28/2011 Freshing up

What is a sonic toothbrush?

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Looking for an easy tooth whitening solution?  Want to avoid cavity fillings? Would you like to stave off gum disease and promote complete oral care?

If so, your best weapon in the fight is also the most well known: the toothbrush.

A regular toothbrush is the most basic cleaning device on the market.  The next leap forward in toothbrush technology was the electric toothbrush. An electric toothbrush uses some sort of power supply to rapidly move the brush head.  After that came the sonic toothbrush.  It was much like an electric toothbrush, but it is much higher velocity.   It can actually pulse over your teeth at over 30,000 strokes per minute.  The most current generation of toothbrushes is the ultra-sonic toothbrush.  This “gizmo” is vibrating so quickly it is outside the range of human hearing, using ultrasonic sound waves to more thoroughly clean teeth.

The question is, do I need all that speed on my toothbrush?

The toothbrush was invented approximately one day after early humans ate spinach for the first time.  The electric toothbrush was invented in the mid-1950s as a way to help people that were not able to effectively brush their own teeth.  It was soon found that electric toothbrushes, which can move side to side or oscillate one direction then the other, could be more effective than manual brushing, but only marginally so, and depending on the brush (and the brusher).

Sonic-style toothbrushes may also be more effective than electric toothbrushes in one: removing gingivitis and stimulation of gum tissue.  However, other research shows that oscillating electric toothbrushes are more effective at plague removal.  Overall, both types of brushes have been shown to be (only) marginally better than a regular toothbrush.

The final verdict?

Go with what you can afford.  If a standard toothbrush is all you can afford, you can have some peace knowing that your toothbrush is probably as good as something more expensive.  If you have the ability to shell out more for an electric or sonic brush, you might want to go that route too.  One advantage of the powered brushes is that they have timers, allowing you to be a better brusher—based on dental recommendations—even if your brush is only possibly better.

Dr. Missirlian, your local Fort Collins dentist, would be happy to discuss a range of oral health issues with you.  If you would like to set up an appointment, please call the friendly staff today.

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Four Types of Dental Work Explained

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Tooth bonding, dental crowns, bridges for teeth? What are all these different filling and implants for teeth? This is a brief overview of four common types of dental work that many people have questions about: veneers, dentures, bridges, and crowns.

What is a Veneer?

Veneers are porcelain/ceramic or composite material bonded to the front of teeth.  Veneers can be used to change the color, the shape, or even the size of teeth.  They are a low-risk way to cover discoloration and stains, gaps, chips, or any other undesirable appearances from previous traumas or treatments.

After a custom fitting, the ceramic is cemented to your teeth.  This bonding will last several years, and after a couple of weeks of adjustment to your “new teeth,” should be easy to care for.

What is a Denture?

A denture is a replacement for missing teeth, and often the tissue that connects those teeth.  This is a removable device, made out of plastic, metal, and / or porcelain.  After a partial or complete loss of teeth, your dentist will make an impression of your bite to ensure the most natural fit.  Still, many people take a while to get accustomed to how their dentures feel, what is like chewing food, dealing with mouth irritations, or even slight changes to the appearance of their jaw line.

What is a Bridge?

A dental bridge is exactly like what you think of a bridge to be in other situations: something that spans a gap.  This is gap is usually between one or more teeth that are missing.  A bridge is made up of metals and porcelain to create a false tooth or false teeth.  The healthy teeth on either side of the gap act as the attachments for the bridge.

Multiple visits may be needed to make and adjust the fit of your bridge before it is permanently cemented in place.  After the process is done, your smile will feel better, your words more properly pronounced, and your bite will be more natural.

What is a Crown?

A crown is simply a “hat” or “thimble” of sorts that slides over a tooth that acts as a cover to protect a weakened tooth or as a restoration to a damaged tooth.  They can be used to help hold a bridge in place or cover implants and other dental work.  Crowns can be resin, various metals and alloys, ceramic or porcelain, and temporary or permanent.

