Making Awesome Smiles

Spring Cleaning

2010-03-30T08:42:00.001-07:00

We are all familiar with Spring Cleaning. It’s a great way to get yourself organized and back on track. Out with the old; in with the new. Time to straighten up for the rest of the year and get things looking good again.

While you are in the mood for Spring Cleaning, why not consider your dental health schedule for the year. Regardless of how you pay for your dental health care, an annual schedule for basic care for you and your family should be the basis of your annual plan. As part of getting organized this spring, I suggest you make your schedule for cleanings and exams.

Regular cleanings are the best way to ensure that placque build up does not damage your teeth or gums. Your daily brushing routine gives you a good basis for a healthy mouth, but professional cleanings give you a deep cleaning necessary to avoid gum disease and weakened teeth enamel.

Your annual exam is important for a variety of health reasons. One of the most important reasons for regularly scheduled exams is to have a proper oral cancer screening. This painless screening for the first signs of oral cancer is just as important as any skin cancer screening you would get at your primary care physician or dermatologist.

So, as part of your Spring Cleaning and organization, why not plan out cleanings and exams for youself and your family members? It’s a great way to prioritize your dental health. If you have any questions about any of this, especially oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact me today.

Interesting trend in sports

2010-03-03T14:12:00.000-08:00

In my blog, I frequently talk about TMJ pain and the Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Normally, the discussion of TMJ or jaw alignment centers around the wide range of pains and discomforts caused when the jaw is not aligned. But, recently, anyone who has been paying attention to sports has seen the positive effects of aligning the jaw.

Many key players, like Tracey Porter, from the Super Bowl champion New Orleans Saints football team used a special mouthpiece called the Makkar PPM that aligns the jaw. Users of the Makkar PPM note an improvement in strength, speed, balance and agility as demonstrated in a recent study at Rutgers University. In the Olympics, US skier Bode Miller also used the Makkar PPM in his Gold medal winning performance in the Vancouver Olympics. The spotlight is now on the Makkar PPM and for the past several years, athletes seeking improved performance in their training and competition have utilized this simple, yet profoundly effective technology.

For those of you wishing to see an improvement in your athletic performance, I offer Makkar PPM mouthpieces which can unleash your true potential. This neuromuscular technology can improve your performance in any athletic endeavor including golf. If you want to learn more about the Makkar PPM, please visit www.makkaradvantage.com , you can contact me directly or through their site as one of the Certified PPM dentists in Spokane.

The Makkar PPM and the recent success enjoyed by some of its users is a real lesson about neuromuscular dentistry. The alignment of the jaw, neck, and shoulder muscles, are critical to peak performance. If your jaw is out of alignment to the point where it is causing pain and numerous other symptoms, you can imagine how much your potential is decreased every day. No matter what your game is, even if it’s just day to day life, perhaps there is a championship-level of improvement just waiting for you.

Occlusion Confusion

2010-02-24T08:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to first of all, express my sincere appreciation to all of you who follow my blog. Please click on this link to the recent Dental Town article that my good friend and mentor, Prabu Raman, recently contributed. His article will help anyone who has any “confusion about occlusion” to really see what philosophies are out there and will help you understand the choices each clinician is faced with when deciding how to care for their patients.

As always, I’m open to any opportunity to learn and understand the needs of my colleagues, so please feel free to comment in any way.
Sincerely,
Doug Brossoit DDS

Living with TMJ

2010-02-02T20:58:00.000-08:00

Do you know someone who is making excuses about living with TMJ pain? It happens all the time. Whether it is the popping and clicking jaw, the soreness caused by grinding teeth during sleep, headaches or other pain in the head and neck area, for some reason people tend to live with chronic upper body pain, not knowing that it could be directly related their jaw joints or their bite. So they take pain relievers or prescription medicines to mask the pain, and count on their body’s ability to cope and adapt to get through another bad day. Coping won’t last indefinitely, and things tend to get worse if not treated correctly.

One of the main reasons why people tend to put off treatment is that they think major surgery is needed to repair the problem. They may have read this in their research or have been told that by a doctor. If they are thorough in their research, they will also discover the non-invasive neuromuscular treatment. This is the treatment that neuromuscular dentists administer for TMJ that does not include surgery.

