What Difference Does a Correct Bite Make?

Bruxism – the clenching of teeth, and grinding – the side-to-side motion can damage otherwise healthy teeth. Estimates of people affected range from 8-30% of the population. For many the symptoms are mild and they may be unaware they even have the condition, but for others the pain and discomfort are severe enough to cause facial and jaw joint pain.

Occlusion or the way your teeth fit together for eating and chewing can sometimes be thought to be the culprit.

Bruxism isn’t the only challenge that can occur when a bite issue is present. “When teeth do not fit together properly, chewing and eating foods can become an issue,” reports Dr. Judith Ko of Hemet, California. “Often patients have no idea that their bite may be why they often choke on their favorite foods. I once had a woman who informed me after having done extensive dental work, that she could now eat without fear.”
When occlusion is wrong a number of other problems may also present themselves including:

1. crooked teeth
2. gum problems
3. jaw joint problems
4. broken fillings
5. broken teeth
6. broken crowns

Occlusion problems can also cause migraines, headaches, facial pain, and even pain in the neck, upper back or shoulders.

“No one should live with discomfort due to an occlusion issue,” adds Dr. Ko.
Call today to make your appointment for an evaluation.

Use It Or Lose It

Are you paying for your Dental Insurance?


Have you been in to see your dentist this year?

Are you wasting your money?

These are all questions you should ask yourself. If you are paying towards your dental insurance and have not yet been to see your dentist, you are throwing your money away. Most insurance plans have yearly allowances. It may be $1500.00 It may be $3000.00. This is all money that could be going towards your smile, health and overall dental needs!

The year is quickly coming to an end. Come December 31st, 2013 your insurance benefits will be expired!  That means that the dental insurance company you are paying gets to keep that $1500.00 to $3000.00 dollar a year benefit at the expense of your bank account and most importantly your health and well being.

Please do your smile a favor and start taking advantage of your benefits before it's too late. Give Dr.Ko a call today! We look forward to hearing from you.

 Hemet Valley Dental Care would like to take care of your dental needs. We are changing the world one smile at a time!

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



Are YOU spreading Gum Disease?

 Is periodontal disease contagious? Can it be passed on from one person to another like the flu? Can you get periodontal disease by kissing someone who has it? Can your children inherit periodontal disease? The answer to all these questions is YES.

Studies show that periodontal disease has a genetic component, it is recommended that if one family member has periodontal disease, all family members see a dental care professional for a periodontal screening. Parents need to know that periodontal disease is not just an adult health problem and that children also can be affected.

 Periodontal bacteria can be transferred through saliva. If you or your partner are diagnosed as having periodontal disease, you need to be aware that intimate contact through saliva could result in periodontal disease transmission.

Here are some things you can do to prevent periodontal diseases and or maintain periodontal health:

• Brush your teeth twice a day (with a fluoride toothpaste)
• Floss every day
• Visit the dentist routinely for a check-up and professional cleaning
• Eat a well balanced diet
• Don't use tobacco products

Schedule a periodontal exam today with Dr. Ko!

Oral Cancer prevention!

ORAL CANCER

What a routine dental check up and a full series of x-rays can do for you!

How often should you be checked for oral cancer and why are timely full sets of x-rays so important?  As humans our bodies naturally change with our environments, with age, and what we consume.  At Hemet Valley Dental Care we strive to educate all of our patients on the importance of 6 month check ups and a full series of x-rays at the very least once every 3 years!

Even on patients who are seen on a regular basis things change rapidly! Recently Dr. Ko requested a full series of x-rays be taken on a patient who is seen every 3 months for his periodontal maintenance. With this full series she was able to do her complete 6 month exam and oral cancer screening. This patient presented with a possible mass near his sinus cavity that had not shown up on any other x-rays in years or even months past! Dr. Ko informed her patient that this mass looked benign, but because oral cancer so often is only caught when it is causing pain or is beyond treatment she recommended the patient to see an oral surgeon for further diagnosis as soon as possible. The patient did go the very next day and all routine tests were performed. In this case this patient was found to be oral cancer free!

In the United States alone, 1 person dies of undetected oral cancer every hour.
Please see a dentist today!

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.