Depending on the material and the placement of the crown, this protective cover may last in your mouth for decades.

If you have any questions about these or any other dental restoration procedures or products, please let your friendly local dentist, Dr. Missirlian, answer them for you.  Call today for your next appointment.

 

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What is CEREC, And is It Right For Me?

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What is CEREC

CEREC is a procedure using advanced computer technology to create a ceramic dental restoration.  Some of the dental work that can be done include onlays, inlays, or making crowns, veneers, or bridges for teeth.

CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, and allows patients to have their teeth restored in only one visit, compared to the multiple visits that similar procedures used to entail.  Specifically, the purpose of this technology is simply to restore teeth to a previous state, for both a natural appearance and improved overall function.  The strong ceramic materials are free of metals or other harsh substances and are completely biocompatible.  The virtual end of the restoration process allows for nearly perfect results in a matter of hours.

How Does it Work

Dr. Missirlian explains the process as such:

First, your doctor will meet with you to discuss the details of the procedure. During the procedure, the doctor will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as a “map” to design your tooth’s restoration. Then, CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk-work to create your restoration piece out of ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Is it Right For Me?

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth, you may benefit from CEREC.  If you need onlays, inlays, bridges, or veneers, you are a certain candidate for this procedure.  You may even want to look into CEREC if you are interested in replacing (when necessary) older or failing dental restorations.  Another reason to look into this procedure is if you would like a mouth free of metal-substances, and you would rather have something biocompatible with the tissue in your mouth.

Basically, if you need a new procedure to fix dental damage, or you have old work that needs replacing, you are probably a good candidate for this service.

Now What?

If you are looking for CEREC work, you should contact your local dentist.  If you are in Northern Colorado, you can call one of the best dentists in Fort Collins: Dr. Missirlian.  He is an experienced family dentist who can provide an array of dental procedures.

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What is Triclosan: Is My Toothpaste Safe?

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We all want clean, healthy mouths—but at what expense?  Is an ingredient that is effective—and so far deemed safe–at fighting gum disease worth the risk of potential bacteria resistance, environmental issues, and problems for humans’ nervous systems?   Recently, the product Triclosan has come under fire from watchdog groups, and is being reviewed by the FDA and EPA due to safety concerns.

What is it

Triclosan is among the most-used antibacterial products in the consumer market today.  It can be found in hand soaps and sanitizers; cleaning agents; products labeled as “anti-bacteria”—like kitchen utensils, clothing, or fitness equipment; furniture, bedding, and toys; deodorants, mouthwash, and in toothpaste.

This chlorine-based chemical was developed in the 1960s to replace another chemical that was known to cause brain damage in newborns.  Triclosan was seen right away as being incredibly adept at killing bacteria, and over the next four decades, it has been deemed safe by both the FDA and EPA.  In toothpaste, it has been shown to be highly effective at fighting gingivitis and other gum disease.

Lately, though, researchers have been finding several problems with this chemical.  The first is that it may be too effective.  It not only gets the bad bacteria, it kills good bacteria on our skin and in our bodies; it makes our environments over-sanitized—leading to weak immune systems; it may cause endocrine system-related health problems for humans and animals; and it may contribute to bacterial resistance as Triclosan lingers in the environment, allowing bacteria to evolve.

What to do

Right now, not much.  You can sign petitions to help urge companies to remove it from their products.  Already, several industry leaders are responding to both the research and public pressure.   Johnson & Johnson is planning to have Triclosan phased out of their entire product line of hygiene brands within two years.  Other companies are following suit.  For immediate concern, you can already buy certain toothpastes like Crest Pro Health that are specifically labeled Triclosan Free.  You can also buy organic toothpastes, like Tom’s Of Maine, that list their all-natural ingredients, and of course, are free of synthetics and chemicals.

If you have any questions about this or other health-care products, please ask your local dentist.  If you are in Northern Colorado and looking for a dentist in Fort Collins, Dr. Massirlian is happy to answer questions about this product or any other oral-hygiene issue you may have.

