AOH News & Articles

How Much Does My Dentist Need to Know About My Medical Conditions?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:21:58 -0400

Q: How much does my dentist need to know about my medical conditions?

A: The more your dentist knows about your overall health, the better and safer he or she will be able to treat you. As the American population ages, dentists are seeing increasing numbers of patients with problems like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, AIDS and hypertension. It's important that your dentist know of any health condition you have, so the treatment he or she administers doesn't compromise your existing condition. Dentists are appropriately trained to treat patients with medical conditions. In some cases, they will consult with your physician to agree on the proper course of treatment, Generally, they get the necessary information by asking you questions. Dentists often detect conditions unknown to their patient. For instance, while some 16 million people have diabetes, only about half of them have been diagnosed. It is often during the course of an oral examination that a dentist notices symptoms that may ultimately lead to a medical diagnosis with your physician. So share your complete medical history with your dentist, it will benefit your overall care in and out of the office.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS.

Changing the Way You Think About Oral Health

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:21:52 -0400

We are so pleased that you are visiting our dental practice web site. Our goals will be to determine what dental treatment you need or want and deliver it in the most efficient manner with clinical excellence and courtesy. We will teach you how to combine regular interval professional dental evaluation with proper, routine daily oral self care to maintain optimum oral health for yourself for your entire life. We want you to have comfortable, pain free, good looking and functional teeth when you are 95 years old.

You can expect to receive the best dental care we can provide. Dental technology has made remarkable strides. You may not be aware of some of the advances in diagnosis and treatment and how they can benefit you. If you have not been to a dentist recently, or have been in the care of someone who has not adopted these techniques, you will notice a difference the first moment you enter our office.

Once you have explained your dental concerns and a thorough dental examination and necessary radiographs have been completed, a treatment plan will be developed. Written and videotaped explanations of most procedures and problems are available and will be offered to you. Advantages and disadvantages of treatment, risks of treatment or no treatment, options and costs of treatment will be presented. Any questions you have will be answered before treatment begins.

We are committed to providing for each patient an initial appointment during which an exchange of patient concerns and dental desires can be addressed. We respect out patients' time. We do not double book. Unless an unexpected dental emergency arises, we make sure that patients are seen at their scheduled appointment time. We want each patient to feel comfortable, with adequate appointment time to address his or her dental concerns. Please allow adequate travel time to our office.

Office hours are by appointment. When appropriate, we prefer to schedule longer appointments and complete as much dental treatment at a time as we can. This allows maximum efficiency and as little disruption to your daily schedule as possible.

Our office offers simple financial arrangements in order to avoid possible misunderstandings. Payment in full is expected at the time treatment is provided. For your convenience, VISA, MasterCard, American Express and Discover are accepted. We also have financing through Wells Fargo.

Financing Available

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:21:45 -0400

Have you ever wondered what your smile could look like?

It is amazing how powerful a smile can be.

Thanks to the advances in dentistry, you can have the smile you want. These advancements have provided Dr. T with natural looking material and can give you an improved smile that looks and feels great.

Start Your Treatment Today with No Interest Extended Payment Plans with Wells Fargo

• Convenient, Low Monthly Payments

• No Upfront Cost or Annual Fees

• Available for Any Treatment Amount

Why Orthodontics?

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:21:23 -0400

Q: Why should a person get braces?

A: The usual reason for getting orthodontic treatment, or braces, is to improve the appearance of teeth. These days, adults as well as young people are flashing smiles that show brackets and wires, the handiwork of an orthodontist--a dentist who specializes in straightening teeth, whether for cosmetic or health reasons. Straightening teeth can also improve a person's bite. Malocclusion is the term for teeth that don't meet together properly. Malocclusion is not a disease, although teeth that are misaligned often require more diligence in brushing and flossing. People with malocclusion don't necessarily have more decay or gum problems than people with straight teeth, but crooked teeth can cause some problems. For instance, the bottom front teeth can irritate tissues by constantly hitting the palate instead of the upper front teeth. Corrrecting this type of malocclusion can prevent trauma to the tissues of the palate. Talk to your dentist about whether or not orthodontic treatment is right for you.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS.

Bottled Water with Fluoride

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:56:41 -0400

This information has been gathered for your convenience whether you are our patient or you are interested in finding bottled water that may contain fluoride. We are not endorsing nor have we any personal or financial interest in these companies.

The Aesthetic Oral Health Team

Questions & Answers

1. Do any bottled water brands contain fluoride?

Yes. There are over 20 companies that produce fluoridated brands of bottled water currently available to consumers today. As a matter of fact, some of these brands are sold nationwide in stores like Walmart, and some members of IBWA will even ship their fluoridated brands nationwide.

