Aging and Dental Care

Aging and Dental Care

By Mina Levi, DDS, 08/21/2015

As we age, our dental and oral anatomy changes. The dentin (bone-like tissue under the tooth enamel) changes to a darker, yellower color and the enamel becomes thinner. Because of these changes in the mouth, we need to make changes to the way we care for our teeth. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses aging teeth and what we need to do to best take care of our teeth.

 

Changes in the mouth:

1. Teeth will be darker. Teeth darken because the dentin darkens and the enamel covering our teeth thins out, showing more of the darker dentin. Teeth can also darken due to a lifetime of consuming staining food and drink, especially if the teeth are not cleaned professionally on a regular basis. Since the enamel thins as we age, the teeth are less sensitive to the signs and symptoms of teeth decay and so the decay can progress faster without the person knowing it.

2. Drier mouth. As we age, our salivary glands do not produce as much saliva naturally, which causes the dry mouth. Also, we tend to take more medications as we get older, which can also contribute to dry mouth.

3. Gum disease. Gum disease is often a problem for older adults and is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the US. Gum disease is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup in between the gums and teeth, use of tobacco, and certain diseases like anemia and diabetes.

4. Root decay. Over time, especially without proper care, the gums can recede away from the teeth, exposing the dentin to acids in the mouth. These areas are extra vulnerable to bacteria and acids because they are not covered by enamel, so when the tooth begins to have a cavity, the decay can eat straight through to the root of the tooth causing infection or causing the root to die. This can lead to needing a root canal or needing the tooth to be extracted.

What do we need to do?

In order to make sure we keep up with the changes in our mouth as we age, it is important to see the dentist regularly at least, if not more often, twice per year for check ups and cleanings. This makes it possible for the dentist to detect any beginnings of decay before it causes a lot of damage and the hygienist can keep bacteria from building up and prevent gum disease. If the gums start to recede from the teeth, the dentist will be able to treat it so that the tooth underneath is protected from decay and sensitivity.

If you have any questions or concerns about the changes in the mouth that occur as we age, 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, aging, aging teeth, teeth changes, teeth aging, teeth changes as we age, aging dentin, gum disease, darkened teeth, stained teeth, professional cleanings and exams, dental care, dental care as we age

Why Treat Baby Teeth?

Why Treat Baby Teeth?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 07/30/2015

We all know that baby teeth (most of the time) fall out and are replaced with adult teeth eventually in our lifetimes. So, if a baby tooth gets a cavity, why not just wait until the tooth falls out instead of opting for costly dental treatment? In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS will discuss why it is necessary and recommended that baby teeth are treated for decay.

What happens when a baby tooth gets a cavity?

Baby teeth have thinner enamel than adult teeth, and so when a tooth gets a cavity, it can spread quickly toward the nerve and blood vessel of the tooth. As the cavity deepens at this quickened rate, painful sensitivity can develop and can turn into deep, severe pain as the pulp of the tooth becomes infected with the decay. Infected teeth can lead to abscesses that require extraction of the teeth and can sometimes cause more serious facial infections.

Why not just pull out the tooth, since it’s going to come out anyway?

When baby teeth are extracted or pulled out before they are ready, it can cause some problems. If the tooth is firmly rooted to the jaw still, the extraction would be complex and difficult, and can sometimes cause harm to the jaw bone itself and/or make it difficult for the adult teeth underneath to erupt or even form (if they have not formed fully yet). Also, when teeth are extracted early, the other teeth will shift to fill the empty space, causing difficulty for the adult teeth to erupt and increasing the probability that the child will need orthodontic treatment to correct the crowding or the teeth.

If you have questions about fillings for children or are concerned about your child’s oral health, 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, San Francisco pediatric dentist, baby teeth, baby teeth cavity, baby teeth treatment, baby teeth extractions, adult teeth, baby teeth fillings, problems with baby teeth, baby teeth problems, baby teeth pain, dental abscesses, tooth infection, facial infection 

How Crowded Teeth Affect Health

How Crowded Teeth Affect Health

By Mina Levi, DDS 07/23/2015

When a person thinks about getting braces, Invisalign clear aligners, or any other kind of orthodontic treatment, their main focus or reasoning is for cosmetic reasons: they want pretty, straight teeth. However, there are many more clinical reasons that orthodontic treatment like Invisalign is recommended that impacts a person’s health. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi, DDS discusses how crowded teeth affect your health.

1. Calculus buildup. When your teeth are crowded, it causes very tight and unusual contacts between the teeth, making it difficult for floss and toothbrush bristles to reach all of the surfaces of the teeth to clean the bacteria and plaque that accumulates on the teeth. Because of this, those places are usually missed and so plaque and bacteria collect there and turn into hard calculus build up that cannot be removed by home care alone.

