Cost of a Dental Night Guard

For many, their first crown comes due to a broken tooth. “And too often, the cause of the breakage is bruxing and grinding,” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care.

“One of the results of nighttime clenching and grinding is broken teeth, and one of the best ways to avoid breaking and fracturing teeth is to wear a night guard or splint,” adds Dr. Ko.

Not only will an occlusal night guard help with your bruxing and grinding but it also saves you money.

In general, a night guard will cost somewhere between ¼ and ½ of a single crown. “Not only that, but teeth that are damaged and in need of a crown often also suffer from nerve damage that could result in the recommendation of root canal treatment,” says Dr. Ko.

So why wait? If you think you are someone who grinds or clenches their teeth, or if you’ve been told by a spouse that you grind at night, don’t delay. Call today and learn more.

Clenching – How Can You Tell If You Are Guilty?

Most people at some point in their lives will probably clench or even grind their teeth. Occasionally clenching or grinding will usually not cause significant long-term damage, but repeated acts will.

Generally clenching and grinding occurs when a person is under stress or is anxious, has bite issues or missing or crooked teeth. Unfortunately, clenching and grinding often happens during sleep and so you may not be aware you are even doing it unless a partner informs you, or you wake with face or joint pain.

“Sometimes the issue first presents itself as a broken tooth or filling. Chronic grinding damages teeth,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Inland Empire’s Top Dentist in Hemet, California. “You may even see the results when you brush and notice the wear on the surfaces of your teeth.”

While there are a few things you can do to reduce the discomfort – apply ice to the joint, learn relaxation techniques and avoiding foods and drinks that contain caffeine, the best solution is often a night guard.

“Night guards are custom fit appliances that will allow your jaw to move freely without damaging teeth or joints,” adds Dr. Ko. Your general dentist is the person to ask if you may be a candidate for an appliance to help with your clenching. Call us today to learn more about how you can be fit with a night guard to protect your teeth and joints.

Why Am I Grinding My Teeth?

Bruxism is the term used for when people grind their teeth. It occurs generally a night when a person is asleep and often unaware they are even doing it. But what causes grinding or bruxism? According to Dr. Judith Ko, your Inland Empire’s Top Dentist, “Bruxism is often caused by anxiety, stress or tension. It’s why we often see college students suffering during mid-terms or finals, or why when a business professional has an important deadline they also present with a broken tooth.”

While anxiety and tension lead the list of reasons for bruxism, grinding can also occur when a person has suppressed anger or rage issues, or is someone who is aggressive, competitive or hyperactive in nature.

“And sometimes grinding can be the result of bite or occlusion issues with how the upper and lower teeth fit together,” adds Dr. Ko.

Why is this an issue? “When your teeth do not fit together correctly and when you are grinding due to anxiety, it produces unnatural wear to the teeth and too often results in the cusps of teeth being broken,” says Dr. Ko.

What can you do? A first step is to be evaluated. A comprehensive exam will generally give your dentist an idea of what is going on. Most times bite issues can be corrected with some adjustment, or a night guard may be recommended to protect the teeth. “While the fix is relatively easy and affordable, doing nothing is just not the smart option. Teeth that are damaged enough to need a crown are often also the ones that need root canal treatment. Excessive bruxing and grinding can loosen teeth and the wear can prevent you from enjoying your food,” adds Dr. Ko.

Don’t wait. If you think you may be someone who should be evaluated, call today and schedule an appointment!

Fluoride – Good or Bad?

If only the answer was easy. Fluoride is a chemical that has been used in toothpastes, some rinses, applied by your dentist and is many times added to water. Studies show that fluoride does prevent dental decay – and that is a good thing. But we also know that fluoride is considered a toxic substance and since the late 1990’s, the FDA has required toothpaste to carry a warning stating that fact.

While ingesting fluoride is now in some circles considered questionable, the use of fluoride in toothpastes, and oral rinses is still seen as posing a reduced risk while providing a larger benefit.

You may find that when you visit your dentist, she will make the recommendation for additional in-office fluoride. This fluoride can be given to the patient in gel form, an oral rinse or in some instances as varnish. When you are given a fluoride treatment in the dental office, your care provider will be careful to make sure that all excess fluoride is removed from the teeth and mouth. All fluoride applied or given in the dental office is done so with recommendations for withholding food and drink for a period of time after application. This ensures that the fluoride adheres to the teeth and is minimally ingested.

“Fluoride along with brushing and flossing is the best way to keep your smile its brightest for a lifetime,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Top Dentist in the Inland Empire.

