What Toothbrush Should I Buy?

Toothbrushes and floss are a lot alike, in that the one you should buy is the one you feel comfortable using.

“When discussions of toothbrushes arise it is generally in reference to the two main types of brushes: manual or powered, but there are some other things to keep in mind,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Periodontal and Implant Practice in Riverside, California. “You should make sure the size and shape of the brush head fits into and allows easy access to all locations of your mouth. You will also want a soft or very soft bristled brush, as this is less damaging for gum tissue and teeth. Finally, a handle that is easy to grip in your hand will make the process more comfortable.”

Regarding the manual versus powered brush. “Manual brushes are fine for most people. Some children, though will brush better when they have a powered brush and some adults with dexterity challenges will find a powered brush more effective.”

What’s the most important thing to keep in mind when purchasing a new brush? Brushing and flossing daily is a great way to keep you smiling for a lifetime.

 

Dr. Denine Rice

Tips for Purchasing Dental Floss

Why floss in the first place?  “Flossing is the process by which you remove plaque between the teeth using a fibrous string material. This allows you to get to areas of your teeth your toothbrush misses,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal and Implant Practice. “And it should be part of your daily routine.”

Dutifully, we go to the market or pharmacy to purchase our floss and suddenly we are met with an aisle of different flosses to choose from. Which floss is best?

“The best floss will be the one that is most comfortable for you to use,” says Dr. Rice, “but here are some tips to help you decide.”

1. There are generally two types of flosses: Multifilament (ex: nylon or silk), and Monofilament (ex: rubber, plastic or polytetrafluoroethylene).

2. Nylon floss is the most common floss used and tends to be the least costly.

3. Nylon floss can be waxed or un-waxed. Some patients have reported liking the feel of the waxed better, but no marked difference in effectiveness has been established.

4. Dental tape is basically a wide, flat ribbon of nylon. Many people find, because the ribbon is thinner, that dental tape is easier to use. This is often a good floss for a beginner to use.

5. Monofilament floss (usually has the word ‘glide’ in its name) moves between the teeth easily. It is a new type of floss and, unlike nylon, doesn’t rip or tear.

6. Both types of floss come in a variety of flavors. Find one you like.

7. Thickness of floss does matter. “Use a floss that goes easily between your teeth,” says Dr. Rice.  “You don’t want one that ‘snaps’ against the tissue.

“Many of my patients ask for a recommendation on floss. Sometimes I will suggest one I think will work best for them, but honestly, the best floss to use, it the one you feel comfortable using daily.”

Alzheimer’s Disease and Your Mouth

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 64% of adults 65 or older have moderate to severe periodontal disease. For many, they have made the decision to wait on treatment, thinking the worse that can happen is they will lose a few teeth over the years. Now a small study has potentially linked Periodontal Disease with Alzheimer’s.

The study was recently published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease and it discussed the findings. Researchers analyzed the brains of ten people with Alzheimer’s and ten without. In 40% of the diseased brain samples, the oral bacteria related to gum-disease was found.

We already know of links between gum disease and respiratory problems, pancreatic cancer, heart disease and diabetes. “Periodontal Disease is critical to control,” say Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal practice. “It’s not just about keeping your teeth,” she adds. “It’s also about keeping your body and mind healthy.”

Soft food diet after surgery

The Dental Soft Food List

After surgical procedures or extensive dental care, your Periodontist or General Dentist might prescribe a Soft Food Diet for a day or more.

Here is a list of foods that can be eaten on such a diet:

1.     Spaghetti

2.     Macaroni and cheese

3.     Ravioli

4.     Soups with chunks of meat and vegetables

5.     Egg salad

6.     Tuna salad

7.     Ground meat

Remember to follow all of your Periodontists or General Dentists instructions regarding after procedure care, including the taking of any antibiotic.

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 Rice Periodontics 

Why Do Gums Recede?

Why do gums recede is a question often asked at the Periodontal office of Dr. Denine Rice. 

Gum recession refers to the process where the edge of the tissue pulls or wears away exposing more of the tooth or the tooth's root. This process can be caused by gum disease, aggressive tooth brushing, grinding and clenching of the teeth, hereditary factors, crooked teeth, hormonal changes and habits, such as tobacco use. 

WebMD states,  it's not in your best interest to ignore gum recession. Especially since there are treatments that can both prevent more damage and repair existing recession. 

"When bacteria builds up below the gum line in the pockets around the teeth it can damage both the bone that supports the teeth and the tissue surrounding them. That's why its so important to have periodontal disease treated," says Dr. Rice from her Riverside, California dental practice. But a visit to your dentist could also provide you with the knowledge that your recession is due to clenching and grinding. "Many times a simple appliance that is worn at night can control this," adds Dr. Rice. "And your dentist can also make recommendations for the appropriate tooth brush and technique to help if the problem is because of aggressive brushing."

If you are seeing signs of recession, don't wait. Call your dentist today.