My neuromuscular training comes from the world’s leading post-graduate institute on the subject: The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. Every day, TMJ suffers are treated successfully by LVI graduates without one jawbone being broken and reset. Our specialized treatment resets the jaw without surgery and places the jaw and all the interconnected tissues back to a normal, functioning position, eliminating the pain and discomfort.

This is good for you to know because many of us know someone who suffers with this condition. They think surgery is the only option and therefore decide to live with their pain. Sometimes simply mentioning the non-invasive neuromuscular option is all that is needed to make a difference.

Cope or Cure…. There is a choice!

Special Note: I want to introduce something unique and special for all of my faithful readers. I will be adding a section to my Facebook page and my blog that is non-dental and is called “Practical Pearls”, I have always liked coming up with easier ways to fix things, or make life a little easier and I plan to share these ideas, and others that I have accumulated from many sources over the coming weeks and months with all of you. Perhaps some of you have some ideas you would like to share with others, and if you wish I can feature them here with or without your name. Let me know what you think, and I’ll take all your input to make this fun and give me an opportunity to give
something back to all of you that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with teeth. Let me know what you think, I’m open to all positive feedback,

New Year’s Dental Resolution

2010-01-05T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here's a great idea for the new year put a little extra emphasis on your health care in 2010. Isn't it time to do some of the little things that can lead to better health. Ok... Good idea. So how about starting with a new years dental resolution?

It is so easy to affect a more positive dental health. Most of the steps can be routine. We all know brushing after every meal and flossing daily are everyday tasks you should be doing. However, rushing through brushing and skipping flossing can undo your efforts. Done properly and regularly, brushing and flossing keep your mouth clean but also stimulate the gums. Unhealthy gums are medically connected to heart disease, which is something most people do not realize. So, being more diligent with brushing and flossing can have a huge impact on your health. So, maybe add that to your new years dental resolution.

Regular visits to see me for cleanings will also help nip emerging problems in the bud. In deep cleanings, we make sure that the plaque that causes tooth decay and gum disease is completely removed. I strongly suggest making your cleaning appointments a priority in the coming year.

And, for anyone suffering from symptoms of TMJ, maybe this will be the year when you have had it living with the pain and the headaches. If you are ready to start the year headed toward a pain-free 2010, why not schedule an appointment for a neuromuscular exam. I am trained to treat TMJ pain with non-invasive techniques that change lives. Treating TMJ can do much for your mental health as well if the burden
of the pain is affecting your functioning or your moods.

And, one last idea for your new years dental resolution. If you or someone you know snores, or who just does not feel rested when they wake up, it could be masking a more serious, life threatening condition, called Sleep Apnea. We can help you find out if you or someone you care about has this condition and help htem get a medical diagnosis. Once this problem has been identified, we can team up with your physician and provide supportive oral appliance therapy. Again, non-invasive neuromuscular treatments I offer can treat sleep apnea and improve your overall health.

So, what sounds good for your new years dental resolution? Email me and let me know.

Looking your best for the holidays

2009-12-03T19:12:00.001-08:00

As the holidays approach, holiday pictures, parties and social events come up on most of our schedules. It’s a time for your holiday dress, your new haircut or hairstyle and for a beautiful smile.

Keep in mind that you can give your smile an immediate boost with teeth whitening, which is the easiest way to quickly improve the cosmetic appearance of your smile. If you want that little extra boost for your smile and your family photo or holiday party is right around the corner, we can brighten your smile in just one day. In fact, we can do it on your lunch hour.

If you are interested in a more dramatic and permanent improvement, why not take a little time during this holiday season to learn about cosmetic reconstruction. With my LVI (Las Vegas Institute) training, I have the finest education and experience with cosmetic reconstruction. Maybe you want to consider this as a gift for a loved one or maybe this is something you have always dreamed of for yourself. Either way, why not start asking some questions now. A new, beautiful, confident smile may be an important part of 2010 for you.

If you have been thinking about improving your smile, please contact me today.

Taking Care Of You !

