Why Olympic Athletes Have More Tooth Decay

Consider Olympic athletes, the superhuman representatives of the sports world, who must have better access to huge health support systems, are actually faring no better than the average American adult in dental care. Many Olympic players have poor oral health. Why so?

A case in point is the 2012 London Olympics, where three-quarters of the athletes have gingivitis. A study was conducted and reported on the impact of of an athlete’s risk factors on his oral health; the results are amazing. A good 30% of athletes had taken facial blows, such as blows to the mouth or jaw. These can result to broken, chipped or cracked teeth, gum and tongue injuries and cracked or dislocated jaws. They are acquired at practice training or during the actual games and dental attention may be nil or not as comprehensive because of the immediate need to compete. Continue reading →

Tips to Keep Your Mouth Healthy While Sick

Did you ever feel slightly better after brushing our teeth in spite of the fact that you’re sick? It can be psychological but it does make you feel like you’re getting well. When you’re down with the flu or a cold, you ought to still maintain your routine oral care. Here are some tips that can help you on your way to wellness, in body and in the mouth.

Practice proper oral hygiene. Keep your mouth covered when you sneeze or cough. And keep your hands clean. You can transfer germs to things and places and people around you. You are certainly not sharing your toothbrush but make sure they are also clean. If the brush is more than 3 months old, it is high time to change it. Of course, continue brushing and flossing, have mouthwashes if need be for they refresh the mouth.

Avoid sugary foods and drinks. Know that sugar clings to teeth and bacteria love to colonize them, leading to decay and cavities. Choose sugar-free cough candies. Don’t keep sweets in your mouth for too long, like sucking on them. Stay away from sodas and acidic juices, like lemon. Plain water is your better and best friend during these times, or have tea without the sugar. Stay hydrated with water as some meds you might be taking are causing dry mouth, a condition that attracts bacterial growth.

Does your illness cause you to vomit? Stomach acids can cling to teeth and weaken your enamel. Do not brush right away. Brushing too soon will just spread the acid all over the tooth surfaces. Instead, take water, swish it around your mouth and spit. Or you can use water with one teaspoon of baking soda and do the same. Baking soda washes away the acid. Then you can brush and floss, 30 minutes later.

Healthy Mouth at all Times

Know more about oral care and oral health from Dr. Yung, your Bellevue dentist. Remember, there is no reason to neglect your dental health even if you’re body is down and sick.

Parents’ Role in Dental Sedation for Children

Is your child up for a surgical procedure at the dentist’s clinic and requiring anesthesia? Your child’s safety and well-being are your topmost concerns. While the dentist can assure you a safe procedure, you can help reduce the risks and the stress for your child before, during and after the treatment.

Firstly, know the sedation options your dentist will use. There are three: oral sedation, nitrous oxide, and intravenous injection. Oral sedation is by mouth or through the nose, taking up to 20 minutes to work. It will not put the child to sleep, but it helps him stay calm and relaxed. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is delivered by mask and the child relaxes within five minutes and goes to sleep. Intravenous sedation is delivered via a needle inserted into the child’s vein at the back of his hand, though nitrous oxide may be given first to make the patient sleep before the injection.

A few things first before you bring your child to the clinic. Prepare your child for the procedure by restricting his food and liquid intake as sedation poses the risk of vomiting stomach contents or inhaling them into the lungs. Loose-fitting clothes allow attaching of monitors easily and without fuss. Of course, a full dental and medical history of the patient must be disclosed by parents, including any past or current medications. At the dentist’s, blood oxygen level, blood pressure, temperature and heart rate are closely monitored.

You can keep your child calm and preoccupied by bringing along a favorite toy or book, hold his hand or give gentle reassurances. Your attention is fully focused on the child. Especially when he wakes up after the sedation, he sees you first and gets positive reassurances again. He can still be confused or fussy and may feel nauseous. For the first few hours, he may be disoriented or sleepy and definitely need not engage in school or play for the day. Soft foods are recommended for a few days. Any fever, bleeding or pain experiences must be reported to the dentist at once.

Safe and No-Fuss Anesthesia for Kids by Bellevue Dentist

Overlake Dental is your child-friendly dental practice in Bellevue. Our long and esteemed history in pediatric dental treatment centers on the safety and well-being of children in our care. We work hand-in-hand with parents in all facets of dental treatment, especially surgery and sedation for kids.

What is the All-on-4 Treatment Concept?

All-on-4 is a dental treatment technique which stands for all teeth being supported on four dental implants. This procedure intends to rehabilitate patients who have lost their teeth, partially or completely (called edentulous patients) or whose teeth are badly damaged, broken or compromised due to gum disease.

Your dentist will strategically place four titanium implants into your upper jaw and these will support 10 to 14 teeth as a fixed prosthesis. If warranted, the lower jaw can have its own All-on-4 as the upper.

Sometimes patients will opt for a full mouth fixed bridge that can be made up of zirconia or a combination of acrylic teeth over a titanium framework which is durable and repairable. There might be additional procedures that need to be carried out before implant placement – things like additional teeth extraction or gum disease treatment or more extensive lab work that will better ensure good treatment outcomes.

The great news is, you can have a set of brand new teeth in only one day – on the day you decide to have the surgery. It is quick and a great time-saver and money-saver than choosing to have several implants over a period of time. Recovery period is also shorter for All-on-4 dental implants. You reap the benefits of this amazing procedure right after you walk out of your dentist’s office. You will be able to chew your food better, speak better, have your confidence and self-esteem back, look natural and smile once more.

One Visit: New Smile

Entrust this delicate procedure to an experienced and qualified professional, such as Dr. Yu, your Bellevue dentist at Overlake Dental. See her for a consultation and find out more about All-on 4.

Tips for Denture Care

Dentures can be considered part of your personality, an extension of your oral health, and hence, must have the proper care they deserve. Dentures can last for a long time but if they are neglected or mistreated, they can hurt your overall look or damage other oral structures.

Brush and rinse dentures daily, especially after a heavy or starchy meal. Do not use toothpaste, though, as it can create small scratches on the surface where food or liquid can cling to and cause staining. Use soft bristled brushes and gentle strokes, holding them firmly so they don’t fall, but not too hard as you can bend the attachments. Ask your dentist for a cleansing recommendation, but household cleaners and bleaching agents are harsh and damaging.

Keep your dentures moist when not wearing them for they can dry out and lose their shape. Plain water or a soaking solution will do, however, if there are metal attachments in your denture, the solution can tarnish the metal. Definitely, do not pour hot water on your appliance or soak it for the heat can cause warping.

Leave it to Experts in Bellevue

Do not attempt to try to fix your denture on your own. If you see bends, cracks, or warping, go to your dentist and let him take care of it. Don’t think you can handle such a small appliance by yourself for any change you apply – re-aligning, bending, pushing, or even using adhesives – can cause changes to the structure and can be detrimental to your tissues. Remember that your denture is a precise appliance.

Your Bellevue dentist is your resource person for the care of dentures. Overlake Dental is concern with your smiles, which extends to the appliances you wear for your continuing oral health.