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.

How Periodontal Disease Begins and Ends

Periodontal disease is the term given to an oral infection that occurs when bacteria in the mouth propagate and cause bone loss.

Every one of us has oral bacteria, some good and used for digestion and some bad that may be introduced in the foods we eat. Plaque is formed in the mouth when we eat. If this plaque is brushed and flossed away on a regular basis, many times we can keep the bacteria in check. Sometimes this doesn’t happen due to poor hygiene and sometimes due to health issues that encourage increased formation of bacteria and the creation of tartar and calculus. “Bacteria hide in the irregularities formed by tartar and calculus, providing a place for bacteria to thrive. This is why it is so important to see your dentist on a regular basis,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Hemet Valley, CA cosmetic dentist and Inland Empire Top Dentist. “You want to remove the hiding places.”

When bacteria flourish unchecked, it often results in pockets of infection being formed around the teeth. These pockets of infection cause the bone that supports the teeth to be lost. “Bone is what supports the teeth in their proper position,” adds Dr. Ko. “When bone is lost, many times patients will notice their teeth begin to shift position and become looser.”

If periodontal disease is left unchecked, the eventual outcome will be the loss of natural teeth and the reduction of bone that can help support a denture. “So even if you have decided to have your teeth removed and wear a denture, maintaining the maximum amount of bone is in your best interest.”

If you have not seen your dentist lately, call today!

Smiling Options – Whitening, Veneers, & Cosmetic Dentistry

Many times every day your smile shows itself to others. It is the one thing that we tend to give freely. Therefore, having a white and beautiful smile makes a significant impression on those we meet.

To update your smile and spread cheer, consider some of the following options:

1. Whitening: Whitening can be done at home or in a dental office under supervision. “Generally speaking, you will see some results no matter what type of whitening you do,” says Dr. Judith Ko, your Hemet Valley, CA Top Dentist and Cosmetic Dental Professional. “Most people tend to get better results using a method recommended by a dentist only because we can prescribe a higher concentration material.” But no matter what type of whitening you choose, it will not whiten existing dental work or crowns and veneers.

2. Veneers: “Veneers are a great way to improve a smile that has minor chips or more permanent stains like those from medications,” says Dr. Ko. A veneer is a paper-thin piece of porcelain that is cemented to the front part of the tooth and can change the shape and color of a tooth.

3. Cosmetic dentistry: “Cosmetic dentistry includes not only whitening and veneers, but also white-colored fillings, anterior crowns and even tissue re-shaping,” adds Dr. Ko. Your cosmetic dentist will look at your entire smile and base their recommendations on the teeth that show when you smile and even laugh. Many people have large, wide smiles that show many teeth and so recommendation may be made to even back teeth or molars to enhance the patient’s smile. “While the color of your teeth is something that is noticed immediately, the gum tissue frames those teeth and is also noticeable,” says Dr. Ko. “So don’t underestimate the importance of a more shapely frame to your smile design.”

If you are considering any cosmetic dentistry, always ask to see photos of other patients who have had the same procedures done. Then move forward and smile!

Which Crown is Best For You?

A crown is a covering that is placed over a damaged tooth to restore natural function. While the word crown seems to mean they are all the same, this is not true and it’s important for you and your dentist to determine which crown is the best for your unique circumstance.

“Determining what type of crown is best for you is something that should be discussed with your dentist as a number of factors play a role,” says Dr. Judith Ko from her HemetValley Dental Practice.

Things your dentists will keep in mind when making his or her recommendation:

1.   The position of the tooth in which the crown is being placed.

2.   The way the teeth bite together

3.   Your natural smile and what teeth show

4.   Whether you might have a metal allergy or sensitivity

For front or anterior teeth, cosmetics play a role. “Your dentist will weigh the factors to choose the best crown for your mouth thinking about how the teeth come together and determining which will show the same translucency as your natural teeth to give you the best esthetic result,” adds Dr. Ko.

When the tooth being crown is a posterior tooth, strength will be a factor. These teeth need to stand up to the intense biting, chewing and grinding of food.

Sometimes when a patient smiles they have a naturally toothy smile which means that molars may show and so both strength and cosmetics will need to play a role in the final product.

Finally, if the crown is going to have a metal substructure, your dentist will want to ensure that the metal used will not create problems with the surrounding gum tissue.

When your dentist recommends a crown, ask questions. Not all crowns are created equal.

Giveaway!

