Oral Care Tips to Help Seniors Enjoy Strong Teeth and Healthier Lives

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – You may expect to lose teeth as you age, but you don’t have to. With good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist, you can keep your teeth healthy and functioning normally. Dentists in Bakersfield help adults older than age 60 understand how our oral care needs may shift as we age..

Dr. Marvizi, who is also a Bakersfield Invisalign dentist, helps patients of all ages realize good oral care will improve their lives. Our Bakersfield dental team brainstormed some tips for seniors and their caretakers to improve their oral health.

Oral Care Tips
Floss every day at least once. Guide the floss gently between each tooth and curve it along your tooth in a C-shape. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth that can’t be reached with a toothbrush. Ask your dental about alternatives, such as interdental cleaners, if your fingers aren’t dexterous enough to handle dental floss. Flossing reduces your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brush your teeth at least twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and hold the brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Brush in small, gentle circles. Remember to get a new toothbrush every few months or sooner if you’ve been sick.

Many of us experience dry mouths as we age. Saliva helps break down the bacteria in our mouths and aids in cavity prevention. Encourage your saliva to flow by drinking lots of water and chewing sugar free gum. Prescription drugs can also inhibit saliva flow. Talk with your doctor to see if your medications interfere with your oral health.

Visiting your dentist regularly is an important step for your oral health. Schedule appointments every six months for routine dental cleanings to keep your teeth and gums healthy. These appointments also allow your dentist to closely monitor any changes in your oral health and detect problems early.

Denture Care Tips
Dentures also require care. Rinse your dentures and then brush with a soft toothbrush to remove bacteria and debris. Brushing your dentures keeps them clean, white and free of bacteria. Remember to clean your mouth, too. Your gums, tongue, cheeks and roof of the mouth can harbor plaque and contribute to gum disease. Keep your dentures covered in water to keep them from changing shape. You may wear dentures with adhesives. Discuss this with your dentist to review tips for safe use.

Things to Watch For
Do you have any pain in your mouth? Do you have trouble eating or speaking, chewing or swallowing? Pay attention to your gums, lips, teeth and tongue for any changes or sensitivities. Notice if any teeth grow loose or sensitive and notify your dentist of these changes.

As we age, our mouths may be more susceptible to certain health issues, including a dulled sense of taste, gum disease, tooth discoloration, root decay and tooth loss. Tooth loss can affect the way your teeth fit together and cause difficulties chewing and speaking. Cosmetic dentistry procedures such as dental implants and crowns can replace missing teeth and restore your bite. Missing teeth can make your facial muscles sag and cause you to appear older. Replacing those teeth will restore your confidence, improve your appearance and boost your oral health.

Teeth are important to your quality of life. You use your teeth every day to speak, smile and chew. Healthy teeth allow you to eat crunchy, nutritious food to keep the rest of your body healthy.

Oral health has many links to total body health. Improving your oral health will reduce your risks of gum disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and oral cancer.

© 2012 Sinai Marketing and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Sinai Marketing are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

 

New York Dental School, Foster Care Agency Partner to Improve Kids’ Oral Care

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA - The New York University College of Dentistry partnered with local foster care agency Graham Windham to bring routine dental care to more than 650 foster children. Authors presented the abstract “An Approach to Dental Healthcare in an Inner-City Foster Care Population: The Partners Against Caries Program” at the American Academy of Pediatrics conference on Oct. 21.

Dr. Joseph Marvizi, a Bakersfield cosmetic dentistry provider, understands that routine oral care is crucial to exemplary overall health. Dental health can affect children’s school attendance, school performance and mental health.

Previously the Graham Windham foster care children received dental care from multiple providers in a variety of locations. The partnership with the NYUCD streamlined the children’s oral care by providing a “dental home” for the children in spring 2011. The program is called the Partnership Against Caries (PAC). Healthy Foster Care America reports about 35 percent of kids entering foster care have existing oral health issues that need to be addressed.

“Dental health has been described as a ‘window’ to a child’s well-being,” says Graham Windham’s Medical Director Dr. Mitchell Rubin. “We believe that an optimal dental state is a necessary ingredient for the interrelated spectrum of medical, mental and social health.”

The program has helped more than 650 children between 18 months and 21 years old gain regular dental care, and it has also proven beneficial for NYUCD dental students.

