Monday, November 28, 2011

Vibrating dental device could cut brace time in half

Traditionally, dental braces reshape the positioning of one's teeth by applying force to them. The AcceleDent device, worn with braces, simply speeds up tooth movement by vibrating them 20 minutes a day.
In a randomized, controlled clinical trial out of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, this vibration accelerated tooth movement by 106 percent during the initial alignment phase, and then 38 to 50 percent later, all without any adverse events

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Some Advise for The Holidays

As each October creeps up on Cindy Flanagan, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), her mind always wanders to the amount of sweets both children and adults will be consuming during the last few months of the year.

"Too many sweets can cause a spooky mouth," says Dr. Flanagan. "People have the tendency to graze on the sugary treats lying around the house during the holidays, and this increases the likelihood of cavities."

Dr. Flanagan knows that candy consumption is almost unavoidable at this time of the year, so she's offering some advice as to which sweets are less damaging to your teeth than others.

The Good:

1.Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies: These treats stimulate saliva, which prevents dry mouth. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
2.Sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can actually prevent cavities, not only because it helps to dislodge food particles from the teeth, but also because it increases saliva. Saliva works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
3.Dark chocolate: Chocolates are loaded with sugar, but studies have shown that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure. Just be sure to eat it in moderation.


The Bad:

1.Sugary snacks: Candy corn, cookies, and cake all contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
2.Chewy/sticky sweets: Gummy candies, taffy, and even dried fruit can be difficult for children and adults to resist, but they are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth and make it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away.
3.Sour candies: High acid levels in these treats can break down tooth enamel quickly. The good news: Saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth. Dr. Flanagan recommends that patients wait 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks, otherwise they will be brushing acid onto more tooth surfaces, increasing the erosive action.


So this Halloween season, try not to overdo the sweets. And, that goes for the little ones, too. "Parents, remember: A proper oral hygiene routine for your little ghosts or goblins is essential to maintaining good oral health all year-round," says Dr. Flanagan.

www.Healthysmile360.com
Michael Mostofi D.D.S.
15 Mareblu #360
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Monday, August 29, 2011

Back to school, back to the dentist, it’s the law


Tooth decay is one of the biggest health issues among children, accounting for over 51 million hours of school time lost every year. What’s more, poor dental health in youth can lead to chronic problems like discomfort, difficulty chewing and the need for painful and expensive procedures down the road.
An annual back-to-school dental checkup is an easy way to help prevent these problems. It’s so important, that several states — including California, Oregon and New York — actually require children to get a dental exam before entering public school.
Regular dental exams do more than catch tooth decay. They also let us see if teeth are growing in properly, monitor the results of their brushing and flossing techniques (and give lessons, if necessary), and apply fluoride treatments or protective sealants that can prevent decay before it happens. If your kids play sports or engage in other activities that might cause oral injuries, we can fit them for protective mouth guards.
If your kids are in college, planning checkups during school breaks can ensure that they’re receiving regular professional dental care. And even if they’re too young for school, your kids are probably old enough to go to the dentist. The ADA recommends babies start seeing a dentist when their first tooth comes in, usually when they’re between 6 and 12 months old.
So while you’re making back-to-school plans, plan on bringing your kids in for a visit. And for extra credit, try these fun tips for sending them to school with a smile:
1. Buy new toothbrushes: While they’re getting new notebooks, pens and other supplies, why not let them pick out a new toothbrush? While you’re at it, pick up two — one for home and one to bring to school.
2. Make a dental care kit for school: To encourage them to brush after lunch and snacks, buy a zippered plastic-lined bag and include a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss.
3. Pack dental-friendly lunches and snacks: Fruit, nuts, string cheese and bottled water are all good choices. Avoid sticky foods like raisins or fruit leather, as they can cause cavities.
4. Start a reward system: Encourage good dental exams like you encourage good grades — with a prize like a night at the movies, a new video game or other coveted item.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Straightening Teeth In 8-12 Weeks?


The Inman Aligner - what is it?

The Inman Aligner is a fast and simple way of straightening crooked front teeth, for both top and bottom jaws.

In essence, it's a removable brace that applies continuous gentle pressure to straighten up your front teeth.

The initial treatment can usually be completed in 8-12 weeks and minor crowding can be corrected in 8 weeks or less. It is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in recent years in terms of orthadontics.

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Pregnant Women?

