Snap ON Smile

Is a great smile make- over option that is affordable, easy, reversible and painless that can be used as a temporary or a more permanent enhancement.

Snap on Smiles offer an excellent alternative for missing, crooked, stained or discolored teeth, teeth with spaces where implants, bridges and other restorative alternatives are not an option.

Snap on smile is also a comfortable and affordable alternative to patients unhappy with the fit and feel of a removable partial denture.

Snap on Smile is manufactured using a proprietary dental resin that is thin, yet strong. The processing starts with taking precise impressions of the upper and lower jaw with instructions to the lab of the desired shade and other characteristics of the desired restoration. A second appointment about three weeks following the impression visit is for seating of the Snap on Smile.

Snap on Smiles can be made for upper or lower teeth and have proven to be a life changing and confidence building alternative to the more expensive and invasive restorative options. Maintenance is simple with some specially formulated cleaning and disinfecting solutions. 

Call 909 627 6699 for a free consultation of visit our website for more information www.smileartistrychino.com

Preventing Bad Breath

Preventing and battling bad breath is essential to self -esteem. Halitosis or bad breath is an unpleasant condition that's a cause for embarrassment. Some individuals with bad breath are not even aware of the problem and interestingly, some who don't have bad breath are convinced that they do( a condition called halito-phobia).

Bacteria that reside in the mouth, especially on the back part of the tongue are primarily responsible for bad breath Teeth and dentures not cleaned properly harbor odor causing bacteria and produce the foul smelling compounds.

Certain foods like garlic and onions contribute to objectionable breath because they contain odor causing compounds that directly enter the blood stream and then transferred t the lungs where they are exhaled. Until the body eliminates these compounds, oral hygiene will only temporarily mask the odor.

Bad breath is also induced by tobacco products including cigarettes, cigars, pipes and smokeless tobacco.  These products also increase the risk for oral and lung cancer.

Dieters can experience bad breath a a result of the breakdown of reserve fat and protein for energy, releasing ketones (organic compounds) in the breath.

Dental and systemic disease are also causes of bad breath. Persistent bad breath and bad taste are warning signs for periodontal disease and may signal other medical disorders like chronic sinusitis, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, GERD ( frequent reflux of stomach contents), oral and pharyngeal cancer, liver and kidney disease.

Dry mouth is another condition associated with bad breath. Normal salivary flow cleanses the mouth and removes odor causing particles. Dry mouth occurs when salivary flow is reduced as a side effect of medications, salivary gland problems , auto immune conditions  and from mouth breathing.

TIPS for Preventing Bad Breath:

Avoid constant use of breath mints and other hard candies that temporarily mask malodor and lead to decay.

Discuss your medications with a pharmacist, physician and dentist to reduce dosage or substitute medications that cause drying of the mouth.

Adhere to dental hygiene recommendations made by dentist and hygienist.

Treatment Planning for Frail Older Adults (Article 3 of 4)

 Treatment planning  for frail and dependent patients should meet the objectives of preventing pain and infection, maintaining function, preventing systemic complications and improving or maintaining quality of life.

Frail adults live in the community but have varying degrees of functioning limitations.Their treatment options are guided by their level of dependency- no dependency, medium dependency or high dependency status.

For medium dependency adults, the recommendation is to treat teeth conservatively. Restore carious lesions using atraumatic techniques and floride releasing restorative materials. Dentures or removable teeth replacements should be designed to facilitate hygiene and easy removal.

Dependent older adults typically live in long term care settings and are home  bound. For homebound and long term care residents, recommendations include managing discomfort and infection and performing  only procedures necessary for social interactions and normal function.

Early in the interactions with frail or dependent patients, it is important to gauge the patients ability to comprehend treatment recommendations and independently make competent decisions. Patient's financial resources, general health, cognition and  capacity for home care must be taken into account. The benefit from the proposed treatment must be weighed very carefully against the physical discomfort and mental anguish a particular patient may experience.  The focus is to address the patient's primary concern.

For more information call 909 627 6699 or visit www.mydentistchino.com

Sjogren's Syndrome causes Dry Mouth

Sjogren's syndrome ( sho' grins ) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks its own body.  This attack causes inflammation that may cause destruction of tissues and impair their function.

In Sjogrens, salivary and tear glands are the major targets of attack which results in reduced production or saliva and tears.  The lack of saliva causes difficulties with speech, swallowing, extreme tooth decay, oral sores and fungal infections.

Many Sjogren syndrome sufferers also experience debilitating fatigue.  Blood tests show presence of autoantibodies.  Antibobies are substances produced by the immune system of the body to defend against foreign material including bacteria and viruses

Diagnosis is based on  combination of subjective and objective symptoms including dry mouth, presence of autoantibodies and inflammation infiltrate in the salivary glands.

Sjogrens syndrome impacts 1-4 million in the US and is the most common autoimmune disease after rheumatoid arthritis. Sjogren's syndrome affects people over 50 years  and women affected out number men by 9-1.

