Why do I need to floss my teeth?

 

Why do I need to floss my teeth? Flossing is effective at removing food, bacteria, and plaque between your teeth and along the gum line where the toothbrush cannot reach. While tooth brushing removes bacteria and food debris on the outside surfaces of the teeth, the toothbrush cannot remove plaque and bacteria that is between the teeth.

BENEFITS OF FLOSSING

• Removes bacteria between the teeth
• Removes food and plaque that can be stuck and caught between your teeth and along the gum line
• Can help improve your breath and decrease likelihood of halitosis, bad breath.  Food and bacteria between the teeth can cause halitosis.
• Helps prevent cavities between your teeth.
• Helps prevent gingivitis (bleeding gums) and periodontitis and the possible need for deep cleaning
• Can help your teeth remain whiter by removing foods that can cause extrinsic stains
• If someone is currently undergoing orthodontics (braces), brackets and bands can act as an annoying food trap.  Flossing will help remove such food and bacteria stuck between the teeth.

 WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON'T FLOSS

• Increased risk of tooth decay
• Increased risk of gingivitis, gum bleeding, and bone disease
• Increased risk of halitosis (bad breath)
• If someone is currently undergoing orthodontics (braces), if one does not floss, this exponentially increases one's risk of gingivitis and tooth decay.

 HOW OFTEN SHOULD I FLOSS?

Studies have shown that daily flossing is efficient at removing bacteria, food, and plaque between the teeth.  Along with twice a day brushing, daily flossing is an effective method at keeping your teeth and gums healthy and vibrant. 

It's debatable whether one should floss before or after tooth brushing, but as long as the flossing is done daily, that's the important thing!

HOW SHOULD I FLOSS?

1. Start with approximately 18-20 inches of fresh new floss each time.  Waxed floss is a good choice as the wax may flossing easier go between the teeth.
2. Wind most of the floss around each of your middle fingers, leaving about an inch of floss in between the middle fingers
3. Hold the floss tightly between the thumb and index finger, and slide it up and down between the teeth gently
4. Very gently curve the floss at the end base of the tooth.  Make sure the floss gets underneath the gums.  Try not to force the floss down as this may injure or bruise the gums.
5. Use clean sections of the floss as you move tooth to tooth.
6. When done flossing, dispose of the floss and wash your hands with water and soap.
7. Repeat steps 1-6 daily.

If you have any questions about the importance of flossing your teeth, be sure to ask your dental hygienist and dentist.

Warm  Regards,

Peter Chien, DMD, MPH
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
425-615-1600

Dental Implants with Dentures, the Overdenture

DENTAL IMPLANTS

Dental implants have become an increasingly popular method to replace one or more missing teeth.  With an average time span of three to six months after the implant has solidified and osseointegrated into the jawbone, the implant abutment and dental crown are then placed to complete the implant restoration, helping the patient achieve optimal esthetics, chewing, and speech.

IMPLANT SUPPORTED OVER-DENTURE

Complete full dentures often rely on the existing bone ridge and gingiva for retention (ie. to ensure the denture does not fall out and stays in properly).  Denture adhesives can help to ensure the denture stays in, but must be used periodically throughout the day.  Dental implants can also be used in certain denture case to help make sure the denture stays in place.  Also known as implant over-dentures, multiple single implants are placed on top of the ridge.  The dentures then "snap" in place on top of the implants, firmly holding the denture in place.  The result is increased fit and retention, without the need for denture adhesives.

How can Dental Implants Help Hold the Denture in Place?

• There is sufficiently thin bone ridge, denture adhesive does not help and the denture still "wobbles" and moves around.
• The patient does want the constant need to apply adhesive to the denture and wants a more permanent solution.
• Due to extreme muscle and bone atrophy, there is near nonexistent bone structure and ridge to support a denture in place.
• One does not have the physical ability or dexterity to apply denture adhesive, and would like a easier and more convenient method to hold the denture in place

Benefits of A More Secured Denture

• Increased ability to chew
• Eliminates need for denture adhesive
• Increased self confidence
• No need to worry the denture falling out

If you have any questions on how dental implants can help support and retain a complete denture, please contact you family dentist.

From you gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Debunking the Myth that Root Canals Cause Cancer

Tooth with Root Canal Treatment

Cancer, a disease the medical, research, and practicing physician community have been battling since the dawn of the late 20th and early 21st century.  Cancer is a condition that has eluded the much needed cure; its etiology and causes are many and likely multi-factorial, some unknown, some known.