Dental Flossing. Should You Choose An Alternate Method?

Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet, California is adamant, “The best type of floss is the one a patient will use.”

Floss resembles a piece of thread. It is passed between teeth to remove plaque a toothbrush will miss. Flossing is best when it is a daily habit and is critical to good oral health. Many different types of floss are available from waxed to unwaxed, flavored and unflavored and there is even dental tape, which is almost more like a flat ribbon. There are also special floss holders that make flossing easier and interdental cleaners – picks, sticks or brushes that can help clean between the teeth.

Finally there is the Waterpik and Airfloss. Both are oral irrigators that also work to remove plaque and other debris from between the teeth and below the gumline to improve gum health. Studies have shown that these types of devices may even be superior to floss in reducing bleeding and as effective in removing plaque. “The important thing is that the area between the teeth is cleaned on a regular basis,” adds Dr. Ko. “How you go about it, is up to each individual.”

Smiling - What Can It Do For You?

“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do,” ~ Mother Teresa

Smiling not only can change the way others view you, a smile can also bright your day. Smiling when you don’t really feel like it, is a way to send a message to your brain that you are happy. Science has shown that facial expressions can create physiological changes that match the emotion expressed. So smile away.

There is also evidence that smiling helps a person to reduce their blood pressure, improve digestion and regulate blood sugar. Not only that, but smiling – because it tells your brain you are happy, will slow breathing and heart rate which reduces stressful feelings.

Of course, a smile makes you appear more attractive. According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes you more appealing and perhaps, more employable.

So why isn’t everyone always smiling? “Many times people come into our office embarrassed about their smile,” says Dr. Judith Ko, voted a Top Dentist by the Inland Empire Magazine. “If their color is darker than what they’d like, we can enhance their smile with whitening. If they have teeth that are shaped in a way they dislike, we can often do some gentle shaping and apply veneers to help. In other words, if someone is unhappy with their smile, there are generally solutions.”

So what are you waiting for?

Bleeding Gums - That's Not Normal

Bleeding of Gums when Brushing or Flossing

It is not normal when gums bleed when brushing and flossing. “In fact, it signals that a disease process has begun,” says Dr. Judith Ko from Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, California. Think about it. If bleeding occurred anywhere else on the body, you’d be concerned. You’d probably visit a doctor to determine what was going on.

For some reason many of us do not consider bleeding in the mouth the same way, but we should. Bleeding of the gums while doing routine maintenance – brushing and flossing – signals infection. We also know that not treating an infection of the body is not in our best interest. Infection causes our body to be depleted of energy – this also rings true when it’s an infection of the gum tissue. “The recommended treatment for bleeding gums is called root planing and scaling. Once this process is completed, many patients remark on how they feel better over all and experience higher energy levels,” adds Dr. Ko.

So at the first signs of bleeding, see your dentist.

Summertime Tooth Tips

Summertime Tooth Health

Now that school is out for summer, and the weather is delightful, it’s time to think about how to keep your smile its healthiest.

Dehydration is a concern,” says Dr. Judith Ko, one of your Inland Empire’s favorite dentists. “One of the best things you can do for yourself and your smile is to make sure you keep hydrated.
Drinking plenty of water flushes acids that can cause disease from the surfaces of the teeth and will keep you from having tooth decay. Keep water near your desk, in your purse or in the fridge. Sweeten it with fresh fruit for a delightful and healthy beverage.

Summer is also the time when many resume their outdoor activities. Wear appropriate helmets and/or mouth guards. Be careful and if you have a dental emergency make sure you call and get in to see your dentist promptly.

Finally, choose healthy snacks to pack – fresh berries and cheese help to clean teeth and produce saliva that washes debris from your teeth while providing nutrients that enhance the health of your mouth.

This summer, keep your smiles at its best! Oh, and remember to see your dentist.

Tooth Friendly Snacks for Summertime!

We all know that eating sweets is bad for our teeth, but what are some great snacks that will actually improve our smile and keep our teeth at their best?

“There is some truth to the saying, ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’” says Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet Valley Dental Care in Hemet, California. “Apples help cleanse the tooth surface, they do this by stimulating saliva while cleaning the teeth.” Not to mention, they are also filled with nutrients our body loves.

Celery is another snack that can increase saliva flow and cleanse the teeth. “As a vegetable that is high in fiber and water content, it can counteract the effects of foods that are higher in sugar, just make sure to eat celery after,” adds Dr. Ko.

