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

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

Laser Treatment for Healthy Gums

Laser Treatment for Healthy Gums

By Mina Levi, DDS, 10/02/2014

What is laser dentistry?

The laser is a minimally invasive tool that has been used in dentistry for over twenty-five years for various procedures. The safety and control that lasers provide allows Dentist San Francisco Dr. Mina Levi and the dental hygienist to perform precise procedures without worrying about damaging the tissues in your mouth.

 

How can the laser keep my gums healthy?

When gum tissue becomes compromised with inflammation, bacteria are allowed into the periodontal pockets surrounding the teeth. These bacteria under the gum line cause and aggravate periodontal disease. The dental laser is able to destroy the bacteria in the gum pockets using one of two procedures, depending on the level of bacteria and disease found in the mouth. The two procedures performed by Dentist San Francisco Mina Levi DDS or the hygienist are Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR) and Laser Periodontal Therapy.

 

Laser Bacterial Reduction

This procedure is performed at the time of a regular prophylaxis appointment and is appropriate for patients who have sufficient home care ability but have gums that bleed or are slightly inflamed. The laser circles the teeth in a non-cutting mode and delves into the gum pockets, reducing the bacterial load below the gums and “sterilizes” the area. This procedure efficiently kills the bacteria within the gums so that patients may maintain healthy gums with adequate homecare. For example, an inflamed pocket has billions of bacteria, and the laser reduces the bacteria to a few hundred. The bacteria levels can grow back toward their original levels over several weeks, but during this time, with proper homecare, a patient can allow the gums to heal enough to enable the surrounding tissue to reattach and the pockets to shrink. This ensures that less bacteria are able to reside in the gum pocket.

 

Laser Periodontal Therapy

This procedure is performed at a scaling and root planing appointment and is more appropriate for patients who are in a more advanced stage of periodontal disease and are in need of a scaling and root planing or deep cleaning in order to remove the bacteria and hardened calculus. The scaling and root    planing alone removes hard debris from   under the gum line that is preventing the gums from healing fully. The laser, in addition to the scaling and root planing, kills remaining bacteria and sterilizes the pocket to ensure the optimal environment for healing of the gum pocket. The use of the laser will allow the re-attachment of the gum tissue to the tooth and cause the periodontal pocket to shrink to normal depths. In addition to removing the bacteria and infected tissue, the dental laser is used to seal blood vessels and nerve endings, thus stopping bleeding and postoperative pain and swelling after scaling and root planing and periodontal gum therapy.

If you have questions or concerns regarding laser dentistry or periodontal disease, 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, laser dentistry, laser, dental laser, periodontal laser, periodontal disease, gum disease, gingivitis, bacteria, oral bacteria, laser gum disease treatment

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

By Mina Levi, DDS 03/20/2014

When your wisdom teeth grow in properly, they are just like all of your other teeth and help in the act of chewing. However, most of the time they become impacted or erupt at a strange angle in the mouth, which can cause pain and discomfort. In this article, we discuss wisdom teeth and the necessity of their removal.

What are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are another name for the third molars, or the third of the larger teeth that are in the very back of the mouth where you chew most of your food. Most people have three (including the wisdom teeth) permanent molars in each quadrant of the mouth, twelve all together. The first molars usually erupt around age six or so, while second molars erupt around the age of twelve. Third molars, or the wisdom teeth, are the last to erupt if they erupt at all. They are called wisdom teeth because they tend to develop later in life, between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one.

Why do wisdom teeth sometimes need to be removed?

Some wisdom teeth may become impacted or prevented from erupting properly, mainly due to the lack of space in the mouth to fit them. Dr. Mina Levi normally recommends extracting impacted wisdom teeth because they can cause many problems, such as infection, decay of neighbor teeth, gum disease, and tumors. Wisdom teeth that do successfully erupt are often times very difficult to reach and keep clean and may become badly decayed and need to be removed. Other times that erupted wisdom teeth need to be removed include when they are nonfunctional, interfering with your bite, involved with or at risk of gum disease, or causing problems with neighbor teeth or dental restorations. Sometimes wisdom teeth areextracted in order to prevent these things from happening.

How do I know if I need my wisdom teeth removed?