Some recent articles circulating on the internet have stated that a prevalent dental procedure is the cause of terminal cancer: root canals.  The information in the article claims that "97% of Terminal Cancer Patients Have Had This Dental Procedure" and therein it claims that the root canal is the cause of said disease.  The article then claims that the bacteria in the root canal tooth is the causal factor for cancer (among other regenerative diseases).   

This article claims that the cure of cancer is as simple as extracting root canal teeth, which allows one's immune to rebuild.

WHAT IS A ROOT CANAL?

First let's go over briefly what is involved in the root canal procedure.  During endodontic treatment the nerve of a tooth is removed out of necessity (ie. tooth infection, deep decay/cavity that has intruded the pulp, necrotic pulp, severely fractured tooth and/or restoration, failing restoration, traumatized pulp/ligament around the root).  The nerve and pulp in the root is mechanically cleaned out with a stainless steel instrument, filled with out a material called gutta percha, and which is then combined with a material called a sealer.

ARE THE MATERIALS USED SAFE?

The instruments used during a root canal procedure to remove the nerve are a stainless steel surgical grade quality.  It's the same material constructed in kitchen utensils people use everyday during meals.  It's the same material used in cooking knives and during surgery and most other routine physical examinations and medical/dental treatment.

The gutta percha used to obturate the canal (ie. fill the canal of the teeth) is made from a natural latex produced from the sap of a tree.  Gutta-percha is malleable, biologically inert, and biologically compatible.

Sealers are used to fill spaces within the root that the gutta-percha is not physcically able to fill.  Different types of sealers include zinc oxide-eugenol, resins, glass-ionomer, and silicon based materials.  Such materials have shown to be biologically compatible, and the vast majority of the population suffer no side effects from its presence or touch.

DO THE BACTERIA MENTIONED IN THE ARTICLE CAUSE CANCER?

No.  A major flaw of the article is its premise the research dentists found within the root canal teeth, the following bacteria:

Capnocytophagaochracea
Fusobacteriumnucleatum
Gemellamorbillorum
Leptotrichiabuccalis
Porphyromonasgingivalis

The dentists claim that the bacteria were found within root canal teeth, and it can affect one's heart, kidneys, brain, and sinus.  While this may be true, one has to realize that the above bacteria is found EVERYWHERE.  They have been shown to be common and present among immunologically compromised patients.  Such said bacteria are NOT exclusive to teeth with root canal treatment, and are present on the body due to the body's inability to ward of infections.  The bacteria are not present because of root canal treatment, and such claims from the article has no causative basis.

ARTICLE CLAIMS "DEAD BODY PART CAN LAUNCH AN ATTACK BY THE BODY"

False.  Another claim the article asserts is that leaving a dead part of the body within the body is ill-advised.  The article compares a gangrened finger or toe, or an aborted fetus in-utero due to a dead baby, which results in a miscarriage.  Granted yes, a gangrened finger or toe is surgically removed because if not removed in a timely manner, the bacteria within the necrotic finger/toe can travel and affect its neighboring healthy tissues.

And yes, the body may spontaneously removed the dead baby in-utero from the uterus, resulting in a natural miscarriage.  However one has to realize the dead fetus is expelled from the body naturally because the body recognizes the fetus as an organically necrotic material, and does not want to expend its nutrients and blood supply on necrosed tissue.

In comparison, a "dead tooth" is composed of inorganic materials.  Much like hair, fingernails, and eyelashes, the body recognizes such body parts as inorganic, including the root canal tooth.  Comparing a "dead" tooth to gangrened finger/toe or a fetus is not a viable comparison.  If such claim is true, then we can also state that one's body hair, head hair, or toe nails are a cause of cancer, and that our natural hairs and nails should be removed as such.


ARTICLE CLAIMS ROOT CANALS LEAD TO BONE, HEART, KIDNEY, AND BRAIN DISEASE

False.  The article further claims that he transplated root canal teeth fragments into rabbits, and found that such transposition caused a heart attack within a few weeks in 100% of the rabbits.  The Arthur further claims such teeth fragments caused bone, kidney, and neurological damage in 80% of the rabbits.

