaste, San Francisco Dentist, toothpaste, types of toothpaste, toothpaste guide, toothpaste type, fluoride toothpaste, sensitive toothpaste, toothpaste differences, sensitive toothpaste, tartar control toothpaste, regular toothpaste, children’s toothpaste

Oil Pulling

Oil Pulling

By Mina Levi, DDS, 12/04/2014

You may have heard about a relatively controversial old-school remedy for improving oral health called “oil pulling”. Oil pulling involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (usually coconut oil or sunflower oil) in a person’s mouth on an empty stomach for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This act is supposed to be able to “pull” toxins out of the body through the teeth and oral tissue, improving oral and overall health. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi discusses oil pulling, potential pros and researched effectiveness of the method.  

How is oil pulling supposed to work?

There are thousands of different types of bacteria in the mouth, many of which have hydrophobic outer layers. Hydrophobic means “water-fearing” molecules, just like oil (if you have ever seen oil separate when put in water; that is the hydophobicity at work). The way that oil pulling theoretically is that when the oil makes contact with the hydrophobic bacteria, the bacteria will cling to the oil and be removed from the location in the mouth.

Potential Pros:

1.  Reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth. In a study performed in 2008, oil pulling caused a reduction in the number of Streptococcus Mutans (bacteria) in the plaque in the mouth in about 2 weeks. The oil pulling was not as effective, however, as chlorhexidine, which is what is prescribed by the dentist to remove bacteria in the mouth when there is over-abundance.

2. Reduce plaque and gingivitis. Another study concluded that oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash were effective against gum inflammation.

3. Reduce bad breath. In a study of twenty adolescents, oil pulling therapy reduced markers for bad breath and was found to be just as effective as chlorhexidine.

Despite the possible benefits that oil pulling can have, it is also important to remember that oil pulling does not in any way replace regular oral hygiene and professional check-ups. If you have questions or concerns regarding oil pulling, please visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, oil pulling, oil, pulling, oil pulling treatment, oil pulling for teeth, oil pulling teeth whitening, oil pulling bacteria, oil pulling detox, detox, oral detox, oral bacteria, bacteria, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, bad breath

Holiday Sweets are Not Good for Your Teeth!

Holiday Sweets are Not Good for Your Teeth!

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/26/2014

As the winter holidays approach and with Thanksgiving just around the corner, we know that sweets like pumpkin pie and candy canes are a given. As much as these treats are great on the lips, they aren't so great on the teeth! In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS goes over some Holiday oral care tips about the sweet foods we love.

 

How do sweet foods and drinks cause cavities?

 

When you eat sugary foods or drinks, naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugar and create acids as a by-product. These acids then wear down the tooth enamel, making it weaker and more susceptible to tooth decay as well as a host of other problems, including gingivitis. Snacking on sweets throughout the day or during an extended period of time (such as at a holiday party) is especially harmful, since damaging acids form in the mouth every time you eat a sugary snack and continue to affect the teeth for at least 20 minutes afterwards.

 

Tips for Holiday oral care:

 

1. Eating sugary or carbohydrate-rich foods as part of a balanced meal is better than eating them alone. The body produces more saliva to help digest larger meals, which washes away more food and helps neutralize harmful acids before they can attack teeth.

2. Foods that take a long time to chew can damage teeth. That's because sticky foods, including nutritious choices like raisins, dates and dried fruit, hold acid against teeth longer than do other foods. Try to limit your consumption of these foods.

3. After consuming high-acid food (fruits) or drinks (wine), rinse with water before brushing your teeth to prevent tooth erosion from the acids.

4. Keep a toothbrush and travel-size toothpaste handy (for example, in your pocket or purse or store these in the glove compartment of your car) so that you can brush right after eating at holiday parties.

5. An added benefit is that you are less likely to eat after you brush your teeth, so you may end up eating less at parties.

6. If you're unable to brush your teeth after eating, rinsing your mouth thoroughly with water or chewing sugar-free gum will help to wash away food particles, produce more saliva and neutralize acids in your mouth

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the effect that sweets have on your teeth during the Holiday season, visit Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, holiday sweets, holidays, Thanksgiving, winter, sweets, candy, candy effect, candy effect on your teeth, snacking, holiday snacking, treats, holiday treats, cavities

Source: Delta Dental Ins

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive and What Can I do About it?

Why are my Teeth Sensitive and What Can I do about it?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/20/2014

When your teeth are “sensitive”, you can feel a pain when you breathe in cold air, or when you eat or drink anything cold or hot. Tooth sensitivity is caused by the movement of fluid located in the layer of tissue of the tooth beneath the hard enamel, which results in nerve irritation. When the hard enamel is worn down or the gums have receded, this area can be exposed, causing the sensitivity. This week, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS discusses tooth sensitivity and treatment options for making this better.

Is tooth sensitivity a common condition?

Yes, about 40 million people suffer from having sensitive teeth.

How can I avoid sensitive teeth?

The first tip to avoiding sensitive teeth is to try and avoid gum recession condition, which can be caused by brushing the teeth too hard in a side to side motion. Also, avoid using abrasive toothpastes like whitening toothpaste that can aggravate the condition.

What can I do about my sensitive teeth?

Tooth sensitivity can be reduced by using desensitizing toothpaste, and having Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS apply sealants and other desensitizing/filling materials. Avoid habits such as consumption of acid-containing foods and soda throughout the day. Avoid using a hard bristled toothbrush or brushing your teeth too hard.

When should I see the dentist?

If one or more teeth are highly sensitive for a period of a few days and reacts to hot and cold temperatures, then call the dentist and set up an appointment so that San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi DDS can evaluate the sensitivity and prescribe the best method of alleviate the pain.

