Halitosis is the medical term to describe bad breath. Although a few medical conditions may cause halitosis, the most common cause are related to the condition of your teeth and or your dental hygiene. Broken teeth or badly decayed teeth may collect debris, and in time, bacteria forms and causes a bad taste and smell. The first step to improving halitosis is keeping your teeth, your gums, and your tongue clean. A buildup of plaque may lead to gingivitis and gum disease, a common cause of halitosis. It is also important to brush your tongue to remove plaque and bacteria. Other causes of halitosis include certain foods, tobacco use, and dry mouth. 
Call to schedule a cleaning appointment with our office.

Sjogren’s Syndrome is a chronic inflammatory disease that can have a significant impact on a patient’s oral health. It is an auto-immune disease whose cause is still unknown and occurs approximately nine times more in women than in men. It is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the endocrine glands, particularly the salvivary and lacrimal glands that produce saliva and tears, and it causes dysfunction and structural damage of these glands leading to xerophthalmia (dry eyes) and xerostomia (dry mouth). It is important that a patient suspected to have Sjogren’s Syndrome is evaluated by a multidisciplinary team of health care providers including opthamologists, otolaryngogists, and prosthodontists.

Oral symptoms may include burning oral mucosa, early tooth loss, increased tooth wear, poor tolerance with removable dentures, and a high caries rate. Preventative dental treatment is extremely important as the lack of saliva creates an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria that cause dental caries(cavities). A personalized preventative regimen may include at-home topical fluoride application to stregnthen tooth enamel, saliva replacements, and frequent teeth cleanings by a dental hygienist. Existing cavities must be treated to prevent high risk of spreading into the pulp of the teeth, leading to more extensive treatments or even tooth loss.

Patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome need to be properly guided and closely monitored. It affects people not only physically but also emotionallt and socially. Prosthodontists are trained to diagnose this disease and apply a comprehensive therapy in order to provide the best quality of life.

In recognition of Oral Cancer Awareness Month this month, we wanted to share a few facts with you about oral cancers, and ways to prevent them.

·    An estimated 43,250 people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with oral cancer in 2014.
·    The death rate for oral cancer is particularly high because it’s usually detected in its late stages.
·    Symptoms may not always occur in early stages.
·    Worldwide, more than half a million new cases are discovered every year.
·    Americans spend $3.2 billion annually treating head and neck cancers.

What can you do to detect and prevent oral cancer? Keep on schedule with your cleaning appointments during  your exam you will be screened .

Zoom!^® Tooth Whitening

The Zoom!^® light activated whitening system was developed after years of research by Discus Dental, the leaders in professional tooth whitening.

The Zoom!^® In-Office Whitening System is one of the most effective tooth whitening systems available. The Zoom!^® system uses a combination of laser lighting and hydrogen peroxide-based gel to whiten teeth – by six to 10 shades – in one hour.

If you are missing a tooth or teeth, you are not alone. Dental implants are small screws that replace the root of a tooth and restore the physical appearance and function of the tooth. Implants are integrated into the jaw and naturally bond with your mouth.

• Dental implants give you a second chance to smile. Studies have shown that first impressions, self confidence, and a person’s character can all be correlated to their smile.
• Dental implants restore function, health and confidence. Dental implants are permanent solutions for missing teeth. They look, feel and behave like your own healthy natural teeth. You will look good and feel great.
• Dental implant keeps you looking young. As we age, missing teeth will lead to bone loss and degeneration of the jaw bone causing you to age faster. Having a dental implant will keep your face looking fuller so that less wrinkles will form.
• Dental implants provide long term cost benefits. In the long term, a dental implant will save you time and money so that you will not have additional dental treatment for failing root canals, crowns and bridges or replacing dentures.

Need another good reason to keep close tabs on the food you eat? Eating healthy is not just about your blood pressure, blood sugar levels or waistline. Your diet may affect the health of your mouth and teeth, too. 