Such above claims have again no causative factors and have no relevant cause in cardiovascular disease in rabbits.  Rabbits as an overall population suffer from unfortunate sudden death, and is linked to inherent heart failure and heart disease.  The article's assertion that root canal fragments cause heart disease in rabbits is no more true than claiming that drinking water causes heart disease, as there is no causation.

Additional claims of bone, hepatic, and neurological damage caused by root canal fragments has also no basis.  Rabbits in general also suffer from inherent bone, kidney, and neurological issues as common causes of death, and again, has no causation with respect to root canal treated teeth.

ARTICLE FINALLY ALLEGES ONE TO AVOID ROOT CANAL

Depends, but one should NOT avoid a root canal for the fear of it being carcinogenic and cancer causing.  A root canal is a safe and biologically compatible dental procedure.  Though there are inherent risks of any dental or medical procedure, and no biological results can be guaranteed, its overall efficacy is time and results proven, and its benefits far outweighs its risks.

FINAL STATEMENT

It is the humble opinion of this author that root canals have no causative biological factors in the role of cancer.  such articles circulating on the web is an attempt at sensationalism and are astray from the sound scientific medical and dental community, and are merely attempting to instill ignorance and fear on the overall general population.  Again, the claims such articles are no more relevant to stating that drinking water causes stroke and heart disease, or that owning a parrot causes dementia.  

If you have ANY questions regarding root canal treatment, be sure to consult your family dentist or endondontist. 

Warm Regards from your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com 

Healthy Teeth Healthy Mouth Happy Kids

 Here at Bellevue Family Dentistry, we place an emphasis on adults and kids oral health alike.  In light of the American Dental Association's National Children's Dental Health Month in February, let us examine the benefits of oral health in kids.

Why is Children's Oral Health So Important?

• In the United States, oral disease (ie. tooth decay, gum infections) causes kids to miss more an astounding 50+ million hours of school, and also their parents to miss more than 25 million hours of work per year.
• If cavities and oral health infections are left untreated, the pain and infection may result in problems with eating, learning, speaking, and concentration. 
• Early premature tooth loss may result in reduced self esteem and reduced confidence.
• Children and adolescents with oral health problems, compared to those without oral health issues, are unfortunately more likely to have problems at school, and less likely to complete their homework.  Those with oral health problems are also more likely to feel interior, shy, unhappy, uncomfortable, sad, and depressed.
• When children's oral health issues are treated and the kids are not experiencing pain or discomfort, studies show they are able to learn better and their attendance at school improves.

America's Tooth Fairy

America's Tooth Fairy has great resources and information on programs on community-based educational, treatment, and preventive services to children of all income levels.  In the year 2012, volunteers from America's Tooth Fairy were able to provide children with over 200,000+ dental cleanings, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, screenings, and oral health education.

What Can I do Help my Kids at Home?

The best care begins at home!  Starting at the age of 6 months when kids first baby/primary tooth erupts, start brushing their teeth right away with a soft toothbrush.  Use a pea-sized amount of nonfluoridated toothpaste if your child is unable to spit out yet.  Brush your kids teeth twice a day (morning and before going to bed) and start flossing as soon as you see two or more teeth adjacent to one another.  Use an over the counter anti-cavity fluoride rinse (ie. ACT) to help decrease the risk of cavities.  Bring your kids to the dentist twice a year for regular checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments.

Happy brushing and flossing everyone!

From your gentle family dentist in Bellevue,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600
 

Benefits of chewing gum on teeth

In season with the approaching holidays, I would like to elaborate a little more on the oral benefits of chewing sugar-free gum.  Sugar-free gum can actually play a helpful in one's proper oral care routine.

Tooth decay is a prevalent and leading chronic disease among children, and among adults in certain geographic and socioeconomic areas.  Hence its importance that dentists and dental hygienists realize the impact of teeth decay, and how to promote oral health education and how to help protect one's teeth from dental caries.

Orbit Sugar Free Gum

One such method to lessen the risk of tooth decay is by chewing sugar-free gum.  In chewing the gum, it promotes and stimulates salivary flow (ie. increased saliva production from the Submandibular gland and the Parotid gland).  Saliva production is increased up to ten times the normal rate; this helps protect teeth by washing food debris away from the teeth, and also neutralize the acids found in food/drinks by raising the pH levels.   Saliva also protects the mucosal lines of the oral cavity by promoting sufficient hydration and thus helps prevent desiccation (drying).

