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Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?. Family and Cosmetic Dentist Irvine.

Archive for the ‘Dental Exams’ Category

Cavity Fighting Chewing Gum?

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Oral Dentistry At SArt of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are sometimes asked about Xylitol gum. What is it, exactly? Can a type of gum chewing really help prevent cavities?

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark, but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually beneficial for your teeth. Clinical studies have established that xylitol impedes the growth of the bacteria that initiates decay. It also diminishes plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For those who live with frequent dry mouth, xylitol gum or mints can stimulate saliva production while preserving against cavities.

Is xylitol gum as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing the dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental problems before they start. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach come to us for general and cosmetic dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

How Oral Inflammation Affects Your Health

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inflamed gums Trinity

Swollen and painful gums are symptoms of periodontal disease, an inflammatory gum disease. Swelling occurs from an auto-immune response of the body reacting to an infection. Infections are noticeable through pain, redness, and warmth. If the infection is left untreated, it can impact the bone near the teeth. The body’s immune system wants to rid the bone of the harmful material the bacteria is creating. Over time, bone loss will develop.

Inflammation in the gums also is associated with atherosclerosis, the occurrence of fatty deposits inside the body’s arteries. Inflammation coincides with an increase of the blood protein CRP (C-reactive protein), produced by the liver. The more inflammation there is, the more the liver produces CRP. The more CRP present, the more likely cardiovascular disease is present, along with related problems. CRP production is also related to arthritis, auto-immune disorders, and intestinal issues.

Scientists are currently looking into the relationship between periodontal inflammation and CRP levels and the effects outside of the oral cavity. Links have already been discovered between periodontal disease and pancreatic cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

If inflammation is left untreated, gums can develop pockets that provide the perfect breeding ground for infection. The longer the infection persists, the more likely bone loss will arise, eventually causing tooth loss.

It is indispensable to practice preventive dental care daily at home and have regular visits to the dentist. Dental appointments should include an exam, cleaning, and full mouth x-rays, along with vital knowledge and instruction on how to properly care for teeth and gums at home. It is also very important to see your dentist ASAP if a tooth suddenly becomes sensitive or you see any other changes.

 

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-979-4054

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Don’t Miss Oral Cancer Signs

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oral cancer signs This message from Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA focuses on a very serious issue: oral cancer. Oral cancer claims tens of thousands of lives each year, which is why we offer oral cancer screenings at each checkup. Early detection can make all the difference! At home, you can pay attention for any of the following:

  • A lump or thickening in your throat
  • White or red patches on your tongue, tonsils, or lining of your cheeks and gums
  • Numbness of any oral feature
  • Any type of lesion, cut, or canker-type sore that doesn’t heal within 14 days
  • If you notice anything unusual, be sure to tell us or your doctor.

We perform basic screenings. If we notice anything suspicious, there is no immediate cause for alarm. We won’t know right away if we’re looking at is cancerous, but will probably refer you for additional testing. Early detection through an oral cancer screening at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA can make all the difference, and only takes a few minutes. People from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach also come to our practice for complete family and restorative dentistry. Request an appointment today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Ten Terrific Tooth Tips

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cost of dental crowns In addition to cleanings and checkups, Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA likes to share useful information to help you stay on top of your dental health. So without further introduction, here are some terrific tooth tips:

  1. If you have kids and your municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, talk to your pediatrician about fluoride supplements. Fluoride strengthens both the teeth you can see and the ones still forming in the jaw.
  2. Set a timer when you brush to make sure you spend at least two minutes thoroughly cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue – it provides a cozy home for bacteria.
  3. Floss before you brush so that tooth bristles can better reach between teeth.
  4. If you can’t brush after a meal, chew some sugarless gum with xylitol. Xylitol may curb the growth of bacteria on your teeth to reduce plaque formation.
  5. Eat carbohydrates with meals instead of alone, as snacks. More saliva is generated while eating a meal and this can lessen the effects of carbs sitting on your teeth.
  6. An oral fluoride rinse used right before bedtime adds an extra measure of decay deterrence. Fluoride rinses – not traditional mouthwash – work best when swished over teeth for at least thirty seconds after flossing and brushing. After spitting it out, don’t rinse with water. Let the residue protect and strengthen your enamel all night long. This is especially important for kids – just make sure they don’t swallow it.
  7. If you have diabetes, it is important to understand that unhealthy blood sugar levels can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. We can help you maintain oral health in spite of your condition.
  8. Beware of the dental risks of chronic dry mouth (aka xerostomia). Continual saliva production is essential for keeping the mouth lubricated, washing the food from tooth surfaces, and neutralizing the acid caused by plaque.
  9. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are some of the medications that can cause dry mouth.
  10. Wearing a mouthguard when you participate in sports can prevent tooth injury.