“Of course with summertime here, the best snack for your teeth and your overall health here in Southern, California is water. Water is so vital to keeping the tissues of the mouth from becoming dry and also for flushing away debris,” says Dr. Ko. As one of your TOP Dentists in the Inland Empire, she knows.

If you are wanting to whiten your teeth at the same time as having a delicious snack, think strawberries. (Read more here)

Finally, if you need a snack that can help with saliva and also work to clean the teeth, think sugarless gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar that can also prevent tooth decay.

Have a great summer and at the same time, remember to keep your smile bright and healthy!

Protect Your Teeth This Summer

With summer right around the corner, it's a good idea to think about how you can protect your teeth.

For many the summer means increased outdoor activity. Wearing a helmet while riding your bike is a good idea, but so is wearing a customized mouth guard when doing any activity that could result in a facial injury, such as soccer, or baseball.

It is estimated between 13-39% of all dental injuries occur when playing sports and most of those will impact at least one front tooth. While minor chips and cracks to teeth can generally be easily repaired, when a tooth is knocked out or severely damaged, the cost to repair or replace can be substantial. 

While helmets are great for activities that involve speed and impact, like football and biking, a custom fit mouth guard is the best way to prevent an injury to your mouth. Teeth, tongue and lips can all suffer after an impact on the playing field. These blood rich areas can also bruise and bleed after a fall or blow. 

A mouth guard is made of a soft plastic and is ideally customized for your mouth - both upper and lower teeth. 

This summer, Dr. Judith Ko, of Hemet Valley Dental Care in California urges you to keep your smile healthy and happy.

Recommended Toothpastes

Toothpaste is a gel or paste that is used to improve oral hygiene. Most pastes work to remove plaque, food and stains, while suppressing odors of the mouth. Fluoride is a common ingredient, as it works to prevent decay.  "But not all toothpastes are the same," says Dr. Ko.

Dr. Judith Ko, one of your Inland Empire's Top Dentists from Hemet, California, recommends the following toothpastes:

Colgate: Sensitive Pro-Relief Enamel Repair.
     "One of my favorite toothpastes to recommend is Colgate's Enamel Repair. It helps with sensitivity, while protecting against decay," says Dr. Judith Ko. Sensitive Pro-Relief is a great general toothpaste to use.
             
Sensodyne: For patients with sensitive teeth, Dr. Ko often recommends Sensodyne toothpaste. Sensodyne is especially great for patients who have generalized sensitivity that is not due to decay.

Biotene: If you are one of the many adults who take prescription drugs, you may know of the number one side effect of medication - dry mouth. Biotene toothpaste in a fresh mint flavor helps with dry mouth.

How to Floss

Brush and floss and floss and brush, but how exactly should one floss?

First, start with a piece of floss 18 inches long.

Wind the end of the floss around your index finger of each hand.

Keep winding . . .

Until your fingers are about an inch apart.

Gently slide the floss between your teeth.

Finally, wrap the floss around the tooth and move it up and down.

Remember, while you're there, to wrap the floss around the tooth next to the one you just flossed and clean that area as well.

Dr. Ko from Hemet Valley Dental Care in California wants to remind you, 

"Only floss the ones you wish to keep!"

Why Choose A Dental Specialist To Help You?

Your general dentist has been trained in a variety of procedures and does a little bit of everything -the key words there are a ‘little bit.’ But when it comes to things like root canals, surgically treating periodontal disease, placing implants, extracting wisdom teeth or doing orthodontics, your general dentist might not be the one to see.

Just like any patient considering heart surgery, you would like the physician who has performed the surgery a number of times, having a dental specialist caring for you generally results in a better outcome for the patient. “You may find a general dentist that has a significant interest in one area, but even so, they probably do not have the same experience treating patients as a specialist,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice.

The dental specialties are:

1. Endodontics: Endodontists treat patients with infected teeth requiring root canals.

2. Periodontists: Periodontists are dentists who specialize in gum issues: surgically treating periodontal disease and gum contouring for cosmetic reasons. Many times periodontists also place implants and do bone and tissue grafting after extractions.

3. Oral Surgeons: Oral Surgeons are dentists who focus on extractions – especially wisdom teeth and other treatment when a general anesthetic is wanted. They also place implants and do bone grafting.

4. Orthodontists: Are the tooth alignment specialists. They move teeth to improve bite and straighten the teeth.

5. Prosthodontists: Dentists who specialize in full mouth dentures and reconstruction.

You may also find dentists who specialize in the following areas
- sleep medicine: these dentists will recommend appliance for sleep apnea.
- TMJ: these dentists work to reduce joint pain.