“Most of the dental students have little knowledge of the foster care system,” says Elizabeth Best, study author and Outreach Program Administrator for the Department of Pediatric Dentistry. “At NYUCD, we are graduating dental students who have worked with this population, and are aware of their unique health care needs.”

Best says the children enjoyed being treated by younger dental students, and the students enjoyed engaging the children during their oral care.

Dental school students examined participating children for any present dental issues, administered fluoride treatments, regularly cleaned teeth and educated families on dental issues. The children received care at one of two foster care facilities, and the program also coordinated transportation for kids to see doctors for more advanced care.

The partners in this program hope PAC’s success provides a model for similar community outreach programs to emulate in other areas. Dr. Marvizi realizes many kids are lucky to receive routine dental care and even specialty cosmetic care such as Invisalign Teen treatment. Dentists in Bakersfield can contact the Kern County Network for Children to learn more about foster care needs in the area.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

How Invisalign Works: An Overview of the Magic of Invisalign

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Our patients want the best smiles possible, and we want to deliver them.

There are many aspects of cosmetic dentistry we provide, but many of our patients want to know if their smiles can be straighter. You may have gapped teeth that prevent you from smiling your fullest. You may have crowded teeth that are embarrassing and hard to clean. One treatment gives you straighter teeth almost invisibly: Invisalign.

Bakersfield dentist Dr. Joseph Marvizi has helped many patients achieve their dream smiles. Now let’s discuss how Invisalign works its magic.

First, you’ll want to find a certified Invisalign provider that you trust. Dr. Marvizi is a skilled Invisalign provider, but if you’re not in California, ask your dentist if he offers Invisalign treatment. Many Invisalign providers will give you a free consultation to discuss possible treatment. Adults undergo regular Invisalign treatment, and teens receive some special perks with Invisalign Teen treatment. Your doctor can discuss the differences with you and your teen.

Once you’ve found your doctor, he will X-ray, photograph and mold your teeth. He will use these to generate a 3-D image of your smile. Your doctor will use Invisalign software to show you show how your teeth will gradually shift into place, and you’ll even see your expected outcome. Every patient is different, though most adult treatment times last between a year and a year and a half. Teenage patients may take a little longer, closer to average length of traditional braces. That said, teens would probably be happier with removable incognito aligners than with a mouth full of metal. Your doctor will predict how long your treatment will last based on your current alignment.

Invisalign then creates custom plastic aligners for your treatment. The plastic is clear and nearly invisible, so your friends and coworkers won’t notice they’re in place. The aligners are also comfortable to wear and BPA-free. Invisalign was designed with flexibility in mind. You can remove the aligners to eat and to perform regular oral care. During treatment your teeth will stay cleaner and healthier than they would with traditional metal braces. Metal braces make it hard for you to floss and brush, and they create many crevices where food particles and bacteria can hide. You will wear each aligner set for about two weeks, depending on your treatment plan, and then you will switch to a new set. The new set will move your teeth closer to perfection. You will only need to see your doctor once every six weeks, which is generally less often than with metal braces.

The beauty of Invisalign is that you will be able to tell your teeth are moving to their ideal positions each step of the way. You can take them out to enjoy a special date or to eat a fantastic meal. But the more you wear them, the quicker your teeth will reach their desired places.

Straight teeth will also improve your dental health, as aligned teeth are easier for you to floss and brush. The easier your teeth are to clean, the healthier they will be. Invisalign can correct gaps, crowding, overbites, underbites and crossbites. You can top off your Invisalign treatment with Zoom! in-house tooth whitening to take your smile to the next level.

Contact our Bakersfield dental office to discuss how Invisalign can help you smile confidently. If you don’t live in California, visit the Invisalign website to find a certified provider in your area.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Tongue, Lip and Cheek Piercings Can Jeopardize Your Oral Health

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – The Journal of the American Dental Association published an article about oral piercings in their July issue. The article, titled “The piercing truth about tongue splitting and oral jewelry,” inspects the prices people pay for tongue, lip and cheek piercings.

You may be looking for a fun, semi-permanent way to express your style. Oral piercings may add some pizzazz to your look, but they come with certain oral health risks. Dr. Joseph Marvizi, one of the dentists in Bakersfield CA, wants patients to be aware of the dangers of oral piercings, specifically those that jeopardize your oral health.

