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.

________________________________________________________________________________________

 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!

Bruxism

Bruxism refers to an oral parafunctional activity which occurs in most humans at some point in their lives.  The grinding of the teeth and the clenching of the jaw are the two main characteristics of this condition, which can occur either during the day or at night.

Bruxism is one of the most common known sleep disorders and causes most of its damage during sleeping hours.  The clenching and grinding which accompanies bruxism is symptomatic of a malfunctioning chewing reflex, which is turned off in non-sufferers when sleeping.  For sufferers, deep sleep or even naps, cause the reflex nerve control center in the brain to turn off, and the reflex pathways to become active.

Typically, the incisors and canines (front 6 upper and lower teeth) of opposing arches grind against each other laterally.  This side to side action puts undue strain on the medial pterygoid muscles and the temporomandibular joints.  Earache, depression, headaches, eating disorders and anxiety are amongst the most common symptoms of bruxism; which often accompanies chronic stress, Alzheimer’s disease and alcohol abuse.

Bruxism is frequently misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, because it is only one of several potential causes of tooth wear.  Only a trained professional can tell the difference between bruxing wear and wear caused by overly aggressive brushing, acidic soft drinks and abrasive foods.

A BiteStrip^® is an economical device used to diagnose bruxism at home.  The device itself is a small electromyography which senses and monitors any activity in the jaw muscles during sleep.  The frequency and severity of the condition can then be assessed and the best treatment plan can be formulated.

 Dr. Rice Periodontics

The Everyday Battle in Your Mouth

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in many foods and water. According to WEBMD,  every day, minerals are added to and lost from your tooth’s enamel layer. This happens through two processes – demineralization and remineralization. 

“Demineralization occurs when you eat and drink foods that are acidic,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal andImplant Surgery Practice, “The foods and drink responsible are anything from blueberries, which have a health benefit to soft drinks or colas.”

Remineralization occurs when fluoride, calcium and phosphate are redeposited to the enamel layer. This also happens when eating and drinking. “The challenge today is that many patients are drinking bottled water and so more demineralization is occurring and less remineralization,” adds Dr. Rice. This is when tooth decay is found.

While fluoride is naturally occurring in foods and water, it can also be directly applied to the teeth when using fluoridated toothpaste or by using a mouth rinse. Your dentist can also apply fluoride directly to the teeth in the office using a gel, foam or varnish. The fluoride you can get from your dentist is a stronger concentration and it’s not just for kids.

Adults with certain conditions can also benefit from additional fluoride. Those with dry mouth, (also called xerostomia) from taking allergy medications, antihistamines, or antianxiety drugs are a great example. Also, adults with periodontal disease – when more of a tooth’s roots are exposed it creates a greater risk - and patients who have had significant previous dental treatment – crown and bridge work.

Ask your dentist if you could benefit from the additional protection fluoride provides.

Dr. Denine Rice, DDS

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

There are several factors in determining if it’s time for a new toothbrush. First, the American Dental Association (ADA) (link ADA: http://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/how-often-should-you-replace-your-toothbrush.aspx) recommends every three months.  “That’s appropriate as a worn out toothbrush is probably not keeping the plaque off your teeth and is not massaging the gum tissue as it should,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal Practice.

A worn brush head has:

·      Bristles that splay (lean out in different directions)

·      Bristles coming out.

·      Discolored bristles or deposits at the bristles’ base.

You might also consider changing your toothbrush sooner if:

·      You’ve been ill and have taken antibiotics. While the germs have been killed in your body, they may still be alive on your toothbrush.

·      You’ve completed chemotherapy treatment. Your immune system may have been compromised during your care. It’s best and easy to quickly change your brush.

·      You store your brush in a closed case. Damp brushes hold onto bacteria.

·      You keep your brush near your toilet.

To keep your brush at its best rinse after using, store it upright and let it air dry.

Denine Rice, DDS

"Really masks the pain of the needle!"

