2015-Take The Challenge

The time is finally here for you to celebrate 2015. And don’t forget that New Year’s Resolution. How many times have you said you’re going to set the goal for a healthy new you? This year take the healthy gum challenge instead. Set the goal that you are going to improve your oral health.

You can do this in multiple ways. First, brush twice a day. Brushing helps remove plaque and bacteria from the surface of the teeth. It keeps your pearly whites, white and keeps your enamel strong and in top shape.

Agree to floss once a day.  Find the type of floss that feels right, tastes good and is going to motivate you to keep flossing. If this is a new practice for you, set an alarm to remind you and remember it takes twenty-one days to make a habit routine.   Flossing is critical to oral health because it removes plaque below the gum line and doesn’t allow food to stick and stay between the teeth.

Visit your dentist routinely at the recommended intervals that are specific to you. While you may think that visiting the dentist twice a year is sufficient, it may not be enough to keep your smile at its peek. Your dentist can also complete an oral exam that will help catch any abnormalities early on.

Increase the greens you eat. “Green vegetables,” according to Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, “not only improve your overall health but they also improve the health of your smile because they have water in them that helps wash away bacteria from your teeth.

Time To Focus On Your Smile First

Staring in the mirror you notice stains on your teeth, they bleed when you floss and your general dentist has been telling you for months to go and visit the periodontist. Well, now is the time. The New Year is starting and while you are contemplating your New Year’s resolution this one should be at the top of your list.  It is easy for you to say you’re going to lose weight, eat healthier, or spend more time with friends, however, without a healthy smile these other resolutions may be difficult to achieve.

"The healthier your smile and teeth are, the more you can eat the healthy food you need in order to shed unwanted pounds," suggests Dr. Rice. Your smile is what is going to radiate while you meet new people for the promotion you want, or the social engagements you plan to accept this year.  The more you smile the more endorphins are released and the happier you are. The happier you are the more you are motivated to achieve the goals you set.

More New Year’s resolutions are centered on weight than any other goal. However, being healthy does nothing for you unless you have a healthy smile to match it.  Periodontal disease can actually make it more difficult for you to reach that goal because the bacteria gets in your blood stream and can affect your heart, lungs, not to mention your overall mood.

This year Dr. DenineRice, suggests, “Focus on your smile first!”

     

Take Care Of Your Gums This Holiday Season

While you have spent months trying to get your mouth back in order, don’t let it fall apart now that the holidays are here. Dr. Rice states, “Hundreds of patients undo months of periodontal treatment over the holiday season by going back into bad habits.” While traveling over the holidays thousands of people forget their toothbrushes and floss. Many also travel without mouthwash?

Here are some tips to helping you travel and keep your gums happy.  

·      Travel with a brand new toothbrush. PeriodontistDr. Denine Rice recommends you grab a new toothbrush every six months. This is the perfect opportunity to do this. Make sure to find a toothbrush that has soft bristles and has the grip you feel comfortable with.

·      Brush and floss in the morning as soon as you wake up.  While many have schedule changes during the holidays - we have a tendency to stay up late and wake up early - brushing first thing in the morning will ensure you take care of this before the day gets hectic.

·      Bring a small throw-away bottle of mouthwash.  No one can travel with liquid over a certain weight anyway, so, if you’re not checking your bag purchasing a few small bottles of mouth wash can keep you focused on using it, and then throwing away the bottle so you travel home with a few less items.

Enjoy this holiday season with fresher breath and a fantastic holiday smile.

Alternative Cigarettes Are Not A Safer Alternative

In recent years alternative cigarette choices have hit the shelves of convenient and grocery stores.  While they claim to be healthier and are less of a risk to your body, they are in fact not healthier. And many of them are worse than smoking regular cigarettes because they are riddled with alternative herbs, tar and carbon monoxide.

Alternative cigarettes maybe rolled with cloves, tendu leaves and/or other ingredients. Therefore, these alternative cigarettes may be providing you with ingredients you are not even sure about. "It’s important to know what you’re ingesting," suggests Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice top rated dentists in the Inland Empire.