2009-11-10T12:52:00.000-08:00

Something as regular as a dental cleaning can impact your health dramatically. It is so important, I am doubling my efforts to encourage everyone to do this important maintenance for their teeth and gums twice each year.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, has links to heart disease, strokes, diabetes and more serious health issues. If you do not clean your teeth properly, you are inviting all the immediate symptoms of gum disease and increasing the risk of other health issues. Warning signs include bleeding gums, red gums and bad breath. Here are some additional facts about your risk of gum disease.

- Receding gums are a symptom of gum disease. If you have noticed your gums receding making your teeth appear longer, this is a warning sign.
- Tobacco use is a risk factor for gum disease and even oral cancer.
- The older you are, the greater your risk for time related problems.

The best thing you can do is to schedule your cleanings with me twice each year. Many of you reading this have completed all your planned treatment, and you are to be commended for achieving that goal.

Please allow us the continued privilege of taking care of you and helping you keep everything healthy. The nicest complement that we get from our patients is that they refer their friends and family to us. Perhaps we can help someone you know get back on track!

Do you snore?

2009-10-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

Do you snore? If you do, this is an important blog for you.

We all know snoring as a major irritant in that it causes complaints from others. Your spouse, family members, house guests, maybe even your neighbors all might have complained from time to time if you are a habitual snore. And, while it might be offensive to them, it might be dangerous for you.

Sleep apnea is a serious condition that affects breathing while you sleep. Habitual snoring is a classic symptom of sleep apnea. Snoring is not sleep apnea and it seems many people have that fact confused. We don’t want to stop the snoring and ignore the sleep apnea which could still be present. However, snoring it is a sign of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a disruption of your breathing when you are asleep. This is both dangerous to your health but it can affect your waking hours because your sleep is not restful.

The stoppage in breathing during sleep can cause oxygen deprivation. This can affect your overall health in the forms of heart disease, depression, high blood pressure, memory problems and more conditions related to oxygen deprivation. This is not to mention the irritability caused by restless sleep and how it can affect your behavior.

With my training in neuromuscular dentistry, I can help you seek a proper diagnosis for sleep apnea. A physician with proper training, and a sleep study are generally the best way to make the diagnosis of this life threatening condition. If a diagnosis of sleep apnea is made, a trained dentist, like myself can make an oral appliance that will help to address both the snoring and the sleep apnea at the same time. It may also permit a person to avoid having to wear an uncomfortable and obtrusive CPAP machine at night

A good place to start with self-assessment is snoring. If you are a regular snorer, you have a primary symptom of sleep apnea. If this is the case, why not contact me for a consultation to determine if you are at risk for having sleep apnea? It is a good idea for your overall health and welfare.

Do you snore?

2009-10-07T12:03:00.001-07:00

Migraines and TMJ

2009-09-09T20:21:00.001-07:00

If you suffer from migraines headaches, you know it is an intense head pain that can last for hours, days, or even weeks. For some, it can be totally debilitating. If you have frequent headaches and the best your doctor can do is prescribe pain medication for your migraines, you should look into what neuromuscular dentistry can do for your headaches. The alternative might be migraines for the rest of your life and the need for dulling medications to live with them.

Migraine headaches are a common symptom of TMJ. This is a misalignment of the jaw that can cause numerous pains and discomforts in the head and neck. Most people think of TMJ (tempromandibular joint disorder) as only a cause of jaw pain. However, migraine headaches are a very common symptom and, because of their severity, they are a major cause for people to seek out more advanced treatments. Informed family doctors will also recognize persistent migraines as a symptom of TMJ and make a referral to a neuromuscular dentist.

My training at The Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies qualifies me as one of this area’s top professionals treating TMJ. The neuromuscular approach to treating TMJ is non-invasive. Through the use of special muscle relaxing and measuring technologies, I am able to relax all the muscles you chew with and determine the proper alignment of your jaw to relieve the stress on the jaw joint and chewing muscles. In turn, this eliminates all the issues that misalignment is causing on all the connected tissues. The neuroumuscular approach is an effective and non-invasive way to treat TMJ and help re-establish normal function to the jaw joint, associated muscles, and teeth.

We have several options for headache sufferers and you might be surprised at how little it could cost to get significant relief!

If you are tired of migraine headaches taking away your quality of life, why not ask me about how TMJ treatment works?