At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we want all our patients to take good care of their teeth. Brush and floss daily, and see us for a checkup every six months. Services include general and restorative dentistry. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach trust us with their dental health. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Think You Know How To Brush? Think Again.

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tooth brushing tips

You’ve been doing it since you were five. You switch to autopilot morning and night and get it done. But Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA has a question: are you doing it right? We ask this in all seriousness. There is always room for improvement, even in something as basic as brushing your teeth.

Essential Dental Health

Brushing, after all, is an important part of any daily dental health routine. We recommend brushing your teeth twice a day, and with a soft-bristled toothbrush. We strongly recommend flossing, too. Before or after you brush? The jury remains out on that one. We think before is better, but the most important thing is that you do it. Be sure to get all over your teeth: the front and the sides, inside and out, and the tops. When you do the sides, be sure you brush along the gumline. Use a gentle touch, and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle. As you do the front and side surfaces, move the brush in gentle, circular strokes.

Toothpaste

Use a pea-sized blob of fluoridated toothpaste – or more than pea-sized, if you’re so inclined. A little extra is no big deal, but be sure to use enough. Be sure the head of the toothbrush isn’t too big, especially if you have a smaller mouth. It needs to fit easily between your cheeks and gums. The handle is less important. Make sure it feels comfortable in your hand. Replace your toothbrush every three months, if not more often.

Tooth Massage

Plaque is soft and loose, so you don’t have to scrub very hard to remove it. Think of it not so much as brushing, but massaging your teeth and gums. With that in mind you should you be able to keep a light touch. Finally, brush for at least two minutes. If you’re running late, and are tempted to cut it short, resist. If it helps, use a stopwatch. You’ve probably got one on your smart phone. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA we want the best possible dental health for all of our patients. People come from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach for adult orthodontics, complete family dentistry, and lots more. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Do You Have Periodontal Disease?

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Periodontal Disease in Irvine Though most Irvine residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we see patients with gum disease every day.

Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until doctor Emil Hawary diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile and can create cosmetic concerns. If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.

When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be managed and, ultimately, cured. However, the best policy for Alabama dental patients is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental checkup at your local Irvine dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, give us a call to schedule a dental check-up and cleaning. Don’t take the risk of allowing existing dental problems like gum disease to progress. At Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA, we are enthusiastic about the highest standard of dental care and patient satisfaction.

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Why You Shouldn’t Dread Going To The Dentist

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gentle dentist Countless people see their stress levels rise as they anticipate an upcoming dental appointment. It’s so common there’s a term for it: dental anxiety. But a calm and comfortable atmosphere, as well as a focus on patient communication, can often be the best answer to this sort of stress.

 

This is what we offer at Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA can help even severe cases get the dental care they deserve. Some people get so concerned at the thought of a dental checkup that they’ll put it off for months, even years. In severe cases, they’ll avoid the dentist completely, and trust to daily flossing and brushing to keep their teeth and gums in good shape.

We’ll never discourage regular flossing and brushing, but skipping the dentist is never a good idea. No matter how good a job you do with dental hygiene, even if it’s brushing after every meal and right before bed, it is no substitute for a dental checkup. But we understand how difficult it is, for whatever reason, for some people to get themselves to our office. Our unique, patient-centered approach has helped hundreds of people get through their appointments.

We pride ourselves in three calming, anxiety-reducing factors:

Patient Communication: Most fear stems from ignorance. With our direct approach, you’ll have all the information about your procedure communicated to you in simple terms. This way, you can choose which treatments you are comfortable.

Topical Anesthesia: Over the last few decades, local anesthetics have become incredibly effective at numbing pain. This, combined with a dental team that is ready to coach you through your treatment, means you are in safe, pain-free hands.