Research suggests that smokers who smoke alternative cigarettes actually are inhaling more nicotine and tar than regular cigarettes, which means these alternatives are even more dangerous for an individual. And what does all of that nicotine and tar due to your teeth and gums?

"Tar and nicotine increase your overall risk of periodontal disease, decay, cavities and, unfortunately, increase your risk of mouth, tongue, or lung cancer," suggests Dr. Rice. If you notice white lesions in your mouth Dr. Denine Rice can biopsy the lesions in order to determine if further treatment is needed.  Some companies are suggesting that you pick their alternative brand in order to, “smoke smarter.” There is no smarter, there are only negatives attached to this choice.

Calcium May Protect Against The Negatives Of Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease destroys the enamel as the disease runs rampant through your mouth. As decay goes below the gum line and attacks the enamel, the teeth become weaker, and the disease progresses even further. Research suggests that individuals that consume a higher rate of calcium along with brushing, flossing, and visiting the periodontist for periodontal treatment, may be able to combat some of the negative effects of periodontal disease.

Dr. Denine Rice informs patients that, "Calcium helps to strengthen bones in the body and helps to repair damage in individuals with osteoporosis." So, it would only make sense that individuals that have periodontal disease and consume calcium would find it helps strengthen the bones of the jaw and prevent injury of it. However, there are numerous other factors with periodontal disease and calcium alone can’t fix periodontal disease.

Periodontist Denine Rice understands all to well how important it is for individuals to consume a diet high in calcium and low in sugars to create a lasting smile they can be proud of.   She sees hundreds of patients where dental health has been negatively impacted in large part due to consuming high sugar foods.  She recommends increasing your amount of yogurt, cheese, fortified orange juice and green vegetables – all of which are higher in calcium.

Low calcium intake isn’t the only risk factor for periodontal disease. Other factors include genetics, how often you brush and floss, what types of foods you consume and how often you visit the dentist for check-ups.

Take Time For Your Smile

Don’t underestimate the power of your smile. While you are rushing around the house to get ready for that date, or for your big interview, don’t forget to stop to brush and floss your teeth. We abuse our gums and our teeth by eating over processed foods, loading our coffee with too much sugar and not flossing. However, this powerful body part is responsible for releasing endorphins that help keep us healthy.

The more you smile, the more endorphins are released and the happier you feel. However, it needs to be a true smile with a full mouth of teeth showing. If your mouth is riddled with decay and you’re not fully confident you could be robbing yourself of the healthy happy life you deserve, and at the same time, impacting your overall health.

It can be easy to over look your teeth when you are looking for the perfect high heels to match that blue dress. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice suggests, "individuals neglect their teeth more than any other body part."  “You take a shower once or twice a day to protect your skin, and refresh your smell but then fail to follow through with flossing or brushing your teeth.

Dr. Rice also hears numerous excuses from patients about proper brushing and flossing, everything from not enough time, to patients that don’t have proper hand dexterity to floss correctly.  That is why it is important to find the right toothbrush and floss that fits your needs.

No need to neglect your smile before that date, now you truly can find any product you might want to create a healthy, white smile that exceeds your expectations..

                

                

What Is Ridge Modification Surgery

  

Periodontal disease can leave you with a smile that is embarrassing and causes you to look older than you are. Fortunately modern dental technology gives you more solutions to fix your smile. "Depending on the severity of your periodontal disease and the amount of bone and tooth loss, it may be recommended that you have a ridge modification procedure completed in order to rebuild your upper or lower jaw," says Dr. Rice.

If this procedure is not completed it can  cause you to look older than you are, and you may also have an indentation in the jaw line near the teeth where you are missing bone. If you already have a difficult time brushing and flossing, this space can create an even more difficult time for you.

Dr. Denine Rice, will complete an oral exam first in order to determine the severity of the situation. Once this has been completed, at your next appointment, the gum will be lifted away from the ridge. This allows Dr. Rice to see the deformity in the bone.   The area is then filled with bone. There are different types of bone grafts that may be used based on your needs and the damage that has been done.

Once the incision is done and the new bone is placed in the correct spot, the incision will be closed up.  Healing will begin quickly, but this procedure does require proper follow-up appointments.