Very Soft Foods for after surgery

After surgical procedures or extensive dental care, your Periodontist or General Dentist might prescribe a Very Soft Food Diet for a day or two.

Here is a list of foods that can be eaten on such a diet:

1.     Eggs (scrambled, soft boiled or poached)

2.     Yogurt (avoid seeds)

3.     Cottage cheese

4.     Creamy soups

5.     Mashed potatoes and gravey

6.     Hot cereals

7.     Applesauce

8.     Ice cream

9.     Jello

10. Pudding 
11. Custard

  12.  Milk shakes

Remember to vary your diet and not only eat sweets while healing is taking place.

Dr. Rice Periodontics

Ten Things to Expect After Non-Surgical Root Planning and Scaling (Deep Cleaning)

After this very important treatment there are a few things you should know.

1.     All areas of your mouth should be brushed and flossed as usual as long as it does not cause discomfort. Sometimes rinsing with warm salt water is soothing. You can create a mixture by dissolving ¼ teaspoon of salt in 1 – 8 ounce glass of warm water. Do not use any alcohol-containing mouth rinses.

2.     Slight bleeding for several hours is normal. If you take a nap, cover your pillow with a towel. If bleeding persists, call the office.

3.     If you were prescribed antibiotics, it is very important to take as directed until they are all gone.

For women who are pregnant or who could be pregnant, do not take any medications without consulting your physician. Birth control pills may not work effectively when you take certain antibiotics, so please use alternative methods of contraceptive for at least two weeks after you have competed the antibiotic protocol.

Some people have unfavorable reactions to antibiotics. If you experience any of the following, stop taking your medication and immediately contact your Periodontist or go to the emergency room.

Nausea

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Itching

Rash

Hives

Difficulty breathing

4.     Smoking can affect the healing process.

5.     After your surgery, have only cool to warm liquids (not hot) to drink until the numbness has worn off. This is to prevent you from burning your lips, cheeks or tongue.

6.     Eat very soft foods as directed. Avoid nuts, popcorn, seeds, chips (taco, tortilla, potato, etc.) granola and any hard or crunchy foods for the first three weeks.

7.     After treatment, you can expect little to no discomfort in your gums, although this can vary depending upon the extent of your periodontal infection. If you do feel some discomfort, take 800 mg. of Motrin every 6 hours. Any discomfort will be made worse by smoking or an inappropriate diet.

8.     Sometimes after root planning and scaling, patients may experience an increased sensitivity to temperature or sweets. This generally resolves by itself, but please let your Periodontist know at your follow-up visit, as there are medications that can be applied to the tooth to reduce the sensitivity.

9.     On very rare occasions, you may develop a low-grade (100 degree F or less) fever and chills. This usually will occur within the first 24 hours after treatment. If this happens to you, take Tylenol and drink plenty of fluids to reduce your fever and call your Periodontist.

10. Some patients have reported on rare occasions, an earache, headache and/or discomfort in the jaw muscles after treatment. This is more likely to occur in patients who grind or clench their teeth. Please let your Periodontist know at your next visit.

 Dr. Rice Periodontics

Root Planning and Scaling or Non-Surgical Periodontial Treatment

For many, the first step in getting your mouth healthy is a trip to the Periodontist. Your periodontist is the specialist who evaluates your tissue and bone health. The reason for a visit here has to do with ensuring your foundation is in shape for the recommended treatment your general dentist has planned.

If the bone and tissue health is not stabilized, any dental treatment could be quickly undermined. Your Periodontist’s and General Dentist’s goal is to create a foundation that can be built upon. When they find advanced stages of disease, your Periodontist and General Dentist will discuss with you the teeth that are in jeopardy and make suggestions as to alternative treatments such as extractions and/or dental implants

If there are early signs of disease – bleeding of the gums and/or minimal bone loss – your Periodontist may diagnosis Non-Surgical treatment first. This is generally called root planning and scaling or sometimes – “a deep cleaning.”

During this appointment, your Periodontist, or their Hygienist will anesthetize the area and then, utilizing special instruments and often lasers, will enter the pockets around each tooth to remove built up calculus and bacteria.

Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment is the first step to controlling the disease process and getting you and your mouth healthy.

Don’t Lose Out

The end of the calendar year is fast approaching. It means many things to many people - family get-togethers, shopping, a lot of food and busy days. It might also mean a trip to your dentist.

For many insurance plans, the dental benefits work on a calendar year. What that means to you is you may have paid for a plan that enables you to receive a maximum benefit each year. If that benefit is not used by the end of the year, it will be lost.

Now is the time to contact your insurance company or dental office to discover if you have any remaining benefit for the year and to determine what, if any recommended treatment is needed. 

Don’t delay.  The end of the year is also the time when dental offices get really busy as many patients work to utilize benefits from the current year and quickly the benefits for the following year to complete all treatment in a short period of time.

Maximize your benefits and stay healthy this holiday season!