"Treatment is generally symptomatic and patients often find a way of working around it by regular hydration, regular dental visits with flouride supplements" says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, also called xerostomia is the condition of not having enough saliva, or spit, to keep the mouth wet.  Dry mouth can happen to anyone occasionally—for example, when nervous or stressed.  However, when dry mouth persists, it can make chewing, eating, swallowing and even talking difficult.  Dry mouth also increases the risk for tooth decay because saliva helps keep harmful germs that cause cavities and other oral infections in check.

Causes

Dry mouth occurs when the salivary glands that make saliva don't work properly.  Many over-the-counter and prescription medicines, as well as diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's disease and Sjogren's syndrome, can reduce saliva formation. .  Other causes of dry mouth include certain cancer treatments and damage to the glands' nerve system.  It's important to see your dentist or physician to find out why your mouth is dry.

Treatment

Depending on the cause of your dry mouth, your health care provider can recommend appropriate treatment. There are also self-care steps you can take to help ease dry mouth, such as drinking plenty of water, chewing sugarless gum, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.  Good oral care at home and regular dental check-ups will help keep your mouth healthy.

“Frequent use of moistening rinses along with topical fluoride applications and increasing dental recare visits are preventative measures that greatly enhance oral health” says Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California  dentalpractice

Dry Mouth

In recent years, prescribed and over-the-counter medications have emerged as the most common cause of dry mouth. Suspect medications include antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, diuretics, antihypertensive medications and antidepressants. In fact, dry mouth is listed as a potential side effect of more than 400 medications. Be sure to read the literature that accompanies your medications and, if you think a medication is causing dry mouth, tell your dentist or physician. In some cases, substituting medications may alleviate the problem.
 

What is dry mouth?

Dry mouth is caused by a decrease in the amount of saliva in the mouth when the salivary glands do not work properly. The salivary glands help keep your mouth moist, which helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems. The medical name of the condition is xerostomia.

Although a common cause of dry mouth these days is medication, the condition may occur when a person experiences stress, or it may even be a sign of a serious health problem, such as AIDS, diabetes or Sjogren’s Syndrome (an autoimmune disease). Other possible causes include aging, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. People with Alzheimer’s disease or who suffer a stroke have been known to experience dry mouth.

How to relieve dry mouth

Your dentist or physician may recommend using artificial saliva — available at local pharmacies — to keep oral tissues lubricated. But the solution may be as simple as increasing your water intake. Other tips on how to ease dry mouth include:

• Brush and floss twice a day
• Chew sugarless gum
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, carbonated beverages and smoking
• Avoid certain juices (orange, grapefruit and tomato)
• Avoid dry foods, such as toast or crackers
• Avoid overly salty foods
• Use alcohol-free oral rinses 
• Topical fluoride applications

 Visit your dentist regularly. Ask your dentist for advice specific to your situation. 

“Sipping on water throughout the day not only hydrates the mouth but the body as well” adds Dr. Cherukuri from her Chino, California dental practice. ‘It is an easy fix to offset rampant decay and other related dental issues”

Dental Care for Special People

The oral needs of people with special conditions like stroke, spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, mental retardation, Down syndrome, genetic disorders, Alzheimer's disease or Arthritis are just as critical, if not more; to maintain Healthy Mouths and Healthy Lives says Dr. Cherukuri.

A healthy mouth is an important part of total health. Healthy, strong teeth allow us to eat and chew, to speak clearly and to feel good about ourselves.

Prevention is Key to a Healthy Mouth-

Daily toothbrushing and flossing remove plaque and food particles
Flouride strengthens teeth against decay.
Sealants to protect chewing surfaces of back teeth
A Healthy, Balanced diet
Regular Dental Visits to detect early signs of disease

When assisting a child or a loved one with oral hygeine, choose a well lit location that's convenient for you.

If  the person is uncooperative or uncontrollable, try to calm him by explaining what you are about to do or schedule the task at a time of day when the person is well rested or receptive.

Some people are sensitive to having their mouth and head touched.  Try to move in a calm, slow, reassuring manner so as not to startle the person.  In addition, give verbal praise, reinforce independent attempts and take the opportunity for one on one interraction.

Consult with the dentist and physician to determine the best position to use. Not all positions are safe for all people and conditions.   Whatever position you find works best, remember to support the person's head.  Take special care to prevent them from choking or gagging when the head is tilted back.  If a person is unable or unwilling to keep their mouth open, a mouth prop will be helpful.

All denture wearers should continue regular dental visits.  Besides checking the dentures, the dentist will check for signs of oral cancer and examine the gum ridges, tongue and jaw joints.

Conditions that require use of long term medications can cause different problems like dry mouth, enlarged and bleeding gums that requires ongoing dental oversight.

For more information, visit www.chinosmiles.com

Radiation Treatment and your Mouth

While radiaton helps treat cancer, it also causes some harmful side effects.

Radiation is used to kill cancer cells but it can also harm normal cells causing problems with the soft lining of the mouth, glands that make saliva (spit) and the jaw bones.  These side effects can hurt and make it hard to swallow, eat or talk. Infections are likely that may require scaling back or even  suspending cancer treatment says Dr. Cherukuri.

