Breaking Down Flossing: A 3 Part Series #2

Breaking Down Flossing: a 3 Part Series #2 By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/30/2015 In the dental office of Mina Levi, DDS, we highly recommend brushing twice per day and flossing at least once per day. We recommend a variety of products, including Listerine’s woven or “Gum Care” floss and the Waterpik water flosser. It can be unclear to many people what exactly each type of flossing is and the pros and cons of all of them, so in this 3-series article,Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS breaks down three flossing options: traditional dental floss, the Waterpik water flosser, and the Phillip’s airfloss flosser. Week 2: Waterpik What is it? A Waterpik is a device that shoots pulses of water in between the teeth and below the gum line to remove plaque and bacteria. How do I use it? Fill container with warm water and place at the setting desired. Aim the tip of the waterpik between the teeth. Start with the back teeth and work your way forward, making sure the water pulses are reaching the pockets between the tooth and the gum as well as the spaces between the teeth. Pros: 1.  Gentle on the gums 2.  Ideal for people who wear braces because it can penetrate the gums under the wires 3.  Effective in flushing bacteria out of deep pockets 4.  Can be used by those with limited hand mobility Cons: 1. More expensive than floss 2. Can be messy 3. It has to be plugged in Next week we will profile the Phillips Air Floss. If you have questions about flossing or water flossing, 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, water flosser, waterpik, flossing, floss, dental floss, dental waterpik, water between the teeth, periodontitis, gingivitis, regular flossing, regular water flossing,gum disease, using water to floss, water, oral health, floss replacement, supplemental flossing, healthy gums, recommend waterpik, dental recommendations, brushing, toothbrushing

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

Mouthwash: Do I Need to Use It?

Mouthwash: Do I Need to Use it?

By Mina Levi, DDS 01/30/2014

Many of us are aware that brushing and flossing should be a part of our daily hygiene regimen, but mouthwash seems to have always been optional. This leaves us with questions regarding whether or not it is actually necessary, what kinds we should be using, and how often. The only thing we know to be true is that it usually burns our mouths when we use it. In this article, we discuss the history of mouthwash and how to use it in our daily dental care routines.

Where did mouthwash come from?

People have been using mouthwash-like recipes for cleaning teeth and freshening breath since ancient times, in Greek, Egyptian, Chinese and Roman cultures. The mouthwash that we know and use today was developed and mass-produced in the later 1800’s. Then, most of the mouthwash formulas used alcohol to kill off germs. With improvements in science and research, we are now able to develop mouthwash formulas without alcohol and instead with products like cetylpyridium chloride. There are even developments of mouthwash formulas for sensitive mouths or with more natural products that work to kill germs, too.

Is mouthwash a necessary part of the oral hygiene regimen?

If a person has optimal oral health and keeps up with flossing and brushing regularly, then mouthwash is optional, but still good to use. However, for those who have gingivitis, periodontitis, easily bleeding gums, halitosis, or other oral health-related ailments, then mouthwash is absolutely a necessary part of the daily dental care routine. Mouthwash works with brushing and flossing (and should for no reason act as a substitute for either) to keep the mouth healthy. Mouthwash can be helpful in ensuring that the maximum amount of germs are destroyed, especially those that the brushing and flossing may have missed.

How do I know if I am using mouthwash properly?

There are a few factors to consider when using mouthwash, which is how much you should use, how much you should dilute it, and how long you should swish it in your mouth.

You want to have enough mouthwash in your mouth to be able to run it throughout the mouth and through all of the crevices of the teeth and gums, but you do not want so much that you are not able to move it around in your mouth easily. One way to ensure that you are using a good amount is to use amouthwash dispenser. This also helps with over-filling and wasting the mouthwash.

Depending on the brand or type of mouthwash you choose to use, each may have different recommendations on dilution. With alcoholic mouthwashes, it is good to dilute them with water so that the burning sensation is not so intense. However, if the label on the mouthwash does not recommend diluting, then diluting it may cause the germ-killing benefits to decrease.

Normally, a good amount of time to have mouthwash in the mouth each time is about thirty seconds to one minute. However, this time will also depend on the brand or type of mouthwash that you choose to use.

The most important factor in the proper use of mouthwash is to remember that mouthwash is not a replacement or substitute for brushing or flossing.

What type should I be using?

The office of Dr. Mina Levi suggests using a non-alcoholic mouthwash with a medium concentration that does not stain the teeth. Oxyfresh is a good option – it has hydrogen peroxide and Xylitol, which adds antibacterial and mechanical properties from the foam to push plaque out of the periodontal pockets. Xylitol has antibacterial properties and inhibits the growth of oral bacteria. Oxyfresh also has mouthwashes with peppermint oil or lemon-mint scent.  

If you have any questions about what type of mouthwash you should be using or if you are including mouthwash in your daily dental hygiene routine correctly, visit Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com, or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: natural mouthwash, natural toothpaste, mouthwash, oral hygiene, teeth brushing, flossing, daily dental care routine, germs, Dentist San Francisco,gingivitis, heavy bleeding, periodontitis

Don't Forget to Floss!

Don’t Forget to Floss!