Dental X-rays: my left side teeth

Anatomy 101: What is a Tooth?

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In order to understand why you are taking such good care of your teeth—spending 40 days of your life simply brushing your teeth in order to avoid bad breath, yellow teeth, cavity fillings, and root canals—it may help to understand what your teeth actually are.  Teeth are comprised of four main elements: the enamel, dentin, the pulp cavity, and the root canal.

Enamel

The outer part of the tooth is the enamel.  This is the visible part of the tooth.  It is the hardest surface in the body, and it has to be.  You only get two sets of teeth in a life, and the final set, is meant to last you for several decades.  Over that span, your enamel must withstand the rigors of biting, chewing, and crunching food.  It needs to be able to fend off acids, sugars, chemicals, and even pollutants.  While very tough, enamel can be eroded, chipped, broken, or thinned out over a lifetime.  This mineral is also translucent, taking on the color of the dentin behind it.

Dentin

Dentin is the white, or sometimes grey or yellow, substance beneath the enemal.  It is what provides the color.  Unfortunately, this color can be due to genetics, impact events, or diet.  If your parents had naturally yellow teeth, chances are, you will too.  If you suffer a hard blow to the teeth while they are still forming, you may have a discoloration on just those particular teeth.  The dentin is also prone to staining and discoloration from certain foods.  These include acidy foods; sugary foods; and dark foods such as blueberries, soy sauce, cola, chocolate, wine, and stout beer.  It is possible to lighten the dentin through various tooth-whitening procedures.

Pulp Cavity

Inside the dentin is the pulp cavity.  This area of the tooth is responsible for keeping the tooth alive. Nutrients are pumped to this soft tissue via blood vessels.  Inside the pulp cavity is also nerves, which may be where you feel tooth sensitivity or pain from various tooth-related disorders.

Root Canal

The root canal is part of the pulp cavity.  It is, as the name implies, located at the root.  It is the base area of the tooth, and is where the blood enters the soft tissue and where nerves enter the tooth.

If you have any questions about your teeth, your smile, or how to take care of both, please call us at Dr. Missirlian’s office.  We are a family dentist office, here to help your entire family understand and care for your precious smile.

Laughing Star

Impress Your Friends: Strange But True Dentistry Facts

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Here are a few facts I bet you never knew about tooth extractions, tooth decay, teeth whitening, and even a few animal teeth.

The Code of Hammurabi considered one form of punishment to be tooth extractions.  Luckily, the Hippocratic Oath supersedes the Code of Hammurabi.  Root canals not included, according to everybody.

For 2000 years—until the 14th century—many people believed that tooth decay was caused by worms.  And that was before the invention of gummy worms.

Many historical attempts at teeth whitening were so harsh that people’s teeth fell out.  “Whitening? Oh, I thought you said widening.”

From How Stuff Works: According to legend, U.S. President George Washington had false teeth made of wood. Truth be told, his pearly whites were actually made from elephant and hippopotamus ivory and were held together with gold springs and wiring. Although Washington used tooth powder throughout his life, he started losing teeth in his early 20s, as was common for early Americans and colonists. Being able to afford replacement teeth was less frequent and considered a luxury

Enamel is the hardest surface in or on the human body.  Besides the diamonds on many rappers’ jewel-encrusted, gold-plated teeth, of course.

Teeth are already forming—under the gums, usually—when you are in the womb.  However, some babies are born with teeth.  Who knew that you might need an obstetrician and a dentist in the delivery room.

If you brush your teeth for two minutes a day, two times a day, you will spend roughly forty days of your life simply brushing your teeth.  I think I’ll just brush my teeth for the next six-straight weeks and be done with it.