Five Things To Ask Your Periodontist On Your Visit

It can be scary if you have never been referred to a periodontist before. You may not know what to expect and it can seem very overwhelming. So, what should you know before you’re in the chair and a periodontal exam is being completed?

1. Ask how severe your periodontal disease is:

You may think you’re only going to visit once or twice and then you’ll be back on your way to a healthy smile. However, depending on the severity of your periodontal disease, it may take longer to heal your mouth. You may also need more advanced treatments in order to get your smile back to the health you desire.

2. Know approximately how many visits they are recommending:

It is unlikely you have been referred to a periodontist if you only have minor periodontal disease. But you’ll want to know how many visits your periodontist is recommending in order for you to plan ahead financially. 

You’ll also want to be able to make a plan for taking off of work or planning around your busy schedule. Periodontal disease cannot be healed unless you complete all of your treatments and it’s important to do so in the recommended time period as well.

3. Ask what type of technology or procedure they are recommending. There have been several advancements in technology today that can help increase the comfort and healing of your gums. For example, Dr. Rice and

 her team use DentalVibe. It is a technology that assists in numbing the area to be treated by using short vibrating impulses. This allows for a less painful injection. Her team also uses LANAP laser surgery for removing plaque and tartar from the gums. These treatments make a huge difference on the length of healing time and your overall results.

4. Ask about after care instructions:

It is also important to plan ahead for eating and drinking after a periodontal procedure. Periodontal treatment takes time and is a commitment. You don’t want to undo the effects of the procedure by consuming food and drinks right after the procedure that can prevent healing. While your periodontist should cover all of this with you before you leave the office, make sure you have all after care instructions.

5. Know how much it is going to cost:

Your dental insurance may cover some of the cost or none of the cost of your procedure. “Dental insurance is there to help you,” says Dr. Denine Rice,  “but keep in mind most people have no dental insurance benefits at all.” Also ask questions regarding what options are available to help you with your out of pocket portion. Some periodontists have financial plans they can recommend to help you.

Then relax. Your periodontist is there to help restore you to health.

Cookies, Pies and My Teeth, Oh My!

The health of our smile is built on more than just our brushing and flossing habits. We can visit the dentist 

every six months, brush two times and day and floss once a day, however, if you’re consuming large amounts of sugar, carbohydrates and fats you are continuing to do unnecessary damage to your smile. While it may not 

seem important, it is more than just the risk of obesity that you should consider when reaching for the Frito's instead of the celery.

Fruits and vegetables are low in sugar and high in water which helps clean off your teeth. They produce higher levels of saliva and allow for food to be rinsed from the surface of your enamel, while breads, pasta and chips decrease your overall saliva production and increase your risk of periodontal disease, especially if you do not plan to brush and floss right after you consume the five-layer bean dip or the spaghetti and meatballs. 

Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice at Rice Periodontics & Implant Surgery says, “I see thousands of patients a year that have developed severe periodontal disease not only from their overall dental habits but because of their daily negative food habits as well.”  Her responsibility is to educate patients on the importance of taking care of their whole body, not just their gums.  “While you may increase your healthy dental habits, if you do not change your food habits too, you may wind up right back where you started, in the dental chair with periodontal disease,” adds Dr.Rice.

Five Tips For Picking Floss

While there are multiple types of floss at the grocery store, not all floss is created equal.  In order to create a positive experience with flossing you want to pick one that fits your needs. If you don’t want to take the time to measure out the right amount of floss, then buy flossers. "If flossers gross you out because the same floss is used between each tooth, then find floss that is waxed or not waxed," says Dr. Denine Rice.

Pick a starting point in your mouth. It does not matter if you begin to floss at the back of your mouth or in the middle. What matters is that you do not forget any teeth. There are some hard to reach spots inside your mouth, however, they are just as important as the front.

Move gently between each tooth reaching each surface. Ramming the floss harshly between your teeth can bruise or damage the gums. "You want to protect them by gliding the floss between your teeth," suggests periodontist Dr. Rice. While we may think that our gums are able to with stand anything they actually are a soft tissue that can be damaged.