By Mina Levi DDS, 01/23/2014

Flossing should always be a part of your daily oral hygiene routine. However, as most of us are told when we visit the dentist, many people are not flossing enough or correctly. Even just by flossing once per day, the risk of gum disease decreases dramatically. Below we discuss flossing techniques, routines, and types.

Why is flossing necessary?

When you brush your teeth, you are cleaning the side and top surfaces of the teeth, which is wonderful and necessary. However, your toothbrush cannot reach in between your teeth. Flossing removes the plaque and buildup that stick to the teeth and gums in the crevices where the toothbrush cannot reach. Also, flossing helps to polish the surfaces of the teeth so they look shiny and healthy.

How often do I need to floss?

Flossing should occur for about two to three minutes at least once per day, but twice per day is even better. The best time to floss your teeth is during your night time oral hygiene regimen to ensure that the teeth are cleaned from a day’s worth of eating and chewing.

What is the best way to floss?

When flossing, make sure that you aren’t rubbing the floss from side to side. This technique is not able to lift the plaque and buildup out from the spaces between the teeth. Instead, use an up and down motion that forms a “C” pattern on the side of the tooth. Also, make sure to floss below the gum-line to get the plaque from the periodontal pockets. Flossing should not cause you any pain, but if you have not flossed in a while you may experience some bleeding. If these effects do not subside in about one to two weeks, contact the Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS.

What kind of floss should I be using?

Wide floss or woven floss is the best for patients who have not very tight teeth contacts. Waxed floss is the best for patients with tight spaces between the teeth or crowding of the teeth. Un-waxed or woven floss is thicker than waxed, and makes a squeaking noise when the plaque has been cleaned from the teeth. There are also pre-

threaded flossers or floss holders that are good for people who have

limited mobility of the hands and arms, or for people just learning

how to floss. Floss threaders are good for patients who have retainer

bars attached to their teeth or patients that have a dental bridge or braces. Children should begin flossing as soon as they have two teeth that touch each other. A waterpick is often used in addition to flossing, but should not be used as a substitute because it does not remove plaque; it is just helpful for removing food from the teeth.

If you have any questions about your flossing routine, 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: Dental Floss, Dentist San Francisco, Flossing Techniques, Toothbrush, Waterpick, Floss Threader, Pre-Threaded Floss

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 

Oral Health and Heart Health: Connection?

Oral Health and Heart Health: Connection?

It is widely known that oral health is important, but perhaps the measure of just how important is more of a gray area. Many people are not aware that taking care of your mouth also contributes to taking care of your heart. Oral health problems such as gingivitis and plaque build-up lead to an increased risk for heart attack and stroke. Visiting Mina Levi DDS Dentist San Francisco is not only important for your mouth, but also good for your heart. Below we discuss some of the linkages between oral health and heart health, and how we can improve both.

The Human Heart

1.     Periodontitis. Some people have a disease called periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, which is an infection around the tissue surrounding and supporting the teeth. People with this disease are unknowingly releasing bacteria into their bloodstream while brushing or chewing food. This bacteria clings to blood vessels, increasing clot formation and plaque in arteries which leads to an increase in blood pressure and risk of heart attack and stroke.

Oral Toxins

2.     Toxins. When plaque and oral bacteria sit in the mouth, they can release toxins that are very similar to healthy proteins that are found in arteries and blood vessels. When the body’s immune system goes to respond, they may attack healthy proteins as well and cause harm to the body.

Inflammation of the Gums

3.     Inflammation. Gingivitis, an early stage of periodontitis, is an inflammation of the gums caused by the build-up of plaque on the teeth. Inflammation of the gums causes an inflammation response elsewhere in the body such as in arteries and blood vessels. This inflammation decreases blood flow and increases risk for heart attack and stroke.

So, what can we do about it? The most important action to take in improving your oral health is to visit the Dentist San Francisco at least twice a year. The Dentist San Francisco can help identify gum disease and also help improve the situation for optimal health. Another important action is to know the warning signs of gum disease:

1.     Gums which are red in color, and/or tender and swollen.

2.     Gums bleeding when brushed or touched.

Gum Recession

3.     Gums seeming to be “pulling away” from the teeth, or large periodontal pockets.

    4.     Bad breath or a foul taste in the mouth even with normal brushing habits.

    5.     Teeth seeming to be separating from each other or feel loose in the gums.

 

If you notice any of these signs, visit the Dentist San Francisco to diagnose gum disease and periodontitis and begin treatment for a healthier mouth and a healthier heart. To learn more about your oral health and how it affects your heart, give us a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com.

 

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, gum disease, periodontitis, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, oral bacteria, dental plaque

Ten Teeth Brushing Mistakes You Could Be Making

Ten Teeth Cleaning Mistakes You May Be Making

Throughout our lives, brushing our teeth becomes a menial task implemented in the daily routine that seems to come with a simple rule that if it is being done, it is working. However, what many people unfortunately do not know is that there are many important aspects to the teeth cleaning routine that can be done incorrectly, and thus can bear painful and financial consequences. Visiting Mina Levi DDS Dentist San Francisco can be helpful in determining proper brushing aspects. Below we discuss ten mistakes you may be making in your dental hygiene routine and why they are important.