Individuals whose wisdom teeth need to be removed may experience a variety of symptoms, such as pain, infection, and swelling of the face or gums. Dr. Mina Levi will determine whether you need your wisdom teeth removed by taking X-rays and examining your mouth. Wisdom teeth that are not removed will be monitored, as they can cause problems later in life. Extraction is usually an outpatient procedure and can be performed either by a dentist like Dr. Mina Levi or an oral surgeon using local sedation or a general anesthetic.

Are there any complications associated with wisdom tooth extractions?

The most common complication associated with wisdom tooth extractions is called a “dry socket”, a painful condition that occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site does not develop properly or is lost prematurely. This blood clot serves as the foundation for new tissue and bone to develop around the extraction site, so dry socket delays the healing process. To prevent dry socket from occurring, do not smoke, consume carbonated beverages, or drink through a straw after a wisdom tooth extraction. Rinsing with salt water can help keep the area clean after an extraction, but excessive spitting or rinsing can be harmful in the healing process. Normally, using a syringe to rinse the area is sufficient. Before your tooth extraction, make sure to tell Dr. Mina Leviand her dental team about any medications you are taking, as they could interfere with the healing process. To avoid complications, follow Dr. Levi’sinstructions regarding eating and drinking, pain management, and keeping the extraction site clean.

Everyone’s mouth and teeth are different, and only a dental professional can determine whether or not your wisdom teeth need to be removed. If you have concerns regarding your wisdom teeth or would like some more information, give Dr. Mina Levi a call at (415) 513-5066 or visit us on the web to schedule an appointment.

Topics: wisdom teeth, wisdom teeth extractions, wisdom teeth eruption, tooth extraction, impacted wisdom teeth, tooth extraction complications, dry socket, jaw pain, tooth pain, gum disease, dental decay, dental restorations, San Francisco dentist, tooth removal

Plaque: What is it and Why do I Need to Worry About it?

Plaque: What is it and why do I need to worry about it?

By Mina Levi, DDS 03/13/2014

We see advertisements daily for oral care products that promise to fight or reduce plaque, and we hear the word “plaque” often when we visit the dentist. Many people know that plaque is referring to the yellowish substance that sticks to the teeth when we don’t brush, but what exactly is plaque and why is it something that we need to fight? In this article, we discuss dental plaque, what it can do to our oral and overall health, as well as the best ways to reduceplaque in the mouth.

What is plaque?

Plaque is a bacteria ridden sticky film-like substance that builds up on teeth. When you eat and drink, the bacteria in the plaque use the sugars from your food and drink to produce acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. If plaque is left on the teeth for a period of time, it can eventually harden and turn into tartar or calculus. Tartar is a “petrified” plaque, and once it is on the teeth you will need the help of the dentist to remove it. There are a few habits that promote plaque build-up that you should avoid:

1. Not brushing. When you do not brush your teeth twice a day, you may feel a difference or you may not notice. Either way, your teeth suffer the consequences of plaque build-up. Brush every surface of your teeth twice per day to avoid plaque build-up and the formation of tartar.

2. Not flossing. Flossing is important because only brushing does not reach in between the teeth, so those surfaces are not being cleaned if you brush but do not floss. This leaves the area open for plaque to accumulate.

3. Not eating enough vegetables and fruits. Certain foods play a role in cleaning teeth and keeping plaque away in addition to brushing and flossing. Crunchy vegetables or fruits with skin on them like apples and cucumbers can help remove plaque from the teeth.

4. Eating too many sweets. The bacteria in plaque live off of the sugar in your food. If you eat foods that are high in sugar, this lets more sugar stick to our teeth that the bacteria eat and turn into acid.

5. Avoiding the dentist. Even if you brush and floss your teeth twice per day, you’ll still miss some plaque and tartar will form if you do not see the dentist regularly at least twice per year. Tartar and calculus will not be able to be removed at home, and you will need the help of a dental professional.

How does dental plaque affect my health?

When the bacteria in the plaque use sugars to produce acid in the mouth, this acid attacks the tooth enamel and causes the enamel to break down, eventually resulting in a cavity in the tooth surface.