Thinking of whitening your teeth?

2009-06-30T10:24:00.001-07:00

There are lots of reasons why teeth whitening is a topic this time of year. Summer is a time for weddings, family reunions, travel and outdoor fun. Generally it is a time when a lot of photos are taken and people want to look their best. That often means teeth whitening.

Whitening is a very common treatment that can be done a number of different ways. It is often the first step someone takes when it comes to cosmetic dentistry and it is also one of the easiest and quickest treatments you can have to improve your smile. That is why teeth whitening is so popular.

When it comes to teeth whitening, you can get over the counter products at your local grocery store or drug store. These over the counter products can be effective but lack the strength and uniformity of the treatments you can get from a dentist. And, in this case, strength of the chemicals equates to the amount of product and time you need to achieve a result. And, in the end, it makes a difference in what kind of result you will see. Most people who are serious about whitening their teeth wind up at the dentist asking for options even after they have tried the over the counter products.

Most dentists have a take-home whitening kit that you can purchase. Generally, it is more effective than the over the counter products. However, when someone comes to me for whitening, it is usually all about laser whitening. This is the one-hour whitening process we offer where we apply a special chemical to your teeth. That chemical reacts to a light source we place in your mouth and the results are whiter teeth. This is known as chairside whitening or laser whitening.

If you would like more information on whitening your teeth for an upcoming occasion, please contact me.

Join our social network

2009-06-03T13:28:00.001-07:00

Over the summer, we will be starting a Facebook page for our practice. If you haven’t tried social networking online, you should give it a try. It a great way to stay connected with people and share information with each other.

I will post it in my blog when we are ready for you to search us out and become our friend on facebook. Until then, you may want to try out Facebook. If you are unfamiliar with it, it is a free service with a lot of important privacy options. Users will tell you that it is a good way to keep up with what is going on with friends.

This is why we are making a Facebook page for my practice. As you, know, my practice is not your average dental practice. We make all kinds of efforts to ensure your comfort and to keep you posted on the important advancements in dentistry that can be of benefit to you and your family. Our Facebook page will allow us to do that even better, so we want to encourage anyone who is not on it to join up. We’ll be out there looking for you to become a Facebook friend really soon.

Headaches and TMJ

2009-05-06T10:03:00.000-07:00

Most people would not consider going to a dentist for treatment of a headache, but a lot of patients did, and it has dramatically changed their life for the better. If you or someone you care about is suffering from chronic migraines, you could be instrumental in helping them take that “bad bite” out of their life and towards getting their life back.

I have passionately sought after extensive post-graduate training in Neuromuscular Dentistry and treating “TMJ”, a jaw joint disorder that results from an imbalance in the bite and chewing muscles. When these 3 areas are not in sync, all kinds of chronic upper body pain, including headaches is often the result. In a nutshell, if your teeth don’t bite together properly, the jaw joint and chewing muscles become tired and fatigued, causing pain the jaw, head, neck, shoulders, face, ears, and more.

Most people just go to their family physician when they have a persistent headache. Almost always, a family doctor will prescribe pain medication in extreme cases because the patient just wants the pain to go away. The actual cause of the headache is often well disguised and can appear to be something more apparent. I do my best to let area doctors know that they should refer patients with chronic, undiagnosed head, neck or jaw pain to me for a TMJ exam. Our TMJ exams are thorough, interactive, and enlightening. Our non-surgical treatment options are designed to re-align the bite to alleviate the cause of the wide array of symptoms associated with this disorder.

We are here to help and offer hope for many people who suffer from chronic, debilitating, undiagnosed upper body pain. If you think you might be able to help someone find us, then perhaps you could send them this message and make a real difference in their life.

Time for some Spring Cleaning

2009-04-02T19:15:00.000-07:00

It’s spring and people are getting organized for the warm weather ahead. One of the things you want to complete on your To Do list is to schedule your annual exam and cleanings. Making appointments now will help you prioritize this important task and get it on the schedule!

Annual exams are so important to avoid costly long-term dental issues. One of the things we do in an annual exam is an oral cancer screening. This is a short, painless, almost unnoticeable procedure but it is vital in early detection of oral cancer. It is one of the primary reasons you should be regular with your annual exams.

