Porcelain Veneers by Phoenix Dentist, Dr. Alan Ferguson

Veneers are very popular now because they create a dramatic change without the cost and complexity of caps (crowns). Porcelain veneers appear very natural because they are extremely thin and slightly translucent, just like tooth enamel.

The veneer is applied to the front of the teeth using dental cement. If you have discoloration, cracking, or minor crooked teeth, veneers are a great option for a quick and easy smile makeover.

Contact Phoenix Dentist, Dr. Alan Ferguson at
(602) 242-5445 to find out if you are a candidate for porcelain veneers.

MARCH 6TH IS NATIONAL DENTIST’S DAY

March 6th, is celebrated every year as  National Dentist’s Day.  This day was created as a day set aside to say “Thank You” to and show appreciation to your dentist.

We would often rather be someplace else than sitting in a dental chair.  The dentist is not the person that most of us look forward to seeing.   However, when the work is complete, such as: our checkup is done, our teeth are cleaned, the cavities are filled, the broken tooth is fixed, the toothache is taken care of and etc., we really appreciate what the dentist has done for us.  If you are not already in the habit of using them, today would be a great day to make a commitment to better dental habits.

HAPPY DENTIST’S DAY to all of the dentists out there!

Dr. Alan Ferguson & Team

General Dentistry 101 - Dental Crown

A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant. Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth.  They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, and can be fabricated in the dental office or in a dental lab. Crowns are used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.  Dr. Ferguson will determine at your dental appointment if any of your teeth are in need of a crown - he will also discuss the possible treatment options with you.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

February Is National Children's Dental Health Month. 

Started 65 years ago, this month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits and importance of good oral health for children.

If your child hasn't yet been seen by a dentist or is due for his/her six month check-up, contact Dr. Alan Ferguson at (602) 242-5445.

Dental Science Experiment for Kids - Does Fluoride Strengthen Teeth?

Items Needed:

• Two hard-boiled eggs 
• Fluoride gel or solution, 4 oz to 6 oz
• Three clean plastic containers
• Several cans of dark soda
• Water

Experiment:

1) Place a hard-boiled egg in one of the plastic containers and cover it with the fluoride gel or solution. Let the egg soak in the fluoride for twenty-four hours. Remove the egg and rinse it with water. 

2) Place this “treated” egg in one of the two remaining clean containers, and place the “untreated” egg in the other. 

3) Cover both eggs with dark soda. Change the solution every 12 hours for two days. 

What was your Conclusion?

Results of the Experiment:

The “untreated” egg will begin to dissolve slightly, and the shell will become stained by the dark soda. 

The “treated” egg should not show a reaction until much later. The conclusion could be drawn that the use of fluoride helps strengthen teeth and protect them from decay. 

Important Vitamins & Minerals for Oral Health

 

Vitamins and minerals are extremely important for your overall dental health. When there is a significant lack of Calcium for instance, the teeth will become weaker and start to erode. An inadequate dietary intake can affect your dental health, and the gums may become inflamed or the teeth become much weaker.

Vitamin A - this precious vitamin helps maintaining proper saliva flow so that bacteria are flushed away from the mouth. Also, Vitamin A maintains a healthy mucous membrane and mouth tissues. One of the best sources of Vitamin A include beef liver, sweet potatoes, melon, and spinach.

Vitamin B1 - helps maintaining the natural and healthy rose pink color of your gums, and it fights off tongue inflammation very successfully. Some of the best food sources containing Vitamin B1 include sunflower seeds, all sorts of vegetables and pork meat.

Vitamin B2 -is an extremely important vitamin for the prevention of cheilosis. This is condition when the corners of the mouth become fissured or start scaling. Mushrooms, milk products or lean steak are perfect sources of Vitamin B2.

It is important to mention that you can maintain proper dental health also if you start taking multivitamin capsules. Eat healthy and take these vitamins on a daily basis for at least a month to fuse your system with precious nutrients. Also, Vitamin B3 helps greatly fighting off gingivitis symptoms.

Vitamin B5 or Panthenoic Acid - patients who have undergone major dental health surgery, are advised to increase their Vitamin B5 intake as it helps with healing of the oral tissues in general. Some of the best food sources for this vitamin include liver, kidney, or egg yolks.

Folic Acid- or Vitamin B9 - is the best vitamin to help preventing inflammation of the tongue, and it also fights off the symptoms of chronic periodontitis. Also, patients with yeast infection problems are advised to increase their intake of Vitamin B9.

Top 5 Teeth Staining Culprits!