1. Incorrect Toothbrush Bristles. Who knew that the type of bristles on your toothbrush mattered? If the bristles on the toothbrush are too hard or too stiff it can affect the gums and can also damage your tooth enamel. Therefore it is recommended that you use a softer-bristled toothbrush to avoid this kind of damage. To soften a stiff bristled tooth brush, run the toothbrush under hot water before using it to clean your teeth. However, if the bristles are too soft, they may not be strong enough to help remove plaque buildup which can cause gum disease.

2. Not Using the Proper Toothbrush. There are many options when it comes to choosing a toothbrush, but these options are limited in choosing the right toothbrush. When using a manual toothbrush, a soft-bristled choice is better because it causes less damage to the gums and the enamel. Also, be sure to choose a manual toothbrush that has a comfortable handle size. If the handle is the wrong size, it can cause tiring of the hand and thus a poorer quality brushing technique. When using an electric toothbrush, choose one with settings that fit your needs such as a sensitivity mode. Although electric toothbrushes may help with the cleaning, the benefits of using an electric toothbrush are lost when brushing technique is of poor quality or is undervalued.

3. Not Brushing Enough. One of the biggest mistakes a person can make is not brushing enough times a day or not brushing for long enough during each session. Not brushing at least two times a day allows for more dental plaque to build up on the teeth and increases the risk for dental caries and gum inflammation, which can eventually lead to cavities and gingivitis. Each brushing session should last at least two minutes in order to ensure that all of the teeth and all of the teeth surfaces are being cleaned well. If the sessions are too short, some of the surfaces of the teeth may go un-cleaned, and cavities can develop.

4. Brushing Too Much. Usually we hear that we aren’t brushing enough, but brushing too much can also be an issue. Brushing more than three times a day can irritate the gums and begin to erode the enamel of the teeth. Brushing too many times can also expose some of the tooth root to increased irritation which further aggravates the gum tissue. Two to three times a day is the ideal brushing routine.

5. Brushing Too Hard. Brushing too hard or with too much pressure can be damaging in the same way as using a toothbrush with very course bristles. Brushing too hard can irritate the gums and cause erosion of the dental enamel, making your teeth more easily prone to cavities. It is suggested that you brush softly, and if you are “squishing” the bristles of the toothbrush against the teeth you are brushing too hard.

6. Not Brushing Correctly. Even if you choose a good quality toothbrush and are brushing your teeth three times a day, if you are not executing the proper technique problems can occur. The toothbrush needs to be angled around 45˚ toward the gum line in order to make sure the plaque is being removed from the space between the gums and the teeth called the “gingival sulcus”. Brushing should be done in short, vertical strokes or in small circular motions, avoiding horizontal strokes. It is also very important to make sure that all of the surfaces of the teeth are brushed thoroughly, and that the tongue is also brushed to ensure fresh breath. Improper technique can lead to the buildup of plaque on certain teeth surfaces or in the gingival sulcus, causing dental caries and gingivitis. It may be helpful to use plaque disclosing tablets every now and then to ensure that the proper technique is being utilized and every surface is being cleaned. To see proper brushing technique and advice, see this video.

7. Brushing the Same Way Every Time. Many people have their own brushing routine, but brushing the same way each time you brush is problematic. As the brushing session goes on, we get bored or tired and put less effort into cleaning. So if you start the session by brushing the same quadrant first, this one quadrant will be getting the most attention, and the last quadrant cleaned will be underprovided for.

8. Skipping the Inside Surfaces of Teeth. Many people focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth because they are the ones that are visible and are more easily accessible than the insides of the teeth. However, skipping the inside surfaces of the teeth or saving those surfaces for the last part of the brushing session every time can allow for plaque to build up on one side and can sit there for such a long time it develops into a hard calculus that is difficult to remove without the assistance of a professional. This build-up causes periodontal disease and can increase dental caries.


9. Not Replacing the Toothbrush Regularly. Many people only replace their toothbrush when they get lost while traveling or get dirty. However, it is important to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis such as every three months. After a while, the bristles become worn down and lose their effectiveness in cleaning, becoming more stiff and even breaking apart. It is also recommended that toothbrushes should also be replaced after suffering from an illness such as strep throat, because the bacteria may linger or grow on the toothbrush and be re-implemented into the body with further use. However, recent studies have shown this may not be completely necessary if the toothbrush is disinfected properly.

10. Not Letting The Toothbrush Dry Out Between Sessions. If a toothbrush is not allowed to dry between teeth brushings sessions, it can cultivate bacteria in the bristles which will go back into your mouth and can cause illness. Also, remaining wetness on the toothbrush can allow the bristles to warp as you use them and will decrease their effectiveness. After each brushing session, shake out the moisture and let dry. Covering the top of the toothbrush after shaking out moisture with a cap that allows air in to the cap may also be helpful in the drying process and can help prevent the growth of oral bacteria.

Topics: Teeth Brushing, Toothbrush, Brushing Technique, Bacteria, Gingivitis, Plaque, Oral Hygiene, Dentist San Francisco, Gum Disease, Erosion, Oral Bacteria