If you are using regular floss, you will want to get about eighteen inches of floss and wrap it around your index fingers. You’ll want to leave space between your index fingers as this is the piece that you will use to floss your teeth.

After you finish flossing your teeth Dr. Denine Rice recommends, “Rinse your mouth with a little water or mouthwash. This will help get rid of the food particles and allow you to be ready for your day with fresh breath.”

Flossing Is Your Secret Weapon

Flossing is your weapon against periodontal disease. We know you’re busy and have a hectic schedule, however skipping this important activity just once puts your gums and your body at risk. All it takes is two-three minutes a day to create a fantastic smile.  Dr. Denine Rice says, "no matter whether you are twenty and never flossed or sixty, you can change this habit today." 

Flossing is so important and critical to your smile because it reaches all of the food that gets between the teeth. Food that builds up between the teeth changes into bacteria that then turns into acid and attacks your enamel.  Bacteria weakened enamel creates an opportunity for chips and cracks in your teeth. It also impacts the overall health of your gums. The bacteria go below the gum line creating a pocket that leaves your teeth exposed to disease.

"When you first start flossing you may experience somesensitivity and bleeding," states periodontist Dr. Rice. However, after a few short days of effective regular flossing the bleeding should stop and your gums will be back to being healthy. If you continue to experience bleeding, contact your local periodontist to determine if other treatments are necessary to improve their overall health.

Many people do not realize, your mouth is the window to the health of your body and if your gums are unhealthy you open yourself up to problems throughout your entire body. Don’t let that happen. Starting today get into the habit of flossing.

How Your Gums Are Impacted During The Holiday Season!

 This holiday season don’t let brushing and flossing go to the wayside. We know you’re busy cooking, spending time with family and shopping, but your gums still need your care. Set reminders to brush and floss twice a day if you think your holiday is going to be jam-packed.  It can be easy to forget to pack your toothbrush when you’re rushing to make the six a.m. flight to New York to be with your brother or loved ones. However, the increased food consumption over the holidays and bad eating habits can cause multiple problems for you when you return if you haven’t kept to your normal routine.

            For example, Dr. Denine Rice reports that after the holidays she sees a rise of new patients who have severe dental decay. While your gums and teeth may not be in great shape before the holidays, not taking care of them while you are consuming turkey, stuffing, cranberries, nuts and pumpkin pie makes a bad situation for your gums and teeth even worse. Another one of the treatment areas where periodontist Dr. Denine Rice sees an increase after the holiday is in chipped and broken tooth.  While you’re enjoying the party mixed nuts or hardened foods you may unfortunately chip a tooth below the gum line.  If this situation happens to you, Dr. Rice is able to complete a crown lengthening procedure to help rebuild the area in order for teeth to be replaced.

            While it may seem like a good idea to indulge during the holidays, do your teeth a favor and protect your teeth and gums. And if it’s time to see your dentist, don’t let the holidays allow you to put it off. Call today.

What Does A Periodontist Do?

Your periodontist does more than just scrape the bacteria from your gums. She not only restores the health of your gums, but also increases the overall health of your body. And that’s not all. Periodontist Dr. Denine Rice, can provide bone grafting if necessary to place implants.   Have you found lesions in your mouth? She can evaluate the lesions and complete an extensive oral health exam to make sure your mouth is free of cancerous cells

Dr. Denine Rice is an expert in extreme gum problems.  While your general dentist is able to provide a general cleaning to help reduce the inflammation in the gums, periodontists are trained to use the latest technology in order to get your gum tissue back to a normal and healthy color with reduced inflammation.  

A periodontist is also able to evaluate your options if you have loose teeth due to gum disease. When your gums begin to recede due to gum disease, Inland Empire’s  Top Dentist,Dr. Rice is able to assess all of your options in order to save any teeth if possible. Earlier detection of gum disease can allow for more treatments to save teeth.

Unfortunately, there are times when the tooth decay is extreme or you have loose teeth that cannot be saved. Or perhaps you are missing teeth. Dr. Rice will work with you to evaluate your options for replacing missing teeth. For example, she might recommend bone-grafting surgery that allows her to rebuild the foundation to place implants and restore your beautiful smile.

