Vitamins A, C, and D are very important to the wellbeing of your teeth, both for building and protecting them.
Vitamins A and D help to develop and maintain healthy and strong teeth. The antioxidant vitamin C helps keep gums and connective tissue healthy, aiding in the healing process of cuts or scrapes in the mouth. Calcium is also important for the teeth, creating a strong jawbone and foundation for the teeth. In order to maintain good oral health, make sure that your diet includes sources of these vitamins, or foods that contain them.

The following is a list of easily found sources of these vitamins/minerals:

• Vitamin A: Found in dark green vegetables, eggs, fortified dairy products, and liver. Also sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cheddar cheese, cantaloupe melon, apricot, and papaya.
• Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, raspberries, spinach, plums, gooseberries, garlic, kale, and raw green cabbage. Animal sources include raw liver, raw oysters, and cod roe. Vitamin C supplements are also a good option.
• Vitamin D: Found in salmon, anchovies, eel, eggs, and fish or vegetable vitamin D supplements. It is additionally added to many calcium supplements, as these vitamins and minerals are harder to find in common foods than vitamins A and C.
• Calcium: Found in milk, soymilk (when calcium is added), nuts such as almonds, and sesame seeds. Because dairy is the most common calcium and vitamin D source, vegans or those who avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance may need to include blackstrap molasses, beans, figs, quinoa, collard greens, or okra.

Also, foods that are high in sugar are usually not good for the teeth. Sticky sweets like candy can get stuck on tooth surfaces for extended periods of time, breaking down the tooth surface and causing cavities.

For more information, or to set up an appointment, call Dr. Steven J. Brazis at 916-731-5151.

Steven J Brazis DDS
5030 J Street, Ste. 302
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 731-5151

Covering the entire surface of your teeth there exists a massive, harmless biosphere of many bacteria called a biofilm, or plaque. This biofilm is a diverse layer of bacteria colonies, which are drawn to the smooth texture of the tooth. Unlike almost all other cells in the body, your teeth do not shed and replace their cells, only shedding once as baby teeth. Around 25,000 bacteria species may be present in the biofilm; it is speculated that the body allows plaque to build as a way of stopping large amounts of dangerous bacteria from building up on the same surface.

However, dental plaque doesn’t stay harmless for long. Initially, the plaque is soft enough to scrape or brush off, but past 10 days on the teeth, plaque becomes calculus, or tartar. Tartar is rocklike and hard to remove, and while tartar and plaque are on the tooth, various fermentations and reactions caused by the bacteria produce acid that can cause cavities. Cavities are the primary danger of plaque and tartar buildup.
Saliva creates a perfect environment for bacteria to grow in, acting as a pH buffer and maintaining a pH of around 7. Nutrients are also provided in saliva, giving the bacteria a food source. In order to prevent cavities and damage from plaque buildup, brushing your teeth is essential- saliva cannot penetrate the surface of the biofilm to balance the acid level on teeth.

Here is a quick list of oral hygiene tips to reduce acidic buildup, plaque, tartar, and cavities:

• Brushing your teeth (plaque removal)
• Flossing
• Tongue cleaning
• Gum care
• Foods that contain beneficial nutrients, such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate.
• Sugar-free gum chewing after a meal.

Regular teeth cleanings and checkups will remove tartar and plaque buildup more effectively than you can at home. Having a professional cleaning twice a year is recommended to properly remove built up tartar. Having a fluoride treatment is another common dental post-cleaning treatment that will help strengthen the teeth.

If you think you may have a cavity or want to ask about tooth cleanings, call Dr. Steven J. Brazis at 916-731-5151 today and schedule an appointment.

Steven J. Brazis DDS
5030 J Street, Ste. 302
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 731-5151

Chewing your teeth can cause the following symptoms:

A pounding, constant headache
Tooth damage, cracks in the tooth
Fractured, loose teeth
Soreness of the teeth, gums, or jaws

As it is tough to know about teeth grinding overnight other issues may arise.
Symptoms can lead to temporomandibular joint problems (TMJ) after they affect the muscles and other structures around the jaw. Symptoms can also lead to worn down teeth, a misaligned bite, or any of a large list of jaw-related problems.

Treatments for Bruxism seek to reduce pain, reduce damage to the teeth, and reduce the time spent grinding or clenching your teeth. Mouth guards or appliances, such as splints, are encouraged for the prevention of long-term damage to the teeth.

If you are bothered by any of the signs of Bruxism (tooth grinding or clenching), call Dr. Brazis at 916-731-5151
immediately and set up an appointment. There are a number of options offered to resolve the issue, both for prevention and restoration. Mouthguards can help in preventing nighttime tooth gnashing, while operation for crowns or bridges may be needed for teeth that have been severely weakened.

While you’re waiting for your appointment, speedy fixes to ease pain include cutting back on alcohol and caffeine, applying ice or warm water to relieve soreness, relaxing and avoiding stress, and heating your face (with a warm washcloth or steam) to relax the jaw muscles before sleep.