Thorough cleanings will give you the best chance to avoid long-term problems like gum disease. This is important to do a few times each year in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Gum disease can also lead to other system-wide physical problems including heart disease and strokes. So, if you are eating a healthy diet and living a healthy lifestyle to avoid health problems, you should realize that dental health is part of that picture.

So, why not get a leg up on your scheduling plans for the spring? Contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Avoiding Tooth Erosion

2009-03-03T12:38:00.001-08:00

Yes, you should be maintaining a regular cleaning and check-up schedule for your dental health and the dental health of your family. We are always happy to see you when it is time for a cleaning or check up. However, sometimes it is important to review the things you can be doing at home to maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Everything you eat has some affect on your teeth and it is important to make sure you maintain healthy teeth by avoiding what is commonly known as tooth erosion. This can lead to cracked teeth, discoloration, sensitivity and more. Basically tooth erosion is just like it sounds, where the teeth are work away by the acids in what you eat.

Keeping this in mind makes it easy to avoid contributing to the problem. When you eat acidic foods or drinks, simply rinse out your mouth with water to neutralize the remaining acid in your mouth. This simple step is probably the most effective easy thing you can do to avoid tooth erosion. Of course cutting back on carbonated drinks and acidic foods helps, too. When you do eat or drink something that is high in acid, swallow it quickly to avoid it remaining in your mouth a long time.

Brushing is important in avoiding tooth erosion, too. Using a soft toothbrush reduces the friction on teeth that can contribute to erosion and waiting at least an hour to brush following acidic foods helps as well. This gives teeth the chance to remineralize after being exposed to the acids you just ate or drank.

Remembering these simple tips will contribute to your dental health by helping you avoid tooth erosion. If you have any other questions regarding your dental care, please contact me any time. I look forward to seeing you on your next appointment.

New Year. New Smiles.

2009-02-02T13:31:00.000-08:00

It is a new year and a good time to talk about new advantages for a new year. And, the biggest advantage is a bright, beautiful smile.

As a cosmetic dentist, I see the changes all the time when people get a beautiful, new smile. Both men and women choose to improve their smiles for many reasons. Some reasons are personal and some reasons are for business. The bottom line in all cases is that the patient wants to make an improvement in their appearance. They want permanent improvements, not just a short-term fix to make you look a little younger. With smiles, permanent improvements mean long-lasting improvements that work at any age. This is because, with a new smile, the real benefit is that your personality comes shining through so much more brightly.

This is a huge advantage socially and in business. However, most people get new smiles because they simply want to make an improvement in their appearance. My advanced training in designing new smiles with porcelain veneers allows me to help so many people reach these goals. It is no wonder I see so many people smiling all the time!

Happy New Year

2008-12-29T09:09:00.001-08:00

I wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a happy new year. Going into 2009, you are assured to get the same high-quality attention and dental care from me and my team. Each year, we all do our best to improve our skills and our practice to offer you the best dental service in the area.

And, as we head into the new year, I’d like to remind you to make sure and prioritize dental health for you and your family. The little things you do for home care and with your regular cleaning and prevention visits are very important.

Best wishes for the new year. I hope that you will continue to tell your family and friends about our practice and let people know about the excellent dental care your receive from us.

Back to basics

2008-12-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

It is definitely one of the themes you are hearing a lot about lately. People are refocusing on the basics on a lot of topics. And, one that should be top of your list is dental care.

Dental care could be one of the easiest parts of your day. Simple brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in good condition and help you avoid long-term problems. But it is also important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings, screenings and care.

One of the basics you should be considering right now is ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family. If you have not had your regular appointment in more than six months, you need to put that on your calendar. If it has been more than a year since you have visited me for oral cancer screenings and a check for gum disease, this should be placed as a priority, too.

Remember the basic warning signs, too. Sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath are all signs that you should be addressing some of your basics when it comes to your dental health.

Holiday Idea

2008-11-05T08:23:00.000-08:00

We are all being affected by the slowdown right now. And, this, with the holiday season just around the corner. I am sure that you have had some thoughts already about how this might affect your holiday gift-giving.