Oral Cancer & What It Means For You

A periodontist not only completes root scaling and planning, or other surgeries to decrease dental gum disease, Dr. Denine Rice suggests that when you visit to have an oral health care screening done. While the health of your mouth is important and the team at Rice Periodontics and Implant Surgery wants to decrease your overall negative results of periodontal disease they also want to make sure that you do not have any potential signs of cancer

An oral health screening can be completed in the office and takes just a few minutes. An evaluation will be completed looking for any lesions in the mouth or white spots. Any spots that have changed color or grown in size may be suspicious. This procedure takes just a few extra minutes and the earlier that oral cancer is diagnosed the earlier treatment can begin.

An individual that smokes or uses smokeless tobacco is at a greater risk of cancer.  Although, any lesions today may be noncancerous, continuing to smoke and chew increases your risk everyday.

If Dr. Rice finds cancer after your screening she will contact you for options. In some cases she may suggest a follow-up screening to determine if the lesions have changed at all or she may recommend completing a biopsy to determine the right course of action.

Dr. Rice & her team work to provide excellent oral care for all patients which is why she is named one of Inland Empire’s Top Dentists.

                                                                        

DentalVibe & You

Dr. Denine Rice is not just a periodontist she’s one of Inland Empire’s top rated dentists. A periodontist supports patients who have severe gum disease, and she is an expert in oral inflammation and placement of dental implants. However, that is not all. Dr. Denine Rice works to provide the best care for patients using the latest dental technology in order to provide you with exceptional care. 

  

One of the technologies that Dr. Rice and her team use is called DentalVibe. This miraculous tool allows patients a better dental visit by providing little impulses to an injection site before the shot is given. Patients report that DentalVibe creates a less painful injection.

DentalVibe takes visiting the periodontist to a whole new level. You can leave that anxiety about shots at the door and enter a world where you’re being provided a better dental experience.  This specially designed tool has been reviewed across multiple dental offices and with hundreds of thousands of patients. Dr. Denine Rice believes in only using the best tools for her patients. 

Now the deal is even sweeter because when you use DentalVibe at Dr. Rice’s office you can review your experience online and be entered to win an IPAD mini and a final grand prize.  Ask Dr. Rice and her team today for details and enjoy your next visit with painless shots.

Brushing Your Tongue

While you chew food particles build up on the surface of your teeth. "You may remember to brush twice a day, but if you are not brushing your tongue you’re doing an injustice to your mouth and potentially risking your overall health,"says Dr. Denine Rice.

Food particles, and other bacteria from the air can stick to the tongue causing your breath to smell, and plaque to build-up. Plaque is a soft sticky substance that accumulates on your teeth and tongue. Plaque is dangerous because it contains millions of bacteria. The bacteria turn into acid and acid attacks the enamel on your teeth.

A more complicated affect of not properly brushing your tongue happens over time. Continual build-up of bacteria on the tongue can cause you to loose taste buds. "You can also end up with tongue related sores that can make it difficult to eat or talk," suggests periodontist Dr. Rice.  

Build-up on your tongue is the leading cause of bad breath.  Bacteria that stays stale in one place it can cause your breath to repel those around you even if you are taking the time to brush and floss everyday.

Good oral hygiene can prevent bacteria causing gingivitis and periodontal disease too. Another good reason to remember your routine and practice it daily.  

The Proper Way To Brush

Prevention is the key to success with your gums.  Tooth decay is caused when acid stays on the teeth and begins to attack the enamel. "While you may feel that you can just stick your toothbrush in your mouth and move it back in forth, that is actually not the case," says periodontist Dr. Denine Rice. It is important to use proper brushing techniques to ensure a long lasting smile.

                                                                                                                      

Your toothbrush should have a smaller head with soft bristles.   The bristles of the toothbrush should not be too stiff. The toothbrush should enter your mouth at a forty-five degree angle.   If you open your mouth and your toothbrush head hits the roof of your mouth or the fit is uncomfortable, you may want to get a toothbrush with a smaller head.