Patient Amenities: Whether you need a glass of water, a re-explanation of a procedure, or even calming music, we are at your service. We will strive to make this appointment as close to a spa experience as possible! Never take the chance of compromising your dental health by skipping the dentist. Art of Dentistry Institute in Irvine CA can help you overcome your dental phobia. Patients from Santa Ana, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach rely on us for general and restorative dentistry. Contact us today!

Contact Art of Dentistry Institute:

949-955-3366

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

Art of Dentistry Institute 2646 Dupont Dr #200 Irvine, CA 92612

Healthy Smiles Are Beautiful Smiles

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Dentistry for a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Dentistry for providing a healthy, beautiful smile in IrvineYour smile speaks volumes about your personality. You may try to pass off that closed-lip grimace as a smile because you lack confidence in your teeth. You may go out of your way to hide imperfections by not smiling or by placing your hands over your mouth when you talk. This self-conscious behavior is affecting the way people perceive you. Covering your smile is hiding it away, and that makes you seem weak and timid. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Attractive smiles start with the teeth and most importantly, their health.

Signs of an Unhealthy Mouth

  • Tooth loss can lead to the atrophy of the underlying bone. Without teeth or facial bone for support, your face can prematurely age.
  • Overcrowding of teeth makes them hard to clean properly. This causes plaque build-up and tooth decay.
  • Puffy, red, and inflamed gums are signs of gingivitis. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.
  • Fever blisters and canker sores can be a sign of vitamin deficiency, a bacterial infection, or an inflammatory bowel disease.

Art of Dentistry Can Help You Achieve a New Smile

At the Art of Dentistry Institute, Dr. Hawary uses his years of experience to help craft new and beautiful smiles. He provides a wide range of services from general to cosmetic dentistry. He even offers treatments that are specially tailored to make the face appear more youthful, happier, and healthier.

Implanting a Stronger Smile

Losing teeth does more harm than just creating an unattractive smile. Tooth loss can affect a person’s ability to chew food. The jawbone needs the chewing action to stimulate bone regulation, and without it the underlying bone begins to atrophy. With no supporting structure, the lips and surrounding tissue sink in toward the mouth, aging the face. By utilizing dental implants, you can can keep chewing as you did before.

Dental implants inserted after tooth extraction can prevent bone loss and damage. Dental implants are made of titanium, and they permanently fuse to the jawbone. This allows implants to act as a replacement for the root system, making them more reliable than dentures or fixed bridgework.

Aligning a Straighter Smile

When teeth are overcrowded or overlapping, it becomes increasingly difficult to ensure that they are properly cleaned. There are crevices that the toothbrush cannot reach, and it may be impossible to floss all the way to the gums. When the teeth cannot be cleaned effectively, plaque begins to build up. Excess plaque can lead to tooth discoloration and decay. Using Invisalign® can give you a straighter smile.

Invisalign® is a set of clear aligners that can be easily removed. Unlike braces, Invisalign® won’t alter your daily life. You can brush and floss as you normally would and continue to eat the food you love. Invisalign® is ideal for adults and older teens who have healthy teeth and gums. Each set of aligners is customized for you and corrects teeth in about a year, giving you that beautiful smile you desire.

Maintaining a Brighter Smile

The key to maintaining a healthy smile is routine dental hygiene. It is necessary to do your part daily by brushing and flossing as instructed, but many people fail to realize the benefits of semi-annual dental visits. Regular dental examinations allow for the early detection of tooth decay, gingivitis, and other oral health problems so they can be treated before becoming visible or causing pain.

At your exam, x-rays will be taken to determine cavity development, a professional teeth cleaning with remove hardened plaque build up, and tooth polishing will remove stains on the tooth surface. During an oral exam, you may also receive an oral cancer screening. Early cancer detection is vital for treatment and survival. All of this ensures your teeth stay healthy and fabulous.

Stop hiding your smile away. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Hawary and see how he can give you a healthy, beautiful smile. Call today at 949-955-3366 or fill out our online contact form here.

If you are interested in a cosmetic dental procedure at Art of Dentistry in Irvine, CA, please call 949-955-3366 to schedule your dental appointment today.

Learn More About the Art of Dentistry Institute
Multiple Award Winning Dentist in cosmetic dentistry

Art of Dentistry Institute
2646 Dupont Dr., Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92612
Tel: 949-955-3366
Fax: 949-955-3377

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