2. How can a consumer tell how much fluoride is in their bottled water?

Consumers interested in the specific amount of fluoride in a product, if it is not on the label, can get that information by contacting individual companies directly.

3. Who regulates the amount of fluoride allowed in bottled water?

Since bottled water is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it is the FDA that sets the limit as to the amount of fluoride that bottlers are allowed to add to their products according to 21 CFR § 165.110 of the Code of Federal Regulations. Bottled water packaged in the U.S., to which no fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of the levels in Table 1* and these levels are based on the annual average of maximum daily air temperatures at the location where the bottled water is sold at retail. Imported bottled water, to which no fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of 1.4 milligrams per liter. Bottled water packaged in the U.S., to which fluoride has been added, shall not contain fluoride in excess of levels in Table 2** and these levels are based on the annual average of maximum daily air temperatures at the location where the bottled water is sold at retail.

4. Is all tap water fluoridated?

Fluoridation of municipal tap water is generally voluntary at the state or community level, although a handful of states such as California and Illinois have mandated the practice. According to the most recent survey done by the American Water Works Association, only 65.8 percent of municipal systems fluoridate their water.

5. Who regulates the amount of fluoride allowed in tap water?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates public water supplies and it requires that fluoride not exceed a concentration of 4.0 milligrams per liter in drinking water. This is an enforceable standard called a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) and it has been established to protect the public health.

6. Can too much fluoride be bad for children's teeth?

Federal law also requires that public water supplies notify their customers when monitoring indicates that the fluoride in drinking water exceeds 2.0 milligrams per liter. Some children exposed to levels of fluoride greater than 2.0 milligrams per liter may develop dental fluorosis. Dental fluorosis, in its moderate and severe forms, is a brown staining and/or pitting of the permanent teeth.

7. What should parents do if they are concerned about their children's teeth?

The important thing for parents to look at is how much fluoride their children are getting as part of their regular diet. The best thing for a concerned parent to do would be to contact their dentist or pediatrician for their recommendation.

8. What does the American Dental Association recommend?

According to the American Dental Association: "Fluoride alone cannot prevent all dental diseases. Be sure to brush and floss daily. Eat nutritious foods and snacks low in sugar. See your dentist regularly. You can enjoy a healthy smile for life."
(ADA 1991 brochure: Fluoride Helps Prevent Tooth Decay)

9. What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a natural element found at varying concentrations in all drinking water and in the soil. It is considered a beneficial nutrient and is present in trace amounts in the body.

Bottled Water with Fluoride Added List

Companies that produce fluoridated water
For further information contact each company directly or refer to the product label for specific content
Updated August 27, 2003

Abita Springs Water Co., Inc.

P.O. Box 867

Metairie, LA 70004

(504) 828-2222

Mayers Bros., Inc.

3300 Transit Road

West Seneca, NY 14224

(716) 668-1787

Absopure Water Co.

8835 General Drive

Plymouth, MI 48170

(734) 459-8000

Mississippi Bottled Water, Inc.

P.O. Box 5393

Jackson, MS 39296

(601) 981-1231

Balsams Spring Water

Maynesboro Industrial Park

Berlin, NH 03570

(603) 752-1149

Mount Olympus Waters, Inc.

P.O. Box 25426

1825 S. 3730 W.

Salt Lake City, UT 84104

(801) 974-500

Crystal Bottling Co.

575 Display Way

Sacramento, CA 95838

(916) 568-3311

Mountain Park Springs

Rt. 1, Box 521-A

Corbet Cockerham Road

Dobson, NC 27017

(336) 761-0884

Crystal Springs Water Co.

P.O. Box 2590

Clackamas, OR 97015

(503) 657-5004

Sterling Water, Inc.

d.b.a. Culligan Bottled Water

7165 Trailwood Lane

Mosinee, WI 54455

(715) 355-7060

Culligan Bottled Water Co.

7165 Boone Avenue North

Brooklyn Park, MN 55428

(612) 535-4545

Shenandoah Valley Waters

4 Industry Way

P.O. Box 2555

Staunton, VA 24401

(540) 248-2123

Culligan Bottled Water

2770 South 600 West

Salt Lake City, UT 84115

(801) 980-7000

Suntory Water Group

5660 New Northside Drive

Suite 500

Atlanta, GA 30328

(770) 956-9495

Culligan Water

1200 Arden Way

Sacramento, CA 95815

(916) 927-5005

Wisconsin Glacier Springs

2244 S. Calhoun Road

New Berlin, WA 53151

(262) 797-9901

Danone Waters of North America

3280 E. Foothill Blvd., Suite 400

Pasadena, CA 91107

(626) 585-1000

Yosemite Waters

601 Valencia Drive

Fullerton, CA 92632

(714) 870-4022 or 1-800-273-4026

Eureka Water Co.