“Wounds created during tongue splitting and oral piercing allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the bloodstream,” the article states. “In people with oral piercings, these bacteria have been associated with endocarditis, a serious infection involving the heart.”

Bacteria are naturally present in our mouths, but with proper oral hygiene we can keep the bacteria from progressing into plaque and tartar. Oral piercings can give the bacteria a straight route to your bloodstream, threatening the onset of endocarditis. Endocarditis inflames the muscles and valves within your heart. The condition can be life threatening, though it is rare.

Oral piercings also pose potential complications to your cosmetic dentistry procedures. Playing with a tongue ring could cause you to chip a crown or filling. Oral jewelry can even cause you to chip or crack your natural tooth, which may require restoration procedures to correct.

Dentists use X-rays at your regular dental visits to produce radiographs of your mouth. Your oral piercing could block the X-ray, causing complications for your dentist.

“Radiographs can help your dentist detect tooth decay and gum disease or abnormalities such as cysts or tumors,” according to the article.

Your dentist will want a clear X-ray to ensure your mouth isn’t hiding any unseen problems.

Oral piercings not only affect your surrounding teeth, but your gums, too. Our gum tissues grow quickly. Your lip ring may feel fine at first, but your gum tissues may start to grow over your piercing. This overgrowth of gum tissues is called embedding. Your embedded oral piercing will likely need to be removed with oral surgery.

Your gums may also recede from frequent contact with your jewelry. Your jewelry is a foreign object in your mouth, and your gums may react negatively to the metal in your mouth. Receding gums expose more of your tooth’s root, which can heighten your sensitivity to hot and cold oral sensations and make you more susceptible to decay.

Weigh the risks of your piercing against the value it will bring to your life. While it’s ultimately your decision to get pierced, we want you to make good choices for you and for your health.

Bakersfield dental services at Apollonia Dental Center include general and cosmetic dentistry with an emphasis on customer service. Our Bakersfield Invisalign patients are on the route to straighter smiles with flexible, effective treatment plans. Contact our practice to discuss your oral piercings or to schedule a routine dental exam.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Back to School with Braces: Plan Braces-Friendly Lunches and Pack Your Survival Kit

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Returning to school is a busy and exciting time. You get to reconnect with old friends and rehash your summer adventures. You have new teachers, new classes and a new locker. Some of you may even be looking forward to learning what your new classes have to offer. It’s normal to feel nervous butterflies, but we don’t want your braces to add to that stress.

The Bakersfield dentists at Apollonia Dental Center want to make your back to school experience pleasant and fun. Here are some tips to help you deal with your braces at school.

Pack Braces-Friendly Lunches

Packing lunch for students with braces can be challenging, but there are many braces-friendly foods to choose from.

If you’ve just had your braces tightened by the orthodontist, your teeth will probably be sore. Raw carrots, pretzels, nuts and corn chips may cause your teeth more pain and they may even damage your braces. Apples and pears are hard to eat whole, but they can be eaten easily when they’re sliced thinly. Gummy foods such as taffy and fruit roll-ups get caught in braces and stick like glue.

Think of foods soft enough to eat comfortably.

Yogurt is a great option for kids with braces. Our Bakersfield dental patients also like muffins, pasta, quinoa, soup, pudding, avocados, mashed bananas, mashed potatoes, applesauce, coleslaw and soft fruits like strawberries or blueberries. Watch out for sugary foods; you don’t want the sugar to stay on your braces and breed bacteria. Add protein to your meal with beans, meatloaf, tofu, pulled pork, meatballs and tuna. Salsa and hummus are good snacks to bring to school, too, but bring softer pita slices instead of hard tortilla chips for dipping.

Do you have access to a microwave? If so, packing lunches is even easier. Sautéed vegetables are a healthy, soft side dish or even main course. Carrots, squash, zucchini, green beans, onions and bell peppers soften when they’re heated in oil. You can also add spices or pieces of meat to jazz up your concoction. Prepare your food at home one night a week and split it into equal portions. Bring your tasty meal to school, heat it up, and enjoy your home-cooked meal.

Slow-cooking food in a crockpot will make basically anything soft and easy to eat. You can also cook in bulk this way and freeze meals for later.