When you are considering gifts that are long-lasting and meaningful, you should think about teeth whitening for teenagers and adults. We offer a number of options for teeth whitening and it can be a gift that affects lives for years. Improving a smile with whiter teeth can make a professional difference for a person, as well as personal differences. Plus, it can make people happier.

Begin your holiday planning now. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider teeth whitening.

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

2008-10-01T13:02:00.001-07:00

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.

Ringing in the ears… might be TMJ

2008-09-03T08:28:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, I am reminded how random the symptoms of TMJ can be. As you know, I am a neuromuscular dentist and I treat Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Is this always characterized by straight up jaw joint pain. Absolutely not.

It takes a neuroumuscular dentist to recognize that Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another symptom of TMJ that is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes untreated or is treated ineffectively. In many cases ringing in the ears is one of the results of having a strained bite in which the jaw is not aligned. The jaw area of the face is a complex network of muscles and nerves, and when the bite is misaligned muscles and nerves throughout the head, including the ears, can be affected.

Tinnitus can also be one of the most alarming and hard to live with conditions a person can have. If you are experiencing a ringing in your ears, please make an appointment with me for a TMJ screening.

Bad Breath? Just Read This Blog.

2008-07-30T12:09:00.000-07:00

It is a topic that most people don’t want to discuss too readily, but bad breath is more than just a social problem. Studies show that more than 80% of people deal with bad breath on an ongoing basis.

Usually, bad breath can be remedied with good attention to cleaning and dental hygiene. Regular visits to see for check-ups and cleanings will keep you on a good path for oral health. And, regular visits allow me to make sure than symptoms like bad breath are not the signs of something more serious like gum disease.

Proper brushing and regular flossing will keep your teeth clean. This is one of the main causes of bad breath. Brushing after each meal and flossing to clean out between teeth removes any food remains that can be a breeding ground for bacteria, which is what can cause bad breath.

And, when you are brushing, brush your tongue. Bacteria can accumulate on your tongue, too, and this can cause bad breath, as well.

If you are a smoker, here is another good reason to quit. Tobacco products leave behind a smell that will give you bad breath. This one is a particularly hard-to-cover odor.

See, it is not that uncommon. If you contend with bad breath of one degree or another, then you are not alone. If you have any questions, please come in to visit me for a cleaning or a check-up and we can talk about it.

Showing some passion for your smile and dental health.

2008-07-01T13:57:00.001-07:00

As a dentist, my passion for my patients’ smiles and their dental health is pretty apparent. If I did not love what I did and I did not think it was important, you would feel like just another patient with just another mouth when you visit me. However, part of the reason I write this blog and part of the reason why my team works so hard to make you feel at home in our office is because we have that passion for your smile and dental health. And, we want you to have it, too!

One of the reasons I have taken advanced training as a dentist is to make the experience as beneficial as I can for all my patients. I believe in the saying that “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” This is why I pursued cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry and it is why I invest in the latest treatments and training. It is all part of my passion to offer you the best. My office team takes the extra time and effort to make sure that when you visit us you feel like a guest and that you are appreciated.

We are passionate about what we do, no surprise there !! Perhaps you share our passion with regards to your own teeth, perhaps not, and that’s OK! After all, they are your teeth.

We do our best to let everyone know what their options are and as long as I’m certain that they understand the consequences of those choices, then we will support their decision. For many of you reading this, I’m sure that everything in your mouth looks and feels as good as you want it to be. If that’s not the case for you or someone you care about, we can help. Some of the common requests we receive are whiter, straighter teeth… a healthier smile… eliminating little pains or discomforts in your mouth, as well as muscle related pains in the neck and face that come from chewing muscles and a bite that don’t agree on where things should be.…. If you want any of these things but are not doing anything about it, join my team and let’s share our passion and see just how good you can be, but only if you feel it’s the right thing to do for you now.
Call me if there is anything I can do for you.

Diet and Dental Health

2008-05-30T13:01:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and I have a great summer project for you. That project is your health!

I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.

Here is the project I propose. Take the next three summer months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.

In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.

Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.

You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.

What are you doing with your tax rebate?

2008-05-06T12:06:00.000-07:00

Last week, the first tax rebate checks started to arrive. So, what are you going to do with your piece of the economic stimulus? Many people are taking care of some basics that have been put off. If your dental health or appearance has fallen into that category, this could be your opportunity to care for yourself a little.