Steven J. Brazis DDS
5030 J Street, Ste. 302
Sacramento, CA 95819
(916) 731-5151

More and more, people are demanding whiter teeth. They are no longer willing to accept the slow discoloration of their teeth over time. As a result, a major industry has grown up around “tooth whitening.” I want to bring some clarity into the cloud of information (and misinformation) concerning “tooth whitening” and the procedures and products used to achieve whiter smiles. This is going to be a series of articles addressing this subject.

Today we will start with some definitions and explanations. In subsequent posts I will discuss the pros and cons of the different methods and materials employed and then, finally, discuss some of the major brands of tooth whitening systems out there currently. Let’s get started.

The Factors Affecting Tooth Color

Tooth color is an enormously complex subject composed of many factors including hue, saturation, translucency, stains and age to name a few. However, for our purposes here, the thicker the enamel, the whiter the appearance of the teeth. Some people start out with thick opaque enamel and, hence, whiter looking teeth. In general, the original color of teeth ranges from the yellow-brown caste to the grey-green caste. As teeth age, the enamel tends to wear and become thinner and more translucent. This allows the yellow-brown color of the underlying dentin to show through more. Also, aging is accompanied by slight cracking and imperfections in the surface of the enamel allowing deeper penetration of stains.

Types of Stains

Stains are classified as either intrinsic (internal) or extrinsic (external or surface). Intrinsic staining can be a result of age, trauma (either acute or chronic), exposure minerals (as in Tetracycline) during formation or fluoride in too large doses. Often there is a combination of all these factors, different for each individual.

Extrinsic stains affect the surface of the tooth enamel coming from foods, dark colored beverages (wine and juices), tobacco and other sources that penetrate surface imperfections over time with the wear and trauma of chewing and/or tooth grinding.

Whitening vs Bleaching

Although the term “tooth whitening” is commonly used for all types of whitening systems, there are actually two distinct types of procedures involved. The FDA classifies the use of a peroxide containing agent to produce a whiter intrinsic shade as “bleaching”. “Whitening” on the other hand is the process of removing as much of the extrinsic or surface stain on teeth through the use of toothpastes, toothbrush floss and other cleaning agents such as the pumice used by the hygienist.

In the next installment, we will talk about the three types of whitening systems commonly available: In-office systems, At-home systems and Over-the-counter systems.

Or you can also download the free complete report on tooth whitening at http://www.toothhaven.com/?page_id=118. Follow Steven J. Brazis DDS at http://www.sjbrazisontwitter.com

These are all complaints I get regularly. The jaw joints are a very complex mechanism and there are many factors involved with what is know as TMJ Dysfunction, TMJ Syndrome or just TMJD. The cartilage disk in the joint can become worn and the ligaments holding it become stretched, leading to various problems which in early stages can elicit the kinds of complaints I mentioned here as well as others.

So what is a nightguard? A nightguard (or more accurately an occlusal guard) is a plastic appliance made from an impression taken by a dentist that is worn over the teeth to protect the teeth from grinding action. This grinding (or sometimes clenching) is often done while a person is asleep, hence the term nightguard. However, it does not have to be worn only at night. It can be worn any time. You would not want to wear it while around other people or while eating, however.

The grinding of the teeth, known as bruxing, causes excess pressure on the teeth and jaw joints and can be responsible for the abnormal wear of teeth and the joint cartilage. When you sleep, the nerves responsible for controlling the amount of pressure you put on your teeth when you close your jaws are inactive, so you can put up to ten times more pressure on your teeth asleep and not even know it.

Pressures on the joints cause abnormal wear of the cartilage disc between the jaw bone and the skull. The ligaments holding this disc in proper position can also get stretched. The wear of the disc itself and stretching of the ligaments causes the disc to lose proper shape and position resulting in clicking or popping noises in the joint, and eventually pain. If these problems become severe enough, a simple preventive measure like a nightguard will not solve the problem and it may require crowns, bridges and even surgery to correct the problem.

There are also alternative healing modalities that are centered around realigning muscle and joint function, but again, these measures would need to be applied before significant anatomical changes have taken place.

Pressures on the teeth cause abnormal wear on the teeth themselves, as well as stress to the nerves within the teeth. When the teeth wear, it can be either at the point of contact between opposing teeth or where the enamel is thinnest at the gum line. This wear at the gum line from grinding pressure is the result of microscopic “bending” of the teeth and is known as abfraction. This is one of the causes for the dished out sensitive areas that can appear at the gum line of teeth in various parts of the mouth. The wear at the point of contact is usually less serious, but can result in the need for bonded fillings, or sometimes crowns if a fracture develops in the tooth.

The stress to the nerves within the teeth leads to “aching” teeth and eventually to the need for crowns, root canals (removal of the nerve) or even extraction if accompanied by severe damage to tooth structure.