What can the dentist do about the sensitivity?

The Dentist San Francisco can treat hypersensitivity in multiple ways, including office treatments and home products for patients to use. The dentist may seal the areas of exposed dentin or apply a fluoride gel over the tops of the teeth. The dentist may also prescribe a fluoride gel for home use or an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste containing fluoride.

 If you have sensitive teeth or have questions regarding tooth sensitivity, visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, teeth, teeth sensitivity, sensitive teeth, hypersensitivity, sensitivity, sensitive, sensitive to hot and cold, fluoride, fluoride varnish, desensitizing toothpaste

Dental Implant Maintenance

Dental Implant Maintenance

By Mina Levi, DDS 11/13/2014

Dental implants are one of the closest tooth replacement options to having a natural tooth as you can get. The implant acts as a tooth root, anchoring in the abutment and crown. However, there are always possibilities of implant failure, even when the implant is completely healed and restored. One of the best ways to ensure the implant’s full lifetime is to successfully maintain the implant at home and at the dental office of Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS. In this article, we discuss the ways to comply with proper dental implant maintenance.

First of all, it is important to understand what can happen if the implant is not properly maintained. The first symptom/least worrisome issue is bleeding around the area of the implant, known as mucositis. This is treatable and reversible if it is caught early enough. If this progresses to bone loss, or peri-implantitis, this bone loss is not reversible. If it is not treated, it can advance to larger bone loss and the implant may need to be removed.

To maintain an implant properly, home care is a number one concern. It is pertinent that the area be brushed and flossed at least two times per day with an electric toothbrush or a manual toothbrush with soft bristles. It is also recommended that inter-dental brushes are used to get the plaque from either side of the implant. Plaque disclosing tablets are also recommended to stain the locations of plaque accumulation that was missed with brushing and flossing.

Also, regular dental hygiene visits to the office of Dentist San Francisco are very important. It is suggested that you have your teeth professionally cleaned at 3-6 month intervals. The dental hygienist will use a special tool to probe the area around the implant and check to make sure the bone is still healthy in that area and then clean the implant with extra care.

If you have any questions about dental implants or maintaining dental implants, visit San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, dental implants, implants, tooth implants, metal free implants, zirconia implants, zirconia metal free implants, implant maintenance, dental implant maintenance, cleaning implants, keeping implants clean, infection around implant, implant bone loss

What are Your Teeth Telling You About Your Workout?

What are Your Teeth telling you About Your Workout?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 11/06/2014

Working out is routine part of a healthy lifestyle, just like brushing and flossing your teeth is. The two may not seem connected, but your workout can affect your dental health in many interesting ways. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS outlines a few signs that your workout is affecting your oral health.

1.  Sensitive Teeth: When you exercise, your increase circulation to all parts of your body, including your teeth. If you are working out outdoors, breathing in cold air during times when your circulation is increased to your teeth can make your teeth very sensitive. If this is occurring, try to work out outside when it is warm outside and use a sensitive toothpaste.

2. Multiple cavities: Athletes and people who are exercising often tend to drink more sports drinks than sedentary individuals. These drinks are highly acidic and can wear away enamel and promote bacteria and plaque build-up in the mouth. Make sure to finish sports drinks quickly rather than sipping them over a long period of time, and then drink plenty of water.

3. Dry mouth: When you exercise, the body suppresses the production of saliva and the spit that it does produce is more acidic. This will cause the feeling of dry mouth or dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, then regularly sip or rinse with water periodically throughout the workout.

If you have any questions about your workout habits or dental care routine, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: San Francisco Dentist, teeth, workout, working out, gym, oral hygiene, oral health, healthy, healthy lifestyle, dry mouth, cavities, dental decay, dental enamel, oral bacteria, plaque, plaque buildup, sports drinks, electrolytes, Gatorade, teeth sensitivity, sensitive teeth

Mobile or "Loose" Teeth During Orthodontic Treatment

Mobile or “Loose” Teeth during Orthodontic Treatment

By Mina Levi, DDS, 10/30/2014

During orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign clear aligners or traditional braces, a patient may feel like their teeth are loose. Many patients feel nervous and confused about this sensation and can have questions like “are my teeth supposed to be loose?” and “why do I feel like my teeth are mobile?” San Francisco Invisalign Dentist Mina Levi DDS explains why teeth are semi-mobile during orthodontic treatment in the article below.

Tooth movement (from crooked to straight) occurs due to pressure applied to the teeth by the orthodontic device such as traditional braces or Invisalign. This pressure is transmitted to the crown, root, periodontal ligament and bone surrounding the tooth. The slow, continuous application of this pressure moves the teeth efficiently. In the direction the teeth are moving, the periodontal (gum) membrane is squeezed. The bone surface contacting this membrane begins to resorb due to activation of bone cells called osteoclasts (bone removing cells). In the places from which the tooth has moved (its original placement) bone cells called osteoblasts (bone building cells) start rebuilding the bone.

This is the reason that the teeth feel loose during orthodontic treatment, because the ligaments are squeezed and the bone is being removed and re-built around the tooth. Once the orthodontic treatment is finished and the teeth are in the final position, the bone stops rebuilding and stabilizes. Therefore, the feeling of tooth mobility will no longer exist. Even though the teeth are more secure in the bone after the treatment is complete, a retainer is still needed to keep the teeth in this position once appliances are removed.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Invisalign or orthodontic treatment, visit 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, Invisalign, Invisalign preferred provider, Invisalign provider, Invisalign dentist, Invisalign Dentist San Francisco, Invisalign preferred provider San Francisco, San Francisco Invisalign, orthodontic treatment, orthodontics, clear aligners, braces, metal braces, traditional braces, orthodontist San Francisco