In the past few months, I have blogged about replacing black or grey fillings with white resin fillings. This has a direct relation to you long term health. If you short-term dental health needs include cleanings, routine checkups and screenings or if you have been putting off asking me about a pain or problem, why not spend a little of your rebate on your dental health.

If you are up-to-date on your dental health maintenance, are feeling now jaw, neck or head pains that could be associated with TMJ and you generally feel good, you may want to consider visiting me to whiten your teeth. If you have never tried it or if you are ready for another whitening after a few years, just contact our office to schedule an appointment.

Concerns about toxins?

2008-04-04T11:56:00.000-07:00

The recent concern about lead on imported toys and products from China is a warning for all of us to be concerned about our immediate environment. I am sure that you checked the packaging on gifts you gave and got for the holidays and that is a good start.

But, in your vigilance over toxic substances, don’t forget your fillings if you have old, blackened, silver (amalgam) fillings. These fillings contain unknown levels of mercury unlike modern “white” bonded composite fillings that are biologically inactive.

If you have old black fillings, they may be causing you some degree of risk due to residual levels of mercury left in them. There have been many university studies done to study the health risks of these fillings and those studies have not been able to reach any firm and consistent conclusions about the affect they have on our health.

Does that mean they are safe? Consider for yourself the fact that those same studies have raised even more questions about the safety of amalgam fillings and that they may be linked to some diseases that we still know very little about.
Consider also that when we remove old silver fillings from our patient’s teeth, we are not allowed to dispose of the old pieces and particles down the drain. We are required to catch all of this debris in special traps for hazardous waste, so as not to contaminate our environment.
Perhaps you would like to know my main concern about old silver fillings. This filling material leaks like a sieve, soon after it has been placed, thus permitting bacteria to get in between the filling and the tooth. For that reason, is it any surprise that 9 out of 10 old silver fillings that I take out have decay under them? Since x-rays don’t go through the filling material, I can’t tell if there is anything wrong or not, until the decay gets much more advanced.
This outdated material also expands and contracts with temperature changes, and leads to additional cracks and fractures in the tooth. These teeth often break again years later, needing even larger fillings, which break again, and eventually need crowns (caps) done.

We consider the condition of each person’s oral health individually. We can discuss the importance of replacing old blackened, silver (amalgam) fillings if you think it’s the right thing to do.

Have you thought about Cosmetic Dentistry?

2008-03-03T14:35:00.001-08:00

Never underestimate the advantage a cosmetically enhanced smile can give you. Even something as easy and quick as whitening your teeth can improve your overall appearance. Every once in a while, I ask people to think about the advantages.

The choice of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments is sometimes tied to an event: a wedding, an important business function, a holiday, a graduation or some family event. But, if you think about it, there are so many ways an improved smile can impact your life on an every day basis.

There is no doubt that a better smile is an advantage in business. This can impact promotions, sales and career paths. In a society that has learned that teeth can be improved, when you see a misshapen smile or misaligned teeth, you often can’t help but wonder why the person has done nothing to fix their smile.

If you know someone who might benefit from cosmetic dentistry, this is why you should think about referring them to me for a cosmetic consultation. A better smile can mean a better presentation at work. Makeovers of all kinds lead to promotions all the time. It can improve a person’s social prospects. It can also give a new sense of inner confidence that can manifest itself in many ways.

Perhaps you know someone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry to gain an advantage or enhance their life. If so, your kind referral to me may be all that’s needed to help them take that step to a nicer smile.

The Cosmetic Channel™

2008-01-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask at The Cosmetic Channel™.

We start off the new year with a new way for you to use the Internet at TheCosmeticChannel.com. By now you have seen the new videos on our web site brought to you by The Cosmetic Channel™.

Last week, The Cosmetic Channel™ unveiled a new web site that includes a Chat Community. You can see links posted to this chat board on Craig’s List and it is beginning to get some questions and comments about both cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic surgery. You can visit the chat at www.TheCosmeticChannel.com/chat.html.

