Monday 31 July 2017

Are You Flossing Or Just Lying About Flossing? The Dentist Knows

There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?

Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane.

Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?"
More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss.
American Academy of Periodontology

She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!"

To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Sunday 30 July 2017

20 Mistakes You're Making With Your Teeth

Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.

Multitasking while you brush
Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep.

Overcleaning your toothbrush
Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose.

Using social media as your dentist
The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) 

To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com 

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Baby Teeth Are Going to Fall Out, So Why Take Care of Them?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Baby Teeth Are Going to Fall Out, So Why Take Care of Them?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Saturday 29 July 2017

More Than a Quarter of Americans Have This Untreated Disease

Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked.

It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.

And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be.

To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Friday 28 July 2017

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 3: See Your Dentist Regularly

People with diabetes are prone to oral infections. You should get dental checkups at least twice a year. Let your dentist know you have diabetes and what medicines you take. Regular checkups and professional cleanings can help keep a mouth healthy. And a dentist can teach you the best ways to care for your teeth and gums at home.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Thursday 27 July 2017

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Tuesday 25 July 2017

Dentures

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.


Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If youíve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Thatís because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teethóthings that people often take for granted.

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Types of dentures:

  • Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
  • Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You donít have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
  • Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

  • Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS  
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr  
Beaverton, OR 97006  
(503) 533-5539  
NiceSmileNow.com

Sunday 23 July 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'When Should I Start Brushing My Childís Teeth?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Friday 21 July 2017

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 2: Control Diabetes to Keep Your Smile

Well-controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth. If you have poorly controlled or high blood sugar, your risk increases for dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss, and fungal infections like thrush. Since infections can also make blood sugar rise, your diabetes may become even harder to control. Keeping your mouth healthy can help you manage your blood sugar.

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Sunday 16 July 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Friday 14 July 2017

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 1 : 4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:
  • Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Chronic bad breath
  • An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Wednesday 12 July 2017

Oral Care On The Go

Ways And Products To Maintain Oral Care On The Go

These days, it seems like everybody is going non-stop. But just because you’re busy or traveling - whether for work or play - that’s no excuse for neglecting your daily dental care routine. One of the easiest ways to maintain oral care on the go is to carry a small container of floss with you. If you’re hiking or camping and want to travel light, floss takes up less space than your electric flosser.

A variety of products make oral care easier when you are traveling or time-strapped. Soft flosses, such as Oral-B’s Satin Floss, can be used by anyone. They slide easily between the teeth to make flossing faster and easier. Also, interdental brush cleaners, made of nylon bristles and narrow enough to fit between teeth, combine brushing and flossing for surfaces between the teeth.

If you are hiking, camping or traveling where space is at a premium, buy a small travel toothbrush that folds up. The brush will stay clean and it will take up less of your valuable space.

Another point: If you’re going to be traveling for an extended period of time, and especially if you will be traveling overseas or in the wilderness, be sure to schedule a checkup with your dentist before you go. The last thing you want is a dental health problem to erupt when you are far from reliable dental care. Problems can still occur, but you can reduce the risk by being as prepared as you can before you travel.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Monday 10 July 2017

Quick Nutrition Tips

Nutrition Tips
Following a proper and nutritious diet not only helps keep your body healthy, but your mouth as well. Nutrition plays an important role in the health and cleanliness of your teeth, gums and mouth.

Limit Soda, Coffee and Alcohol
Although these beverages contain a high level of phosphorous, which is a necessary mineral for a healthy mouth, too much phosphorous can deplete the body's level of calcium. This causes dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease. Beverages containing additives such as corn syrup and food dye can make pearly white teeth appear dull and discolored. Therefore, it is best to choose beverages like milk, which helps strengthen teeth and build stronger enamel, giving you a healthy, beautiful smile.

Drink Tap Water When Possible
If bottled water is your main source of drinking water, you could be missing the decay-preventive benefits of fluoride.

Monitor Your Low-Carb Lifestyle
Despite their popularity, low-carb diets can cause bad breath. A balanced, dental-healthy diet can help reduce tooth decay.

Increase Your Calcium Intake
After age 20, both men and women lose more bone mass than they form so it is important to restore lost calcium with a daily supplement and by eating fruits and vegetables high in calcium, such as dark leafy greens. These foods will also help to lower the acid buildup in the saliva that can lead to breakdown of tooth enamel.

Take a Daily Dose of Vitamins C and D
These vitamins help support the absorption of healthy mouth minerals such as calcium and phosphorous, which support the bone and gum tissue, keeping it healthy. This is an easy way to maintain dental hygiene and fight gum disease.

Put Out the Cigarette
Smoking cigarettes is one of the greatest contributors to the aging mouth. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 22 million women in the United States smoke cigarettes. In addition to staining teeth, smoking interrupts calcium absorption in the body and can also cause potentially life-threatening diseases such as oral cancer. So stop smoking and enjoy the health benefits as well as a healthy, beautiful smile.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Thursday 6 July 2017

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you're looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a "DDS", some may be listed as "DMD". They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It's up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit
MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

  • Looking for a dentist? 
  • Interested in a dental career?
Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com

Tuesday 4 July 2017

Dental Grills: The Bad Things

Bad Effects Of Dental Grills
Dental grills, also known as “grillz,” have become popular among some teens and adults due to their popularity among celebrities, especially rap musicians. Grills are decorative covers that snap over one or more teeth. They are usually made of gold, silver or other precious metals. But less expensive grills are often made from base metals that can cause irritation or an allergic reaction.

There are no long-term studies of dental grills, so there are no data about long-term safety or about problems resulting from long-term wear.

Grills can promote plaque buildup and tooth decay because food particles and bacteria may build up between the teeth and the grill. A grill may also cause abrasion of the teeth that border it. Excessive wearing of grills may discolor teeth, too, so grill fans may need to whiten teeth when they decide to stop wearing the grill.

Anyone who wears a dental grill should be especially attentive to dental hygiene, and follow a consistent routine of twice-daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Also, be sure to remove the grill before eating and rinse it often to remove bacteria and food particles. Talk to your dentist before getting a dental grill and be sure to find out how best to reduce the risk of bacterial buildup and other complications.

The above article is from: OralB.com

Perledent Dental Care   
Kyle Van, DDS   
2110 NW Amberbrook Dr   
Beaverton, OR 97006   
(503) 533-5539   
NiceSmileNow.com