2. Gum disease. With more bacteria collecting in these tight places, the bacteria travel into the periodontal pockets, which are the pockets between the gums and the teeth. When bacteria and plaque accumulate in these places, the attachments weaken and the gum separates from the tooth, creating a deeper pocket in which the bacteria travels and causes a cycle of bacteria and disease. Periodontal/gum disease is irreversible, and can only be treated by a professional dental hygienist, the dentist, and a rigorous home care routine.

3. Tooth decay. When calculus builds up on the teeth, the bacteria sit there and eat away at the dental enamel. Once the enamel is penetrated, the bacteria eats away at the tooth structure causing a cavity or dental decay. Once the enamel is penetrated to a certain level, the decay can only be repaired with a filling. If the decay travels to the nerve of the tooth, the person may need a root canal.

4. Misalignment of bite/jaw issues. If the teeth are crowded, the top teeth may not fit correctly over the bottom teeth and they may have a mismatch on the bite. This misalignment can cause TMJ or jaw pain or issues like clicking, popping, or sticking.

5. Broken teeth. If the teeth do not fit correctly on top of one another, the force of biting or clenching/grinding at night can cause the teeth to actually break. This can only be repaired by a dentist, and if the misalignment is not corrected the problem can occur over and over again.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding crowding of the teeth or Invisalign clear aligners, 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, crowded teeth, straight teeth, straightening teeth, orthodontics, Invisalign, Invisalign clear aligners, clear aligners, Invisalign treatment, braces, metal braces, gum disease, calculus, plaque, oral bacteria 

Tobacco and Your Mouth

 Tobacco and Your Mouth

 By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/28/2015

It is common knowledge that smoking and other tobacco use causes health problems such as lung cancer. However, not many people are aware of the dental andoral health implications of tobacco use such as cigarettes, chewing tobacco, cigars, and smokeless tobacco. In this week’s article, San Francisco dentist Mina Levi,DDS talks about dental and oral health concerns that are affected by tobacco use.

What are the dental problems that are caused by tobacco use?

Using tobacco:

· Increases risk of oral cancer – a disease that rapidly progresses and is often not diagnosed until the later stages III and IV, causing it to have a high death rate. See more about oral cancer here.

· Increases risk of gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States today.

· Causes bad breath.

· Causes buildup of tartar or dental plaque on the teeth, which if not cleaned professionally will cause tooth decay.

· Causes staining on the teeth causing them to turn yellow or brown in color and cannot be cleaned with a regular toothbrush – staining will need to be removed at a San Francisco dental office.

· Causes damage to gum tissue and causes receding gums, which leaves the roots of the teeth exposed to “the elements”. This increases sensitivity and also increases the risk of tooth decay.

· Slows down gum healing, so if you have an oral surgery procedure done or you cut your gums, the healing time will slow down and an infection can occur more easily.

Quitting

Quitting tobacco use is essential in ensuring future and present health and can provide long term health benefits. There are many different ways to quit using tobacco, such as:

· “Cold turkey”: quitting all tobacco use without the help of any chemical or medical remedy

· Nicotine patches/gum: nicotine patches and gum provide the tobacco user with small amounts of nicotine which is the addictive property in tobacco products. This can help reduce cravings for cigarettes and other tobacco products as the nicotine is being replaced. However, the use of the gum and patches will also need to cease eventually because nicotine can have negative health implications as well.

· Psychotherapy: therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist can help a person mentally achieve overcoming the addiction and can provide self-control strategies. Therapy is also good for your overall mental well being and should be included in your regular health program.

If you have questions about how tobacco products such as cigarettes and chewing tobacco can affect your teeth and mouth, or if you have concerns about quitting tobacco use, 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, cigarettes, tobacco, tobacco use, cigarette use, smoking, smoking cigarettes, smoker, smoking and mouth, chewing tobacco, chewing, tobacco effects, teeth tobacco effects, mouth tobacco effects, oral cancer, gum disease from smoking, gum disease, gum recession, teeth staining, cigarette staining, tobacco staining, tobacco teeth staining, hookah, hookah tobacco, cigars, cigar tobacco, cancer, throat cancer

Dental Insurance: What are the Differences between HMO and PPO Plans?

Dental Insurance: What are the Differences between HMO and PPO Plans?