Humans only get two sets of teeth, 52 total, in their lifetime.  Sharks, on the other hand, have an unlimited supply of chompers.  In all, they will have about 20,000 teeth in their life.  Hopefully, they won’t have any of my teeth among those 20,000

In a human, about 1/3rd of the tooth is below the surface, as the root.  This root is closed, meaning teeth stop growing at some point.  However, some animals like horses and rabbits have open-rooted teeth.  Their teeth never stop growing.  They need a constant supply of “tooth” to break down all the tough, fibrous vegetation that is in their diet.  Yet another reason I avoid vegetables.

But it is also a reason—among the many other strange and unusual facts here—that we all need to take care of our teeth.  This is why you should make sure to schedule regular dental checkups with the best Fort Collins dentist, Dr. Missirlian

Paula & Mireia

Healthy Teeth: The 3 Worst Types of Food for Your Teeth

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As the saying goes, “bad in, bad out.” Everybody knows that sugar is bad for your teeth.  But what other types of foods might surprise you when it comes to tooth decay—leading to inevitable cavities and dental crowns? Steer clear of these categories of food as much as possible if you want to avoid unnecessary trips to the dentist.

Ice

Munching on ice is a bad habit for many people. Over time, ice can wear down your teeth—teeth that were meant to last a lifetime.  One solid crunch of ice can also cause significant breaks to your teeth.  Even if you don’t cause a major damage to a tooth, you might get tiny fissures that may get larger over time.  These micro-cracks can lead to tooth pain, sensitivity, and greater damage down the road.  Another potential concern with chewing ice is that it is also a common way to break a cavity filling, dental crowns, or other dental work.

Fruity Drinks

Besides adding unnecessary calories to the rest of your body, fruity drinks are among the most dangerous “foods” for your teeth.  The worst offenders—due to high acid content—include fruit juice, fruit-flavored soft drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, and those certain adult-beverages with an umbrella in them. The acid of these drinks sits on your teeth and wears away at the enamel, which is a prime way to get a cavity and other tooth decay.

White Foods

Many foods that provide simple carbohydrates to our body are essentially just sugar.  “White” foods such as crackers, potatoes (especially chips and fries), white bread, pasta, and cookies are easily digested by the body.  They are too easily digested, in fact, compared to other foods.  The enzymes in your mouth are able to quickly break down these starchy foods as you chew, leaving sugar on your teeth.  Even worse, these soft foods get wedged easily into the cracks of your teeth—hard to reach places that make perfect breeding grounds for cavities.

It is simple: keep these simple teeth-ruining foods out of your mouth as often as possible if you want to have healthy, long-lasting teeth, free from cavities and dental crowns.

And, of course, don’t forget to make regular checkups with Dr. Missirlian, your caring Fort Collins dentist.  Dr. Missirlian can help you fix–and even better avoid–common issues caused by eating the wrong types of foods.

Teeth Whitening: A List of At-Home Treatments to Consider

Teeth Whitening: A List of At-Home Treatments to Consider

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If you wish your teeth were whiter, you’re not alone. Professional and at-home teeth whitening is becoming more and more popular as people are realizing that they have more control over the hue of their teeth than once thought.

The Fort Collins dentistry office of Dr. Missirlian offers an array of professional teeth whitening procedures and treatments. However, if you would rather whiten your teeth at home, Dr. Missirlian recommends the use of a number of products that are available for use at home including teeth whitening trays, strips, or paint-on products.

Teeth Whitening Trays  Teeth Whitening: A List of At-Home Treatments to Consider

These products contain peroxide which can bleach the tooth enamel. Peroxide-containing whiteners usually come in gel form and are placed in a mouth guard. Some products are used twice a day for two weeks, while others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks.

Teeth Whitening Strips

Teeth whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide bleach on one side. These kits come with strips for the upper teeth and lower teeth. The bleaching agent is then applied by placing the strips across your teeth and gently pressing the strips into place to ensure contact with all teeth. They are usually worn for 30 minutes, twice a day and duration will often vary.

Paint-On Teeth Whitening

This method allows you to apply a bleaching agent directly to your teeth without an appliance or strip. Simply paint the whitener onto the surface of your teeth and wait about 30 minutes while the paint turns into a dry film. Then simply brush your teeth to remove the film. These products usually require twice-daily application. If teeth become sensitive to the whitening agent, tell your cosmetic dentist right away.

Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste will remove surface stains from your teeth with the help of mild abrasives such as special chemicals and polishing agents. Unlike bleaches, these ADA accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of your teeth.

If you would like any more information about professional or at-home teeth whitening treatments contact Northern Colorado’s premier cosmetic dentist, Dr. Missirlian at 970-267-0993 today!

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Sarah Wozniak

Staff Writer, Page1 Online Marketing

Tips and Pointers for Teeth Sensitivity

Tips and Pointers for Teeth Sensitivity

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If you avoid tasty frozen treats because it causes sharp pains in your teeth, you may suffer from tooth sensitivity. If you have sensitive teeth other activities such as brushing, flossing, eating and drinking can also trigger pain in your teeth as well. If this is something you’re familiar with, here are a few tips and pointers from the Fort Collins dentist office of Dr. Missirlian.

According to the Mayoclinic.com website, sensitive teeth are usually the result of worn tooth enamel or exposed tooth roots, although it can result from cavity fillings, cracked and chipped teeth, or the result of teeth whitening procedures.

If you have sensitive teeth, make an appointment with Dr. Missirlian right away. He may be able to identify or rule out what is causing you to have sensitive teeth. He may also recommend one of the following solutions to your painful situation. Tips and Pointers for Teeth Sensitivity

Desensitizing Toothpaste – This can help block pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Fluoride – Your Fort Collins dentist may feel that it’s necessary to apply fluoride to the sensitive areas of your teeth to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce pain.

Covering Exposed Roots – Sensitive gums may oftentimes be caused by receding gums, if this is the case your dentist may apply a sealant to cover exposed tooth roots.

Root Canal – If other treatments aren’t effective, your Fort Collins dentist may recommend a root canal. This is a procedure that is used to treat problems in the tooth’s soft core.

Oral Health- Other recommendations for sensitive teeth include improved daily oral health practices such as brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily.

If you have issues with sensitive teeth, call the Fort Collins Dentist Office of Dr. Missirlian today. Northern Colorado’s premier dental office, Dr. Missirlian will easily and effectively treat your sensitive teeth and help you create a whiter, brighter and healthier smile for life.

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Sarah Wozniak

Staff Writer, Page1 Online Marketing

All About Bad Breath and Dental Health

All About Bad Breath and Dental Health

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Aside from the fact that bad breath can be embarrassing and a nuisance for many, there are actually many reasons why one can suffer from bad breath, including poor dental hygiene. Also called halitosis, bad breath can be caused by certain foods, health conditions and habits as well. In many cases, it can be solved with consistent and proper dental hygiene; however, if that doesn’t work, a visit to your trusted Fort Collins dentist or physician may be in order.

According to Mayoclinic.com, there are many potential causes of bad breath. Here is a breakdown of some of the most common culprits. All About Bad Breath and Dental Health

Food

The breakdown of food particles around the teeth can cause bacteria, foul odor, and even gum disease. Foods such as onions, garlic, veggies and spices can also cause bad breath.

Tobacco Products

Smoking not only causes bad mouth odor but smokers are also more likely to suffer from gum disease and a myriad of other health problems.

Poor Dental Hygiene

Brushing and flossing daily helps to remove food particles from your mouth that may cause bad breath, therefore it’s important to do these things daily. Without daily brushing and flossing, plaque can form on your teeth and if not brushed away can cause gingivitis, gum disease, and bad breath.

Mouth, Nose and Throat Conditions

Bad breath can stem from a number of mouth, nose and throat conditions such as dry mouth, surgical wounds in the mouth such as a tooth removal, tooth decay, gum disease, and mouth sores or even sinus or throat conditions.

If you or somebody you know suffers from chronic bad breath start daily dental care and make an appointment with your local Fort Collins dentist.

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Sarah Wozniak

Staff Writer, Page1 Online Marketing