You’ll want to clean your teeth thoroughly after you eat. That’s where your braces survival kit will come in handy.

Your Everything-Braces Kit
It’s helpful to have all the supplies you need for your braces in one place. Make your own braces survival kit, or browse already assembled kits online. Keep the kit in your backpack or in your locker so you can access it easily.

Here’s what you need:

  • Dental wax for sores and scrapes
  • Floss made for orthodontic care
  • Toothpaste and a toothbrush
  • A small mirror to check for trapped food
  • A small (or collapsible) cup for rinsing
  • Soothing rub or cream that your orthodontist approves
  • A spiral dental brush
  • Lip balm

Braces-wearers are probably familiar with most of these products. You may prefer a toothbrush made for braces, but a regular toothbrush will be effective too. Lip balm keeps lips from drying out. Optional items include pain medication and interdental picks. Remember to bring a protective mouth guard if you play sports during or after school. Contact your parents and your orthodontist if your braces need repairs.

There is another straightening option that doesn’t include metal and wires. Contact our office to discuss Invisalign treatment for teens. Our Bakersfield cosmetic dentists can go over the best treatment options for you and your family.

We wish you the best of luck with your new school year and with your journey to a straighter smile! If you have any questions, we’re here to help.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

MouthHealthy Gives Consumers Relevant Dental Health Information in Laymen’s Terms

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – The American Dental Association launched a new website for consumers on June 25 called MouthHealthy.

The ADA administered a consumer survey to measure Americans’ oral health knowledge. We only averaged a 60 percent, which in grading terms would be a D. Not one person aced the test of the close to 1,500 Americans surveyed.

Dr. Joseph Marvizi, a dentist in Bakersfield, Calif., wants to share this new informational website with dental patients across the nation.

The survey revealed that women scored higher than men on average, as did participants with children in their homes. Education also played a factor in the results; participants with college degrees averaged a 62 percent, while those with high school diplomas scored 55 percent. Those with higher incomes generally got higher scores, except in the Hispanic population, where income didn’t play a factor in the results.

Participants were generally knowledgeable about gingivitis, pregnancy and dental health, and the changes in our mouths as we age, according to the ADA. Knowledge was lacking in children’s dental health, sugar’s role in cavity development, and whether to brush after every meal.

Are you curious how you’d stack up to the national average? MouthHealthy invites you to “Test Your Dental IQ” on their website.

The ADA has separated oral health topics at MouthHealthy by life stages. These categories, including Pregnancy, Babies and Kids, Preteens and Teens, Adults Under 40, Adults 40-60 and Adults Over 60, provide relevant information specific to your current situation.

ADA’s Find-A-Dentist is a feature of MouthHealthy instead of the ADA’s website. You can browse ADA member dentists in your area to find dental care for you and your family. Learn about common oral health issues in laymen’s terms. A variety of topics are covered in detail, including baby teeth, dentures, root canal procedures, gum disease, dental sealants and thumb sucking. The ADA wants MouthHealthy to educate people on oral health and the benefits of family dentistry.

ADA certified dental products are arranged by category: Denture Products, Floss and Interdental Cleaners, Mouth Rinses, Tooth Whitening Bleaches, Toothbrushes and Toothpastes. You can compare products within each category by description, product image, ADA Seal Statement and the basis for acceptance.

MouthHealthy also includes a comprehensive Spanish translation with a simple toggle button at the top of the page.

Dr. Marvizi as one of the dentists in Bakersfield CA wants you to treat your teeth kindly. Good oral care affects your whole body, and proper brushing and flossing combined with regular dental exams will keep your teeth and body healthy. Bakersfield Invisalign patients visit Apollonia Dental Center for straighter teeth without the discomfort of metal braces. Contact us for an appointment today.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Sensitive Teeth: Why You May Have Them and How to Treat Them

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Sinking your teeth into an ice cream cone on a hot summer day can be heaven – unless you suffer from sensitive teeth. Many of you have likely experienced some form of sensitive teeth.

Sharp pains penetrate the surface of our teeth, many times in reaction to hot or cold sensations, says the Bakersfield cosmetic dentist, Marvizi. Some people even experience tooth pain from breathing in cold air. The Academy of General Dentistry reports that at least 40 million Americans suffer from tooth sensitivity.