Hello Friends of Hemet Valley Dental Care! We are doing another Fun Drawing to show our love and appreciation to those who choose us to help keep their SMILES LOOKING GOOD! Dr. Ko is giving away a 50$ dinner card to a very lucky winner! All you have to do to be entered into the drawing is Like and Share our post on Facebook! The drawing will be held on Monday, February 10, 2014 @ 8:00! Happy Valentines Day! (please note you do not have to be a patient to enter) Go here now!

Ten Toothbrush Tips

Toothbrushes and floss are a lot alike, in that the one you should use is the one you feel comfortable using. Here are some tips to keep your pearly whites bright!

1. There are generally two choices in toothbrushes – manual and powered. Both are effective. Powered are sometimes better for younger patients and those with dexterity issues.

2.  Look at the head of the brush to see if it will fit into your mouth and allow you access to clean all areas.

3. Choose a soft bristled brush. “These are easier on tooth structure and gum tissue,” says Dr. Judith Ko, from her CosmeticDental Practice in Hemet, California.

4.  Examine the handle. Find one that allows you to easily grip it in your hand.

5.  Look for the ADA Seal of Approval. “The ADA reviews brushes to ensure that they meet standards for effectiveness and safety,” Dr. Ko says.

6. After brushing, to keep your brush at its best, rinse it with water to remove any residual material or toothpaste.

7. Store your brush upright and allow it to air-dry.

8. Replace your brush ever 3-4 months or more often if you see damage to the bristles.

9. Replace your brush after an illness requiring antibiotics as bacteria can live on the brush to re-infect you.

10. Keep your brush well away from those of others to prevent cross-contamination.

Brush, floss and shine your way into the New Year!

Stained Teeth

How Do Teeth Become Stained?

While we recognize that our white smiles are what create a good first impression, we are often thwarted by teeth that become stained. Regularly seeing your dentist to remove the stains is one way of dealing with the problem, but why do teeth become stained in the first place?

"Most people know to avoid smoking to keep teeth at their whitest, but unfortunately many of the foods you may enjoy, and some that are good for you, can stain your teeth, too," Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet Valley Cosmetic Dental Practice.

Fruits such as apples, blueberries, blackberries and pomegranates.

Beverages such as coffee, tea, and red wine.

Even beets, soy sauce, curries and popsicles with bright colors can do damage to your teeth.

According to WebMD, the reason is that these foods tend to be acidic in nature, and the acid temporarily softens the tooth allowing the chromogens, the color pigments in the foods and beverages, to stain. A good rule of thumb is, if the offending food or beverage would stain a napkin or tablecloth, it will probably stain your teeth. 

With many of the offending foods being excellent sources of antioxidants, rather than remove them from the diet, it might be best to limit them and take additional steps to ensure your smile stays its brightest.

Naturally Whiter Teeth

For most, our smile is what creates the first impression others have of us. Having a bright and white smile  can make all the difference. Some ideas for keeping your smile naturally whiter.

1. Brush and floss. It sounds simple - and it is. Brushing and flossing after eating or drinking will help keep your smile healthy and also whiter. Which brush is the best to use? The one you will use for at least 2 minutes each time you brush. How about floss? Also the one you will use. Not all foods stain, but by brushing and flossing you can keep the ones that do from damaging your pearly whites.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda is a natural whitener that has been used for years. Mix the two so that you create a fluid that is very thin and runny. Any grit and you may damage the enamel of your teeth. Apply to your teeth with your brush.

3. Strawberries. The latest craze has been to use strawberries to whiten your teeth. To do this, mash up 4-5 strawberries and apply to your teeth. After, rinse well.

You can find more ideas here. For some these ideas are all that are needed to get your smile back to its brightest. For others, a jumpstart may be needed. "While over the counter whitening strips are one way to lighten your smile, to really enhance your smile you may want to consider custom trays that conform to your individual smile," says Dr. Judith Ko. "Bright is beautiful, especially when it's a smile!"

Am I At Risk For Oral Cancer?

One in four cancers are found in the mouth. While there are factors that increase your chances, in reality anyone, smoker or non-smoker, wine taster or tee-totaler, adult or child can be at risk.

"That's why your dentist and/or dental hygienist does an oral cancer screening each time you come in for a visit," Dr. Judith Ko says from her Hemet, California dental practice. "We know that by early detection we can reduce the other statistic associated with oral cancer - the one that says most oral cancer patients will survive less than five years after diagnosis."