The plaque that is not removed and hardens into tartar will collect at the gum line, making it more difficult to floss and brush. As the tartar builds up, gum tissue can become red and swollen and may bleed when brushing the teeth. These symptoms are together called gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease or periodontal disease. Gingivitis is reversible with a good oral hygiene regimen and seeing a dentist, but if it is left untreated then gingivitis can turn into periodontitis. Periodontitis is a more severe form of gum disease, and occurs when the bacterial infection causes the gums and supporting dental tissue to breakdown. This will cause your gums to recede, pulling away from the tooth.

How can we fight plaque?

The most important part of fighting plaque is to see the dentist at least every six months for a professional cleaning and evaluation. The dental professional will be able to see the symptoms of plaque build-up or gingivitis before you can, and can help lead you in the right direction towards healing and prevention. Also, brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day will ensure that plaque removal is continuously maintained. Eating a balanced diet with a lot of fibrous fruits and vegetables will help remove food and help saliva neutralize the plaque-causing acids.

If you have any questions or concerns about plaque build-up or need to establish regular dental care and oral hygiene, visit Premier San Francisco Dentist Mina Levi DDS on the web at www.minalevidds.com or give us a call at (415) 513-5066.

Topics: dental plaque, plaque build-up, what is plaque, tartar, calculus, gum disease, bleeding gums, swollen gums, healthy gums, professional cleaning, oral health, oral hygiene, dentist, dentist San Francisco, San Francisco dental cleanings cavities

Be Informed About Oral Piercings

Be Informed About Oral Piercings

By Mina Levi, DDS 02/13/2014

Many people get piercings, but there are risks to your dental and oral health involved in getting an oral piercing that you need to know about before deciding on getting one. In the article below, we discuss risks and other information associated with oral piercings so that you can be as informed as possible.

Risks of Getting an Oral Piercings

1. Symptoms after oral piercings include pain, swelling, and increased saliva flow.  

2. The mouth is home to a large amount of bacteria even when oral hygiene is readily executed, and infections occur readily after an oral piercing. Although not as common, severe infections such as hepatitis or endocarditis can occur as a result of an oral piercing.

3. Piercers do not typically have training in anatomy and physiology, and if a blood vessel or nerve is in the pathway of the needle during the piercing process it can cause severe bleeding or nerve damage.

4. Sometimes blood poisoning, metal allergies, or blood clots can occur.

5. Metal jewelry in the mouth is often the cause of cracked and broken teeth. This risk is reduced slightly by plastic jewelry, but is not eliminated.

6. Piercings of the lips in which the backside of the jewelry lies on the inside of the mouth can cause irritation of the gum tissue as it can scrape and wear gum tissue away as it moves in the mouth. This requires reconstructive surgery to repair and sometimes results in the loss of teeth. It is incredibly important to check the gum health regularly at the dental office of Dr. Mina Levi DDS to discover this early.

If You Already Have an Oral Piercing

If you already have an oral piercing, you may want to consider having the jewelry removed to protect

 your teeth and gums. If you decide to keep it, make sure to do the following:

1. Remove the jewelry when participating in sports, and also wear a mouth guard.

2. Check the tightness of your jewelry regularly with very clean hands, to ensure the jewelry is never loose.

3. Have regular check-ups with the dentist Dr. Mina Levi to keep track of the health of the gums and teeth.

How to Choose a Good Piercer

Choosing a professional is very important when considering having

an oral piercing done, because you want it done correctly. The Association of Professional Piercers (APP) provides resources for finding a reputable piercer on their website at www.safepiercing.org. It is important to make sure your piercer uses an autoclave sterilizer and that they do not re-use needles. Make sure that the piercing room is clean and that you will be receiving aftercare instructions. It is encouraged that you ask your piercer questions that will help you evaluate their experience. Be sure to follow your instincts; if the piercer or piercing location does not seem to meet all of the standards or does not make you feel comfortable, then go somewhere else.

It is your personal decision whether or not to get an oral piercing, but make sure that you are as informed as possible before deciding. If you have any questions or concerns about oral piercings and the risks involved with your oral health, 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, Oral Piercing, Risks of Oral Piercings, Oral Health, Gum Damage, Tooth Loss

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

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

Dental Anxiety and Phobia

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

What is it?   

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

What are the causes?

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

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

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

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

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

What are the symptoms?

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

1. Losing sleep the night before a dental exam.

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

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

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

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

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

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