By Mina Levi, DDS, 05/21/2015

One of the most common questions we get asked here at the office of dentist Mina Levi, DDS in San Francisco is “what is the difference between choosing an HMO dental plan and a PPO dental plan?” along with “are you an in-network provider?” Many people who have dental insurance or are in the market for dental insurance have concerns and/or are confused about different plan aspects and sometimes can end up locked in with a plan that isn’t a good fit for them. Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS clears up some of the dental insurance lingo and answers some questions in this week’s article.

What is an annual maximum?

Most dental insurance plans limit the amount that they will pay out for services per year. The average annual maximum in our experience is around $1500. This means that after that annual maximum has been paid out for the year, any services rendered after that will be an out-of-pocket expense for the patient until the new year comes and the annual maximum rolls back over.

What is an in-network provider?

Dental insurance companies have contracts with certain dentists in your area. This means that the dentist has agreed to see patients who have this insurance plan and only charge the fees for services as lined out in the contract. This means that when you see an in-network provider with your insurance, the services you receive will be charged at a “discounted” in-network rate. So even when you are maxed out of your dental insurance yearly maximum and all services are out-of-pocket, all services will be at this same discounted rate.

What is an HMO plan?

HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization and this kind of plan limits subscribers to choosing a dental care provider that is an in-network provider only. The patient must choose or is assigned a pre-approved dentist and if the patient seeks treatment elsewhere, the dental bills will not be covered at all.

                Pros: More affordable

                Cons: No freedom of choice, limited access to dental providers

What is a PPO plan?

PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization and offers flexibility for subscribers when choosing dental providers. A PPO dental plan will allow the patient to choose an in-network provider or an out-of-network provider, but will pay more or a higher percentage for an in-network provider.

                Pros: Freedom of choice, wider range of providers

                Cons: More expensive

If you have more questions about dental insurance, PPO plans or HMO plans, 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, dental insurance, insurance, insurance plans, dental insurance plans, dental PPO, dental HMO, HMO plan, HMO insurance plan, PPO, PPO insurance plan, dental PPO, PPO plan

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

Cleaning Your Kids' Teeth

Cleaning Your Kids’ Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/16/2015

We all know that many babies are born without teeth, and they slowly emerge throughout infancy and childhood, then they sprout their adult teeth in later childhood. However, many of us don’t know when we should start or how to go about keeping our kid’s mouths healthy and clean. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS discusses the process of cleaning your kids’ teeth so that they can have healthy mouths and won’t have any cavities.

When should I start brushing my kids’ teeth?

Before your child’s teeth emerge, you should be taking care of their gums by rubbing a ramp washcloth or gauze across gum tissue to clear the mouth of any food/bacteria and starts healthy oral care habits. Children’s teeth should be cleaned as soon as they emerge. When the teeth first appear, the teeth are small and the child’s mouth is small, so it seems it would be difficult to clean or at least get a toothbrush in there. You can use a soft washcloth wrapped around your finger instead of a brush when the teeth first appear. When you do try to start using a toothbrush as soon as you can, you can try a long-handled toothbrush that you and the baby can grasp or a finger puppet type toothbrush that will be similar to the washcloth. There is no need to use toothpaste right away, just dip the toothbrush in warm water. If your child is having trouble adapting to the toothbrush, it’s okay to switch back and forth to the washcloth.

How do I brush my kids’ teeth?

When a few more teeth appear, it will be time to upgrade your child to using toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends using fluoridated toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Fluoride is important for children because it helps their developing teeth be resistant to cavities. Brush your child’s teeth twice per day – once in the morning and once before bed time. Spend 2 minutes brushing and make sure to spend extra time on the back molars when they appear. The molars are an area where cleaning isn’t always great and cavities begin to appear. You can start using a pea sized amount of toothpaste when the child is about 3 years old.

When should I start flossing my kids’ teeth?

You should start flossing your child’s teeth when two teeth emerge that are touching each other. You can use flossers or floss sticks instead of traditional floss which may make it easier to navigate your child’s small mouth without them gagging.

When should my kids start brushing and flossing on their own?

Most kids start being able to brush and floss their own teeth by the time they are around 6 or 7. The best way to teach kids how to brush and floss on their own is to “lead by example”. Let your kids watch you brush your teeth. This teaches them that an oral hygiene routine is important and they will also pick up on your technique.

When should I take my kids to the dentist?

Kids should start going to the dentist by the time they are one year old, or within six months of their first tooth emergence. Your San Francisco Dentist can inspect the teeth for any irregularities and also give you tips about how to brush your kids’ teeth and diet changes.