 The oral cancer screening is a relatively easy process. It generally includes your practitioner palpating your face and neck. "They will also have you stick out your tongue, so they can look at it and under it," Dr. Ko adds. Finally, all other soft tissue will be examined. Finally, dental x-rays may be taken to see any defects in the bone that have gone unnoticed.

When oral cancer is found early, the prognosis is many times great. One more reason to see your dentist on a regular basis!

Why Do I Need A Dental Bridge?

When your dentist makes the recommendation to replace a missing tooth with a dental bridge, there are a number of reasons why. Sometimes the missing tooth creates a gap in your smile. Our smile is generally one of the things people notice about us and we all would like to make a great first impression. Or the loss of a tooth might make biting and chewing difficult. Teeth will continue to erupt when the opposing tooth is missing. This can create a function problem and even put the opposing tooth in jeopardy as well as the teeth on either side of the missing tooth. Over time the remaining teeth may also shift and create unusual spaces. All these are great reason to replace your missing tooth.

Once a tooth is lost and the decision is made to replace it, your dentist will have a discussion with you regarding the best option in your unique case. Sometimes the best option to restore the smile and health of your mouth is a dental bridge.

A dental bridge is generally lab fabricated and will be made by utilizing the adjacent teeth and inserting what is called a pontic between the teeth, filling in the gap. "The bridge can replace one or more teeth and be made from a number of materials, but generally it is gold, porcelain or some combination of the two," says Dr. Judith Ko from her Hemet, California Cosmetic and General Dental Practice. When finished, the bridge will be cemented in place and will need normal care - brushing, flossing and routine maintenance with your hygienist - to keep it in tip-top shape.

If you are missing a tooth, call and schedule an appointment today to determine what is the best option for replacement.

Cosmetic Dentistry! Changing one smile at a time!

Who wants to be NEXT?

When people hear the words "Cosmetic Dentistry" they often envision many $$$ signs. That doesn't have to be the case!

Before/During

Cosmetic dentistry is not always related to "just" a beautification process! It also can restore health to teeth with decay, abrasions and broken or chipped teeth!  Cosmetic transformations give patients the confidence to share their smile! Dr. Ko and staff members here at Hemet Valley Dental Care take pride in our cosmetic procedures! We strive to provide as many treatment options to fit our patients individual needs! 

After!

This is a true patient of Dr. Judith Ko!

This patient has a new found confidence in his smile!

" I'm so glad I decided to do this! I haven't been this happy in a long time, I almost started crying. Thanks again!"

This list is just a few ideas of what we can at Hemet Valley Dental Care can help you with!



Rejuvenate discolored / stained teeth



Close gaps between teeth



Reduce the over‐crowded nature of teeth



Straighten overlapping or crooked teeth



Cover chips



Conceal blemishes



Replace missing teeth



Repair breakages



Replace Amalgam Fillings with Tooth‐colored Restorations



The Scoop on Children's Vitamins

Article found on SHINE for Yahoo

By Mike Krumboltz 

Vitamins are generally thought of as a good thing. They give people more of the stuff they need. Right? Well, that depends on the vitamin, as well as on the age of the person taking it.

Before you give vitamins to your child, you should, of course, consult your pediatrician or a poison control hotline. However, there are some general guidelines available online.

[Related: Six power foods you should be eating]

According the American Academy of Pediatrics, most children should take vitamin D supplements. However, parents should be careful not to overdo it. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat soluble, and any excess is stored in the child's tissues. Too much of these vitamins could make the child sick.

Vitamin A can also be toxic of taken in large doses. According to the "Today" show's resident nutritionist Joy Bauer, "Chronic intake of excessive amounts through fortified food and supplements can cause big problems." Ditto for zinc. "Too much zinc can depress your immune system and lead to a copper deficiency."

As WebMD puts it, if you give your child low-fat milk and dairy products, protein (like chicken and fish), fresh fruits and veggies, and whole grains (try brown rice or oatmeal), he or she probably won't need a vitamin. But giving your kid a perfectly balanced meal every day may not always be possible Additionally, children who follow a vegetarian diet may need supplemental vitamins B12 and D, riboflavin, and calcium.

When it comes iron, kids who don't get enough can suffer from anemia, "a condition that limits the ability of the blood to carry oxygen" according to HealthyChildren.org. "Drinking large quantities of milk may lead to iron deficiency anemia, as the child will be less interested in other foods, some of which are potential sources of iron." If your kid is downing24 to 32 ounces of milk or less each day, "there's little cause for concern."