Culprit #1

Coffee and Tea. Many of us love a good old cup of Joe in the morning or a nice cup of tea. Unfortunately, drinking several cups per day will cause the tannin chemicals in coffee and tea to turn your teeth yellowish or a darker shade. If you must have that coffee or teas in the morning to get going, try to limit your intake to a cup per day. Avoid black coffee or tea - try milk-based choices if at all possible.


Culprit #2
Cigarettes. One of the worst offenders, cigarettes stain you teeth in multiple ways... not only do the effect of the tobacco leaves stain your teeth, the habit of smoking causes the smoker to continually expose the teeth to the staining process.


Culprit #3
Wine. Dark wines such as reds have the greatest staining impact on your teeth due to the dark purple colors found naturally in the grapes used for their production. Lighter wines have a lesser impact, but can still stain your teeth over time. Always try to rinse your mouth thoroughly with clear water after enjoying wine to minimize the staining impact of your vino.


Culprit #4
Soda / Pop / Cola. Whatever you call them, dark colored soft drinks can have a major staining effect on your teeth. The food coloring in soda heads right to the tooth and begins darkening almost immediately. If possible, limit your intake of soda, or enjoy lighter colored sodas. Using a straw to sip you soda can also help reduce the staining effect by reducing the contact between the soda and your teeth.


Culprit #5
Processed foods. Make processed foods are chocked full of chemicals and food colorants that make them look and taste mouth-wateringly yummy. Unfortunately, those artificial goodies are a big source of teeth staining badness. Don't believe us? Have a quick peek at your teeth after enjoying some chips or another snack. They'll most likely resemble the snack instead of their normal bright white selves.

 —

Inflammation Links Obesity and Gum Disease

Blood on your toothbrush can be a warning sign of gum disease. And, if you are overweight, it can indicate other serious health issues, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

After reviewing previous research on gum disease and obesity, they found an association between both health problems – chronic inflammation,  described in a recent article in the Journal of General Dentistry, “Obesity and periodontitis: a link.”

Periodontitis, commonly called gum disease (and gingivitis in its milder form), affects nearly half the U.S. population over age 30, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. The disease ignites an inflammatory response as the body begins to fight off bacteria present in the dental plaque. If not treated, the inflammation eventually erodes the jawbone and loosens teeth. In severe cases, patients lose their teeth. The bacteria can also cause ulcers in the pocket surrounding the involved teeth and eventually enter the blood and settle in other parts of the body.

Being overweight can compound the problem, the researchers warn. Belly fat contains about 50 bioactive substances, which can set off inflammatory responses that reduce the body’s ability to suppress appetite or use insulin to regulate glucose levels–both of which are linked to diabetes.

Fat tissue can also increase production of the C-reactive protein (CRP) involved in the inflammation process and linked to cardiovascular disease.

www.stlamerican.com



Dental Care for Seniors

Advancing age puts many seniors at risk for a number of oral health problems, such as:

• Darkened teeth. . Caused, to some extent, by changes in dentin -- the bone-like tissue that underlies the tooth enamel -- and by a lifetime of consuming stain-causing foods and beverages.
• Dry mouth. Dry mouth is caused by reduced saliva flow, which can be a result of cancer treatments that use radiation to the head and neck area, as well as certain diseases, such as Sjogren's Syndrome, and medication side effects.
• Diminished sense of taste.  While advancing age impairs the sense of taste, diseases, medications, and dentures can also contribute to this sensory loss.
• Root decay.  This is caused by exposure of the tooth root to decay-causing acids. The tooth roots become exposed as gum tissue recedes from the tooth.
• Gum disease. Caused by plaque and made worse by food left in teeth, use of tobacco products, poor-fitting bridges and dentures, poor diets, and certain diseases, such as anemia, cancer, and diabetes, this is often a problem for older adults.
• Tooth loss. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss.
• Uneven jawbone.  This is caused by tooth loss.
• Denture-induced stomatitis.   Ill-fitting dentures, poor dental hygiene, or a buildup of the fungus Candida albicans cause this condition, which is inflammation of the tissue underlying a denture.
• Thrush.  Diseases or drugs that affect the immune system can trigger the overgrowth of the fungus Candida albicans in the mouth.

Age in and of itself is not a dominant or sole factor in determining oral health. However, certain medical conditions, such as arthritis in the hands and fingers, may make brushing or flossing teeth difficult to impossible to perform. Drugs can also affect oral health and may make a change in your dental treatment necessary.

WebMD.com