But what makes our teeth react to temperature this way? Let’s quickly review the composition of a tooth. The outermost layer of our teeth is made of hard enamel. Beneath the enamel you’ll find dentin, which contains the tooth’s inner pulp. The dentin also contains tiny fluid-filled tubes.

What Causes Sensitive Teeth?

Dentists in Bakersfield CA say teeth become sensitive when the dentin’s tiny tubes are uncovered. Receding gums can cause these tubes to be exposed, and so can severely deteriorated enamel.

Certain behaviors can increase the chances of your teeth growing hypersensitive. Patients that grind their teeth can wear down their enamel and make teeth more susceptible to sensitivity.

Assess your oral health. Cracked teeth, receding gums, plaque buildup and tooth decay can cause your tooth’s roots to become sensitive and irritated.

Examine your diet for foods with high acidity. Citrus fruits contain lots of acids, so be wary of eating too many grapefruits, oranges, tangerines, clementines, lemons or limes. Pickles, tomatoes, and even tea also contain acids.

The biting pain can deter you from eating your favorite foods, but there are several options to relieve your sensitivity.

How Can I Treat and Relieve Sensitive Teeth?

Reduce the amount of acidic foods and drinks that you consume.

Examine your oral health routine, says Invisalign Bakersfield provider. What kind of toothpaste do you use? Some whitening toothpastes contain the ingredient sodium pyrophosphate, an abrasive material that can exacerbate sensitive teeth. Desensitizing toothpaste can help, but it normally takes several brushings to become effective. Fluoride can help desensitize your teeth also, so make sure your toothpaste contains fluoride. Remember to choose a toothpaste approved by the ADA.

What type bristles does your toothbrush have? Hard bristles are tougher on teeth and gums. Choose soft bristled toothbrushes to thwart unnecessary sensitivity. Are you brushing your teeth too hard? Take a look at your toothbrush. Bristles that point in different directions can be a sign of hard brushing. Take is easy on your teeth and brush gently but thoroughly.

Your dentist may be able to seal your tooth root with a protective covering, eliminating the contact that causes sensitivity and discomfort. Dentin sealers will keep the roots protected and will alleviate your pain. Dentists can also cover unprotected tooth roots with fluoride varnish or dental bonding.

Our Bakersfield dental pros can inspect your mouth for problems that could be contributing to your sensitive teeth. We practice general and cosmetic dentistry at Apollonia, improving smiles with Invisalign clear aligners and porcelain veneers. Contact our office to learn more about tooth sensitivity. We want to help you eat ice cream and feel pleasure, not pain.

© 2012 Master Google and Dr. Joseph Marvizi. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Dr. Joseph Marvizi and Master Google are credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this document is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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Apollonia Dental Hires Dr. Zinati for In-House Orthodontic Services

BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA – Apollonia Dental Center welcomes orthodontist Dr. B. David Zinati to our practice.

Dr. Zinati, a graduate of University of Southern California’s School of Dentistry, stays up to date in the orthodontic field. His addition to our practice allows us to offer braces to our patients with misaligned teeth.

Dr. Zinati joined our practice this May. Apollonia dentist Dr. Joseph Marvizi had met Dr. Zinati earlier, and when Dr. Marvizi wanted an in-house orthodontist to offer braces to his patients, he and Dr. Zinati joined forces.
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Don’t Grind Your Teeth to Stumps: Learn What Causes Grinding and How to Quit

BAKERSFIELD AND LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – Have you ever been awakened by someone grinding their teeth beside you? The sound is painful – one of those nail-on-the-chalkboard type of sounds. Teeth grinding and clenching, medically called bruxism, affects people during the night and sometimes during waking hours.

You may feel a dull pain in your jaw during the day or experience headaches without identifying the cause. You may be confused about the symptoms and ignorant of the cause. Many sufferers don’t know they grind their teeth at night until a loved one hears them.

You may experience symptoms without connecting the symptoms to your bruxism if you’re grinding your teeth unconsciously. Symptoms include headaches, sore jaw and teeth, loose teeth, neck pain, eating disorders, depression, sensitive teeth and gum recession. Teeth grinding can be similar to a sleep disorder, and it can exacerbate insomnia and result in poor sleep. Since the temporomandibular joint is located so close to the ear canal, some patients may experience referred pain through earaches, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
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