Nightguards are preventive appliances and can help to mitigate minor symptoms related to early problems from grinding or clenching habits. They are not, however, a treatment solution for the problem and if grinding or clenching persist or have cause significant symptoms already, treatment solutions should be discussed with your dentist.

Call 916-731-5151 for an appointment!
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On a brighter note, modern medicine has allotted significant advances in technology that makes life easier and more accessible. Costs and time commitments have been reduced, so there may not even be a need for immediate follow-ups. Patients are now able to get the care they need and deserve that may not be available to them unless commuting was an option. Maintenance is easier, and less of a hassle and options are broadened for the best care to be found in many different places, especially with specialists.

However, numerous visits may be required for some specialized care. This could complicate the commuting process. The advances in modern medicine could lessen the severity of such circumstances. Using preventative methods is a big key to achieving this as well. Pay a visit to your dentist for a full consultation, as sometimes a phone call will not always do the trick. Figure out all the questions you wish to be answered, and do not be scared to double check or make sure with other professionals in the dental industry.

Life is just easier when you have a smile to lead the way. Everyone deserves to look and feel healthy, young, and vibrant, and your teeth are an important part of that. We take pride in making sure that we do everything we can to help you get all of your dental needs and desires obtained.

All the best,

Dr. Brazis
“Great Teeth Bring Great Smiles!”

Dr. Brazis is a leading dentist in the Sacramento area. Call his dental office at 916-731-5151 to schedule your appointment.

There are many options to choose from when thinking about amalgam to act as a filling for cavities. It’s a personal decision, one person may want gold while for another porcelain veneer is the way to go. Budget, time commitment, appearance and other considerations may play a big role in the decision. No matter what, the most important reason for deceiving what to get should be your wants and desires.

With the wide assortment of choices to choose from including silver, gold, or just a plain perfect match, the decision can be tough. Just remember that you are the one that has to live with your decision in order to maintain healthy teeth. Ask your dentist about the options available and the issues that may arise in order to make an educated decision that is best for you. Good Luck!

All the best,

Dr. Brazis
“Great Teeth Bring Great Smiles!”

Dr. Brazis is a leading dentist in the Sacramento area. Call his dental office at 916-731-5151 to schedule your appointment.

Intimidation from fear, stress, misunderstanding, or difficulty expressing special needs can be a big hurdle to overcome when visiting the dentist. This is because complicated procedures often implement fear into the mind of patients. Simple words such as implant, surgery, and root canal have an extremely negative affect in discussions. Oral surgery is one of the scariest, least spoken of dental procedures that people tend to just avoid.

Nevertheless, you deserve to receive the best care for your needs. This may mean a specialist is needed for their higher level of expertise than the normal, average dentist that you may be used to. Never feel afraid to ask questions or be concerned about the procedures and options available for the best results possible from your dental visit. Hopefully this video helped you understand your needs, whether that means going to go see a specialist, or just speaking with your family dentist.

All the best,

Dr. Brazis
“Great Teeth Bring Great Smiles!”

Dr. Brazis is a leading dentist in the Sacramento area. Call his dental office at 916-731-5151 to schedule your appointment.

Many people believe that dentures are their only choice once they reach the old age stage. Watch this short video to understand how that is a myth.

Since age puts a tax on our health, certain things need to be taken into account for good hygiene to be prevalent. The loss of teeth, gum disease, or receding gums can all be an issue that must be taken care of. This may require a specialist. The effect age has on your teeth, smile, and youthful appearance may perhaps bring pain and discomfort to a whole new level of understanding.

Fortunately, there are many different options available to put your age back in its number line. Make sure to research, speak to your dentist, and understand the insurance plan options and consequences when deciding what is right for you. The best decision is the best one for you needs, so make sure you do as you please to look as you please!

All the best,

Dr. Brazis
“Great Teeth Bring Great Smiles!”

Dr. Brazis is a leading dentist in the Sacramento area. Call his dental office at 916-731-5151 to schedule your appointment.

Even if it sounds a little out of the ordinary, it’s a common event. Find out the some of the reasons why new patients are sometimes not accepted by watching the video below.

Just as an ER, or maternity ward can become full a dental office can be as well. Their practices reach full capacity and the infrastructure to maintain and treat any additional patients reaches its limits. Therefore patient flow must be at a minimum or even halted. Eventually openings become available and more spots open up for more new patients to fill. Specialization plays a factor in acceptance rates slowing down or ceasing as well. Dentists who practice advanced surgical procedures fall into the low acceptance rate category very often, which is a reflection of their busy schedule.

There are many factors that may put a damper to acceptance rates; hours of operation, days of operation, or even management and maintenance problems. It is important to figure out whether your dentist of choice is accepting new patients before deciding on a new dentist to visit. Hopefully the video helps ease the process of finding the right dentist for your needs without going through the new patient rejection stage.

Yours Truly,

Dr. Brazis
“Great Teeth brings Great Smiles!”

Dr. Brazis is a leading dentist in the Sacramento area. Call his dental office at 916-731-5151 to schedule your appointment.