Jeff Coleman

Teens and Dental Care

Teenagers and dental care can be a challenging period for a parent.  Your active teenager has the advantage of the last of the permanent teeth come in.   This is the best time to look at their lifetime smile with teeth straightening, giving an increased confidence when it is often needed.   On the flip side, teens starting exerting their Independence dropping the childhood good habits of proper dental hygiene. Some young men and women develop teenage tooth decay that can cause recurring dental problems in later years.

Peer pressure comes into full play with food changes, trying new things and the interest in self expression.  This can take many forms, some of which can have a impact on dental health.

• Oral Piercing
  Oral piercings or tongue splitting may have great appearance to your active teenager, but they can be dangerous to their health. The the mouth contains millions of bacteria, and infection and swelling often occur with mouth piercings. For instance, the mouth and tongue could swell so much that you close off the airway or  could possibly choke if part of the jewelry breaks off in their mouth. In some cases, piercing could crack a tooth if  bitten down too hard on the piercing, and repeated clicking of the jewelry against teeth can also cause damage. Oral piercing could also lead to more serious infections, like hepatitis or endocarditis.
• Energy Drinks and Soda
  At a time when teenagers need to increase their calcium intake, teenagers tend to lean toward energy drinks and sugared soda, both which have dental challenges.  In the Academy of General Dentistry, it was found that energy drinks have a increased amount of acid.  An additive that enhances flavor and self life.  It is also very good at stripping enamel from teeth!  Soda is not as intense as the energy producing power drinks, however the end result is the same.  Both cause your teeth to “sit” in sugar for up to 4 hours.
• Daily Brushing … or not
  A Gallup survey recently revealed that only 64 percent of kids age 12 to 17 brush the recommended two times a day. Two percent, the poll found, don’t brush at all.  Not a huge surprise for an age group that is attempting to assert their independence;  with some teens, refusing to do anything a parent says. Parents are often urged to choose their battles during these years, and generally that is good advice.  However, poor brushing habits can result in cavities, yellowing, gum disease and, lead to loss of precious teeth in their later years.

  A good alternative solution to pressuring your teen,  is to schedule an checkup appointment with your dentist, specifically with the idea of having the dentist show a teen the result of what happens in their mouth when they do not clean.  Cross relating their present oral health with “this is what is going on in your mouth right now”.  The dramatic and rather gory imagery, just might do the trick.

Surf City Dentist would like to be your family dentist and work with your teenager.  Call us for an in-person interview appointment.  Your health, your family, your kids are important to us.

This blog is for advisory purposes only.  Actual medical/dental diagnosis can not be done online. This blog does not replace the opinion or procedures recommended by other licensed professionals in the field.
Please see a licensed dentist or doctor. 

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Dr. Ken Yabuki

Should you are should you not continue your dental care while pregnant.  It is a question that all expectant mothers consider.  All instincts are on full to protect your unborn child from any outside influence.  However surprisingly to some, dental care becomes even more important during this expecting period. Preventive dental cleanings and annual exams during pregnancy are not only safe, but are highly recommended.

Pregnancy affects the entire body including the month and teeth. Because you gums and teeth can be effected by hormone changes in your body while pregnant, you will need to pay close attention to your oral health.  The hormone know has progesterone can increase inflammation of the gums and cause a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis can damage the infrastructure of your teeth and while a common occurrence that usually goes away after the child is born, the damage to your own health is already done.  This is why keeping your checkup and cleanings is of even greater importance during pregnancy. 

Pregnancy Granuloma

Pregnancy granuloma is a reddish growth that often appears along the upper gum-line. This reddish growth bleeds easily and can form crusts along the gum-line. These growths are not dangerous, but they can be uncomfortable and affect how you eat and talk. Pregnancy granulomas usually happens during 2nd trimester and affects two to ten percent of pregnant women. They usually go away after the child is born.

Cavities During Pregnancy

The safest course of action is to postpone all unnecessary dental work until after the baby is born. However, sometimes  emergency dental work, such as a root canal or extraction due to an abscesses or infected tooth, the luxury of delay is lost.   Be sure to inform your dentist of your pregnancy so the right treatment guidelines and screenings can be done.

What About Medications Used In Dental Work During Pregnancy?

Currently, there are conflicting studies about possible adverse effects on the developing baby from medications used during dental work. Lidocaine is the most commonly used drug for dental work. Lidocaine does cross the placenta after administration. Additionally, dental work often requires antibotics to prevent or treat infections.  Anitiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin and clindamycin are labeld category B for safety in pregnancy.  However, for complete safety make sure to fully consult your medical doctor and dentist, in order to coordinate your treatment.

What About X-Rays Used In Dental Work During Pregnancy?

Routine x-rays, typically taken during annual exams, can usually be postponed until after the birth.  If x-rays are necessary to perform a urgent dental procedure, the American College of Radiology has indicated that no single diagnostic x-ray has a radiation does significant enough to cause adverse effects in a developing embryo or fetus.  With proper shielding, the ADA and ACOG, consider x-rays safe.   For complete safety make sure to fully consult your medical doctor and dentist, in order to coordinate your treatment.