Oral health is closely linked to the food a person eats, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The academy gives these prevention strategies to keep your mouth healthy.

 >Eat a healthy diet. Aim for a balance of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, low-fat dairy products and whole grains that provide essential nutrients for your mouth and your overall health. 

>Drink water or sugar-free beverages. Sipping sugary beverages for lengthy periods of time is associated with an increase risk of tooth decay and cavities.

 >Practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth with fluoride tooth-paste twice daily, floss daily and see your dentist regularly.

 >Pop some gum. Chewing sugarless gum after eating a meal and snack increases the production of saliva, which can wash away acids that can damage your teeth’s enamel.

We have patients coming in asking us why a taste of ice cream or a sip of coffee becomes a painful experience, or why brushing or flossing makes them cringe. The answer, usually, is sensitive teeth. Tooth sensitivity typically occurs when the underlying dentin layer of the tooth is exposed in the oral cavity, and most people experience tooth sensitivity at some point in their lives. Why do people experience sensitivity and how do you know if tooth sensitivity is something to be worried about? The most common cause of the sensitivity is exposure of the dentin, which is the layer surrounding the tooth’s nerve. Contributors to tooth sensitivity include teeth whitening and dental work such as fillings, periodontal treatment, and the placement or adjustment of braces. These are temporary and should be of no concern. Permanent hypersensitivity may require treatment. The first step is to determine the cause, and that begins with a visit to our office.

The reasons your teeth may become sensitive vary, but possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities) near the gum line
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Fillings that are worn
• Gum (periodontal) disease, or recession of the gums
• Worn tooth enamel
• Brushing too hard
• Consuming acidic foods

The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Dr. Idiculla may suggest one the following treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste, which contains ingredients that seal off the microtubules inside the exposed dentin to reduce tooth sensitivity
• Fluoride gel, which strengthens compromised tooth enamel, helps prevent tooth decay, and decreases hypersensitivity of the teeth
• A crown, inlay, or bonding, which is used to treat tooth decay and prevents sensitivity
• A surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this procedure will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal: If you are experiencing severe and persistent sensitivity which cannot be treated by other means we may recommend you undergo a root canal to eliminate the problem.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call today!

Most people are aware that choosing the right oral health care tools can benefit the entire family’s health, but it can be difficult to know which type of toothpaste is best.

To reduce confusion the next time you wander the toothpaste aisle, here are a few tips for choosing the right toothpaste for your family.

Choosing Toothpaste: What to Look For

• Make sure your toothpaste carries the ADA seal of approval, which indicates that the product will work effectively.
• Select a toothpaste that contains fluoride, a mineral that strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent decay. This is especially important if your drinking water does not contain fluoride.
• If you are shopping for toothpaste for your children, try choosing a toothpaste with their favorite characters or flavors. This makes brushing fun, and it may make it easier to get them to do it.
• Choose a toothpaste that meets your individual needs. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, use a toothpaste designed to reduce sensitivity, and if you have mild stains or discoloration, choose a whitening toothpaste.

Gel or Paste?

Toothpaste typically comes in gel or paste form, so people often wonder if one is better than the other. The answer is that it comes down to a matter of personal preference.

Gels and pastes typically have the same ingredients and work the same way, so you can use whichever type you prefer. Ideally, you should purchase the type of toothpaste that you are most likely to use on a regular basis!

During your dental appointment, you can ask our hygienist about what types of toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwashes, and other oral care products will benefit you most.

With good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, you can take great care of your teeth and enjoy them for a lifetime.

Cold sores and fever blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). This virus is passed from person to person by saliva (either directly, or by drinking from the same glass or cup) or by skin contact. Cold sores usually appear as clusters of tiny blisters on the lip. About 8 out of 10 people have the virus that causes cold sores. Most people are first infected before they are 10 years old.

After this first infection, the virus remains dormant (inactive) in the nerves of the face. In some people, the virus becomes active again from time to time. When this happens, cold sores appear. HSV-1 can get active again because of a cold or fever.