If your general dentist recommends you see a specialist, listen carefully to the reason for the referral and make sure to keep your appointment. Education is your key to tooth and overall health.

Tooth Sensitivity

"It is not okay when your teeth are sensitive," says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice. 

In fact, when you notice any of the following it means a trip to your dentist is in order:

1. Cold sensitivity
     "When your teeth are sensitive to cold drinks and foods, it could mean decay or disease is the culprit," says Dr. Ko. "When teeth are brushed aggressively or with a hard toothbrush root surfaces can be exposed that will create general sensitivity. If the occurrence is only one area of the mouth it might be more likely decay. Either way, a visit to your dentist can take care of the problem promptly."

2. Hot sensitivity
     "Teeth that are sensitive to hot foods and drinks are many times in significant trouble, as most times it means that the nerve of the tooth is being challenged in some way," adds Dr. Ko. "Getting in to see your dentist quickly might mean the difference between taking time off of work and the pain and swelling that will come from an infected tooth."

3. Sweet sensitivity
     "If you have a sweet tooth and discover that your favorite items are giving you discomfort, you might want to schedule an appointment to see your dentist. it might be an indicator of active decay," explains Dr. Ko. "Decaying teeth do not get better, they get worse and when they do, it means additional treatment and expense. So seeing your dentist quickly is best."

4. Discomfort when you bite down
     "Pain that comes from biting into hard or crunchy foods generally means a cracking or fracturing tooth," says Dr. Ko. "Getting that treated early means that the nerve might not need to be removed and more tooth structure can be saved."

"Tooth sensitivity is a reason to act," adds Dr. Ko, your Hemet Valley Top Dentist according to the Inland Empire Magazine. "Don't let tooth pain stop you from enjoying your life."

Good Bone. Why is it so Important to My Mouth?

You have a lovely smile, your teeth are straight and perfectly shaped. You are good – right? “Maybe,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice, “but straight and nicely shaped teeth are only part of the picture.”

Your teeth are supported by gum tissue and bone, and it’s those two things that will determine whether you will keep your smile long-term.

Periodontal disease affects somewhere between 80-90% of the adult population. The disease is caused by bacteria that settles in the pockets surrounding the teeth. The bacteria damages the bone if it is left too long undisturbed. “That is why we work to make sure you are seen on a regular basis by your dentist,” adds Dr. Ko.  “Once the disease process has begun, only a visit to your hygienist can maintain your health.”

The bacteria that enters the pockets also eats away at the bone that supports your teeth. This bone will eventually erode and the teeth will become unstable, loose and eventually fall out.

“Keeping a healthy bone level for life is important, that’s why when an extraction of a tooth is done, it’s best for bone to be placed in the socket site,” says Dr. Ko, voted one of Hemet’s Best Dentists by the Inland Empire Magazine and her patients. “Whether you decide to replace the tooth with an implant or not, keeping bone levels high will help you maintain a healthier smile longer.”

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Ko today to get an evaluation of your bone, tissue and tooth health.

Are Implant Supported Teeth Right for You?

While the vast majority of taste buds reside on the tongue a few are located in the soft palate. These are the ones that are affected by a traditional denture. For many, the choice to remove their teeth and go to removable dentures is done after careful consideration, for others there is a feeling that I will do this and get it done and then I won’t have to worry about my teeth again.

“That thought isn’t quite true,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Cosmetic and General Dental Practice. Extracting all the teeth and placing a denture does take care of the immediate problems of your teeth, but our mouths are always changing and this means that in a few years, your denture may no longer fit.

For some the change to an upper removable denture is easy, but a good number more miss the taste of foods they used to enjoy. A conventional denture uses suction for stabilization and so the palate is covered. For others the bone that is used to support the denture is inadequate and results in an unstable denture that moves when speaking or eating favorite foods.

An implant supported denture is a good solution to these problems. When implants are used to support the denture stability can be gained without the need for suction, so the palate can be open and allow for the enjoyment of food.

If you are suffering with a denture you are unhappy with, call today and begin the process to see if you are a candidate for an implant supported denture.

Where Does Dental Bacteria Come From?

In a normal healthy mouth there are still thousands of bacteria living on each tooth surface, and each day that number may grow.

“Most of the time we are more concerned with the mouth where regular brushing, flossing and visits to the dentist are not occurring,” says Dr. Judith Ko, voted Best Dentist by Inland Empire Magazine by her patients. “In those mouths the number of bacteria can number more than 100 million.”