[Related: Surprising facts about cyberbullying]

Bauer writes that parents should consider the kid. If the child is a picky eater, a multivitamin might be a good thing. However, if he or she is eating a well-rounded diet, then a multivitamin probably isn't needed. She points out that parents should keep vitamins out of their kids' reach, especially because some children's vitamins look and taste like candy, and they can be toxic in large doses.

Also, if you do give your children vitamins, be sure to pay extra attention to their teeth. Many kids' vitamins, especially chewable multivitamins, contain sugar.

[Related: Seven principles of healthy eating]

Bottom line: Opinions on vitamins vary, and you should consult an expert. Keep in mind that your child is probably getting more vitamins and minerals through his or her diet than you might think. And, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the income level of parents often plays a part. Wealthier parents are able to provide better food and, as a consequence, more natural nutrition. Lower income families may be more likely to need a children's multivitamin.

Breast Cancer and Oral Health

Breast Cancer and Oral Health

Written by  Flora Stay, DDS

Most people realize the major risk factors of cancer.

These include smoking, alcohol use and others. The surprising fact is how your oral health has a connection to breast cancer. You may be 11 times more likely to develop breast cancer if you have poor oral health or gum disease. Journal of Breast Cancer Research and Treatment conducted a survey of 3,273 people and found that individuals with chronic periodontal disease (gum disease) had a higher occurrence of breast cancer.

Another study was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and was conducted between 1985 to 2001. This study also concluded that gum disease increases the risk of breast cancer.
Gum disease has been linked to several general health chronic illnesses, including pneumonia, prostate cancer, stroke, heart disease, problem pregnancy, diabetes and breast cancer.

• Pneumonia: Bacteria in the oral cavity can be aspirated into the lungs and cause respiratory diseases including pneumonia.
• Prostate cancer: In 1986, over 48,000 men were involved in a study conducted by Dr. Dominique Michaud, Imperial College of London. The study concluded gum disease increases the risk of prostate cancer by 14 percent.
• Diabetes: According to the American Academy of Periodontology, diabetic patients are more likely to develop gum disease, which in turn can increase the risk of infection.
• Heart disease: Researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer with coronary artery disease as those without it. As oral bacteria enters the blood stream, it attaches to fatty plaques in the heart blood vessels and contributes to clot formation. These blood clots can then obstruct normal blood flow, which can lead to heart attack.
• Pregnancy problems: Pregnant women who have gum disease may be more likely to have babies that are born too early and too small.

Connecting the Dots
In general, gum disease causes inflammation. Inflammation has been found to be the precursor of heart disease, stroke, pregnancy problems and over all fatigue. In other words, it is a marker for generalized ill-health. This has been confirmed through blood work and C-reactive protein. C-reactive protein is a inflammation marker which decreases when gum infection is brought under control, and increase with advanced gum disease.
Inflammation: The Warning Sign Not to be Ignored
The first sign of gum disease is inflammation. You’ll know when this is present as your gums appear slightly red, tender, and may even bleed when you brush or floss. The main cause of inflammation is bacteria that form a film called plaque, and stick to the gum and teeth surfaces. If this plaque is not removed at least once per day, the problem can advance to severe gum disease. As inflammation advances, the disease effects destruction of the gums and eventually bone. The teeth develop tooth decay, become loose and may have to be extracted. This is why dental visits are very important at least every three months to monitor the health and condition of your teeth and gums, especially with the presence of cancer.
The bacteria that causes gum disease forms a thin biofilm called plaque and accumulates on the gums and teeth. This same bacteria is found in hardened plaque in arteries that lead to arteriosclerosis. A study by the Karolinska Institute reported the bacteria in gum disease can result in the Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegatocirus. These viruses may result in the suppression of the body’s immune system, which can contribute to the incidence of breast cancer.
There are other connections between breast cancer and oral health. Chemotherapy and radiation may be used to kill or slow breast cancer cells by interfering with growth and multiplication of cells. If chemotherapy or radiation is prescribed as part of treatment for breast cancer, side effects can be severe and include:

• Mucositis, a severe form of inflammation of the mouth.
• Increase risk of infection in the mouth. If the drug suppresses white cells, which normally protect against infection, deep cleanings and other invasive procedures such as tooth extraction can result in infection.
• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Taste alterations ranging from unpleasant to tasteless.
• Due to dry mouth, difficulty with speech and eating.
• Oral yeast infection from the fungus candida.
• Poor nutrition due to difficulties in eating, dry mouth or loss of taste.
• Deep aching and burning pain that mimics toothache.