Move your toothbrush around in small circles around your teeth.  Dr.Rice suggests, “Brush the gum line as well as the surface of your teeth.” 

There are four quadrants of the mouth, and three different surfaces on each tooth that need to be brushed. It is easy for food to get stuck on the top surface of the molars, make sure to gently brush this area in a back and forth motion in order to get all of the food off of the chewing surface. 

When you’re finished with all of your teeth, don’t forget your tongue. Bacteria can build up on the tongue and lead to decay on your teeth.

End of Year

The end of the insurance year is fast approaching, so Dr. DenineRice suggests taking advantage. Has Dr. Rice recommended a treatment that you haven't taken care of yet? Or have you been dragging your feet on laser periodontal surgery? Now is the perfect time to get these things done, now before your dental insurance benefits are lost.

 

Insurance companies award you a certain amount of money each year. If you do not use the money you loose the amount.  Once the year is over any money not used for dental treatment goes back to the insurance company. However, you already paid for this money by paying your monthly premium.  And while you may believe that your dental insurance will cover you when you get around to that appointment, putting treatment off not only decreases the overall health of your smile, but you may be lose money and options if your dental insurance benefits change the following year for some reason out of your control.

Waiting to complete recommended procedures can cause more damage. If you have a periodontal infection the only way to treat is to remove the bacteria in the mouth. Otherwise, the infection can spread not only to other teeth but around your body, causing damage to other body parts.  In the end,  waiting for a treatment can end up costing you a significant amount of money, time and your overall health.

Every month you and perhaps your employer pay for these benefits. Dr. Rice suggests you take advantage of this special opportunity to increase the health of your gums. 

Halloween Warning

While your kids are running around the neighborhood you maybe trailing behind, waiting for the moment where you can steal your favorite piece or two. You may want to stop yourself. In a fun size package of M & M’s there are ninety-three calories and ten grams of sugar. “While you’re savoring the chocolate yumminess, your teeth are holding on to the sugar, and your hips, the calories,” says Dr. Denine Rice.  If you think you’re going to eat just one, you may be lying to yourself because on average, adults will consume around 24 pounds of candy during Halloween.  

One or two pieces of candy are not going to cause harm. However, if you do not brush your teeth right away the sugar will begin to turn into bacteria and acid that eats at the enamel of your teeth.   Some recent research suggests that you should wait at least thirty minutes before brushing after eating. However, waiting until late into the evening or not brushing at all gives the acid in food the fuel it needs to attack the enamel.

To help protect your teeth from sugar brush your teeth before you plan to eat. This will remove any bacteria that are currently on your teeth and brush soon after you consume sugar to remove the acid from your teeth. While keeping candy in a large bag may seem easier, if you are prone to grabbing one or two pieces of candy each time you enter the kitchen, place a few pieces in different locations. For example, place some in the refrigerator, a small amount in the freezer and some in the cupboard. 

Types of Oral Pathology Problems

 

Our mouths are constantly changing and while brushing your teeth you may have noticed something different. These changes should not be ignored and you should visit your regular provider if you see changes in the pathology of your mouth.

Types of pathologies could be white lesions in the mouth. If you are a smoker or chew smokeless tobacco you are at a higher risk for oral cancer. The earlier this is treated, the higher rate of success.  These white lesions are usually in a small patch on the cheek or inner lip. There are multiple types of tobacco cessation programs that Periodontist, Dr. Rice can recommend.  

A fluid filled sac on your tongue is called a Median Palatal Cyst. It usually is in the middle of your tongue and can be very sensitive.  If cysts are found it may be recommended to remove them. By removing them, it can reduce pain, breathing trouble and improve your overall speech.

 

Hairy tongue is a condition where there is abnormal hair growth on your tongue. More serious conditions of this are generally caused by drug use or HIV, however, individuals that are on antibiotics for a long time, have poor oral health care, or are undergoing radiation treatment can also experience this.  The tongue may appear black in color. The recommended treatment for this is very dependent upon the cause.

These types of pathologies should never be taken lightly. If you notice any of these oral concerns contact Dr. Denine Rice and her team for an extensive exam.