Saliva and bacteria are a normal part of the oral environment and when they are both in balance a healthy condition is maintained, but too often things may go wrong.

“In a person who is taking medication with a side effect of dry mouth, they may find that saliva is difficult to maintain. This means that more bacteria can colonize,” adds Dr. Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. “Which is why we see more than 80% of the adult population has periodontal disease.”

Periodontal disease develops when the bacteria begins to create pockets around the teeth. These pockets are generally too deep for normal brushing and flossing to disturb the bacteria in them. This means that once bacteria gets embedded below the gum line only your dental professional can disperse them. “Which is why it is so critical to see your dentist at the frequency they have determined is best for you. Most patients who have periodontal disease will benefit from a schedule of being seen every three months as that is the amount of time it takes for the bacteria to regrow.”

Call today and schedule your appointment. Don’t let periodontal disease destroy your smile.

Establishing Trust With Your Dentist

For most patients, a visit to the dentist is a bit unsettling. “That can change dramatically if you can establish a relationship of trust with your caregiver,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Dental Practice. Voted one of the Inland Empire’s Top Dentists, Dr. Ko works hard to establish trust with each of her patients.

“I stand behind the work that I provide,” adds Dr. Ko. “I believe that it is important to the development of a long-term relationship, which is what we strive to create.” Providing reliability is only one-way Dr. Ko and her team work to increase trust.

“We make sure that if we’ve said we are going to do something for our patients, that we follow through,” says Natalie, the scheduling coordinator for Dr. Ko.

Being honest is also important. Each dental practitioner will see a patient’s mouth a certain way. This doesn’t mean they are wrong, just different in their approaches. “My standard is that of what I would do for my family if they presented in my office with the same situation.”

Another way in which Hemet Valley Dental Care works to increase trust is by taking the time to answer each patient’s questions. “I believe that no question is silly. Instead, I work to make sure I think of all the possible questions a patient might have and address them first. We know that dentistry can sometimes be confusing and we want to remove any anxiety,” adds Dr. Ko.

To understand first hand why patients voted her one of the Top Dentists, call today and schedule your new patient appointment.

Experience a New Patient Dental Visit

New patients are always surprised by the experience they have when they arrive at Hemet Valley Dental Care, voted by patients and peers as one of the Top Dental Practices in Inland Empire Magazine.

“It’s been an honor each year to be recognized by patients. It means a lot that they notice the difference in care we provide,” says Dr. Judith Ko.

Most patients are struck immediately by the caring attitude of the entire team. “We are here to provide a service in a calm and gentle manner,” says Natalie, Dr. Ko’s scheduling coordinator. “And we aim to please.”

“Patients with fear of the dentist seem to gravitate to our office,” adds Amber, Dr. Ko’s patient care coordinator. “We don’t mind. We specialize in one on one care.”

Your first visit will include an exam with Dr. Ko where she will evaluate the health of not just your teeth, but also your gum tissue and bone. “Every visit also includes an oral cancer screening,” adds Dr. Ko. “This is very important as 1 in 4 cancers are found in the mouth.”

“Our commitment to our patients sets us apart from other dental practices,” says Natalie. “That’s why I’m so pleased to be a part of Dr. Ko’s team.”

Come in and discover the difference yourself!

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

Is periodontal disease contagious?

“Not really, but it is infectious,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic and General dental practice. “Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth, and yes this bacteria can be spread person to person through kissing or the sharing of a toothbrush. While these are some ways in which you could be infected, there are other things that could cause the disease.”

Diabetics or those with other chronic systemic diseases have difficulty in general fighting infections and so they are more prone to periodontal disease.

People who use tobacco also have a greater chance of having the disease. Smoking inhibits the ability to fight the disease and increases inflammation.

Genetics can play a role, especially when we see the disease in younger adults.

“Another factor is oral hygiene or home care,” adds Dr. Ko, voted one of Hemet’s and the Inland Empire’s Top Dentists by her patients and peers. The bacteria establishes in the mouth and these colonies need to be disturbed frequently so as not to increase in numbers and do significant damage to the tissue and bones of the mouth. This can be done with regular brushing and flossing.

Finally, irregular or non-existent visits to your dentist could cause you to have the disease. No matter how well you brush and floss, being seen by a professional is important to controlling the oral bacteria.

Periodontal disease is thought to affect between 80-90% of the adult population. If you have not been evaluated for periodontal disease, set your mind at ease and call today for an appointment.