A good time to chew sugar free gum are between the times one brushes during their teeth in the morning and at night. This could be as much as a 12-15 hour gap where one's teeth is more susceptible to tooth decay.

Examples of sugar free gum include Orbit and Trident.

If you have any questions on the role of sugar free gum in one's diet, be sure to consult with your Bellevue family dentist or hygienist.  Happy holidays!


Warm Regards,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Floss, floss, floss :)

Dental Floss

It's mid November and patients are coming to the dental office to utilize their insurance benefits (a good thing!).  One trend I've been noticing is the hygienist talk to patients about flossing.  So I thought we can go through some benefits and pointers on why the dentist, hygienist, and American Dental Assocation favor the floss so much:

1) Dental floss is a composed of thin filaments; it can be made of plastic or silk, and is sometimes flavored.  Flossing removes food, bacteria, and plaque between the teeth.  It really is the best method to clean between the teeth, and around and underneath the gums.  Left alone, the bacteria can cause interproximal cavities (tooth decay).

The bacteria trapped between the teeth can then seep down into the gums, causing periodontal disease (gum and bone disease), gingival bleeding, and bone loss.

2) Flossing also helps clear out bad breath (halitosis).  The bacteria and food trapped between the teeth and left on the gums/gingiva can cause bacteria to grow within the warm and moist oral cavity, a favorable environment for bacteria.

3) Dental floss supplements tooth brushing.  Though tooth brushing is sufficient at removing bacteria and food debris/plaque, the toothbrush's bristles unfortunately cannot get between the teeth.  Some floss are waxed to facilitate movement between teeth.

4) Kids and adults of all ages should floss.  Ideally one should strive for daily flossing for optimal oral hygiene.  If not, a few times per week is better than no floss at all :)

If you have any questions regarding flossing, be sure to ask you family dentist and/or dental hygienist.  Remember to floss (and brush) lots!

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Busy lifestyle dental tips...

School is in full force and working parents are busy, constantly on the go.  It can be easy to forget about one's oral health.

Below are some ways to keep one's teeth healthy and in tip-top shape:

1) Brush twice a day with fluoridated toothpaste to strengthen your teeth's enamel.
2) Floss at least once a day to help remove bacteria and food trapped between the teeth (ie. the interproximal surfaces).  This will also help reduce your gums from bleeding, and help control gingivitis.
3) Eat healthy foods (ie. fresh meats, vegetables, milk) to promote good oral and systemic health.
4) Mouth wash to help rinse off excessive plaque and loosen food debris from the teeth
5) Drink milk fortified with Vitamin D, preferably 2-3 servings a day.  The calcium and vitamin D will not only strengthen your body's bones, but also the bones holding your teeth as calcium also plays a role in teeth retention.  For those lactose intolerant, look for milk products that are lactose free.
6) See your dentist regularly twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
7) Limit sugar frequency; it's okay to eat sugar, just make sure the sugar intake is in controlled quantities and that one brushes his/her teeth after sugar consumption to decrease caries/teeth cavities risk.
8) For those who travel, considering having a travel sized pouch with toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
(425) 614-1600
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com

Single Tooth Whitening

 

TOOTH WHITENING

Do you have a single "dark colored" tooth?  Have you ever thought about getting it whiter so it blends in with the adjacent teeth?

Sometimes a single tooth can be discolored if it previously had root canal treatment.  If so, one option is to have that single tooth internally bleached.  How does it work?  Also called "walking bleach technique" your dentist may place either a high concentration of 35% hydrogen peroxide, carbamide perioxide, or sodium perborate.  The solution is left internally within the tooth for a few days, and the tooth is then re-evaluated for shade.  This internal bleaching is then repeated again if necessary.

This single tooth non-vital tooth whitening method is fairly noninvasive, and can be a conservative option compared to a veneer or crown.  Talk to your dentist to see if this "walking bleach technique" is right for you.

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600

Welcome!

Welcome to Bellevue Family Dentistry!  Please check this blog regularly for updates, news, and info about your personal family dental practice!  Periodically I will update this blog with interesting dental trivia and tidbits on topics such as teeth whitening, veneers, porcelain crowns, toothbrushes, toothpastes, and oral health.

Thank you for looking, and have a great day!


You family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600