For many, fear holds them back from seeking the dental care they need. "I see it everyday. The fear prevents them from coming in sooner and then suddenly they are driven by an even greater fear than that of pain, the fear of losing their teeth and the ability to eat and smile," says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside, CA periodontal practice.

Understanding her patient's concerns about fear is what led her to provide a new technology, the DentalVibe. "The DentalVibe provides vibrations that help block receptors from delivering the messages to your brain that your nerve endings feel pain," she adds. "And it really works!"

Don't believe? Here is what actual patients have reported:

  

 "I was skeptical at first but the DentalVibe actually worked. It really was a pain-free experience. Thanks for having this simple but effective tool that distracts you so you do not feel the injection."

"I do not numb up very well and I can always feel the needle when it goes in . . . but with this I now can feel comfortable when I go in, knowing I will not feel the needle."

"Was skeptical at first, couldn't believe it would work, but it did. This simple device really did make it a pain-free experience. Wish the DentalVibe had been available sooner."

 "I can usually handle needles since I donate blood every few months, but when it comes to getting shots at the dentist I get extremely freaked out. The vibrations definitely distracted me and it helped me a lot."

Because I visit my dentist 2 times a year, the use of the the instrument, my visit this time was really pain free. Much better that previous visits. Thanks for the new comfort system.

"Thank you everyone at Rice Periodontics & Implant Surgery for exceeding my expectations. Your entire staff was prompt, friendly and comforting. The treatment you provided me was top quality and unparalleled to others. Thank you!"

   

Don’t let fear stop you from getting the oral health care you deserve. Call Dr. Rice today and set up that essential appointment with ease of mind. Or still need more information check out http://www.dentalvibe.com/patients/dentist-locator/usa/california/riverside/riverside/denine-rice.html to learn more about this new technology.

Denine Rice, DDS

Gum Contouring

Every person has a unique smile made up of the size, shape and color of their teeth, but your smile is also enhanced by the frame - your gum tissue. "The frame of a picture can turn it from something so-so to a work of art. Your gum tissue can do the same for your smile," says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside, California dental practice.

Healthy pink tissue is a good place to start. This can happen by seeing your dentist on a regular basis, and by brushing and flossing at home. But for some people the gum line is uneven, higher in some areas and lower in others. When this occurs, your gums can give your teeth the appearance of being too large or too small. And uneven gums can create a crowded, messy look. That type of framing does nothing to enhance your smile.

An uneven smile line can be caused by hereditary factors or from decay or periodontal disease. Your dentist can determine the cause and make suggestions on how to improve the appearance. "The good news is, many times gum contouring can easily give you a more even gum line in one appointment," Dr. Rice adds. "Re-shaping gum tissue can be performed at your periodontist's office, many times using a laser which allows for quicker healing and less discomfort." To learn more about how we can help design your unique smile, visit www.riceperiodontics.com

Link:

Gum contouring: http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/gum-contouring-procedure

Denine Rice, DDS

The Dentist as a Member of Your Healthcare Team

Sure your dentist asks about medications and health conditions, but isn’t that just so they can have it for their records? Dentists just focus on teeth and gums, right?

Wrong. “For many patients a trip to the dentist happens much more frequently than a trip to the doctor,” says Dr. Denine Rice from her Riverside Periodontal Practice. “Which is why we check your blood pressure regularly. We are also able to see a lot in your mouth.” In fact, according to the American Dental Association, Your mouth is a windowinto the health of your body. (MouthHealthy.org)

“Many health issues show up first in the mouth. They may be easy for you to dismiss, but they are evident to us.” Your mouth can show signs of nutritional deficiencies, general infections, systemic diseases – those that affect the entire body - and other oral health problems.

For example: Bad breath that can’t be eliminated by brushing and flossing can be a sign of not only periodontal disease, but also of diabetes. Radiographs show what is happening to teeth, but also might show evidence of bone loss or the first signs of osteoporosis. “There are also oral symptoms for leukemia, pancreatic cancer and auto-immune diseases that your dentist can spot,” Dr. Rice adds. 

So its important to find a dentist you can trust, because it’s not just about your teeth and mouth, it’s about your overall well-being.