Most patients are treated with chemotherapy or radiation. However, some patients may be treated with bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, Boniva, and others. Recent studies from University of Southern California suggest long-term use of such bisphosphonates may develop into destruction of the jaw bone. The risk is low but increases with chemotherapy.
How to Minimize Side Effects
Most people are aware of hair loss with chemotherapy. But most don’t realize that more than one-third of people being treated for breast cancer can develop complications that affect the mouth. These complications can affect your quality of life. Preexisting or untreated oral disease can even complicate cancer treatment. This is one reason to make sure you visit your dentist at least one month before beginning cancer treatment.
The mouth is made of cells that renew themselves daily. Since chemotherapy and radiation target certain types of cells that regenerate quickly even under normal circumstances, your mouth will be susceptible to damage. If you minimize bacterial plaque buildup by practicing good hygiene, you can decrease the side effects of treatment for breast cancer. The following recommendations are important to follow:

1. Brush with a soft toothbrush or sponge brush to clean your teeth and gums.
2. Floss gently.
3. Only use alcohol-free mouthwash, preferably one free of saccharin, but one containing xylitol.
4. When white blood cells counts are reported by your physician to be low, avoid dental treatment.
5. Avoid dental treatment for about a week after chemotherapy.
6. Inflammation starts with red gums that may bleed. Even slight bleeding should not be ignored.
7. Use toothpaste and chewing gum with xylitol.
8. Regular dental visits to identify problems before they develop.
9. If you wear dentures, make sure you keep them clean and that they fit well. Make sure to take them out at night.

Published in Women's Health

Tagged under

• gum inflammation
• problem pregnancies
• chronic illness
• gum disease
• oral health
• oral hygene
• pneumonia
• stroke
• inflammation
• diabetes
• prostate cancer
• Heart disease
• breast cancer
• Flora Stay

Flora Stay, DDS

Dr. Flora Stay has been in the wellness industry for over 30 years. After graduating from University of California at San Francisco with her doctor of dental surgery degree (D.D.S.), she knew her path was clear towards health and wellness. She became passionate about helping others take responsibility towards their health.
She is an author (Secret Gateway to Health), speaker, practicing dentist and professor at University of Southern California. Dr. Stay noticed the need for a truly safe and effective toothpaste in 1993. Since then due to popularity of her dental products and demand from loyal customers, the Cleure line has grown to include personal care, skin care and makeup.

Website: www.cleure.com/Dr-Flora-Stay-s/296.htm

Another Strike Against Diet Soda

If you’ve been looking for a reason to nix your soda-drinking habits, the latest research may offer you the perfect inspiration.
Drinking a single can of diet soda each day can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke, reports a recent study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine.
The researchers monitored the soda-drinking habits of more than 2,500 individuals and compared them with the number of vascular events—heart attacks and strokes—that occurred over a 10-year period. After factoring in pre-existing conditions—diabetes, high blood pressure, BMI, and others—they found that those who were downing diet drinks on a daily basis were 43 percent more likely to experience a vascular event than those who drank none. But people who drank anywhere between 6 diet sodas per week and 1 diet soda per month had the same risk as people who never drank soda.
More from MensHealth.com: What Your Soda Can Doesn’t Tell You
What’s even more surprising: In contrast to previous research, the report found no association between regular soft drink consumption and risk of  vascular events.
So what does this mean for you? Frankly, very little. The research only found an association between drinking diet and having a heart attack or stroke—that doesn’t mean diet soda causes heart attack or strokes.  Since no other studies have found a link between diet soft drink consumption and heart attacks, more research is needed, explains lead researcher Hannah Gardner, PhD, from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami.
The researchers have several theories for the connection. Even though they adjusted for weight at the beginning of the study, they didn’t collect weight measurements at the end of the 10 years or throughout the study. Since diet soda has also been linked to weight gain, it’s possible that the diet drinkers gained more weight, which increased their heart risks. (Again, just a theory.) And as we reported in our story The Truth About Diet Soda, diet soda drinkers may have worse dietary patterns overall. (Although the researchers conducted dietary surveys to adjust for this, food surveys are notoriously unreliable.) Basically, no one knows for sure what’s going on.
So what do you do while scientists search for a solution? Simple: Make H₂O your main beverage. (Squeeze in lemon or lime if you need some extra flavor.) Research even shows that drinking it can improve your mood.