Teeth whitening

There are many teeth-whitening products on the market, but they are very similar in that they use the same active ingredients. Over-eager patients can damage their gums and even turn their teeth translucent, so it's best to have a dentist guide you to the best products.

Whitening oxidizes by sending oxygen into the tooth, through the enamel and into the layer (the dentin) that brings color to your teeth. Teeth have "base colors" (hues) of gray, yellow or red-brown, but after using a whitening product, they all turn whiter (They actually have a higher value...another property of color). This oxygen is supplied through the breakdown of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide in the whitening product (WARNING: DO NOT USE HYDROGEN PEROXIDE OR HOUSEHOLD BLEACH (CHLOROX) FROM A BOTTLE. THEY WILL SEVERELY BURN YOU!)


Tooth sensitivity is very common after use of these products, but your dentist can supply the type of product that has a built-in desensitizer...or you can shorten the length of time you bleach...or you can change to a product with a lower concentration of active ingredient. In-office, "while you wait",  bleaching will typically cause a LOT of sensitivity, since the concentration of bleach is 35%. You will get the same results with at-home bleaching...it just takes a little while longer, typically two weeks at the most.

Whitening trays that don't touch the gums are best because you then avoid gum irritation and tenderness and use less of the whitening product each time you put the tray in.

Avoid the whitening kiosks that are popping up all over at malls. Rarely is ANY dental professional involved and unknown dental conditions can lead to expensive problems. The safest, most reliable way to whiten is to see your dentist.

Gum disease quiz

Over 80% of adults have gum disease. Take this quiz. If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may have periodontal disease:


1. Do your gums bleed when you brush, floss, or eat?

2. Do your teeth feel like they are moving?

3. Are your gums receding?

4. Do your teeth look longer?

5. Do you have persistent bad breath?

6. Does your bite feel different?

7. Is it difficult for you to chew?

8. Have you noticed pus around your teeth?

9. Do your gums feel tender or look swollen?

10. Do your teeth or gums hurt?

Health and your gums

Contrary to what you have been told, bleeding gums are not normal and shouldn’t be ignored. Would you be concerned if your hands bled every time you washed them? Your gums are no different.




Bleeding that occurs when you floss, brush, or eat is usually caused by a bacterial infection and represents one of the first symptoms of gum disease (periodontal disease). Researchers have found links between periodontal infection and other diseases. Heart disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases, osteoporosis, artificial joints, and pregnancy complications seem to be connected to your oral health.



The current theory is that bacteria present in infected gum tissues and jaw bone breaks loose, travels though your bloodstream, and attaches itself to your heart and other organs. A recent study found that 85% of heart-attack patients have periodontal disease, making this connection higher than the relationship between high cholesterol and heart attacks.

Doggie Dentures

If you're a dog lover, you know that it's important for Fido to have healthy teeth. We found this website for those dogs who lost their teeth to gum disease:



http://www.pedigree.com/default.aspx



We think that cats are next!

Dental Quackwatch


We found an excellent site for those of you who have questions about quackery in dentistry. It has very useful, accurate information about implants, silver filling safety, teeth whitening and other dental conditions.



http://www.dentalwatch.org/

Star Spangled Banner

We love our country and wanted to share these two versions of our National Anthem with you. They are pretty different from each other but both stir the hearts of tried-and-true Americans!

Enjoy them at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKCVS57j284&feature=related

and at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ETrr-XHBjE&fmt=18

May God continue to bless America.

We know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss for American adults. It also causes an increased risk for health problems, from heart attack and stroke to diabetes complications and low-weight births. But new evidence shows that periodotnal disease can impair mental function, outside of the established connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s or dementia. The newly found link may stem from inflammation in the body that originates in the mouth.

The study, led by Dr. James Noble, involved 2,350 subjects of various genders who were tested for periodontal disease, then underwent a series of mental skills assessments. Adults over 60 with a high level of a bacterial species that causes gum disease, were three times more likely to forget a three-word sequence after a time lapse. The higher the bacterial level, the greater the potential for forgetting the sequence.

Published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, this US study by Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York relates periodontal disease to cognitive dysfunction. More research is necessary to support the findings.

If you are looking for a gentle, courteous, and friendly dentist, you've come to the right place! Advanced Family Dental's dedicated staff provides advanced family and cosmetic dentistry for every major dental need. To see more about us, go to http://www.stlafd.com/.