A pregnant woman who has a tooth ache might hesitate before seeing a dentist, wondering how safe treatments might be for her future baby. If you are pregnant, the thought of taking dental x-rays might scare you off from visiting your dentist, because you are not sure how the radiation would affect your baby. Some future mothers would even hesitate to go for a regular dental check-up, not knowing if routine x-rays can harm the baby.

These worries are normal for a pregnant woman to have, especially if it’s her first baby and she wants to take every precaution not to harm him. If you are suffering from a toothache or if you have a dental emergency, you would think that your dentist ideally needs a proper x-ray to detect what the problem is.

Dentists and doctors generally do not recommend that a pregnant woman takes x-rays during the first trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, routine X-rays, which are usually taken during a dental check-up, should be postponed until after childbirth.

Emergency X-rays can be safe, if not carried out during the first three months of pregnancy. Your dentist uses a lead blanket to cover your body and protect your uterus from any radiation. That way your baby is almost totally protected.

Some dentists would also do treatments needing multiple x-rays, such as root canal therapy, but that remains controversial. If you are not sure whether you should start a major dental treatment when you are pregnant, you can discuss it with your dentist. There’s a possibility of starting a major treatment by removing tooth decay or any infection on your tooth or on your gums. Full treatment can be finished after you have given birth. Therefore if you are suffering from dental pain, do not ignore it and call your dentist!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Monday, May 23, 2011

Making it easy for our patients to communicate with us

We have made a few changes to the look of our email patient communication system. We are confident that these changes will not only improve our level of service, but also our ability to communicate even more effectively with you. One of the most significant additions is the ability for you to provide feedback to us following your appointment. We appreciate your patronage and invite you to communicate with us online any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With our new system, you will be able to:


Receive Email Appointment Reminders
Confirm Appointments via Text Message
Request Appointments Online
Receive Exclusive Specials & Promotions
Refer Friends & Family
and more

Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Cavities Are Contagious

Did you ever think a cavity could be contagious? According to two studies, cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth can be transmitted from person to person.

"Particularly, the easiest way to catch a cavity is when a mother is feeding a child," Dr. Irwin Smigel, creator of Supersmile, told AOL Health. The mother will taste the food to check the temperature and then continue feeding the child. "Immediately, that's how kids get cavities," he says.

Kissing between couples can also cause the spread of harmful bacteria. Smigel has seen many patients, particularly women, who have clean, healthy mouths, discover a cavity or two after entering into a relationship with a man who has cavities, gum disease or hasn't been to the dentist in several years.

Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Monday, March 28, 2011

Pregnancy Gingivitis: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know

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Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk for developing oral health problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum disease). As a result of varying hormone levels, between 50%-70% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy - a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy - especially the increased level of progesterone - may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque. In fact, if you already have significant gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse.

Dr.Michael Mostofi

HEALTHY SMILE 360

15 Mareblu, Suite 360
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Sunday, March 6, 2011

Take care of teeth — and toothbrushes



Some advice: Don't cover up brushes between uses. Allow them to air-dry instead. Bacteria and other organisms will grow faster on bristles kept in a closed, damp environment.

Rinse them thoroughly. After each use, hold brushes under running tap water until you've cleaned off all remaining toothpaste and visible debris.

Store them correctly. Place brushes in an upright position to best air them out. Also keep them at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid contamination with (yuck) airborne particles after a flush.

Don't share brushes. You'll be swapping germs with the other user, which can make you sick. If you store more than one brush in the same container, keep their heads completely separated.

Replace them often. Get a new brush at least once every three or four months, and after each time you've been sick, according to the American Dental Association, or ADA. If bristles look worn or frayed, the brush needs to go. Children may need replacements more often than adults.

Consider disinfecting them. Some dentists recommend soaking brushes in an antibacterial mouthwash such as Listerine for five minutes a day. You also can buy an ADA-approved sanitizer machine, which uses ultraviolet lamps or steam and dry heat to fry nearly all bacteria and viruses. Just note: Studies to date haven't confirmed a health benefit, and not all dentists believe frequent disinfecting is necessary



From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110303/LIFESTYLE03/103030318/Take-care-of-teeth-—-and-toothbrushes#ixzz1FtbUeQKH

Monday, February 7, 2011

Brand New Year! Brand New Smile!

Picture yourself with a new smile that radiates beauty, trust and confidence - a new smile that fully expresses who you are! Using a dynamic proven technique of porcelain veneering called Smile Design, you can have that life-changing smile in as little as two visits. You know you deserve it. Now you can have it. Call today to schedule your complimentary smile Makeover consultation. We're the smile experts!

Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511