Stress also can lead to a cold sore outbreak. This includes mental and emotional stress, as well as dental treatment, illness, trauma to the lips or sun exposure. HSV-1 also can infect the eyes, the skin of the fingers and the genitals. Most genital herpes infections are caused by herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), however.

HSV-1 can cause serious illness in people who have other health problems. The virus also can cause serious illness in people whose immune systems are weakened by either illness or medicines they are taking.

Symptoms
People infected with HSV-1 for the first time may have fever, headache, nausea and vomiting. They may have painful swelling and open sores in the mouth. Some people have a sore throat. These symptoms usually begin about a week after someone is exposed to HSV-1.

Cold sores appear when HSV-1 is reactivated later in life. They may occur after a period of illness or stress, poor nutrition or sunlight exposure. Sometimes there’s no known reason. Dental procedures that stretch the lip may occasionally trigger the virus.

The border of the lip is the most common place that these sores appear. They may occasionally occur inside the mouth, too. This is more likely in people who have weakened immune systems or other medical problems.

The first sign of a cold sore is a tingling, burning or itching. This is followed by swelling and redness. Within 24 to 48 hours, one or more tiny blisters (“fever blisters”) appear. These blisters pop and form painful sores (“cold sores”). The sores eventually are covered by crusts, which look like scabs. The crusts are shed and form again while the sore heals.

Diagnosis
Your dentist or physician usually can diagnose cold sores by asking you about your medical history and examining you. If you have other medical conditions, your physician may do other tests to diagnose cold sores. These tests are usually not necessary in healthy people.

Expected Duration
When you are first infected with HSV-1, symptoms can last for 7 to 14 days. Cold sores usually crust within 4 days and heal completely within 8 to 10 days.

Prevention
To help to prevent a first herpes infection in children do not let them be kissed by anyone who has cold sores, fever blisters or signs of a first herpes infection. However, HSV-1 is very common. Most children will be infected by the time they reach adulthood. Several different vaccines are being developed against HSV (types 1 and 2), but these appear to protect only people who have never been infected.

There is evidence that using sunscreen on your lips will prevent cold sores caused by sun exposure. Antiviral medicines may prevent cold sores from forming. In certain situations, your dentist or physician may prescribe these medicines. If you expect to encounter a known trigger, a medicine taken in advance can decrease the chance of a cold sore.

Treatment
Some medicines can help cold sores heal faster. They also relieve pain and discomfort. The medicines are acyclovir (Zovirax), famciclovir (Famvir) and valacyclovir (Valtrex). These drugs cannot get rid of the virus. You need to take them each time you can feel a cold sore coming on. Once you have blisters on your lip, the medicines will not help much.

These drugs also can stop cold sores from popping up in the first place. Some people take them when they know they will be under stress.

Keep the area clean and apply lip balm. Try not to touch the area. Do not pick at the crusts over the sores. Avoid kissing anyone while you have blisters and sores. Cold sores can spread through kissing and by sharing things that touch the lips and the skin around them, such as spoons, forks, glasses and towels.

When to seek help
Cold sores are common. They usually are not dangerous. If you have a weakened immune system (because of a disease, or because of medicines you take), HSV-1 can cause a serious illness. Call your dentist or physician right away if:

       Lip or mouth sores persist longer than one week

       The sores make it hard for you to talk or swallow

       You develop a fever

       You have a second outbreak of blisters

Dental Implants are the ideal way to replace lost teeth or secure loose- fitting dentures. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which sit on top of the gums, dental implants are placed under the gums. The  “tooth” placed on an implant appears life-like, because it comes through the gums just like the original did – it’s like growing a new tooth!

And if you already wear dentures, Dr. Idiculla can use implants to secure them so they stay put! Implant supported dentures provide tremendous support and are such a good fit, you can speak, chew, and smile comfortably, and even get rid of those messy adhesives!

Contact our office for a free consultation.