Radiation causes:

Dry mouth resulting in rampant decay

Loss of taste

Sore mouth and gums making swallowing, eating and talking difficult

Infections

Jaw stiffness

Jaw bone changes

Seeing your dentist ahead of the start of radiation can help prevent serious mouth problems. Most side effects in the mouth following radiation happen because a person's mouth is not healthy.  You need to see the dentist at least 2 weeks before the first radiation treatment.

• Keep the mouth moist-

                 Drink a lot of water
                 Suck ice chips
                 Use sugarless gum
                 Use saliva substitutes

• Brush teeth, gums and tongue with extra soft bristled tooth brush to avoid any injury
• Use fluoride tooth paste and other fluoride supplements
• Avoid mouthwashes with any alcohol content.
• Have ill fitting dentures adjusted.
• Choose soft, easy to swallow foods
• Take small bites and sip liquids with your meal.
• Avoid crunchy, spicy, sugary and highly acidic foods that can aggravate your mouth.
• Avoid tobacco products
• Avoid alcoholic drinks.

For questions of this blog or for  a complimentary office consult,  call 909 627-6699 or visit our website www.chinosmiles.com


 

Bad Breath

Halitosis, or bad breath, is a very common problem. There are both dental and medical causes for the condition. In looking for causes, I would first consider the obvious oral causes says Dr. Cherukuri. Below is a list of possible causes of halitosis:

• Poor oral hygiene without regular brushing and flossing
• Decay or cavities in teeth, which accumulate bacteria and cause a bad smell
• Caps or crowns on teeth that may be losing cement ("cement washout"), which can cause a bad taste or smell
• Eating certain foods that can lead to bad breath
• Bacteria on the tongue, which can be cleaned with a toothbrush or tongue scraper
• Lack of regular dental cleanings every three to six months to remove plaque buildup
• Acid reflux disease or GERD

These are some of the more common reasons why one may have bad breath. Make sure you have a complete dental examination by a dentist and a full mouth cleaning by a competent hygienist. It is important first to rule out the obvious oral causes of bad breath. If every dental possibility is eliminated, I would then seek counseling with an ear, nose, and throat physician who can eliminate other causes like postnasal drip, diet, and acid reflux.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dental Health and Dry Mouth

We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. When we don't produce enough saliva, our mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments for dry mouth.

See How Dry Mouth Damages Tooth Enamel

What Causes Dry Mouth?

There are several causes of dry mouth, also called xerostomia. These include:

• Side effect of certain medications. Dry mouth is a common side effect of many prescription and nonprescription drugs, including drugs used to treat depression, anxiety, pain, allergies, and colds (antihistamines and decongestants), obesity, acne, epilepsy, hypertension (diuretics), diarrhea, nausea, psychotic disorders, urinary incontinence, asthma (certain bronchodilators), and Parkinson's disease. Dry mouth can also be a side effect of muscle relaxants and sedatives.
• Side effect of certain diseases and infections. Dry mouth can be a side effect of medical conditions, including Sjögren's syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, anemia, cystic fibrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, Parkinson's disease, stroke, and mumps.
• Side effect of certain medical treatments. Damage to the salivary glands, the glands that produce saliva, for example, from radiation to the head and neck and chemotherapy treatments for cancer, can reduce the amount of saliva produced.
• Nerve damage. Dry mouth can be a result of nerve damage to the head and neck area from an injury or surgery.
• Dehydration. Conditions that lead to dehydration, such as fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, and burns can cause dry mouth.
• Surgical removal of the salivary glands.
• Lifestyle.Smoking or chewing tobacco can affect saliva production and aggravate dry mouth. Continuously breathing with your mouth open can also contribute to the problem.

What Are the Symptoms of Dry Mouth?

Common symptoms of dry mouth include:

• A sticky, dry feeling in the mouth
• Frequent thirst
• Sores in the mouth; sores or split skin at the corners of the mouth; cracked lips
• A dry feeling in the throat
• A burning or tingling sensation in the mouth and especially on the tongue
• A dry, red, raw tongue
• Problems speaking or difficulty tasting, chewing, and swallowing
• Hoarseness, dry nasal passages, sore throat
• Bad breath

Why Is Dry Mouth a Problem?

Besides causing the aggravating symptoms mentioned above, dry mouth also increases a person's risk of gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay, and mouth infections, such as thrush.
Dry mouth can also make it difficult to wear dentures.

How Is Dry Mouth Treated?

If you think your dry mouth is caused by certain medication you are taking, talk to your doctor. He or she may adjust the dose you are taking or switch you to a different drug that doesn't cause dry mouth.
In addition, an oral rinse to restore mouth moisture may be prescribed. If that doesn't help a medication that stimulates saliva production, called Salagen, may be prescribed.
Other steps you can take that may help improve saliva flow include:

• Sucking on sugar-free candy or chewing sugar-free gum
• Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
• Protecting your teeth by brushing with a fluoridetoothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your dentist regularly
• Breathing through your nose, not your mouth, as much as possible
• Using a room vaporizer to add moisture to the bedroom air
• Using an over-the-counter artificial saliva substitute