If you have questions about how to brush your children’s teeth or your kids are due for a dentist visit, 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, childs teeth, toothbrush, kids, kids brushing, kids oral hygiene, hygiene, brush, brushing, kid brushing, childhood, cleaning, dental cleaning, cleaning teeth, cleaning kid teeth, how to clean kid teeth, kid dentist, child dentist, pediatric dentist, pediatric dentist San Francisco, kid dentist San Francisco, flossing, floss, kid floss, kid flossing, child floss, child flossing, child brushing, child teeth cleaning 

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/09/2015

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS wants to shine a light on it, promote awareness and save lives! Oral Cancer awareness in the American public is low. Approximately 45,750 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer this year. 125 new people in the US every day will be newly diagnosed with an oral cancer, and that one person every hour of the day, 24/7/365 will die from it. While smoking and tobacco use are still major risk factors, the fastest growing segment of oral cancer patients is young, healthy, nonsmoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV virus. We cannot stop this virus from spreading; our only hope to save lives is with professional involvement and public awareness. In this article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS gives guidelines for how to check yourself for oral cancer and how/when to get screened at the dental office.

Get screened at the dentist!

Every time you have an exam, your San Francisco dentist performs a basic oral cancer screening by looking and feeling the soft and hard tissues of the mouth. However, it is very important to have an extensive oral cancer screening such as the Vizilite T-Blue screening performed once a year if you are a tobacco user and once every two to three years if you are not.

Perform a self-exam monthly!

Using a bright light and a mirror:

·         remove any dentures

·         look and feel inside the lips and the front of gums

·         tilt head back to inspect and feel the roof of your mouth

·         pull the cheek out to see its inside surface as well as the back of the gums

·         pull out your tongue and look at all of its surfaces

·         feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes (glands) in both sides of the neck including under the lower jaw

Look for:

·         white patches, called leukoplakia  

·         red patches (erythroplakia)

·         red and white patches (erythroleukoplakia

·         sore(s) that fails to heal and bleeds easily

·         abnormal lumps or thickening of the tissues

·         chronic sore throat or hoarseness

·         difficulty in chewing or swallowing

·         a mass or lump in the neck  

See your San Francisco dentist right away if you have any of these signs. When it comes to your health, your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems. Don’t ignore any suspicious lumps or sores. If you discover something, don’t panic. Make an appointment for a prompt examination with Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS. You can visit us on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066. Early treatment may well be the key to complete recovery.

Topics: Dentist San Francisco, Oral Cancer, oral cancer screening, oral cancer screening San Francisco, SF oral cancer, SF oral cancer screenings, SF cancer, San Francisco Dentist, San Francisco dentist oral cancer, San Francisco oral cancer dentist, San Francisco cancer check up, cancer exam, oral cancer exam, dental oral cancer exam, dental exam, cancer rates, cancer death rates, oral cancer death rates, risk factors, risk factors for oral cancer, oral cancer awareness, oral cancer awareness month, oral cancer month

Source(s): AAOMS, OCF

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

What Can You Eat: Substitutes for Staining Foods after Whitening

By Mina Levi, DDS, 04/02/2015

There are many articles that explain what you can’t eat or what foods are bad for you to eat after completing whitening treatment, but many don’t say what youare allowed to eat. In this week’s article, Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi, DDS gives some suggestions for food after whitening your teeth!

Main Entrée Suggestions: Turkey, white tuna (no vinegar), white fish, canned chicken breast, chicken breast without the skin, grilled cheese with white cheddar or mozzarella cheese, pasta with white sauce such as alfredo.

 Side Dish Suggestions: Plain pasta, white rice, mashed or baked potato (no peel).

 Beverage Suggestions: Milk, water, clear soda (sprite) or tonic.

 Alcohol Suggestions: Gin or Vodka (no orange juice). White wine is ok.

 Fruits & Vegetable Suggestions: Apples, bananas, pears (no peels) and cauliflower.

 Snack Suggestions: Cottage cheese, plain or vanilla yogurt, snack wells vanilla cookies, vanilla pudding, white cheese, white cheddar or mozzarella.

 Condiment Suggestions: Mayonnaise, sour cream and white gravy.

 Carbohydrate Suggestions: White bread (no crust), flour tortillas (white), crackers.

 Breakfast Suggestions: Pancakes with white syrup, egg whites, oatmeal, cream of wheat.

Additional ways you can help maintain your sparkling Zoom smile is to avoid staining related habits, use an electric toothbrush, floss and have regular professional hygiene visits. If you have questions about Zoom whitening, whitening your teeth, or what foods you are or are not allowed to eat after 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, Zoom whitening, Zoom dentist, Zoom dentist San Francisco, whitening, teeth whitening, teeth whitening San Francisco, teeth whitening dentist San Francisco, staining foods, what foods stain your teeth, staining, teeth staining, okay foods to eat

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

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

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

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