729 SW 3rd Street

Oklahoma City, OK 73109

(405) 235-8474

Ising's Culligan Water

P.O. Box 591

Livermore, CA 94551

(925) 447-3717

Magnetic Springs Water Co.

1917 Joyce Avenue

Columbus, OH 43219-1029

(614) 421-1780

What About Aspirin?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:56:55 -0400

Q: How careful does a dental patient need to be with aspirin?

A: Aspirin is an effective pain reliever. Medical doctors also recommend some patients with heart disease take a daily low dose -- less than 100 mg, for instance. Because it thins blood, there's been some concern about whether a patient should stop taking aspirin before having oral surgery. Studies have shown that patients who take a daily low dose of aspirin may not have to stop taking it before having a tooth extracted. It's important to remember, never put aspirin directly on gums or a sore in the mouth because the acid in aspirin can severely burn the soft tissues in the mouth. A study published last summer in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that people who chew aspirin over a long period suffer severe erosion to both the enamel and dentin of the teeth they use to crush aspirin. If you are a regular aspirin user, talk to your dentist about the proper way to use it and about any concerns related to oral surgery.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS.

Dental Health and Your Diet

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:57:10 -0400

Q: Are some foods better than others when it comes to dental health?

A: The answer is "yes". Your mouth is full of bacteria that live there normally. The bacteria love sugar and starch. When teeth are not fully clean, the bacteria eat the sugar and starch and produce acids that can eat through enamel. It would be difficult to entirely avoid food with sugar. Fruit, milk, bread, cereals and vegetables all contain sugars. Do avoid sugary snacks. The American Dental Association estimates each snack results in an acid attack on your teeth of 20 minutes or more. When you snack, choose fruits, nuts, seeds, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, popcorn, dill pickles and olives.

Avoid foods like cakes, chips, cookies and crackers when you're eating them by themselves. Remember that sugar and starches eaten as part of a meal are less damaging to teeth because the mouth produces more saliva during a meal. Saliva helps neutralize acid and wash away food particles. Eat a balanced diet, including the FDA recommended portions of bread and grain, fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, and dairy, like milk, cheese and yogurt. And ask your dentist about good eating habits.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS

Is Nail-Biting Bad For Your Teeth?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:58:20 -0400

Q: Is nail-biting bad for your teeth?

A: Unfortunately, yes. Nail-biting and finger-biting are habits for thousands of adults and children, but doesn't mean they are good habits. Any activity that involves holding teeth in an unnatural position for extended periods increases the possibility of injury to the jaw joints, also called the temporo-mandibular joints (TMJs). Over time, nail-biting and finger-biting will aggravate jaw muscles, which can cause pain and an imbalance in the TMJs. If the habit begins in a young child, it can contribute to development of a gap between the front teeth. A person who bites nails or fingers, may also be prone to picking at their gums. Some dentists and physicians recommend putting a non-toxic but unpleasant tasting lotion of peppers on fingers. Others recommend putting a bandage on the finger to serve as a reminder. It's a good idea to come up with some strategy to help stop the habit. Otherwise, treatment may be necessary to straighten teeth, and alleviate pain from a TMJ problem.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS

What is glossitis?

Thu, 08 Oct 2009 14:58:29 -0400

Q: What is glossitis?

A: Glossitis is inflammation of the tongue. It is characterized by a disappearance of the normal hair-like projections on the upper surface of the tongue. The tongue surface takes on a bald appearance and may have a reddish purple color. The whole tongue may become painful and develop a burning sensation. With a condition called migatory glossitis, patches of the tongue may lose their hair-like projections--called papillae--leaving uneven areas of white or yellow. This condition is sometimes called geographic tongue because of the illusion that the patches are moving. Individuals who suffer from geographic tongue commonly have a fissured tongue. This is a congential condition in which a deep fissure runs along the top surface of the tongue. The fissure is deep enough that food and bacteria can collect in it. An effective treatment for fissured tongue is to keep it clean with a toothbrush or a special tongue brush available at most drug stores. Speak with your dentist if you are having problems or questions about your tongue.

Presented as a service to the community by Peter A. Tzendzalian, DDS