American Dental Association (ADA) Recommendations

• The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends pregnant women eat a balanced diet, brush their teeth thoroughly with an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste twice a day, and floss daily.
• Have preventive exams and cleanings during your pregnancy.
• Let your dentist know you are pregnant.
• Postpone non-emergency dental work until the second trimester or after delivery, if possible.
• Elective procedures should be postponed until after the delivery.
• Keep your legs uncrossed while you sit in the dentist chair to maintain circulation.
• Take a pillow to help keep you and the baby more comfortable.

Surf City Dentist would like to be your family dentist.  Call us for an in-person interview appointment.  Your health, your family, your kids are important to us.

This blog is for advisory purposes only.  Actual medical/dental diagnosis can not be done online. This blog does not replace the opinion or procedures recommended by others licensed professionals in the field.
Please see a licensed dentist or doctor. 

Schedule Online NOW.

Do You Have A Dentist
You TRUST?

Learn More About Surf City Dentist

What To Look For In A Family Dentist

Dr. Ken Yabuki

Finding and choosing a family dentist can be challenging.  After all, you have to find someone that works for yourself, your spouse and your kids.  And it has to be someone that the family can trust.   One of the primary keys is to find a dentist that specializes in a wide area of dentistry, including pediatric dentistry.  Asking friends and colleagues who they use, is always a good beginning.

Choosing the right family dentist boils down to three core items:

1. A dentist that understands that children, including teenagers are not adults.
2. A dentist that understands your unique family values and concerns
3. A dentist that has excellent qualifications and current patient reviews.

Here are some things you should consider in choosing a family dentist:

• Look for a dentist with whom you can establish a great rapport with. This dentist should also be experienced as much as possible, as they are able to recognize potential problems right away and inform you of the best treatment options and prevent further damage.
• Choose a dentist that has worked with both adults and kids, including very young children. Checking if the dentist has a website and going through their online biography can give you a good idea about his or her experience. Of course, asking your friends, especially those with young children, for referrals is always a good idea. Read reviews and research for great dental practitioners within your community to help narrow down your choices.
• You should be comfortable talking to your dentist. After all, you want to be able to ask questions and air out concerns about everything from proper dental care to healthy snacks that will not damage yours or your children’s teeth. Consider every visit to your dentist as an opportunity to gain valuable insight about oral health and preventive care, on top of getting professional evaluation and care for your family’s teeth.
• Look for a dentist and dental hygienist who are gentle, patient, and kind. You may want to survey their offices for games and toys in the waiting room to help make your children become comfortable with every visit. Choose a dentist who is kind and will make your children feel encouraged and gain a positive attitude toward dental visits. You will want your children to look forward to visiting the dentist and caring for their teeth after. Dental appointments should never feel like punishment.
• Dentist availability should be a major factor in your decision.  Your dentist should be able to see you within a few hours, even on weekends, should emergencies arise.
• Check the dental office and make sure that it is comfortable. After all, you will be spending a lot of time in it on a regular basis, so you should be able to relax before and after your procedure. It’s nice if the office is equipped with comfortable furniture, current reading materials, an area where your children can play. The small details can symbolize how your dentist take great care in ensuring that patients are at ease and that your comfort and satisfaction are valued.
• Choose a dentist that is current with the latest dental technology and techniques. A dentist that uses the latest techniques and whose office is equipped with modern machines can provide better results. It also pays to seek one who is constantly improving his or her craft through continuing education, workshops, and conferences. Never settle for one who only offers the basics, because you might need procedures that may require advanced techniques, such as dental implants, porcelain veneers, and porcelain inlays, to name a few.
• Choose a dentist that allows interviews.  A dentist who cares about you will be more than welcoming to perform a on-site interview.  You want to find out how a dentist thinks and feels before you are sitting in the patient chair.
• Always ask about UPFRONT pricing and what payment methods are available, plus the type of insurance the office currently uses.  Having a great family dentist is also one that works with you in its payment structures, but also tells you what things are going to cost before building a huge bill.  If a procedure out of your present price range is required,  find out through the front office how payments can be deferred or even covered through insurance, credit lines or similar.
• Everyone slips up or has periods of time that dental care is last on the list of priorities.  A good family dentist will be non-judgemental in their approach and will work with you to resolve the issue without guilt or condemnation.
• Your dentist should have a valid and currently license in the state they practice.  For the state of California, this can be found at the California Dental Board.

Surf City Dentist would like to be your family dentist.  Call us for an in-person interview appointment.  Your health, your family, your kids are important to us.

This blog is for advisory purposes only.  Actual medical/dental diagnosis can not be done online. This blog does not replace the opinion or procedures recommended by others licensed professionals in the field.
Please see a licensed dentist or doctor. 

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You TRUST?

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