If you or someone you know is interested in gathering information on cosmetic dentistry or cosmetic surgery procedures, this is a good place to ask questions. Cosmetic dentists and cosmetic surgeons are being recruited to monitor the chat and answer your questions.

And, you know you can always contact me directly if you have any questions.

Why not ask?

2007-12-03T21:24:00.001-08:00

You would be surprised how many people live with the wish of wanting to make some cosmetic changes to their smile. But, there is always something else on their mind or on their plate and they never take the time to ask about it. So, as the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes and do something for yourself.

I see it all the time. There is never time for something for yourself. Children, work, family, the holidays and all of your other obligations take up all your time. People tell you to take a minute for yourself or think of yourself first for once. It’s good advice. So, this holiday season, I encourage you, even for one day, to stop and do something for yourself.

You will likely be going to several social events this holiday season and I’m sure you will want to look your best. There’s no accessory that you can put on that says more about you as a person, than a warm, attractive smile.

Cosmetic dentistry, when performed correctly, is very safe, long lasting, and may be just that special “something” you can do for yourself. Just think, it will be there next year, too! Please feel free to call or mail me. I will be happy to answer all of your questions and give you my informed opinion on what the best options might be you.

Why not ask? Why not take a minute and send me an email? You might be surprised where it takes you.

For those with a sweet tooth

2007-10-30T13:31:00.000-07:00

All you need is a quick trip to the grocery store to realize how much sugar is poured into the Halloween holiday each year. If you have kids, most likely you will have a sugar rush to deal with this week. To make the most of it, use this influx of sugar as a reminder to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Sugar, saliva and bacteria can work together, leading to tooth decay that causes cavities. That is why brushing and flossing at least twice daily is important. This attention to cleaning should include between teeth and along the gumline.

You always hear about what you should do but sometimes it is important to review what happens if you don’t. In general, sucrose (which comes from sugar) and glycoproteins (a combination of a carbohydrate molecule and a protein molecule, can stick to teeth and begin the formation of plaque, which attracts bacteria.

Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacteria when it metabolizes sugar in this anarerobic environment. It is the lactic acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.

In addition to a healthy diet that is rich in calcium , brushing, flossing, and a safe fluoride rinse are crucial to preventing cavities. So, on Halloween, is it okay to indulge in some treats. Why not? Just make sure and brush and floss afterwards.

New videos for you.

2007-09-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, our web site began broadcasting The Cosmetic Channel™. You can click here to visit our web site. Just click on the button that says, “The Cosmetic Channel™ - Click here to watch.

I have chosen these online “shows” for your education and, sometimes, entertainment. If you return to our web site each month, you will see new “episodes.” I got this for my clients to help you learn more about the importance of great dental care and to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

So, stay tuned to our web site for more new video on The Cosmetic Channel™!

Headaches and TMJ

2007-09-04T11:17:00.001-07:00

Did you know migraine headaches can be caused by TMJ issues? A misaligned jaw can be the reason for many pains and discomforts.

Normally, you would not think of taking your migraine headache issues to a dentist. Most people go to the doctor and get medication if the need persists. Or, they just live with it and ride out the headaches. It takes some research, a heads-up referral, and often a lot of frustration before some migraine sufferers finally seek out a neuromuscular dentist.

Misaligned jaws can cause a number of issues beyond simple jaw popping and pain. This is how most people know TMJ, so to connect TMJ with migraines may seem a difficult jump to make. In truth, it is not. In layman’s terms, the muscles and nerves that surround the jaw area are affected when the bite it not right. A misaligned bite may cause localized pain at the jaw but the effects radiate out to nearby areas. Naturally, this can cause severe headaches and even migraines.

If you or someone you know has migraines, why not ask them to call my office for a TMJ test that will let them know if I can help their migraine problem. Better to treat the cause for a lifetime, than to continue to treat the symptoms for the moment with medications that may not always work.

New Guidelines for Heart Patients

2007-07-26T12:10:00.001-07:00

There was a recent article on The American Dental Association web site that published a recent revision in the recommended use of anti-biotics prior to a dental visit. These new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions.

For years, The American Heart Association advised patients take anti-biotics just before a dental visit if they have certain heart conditions. The prevailing thought has been that doing so would prevent infective endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis.

The latest guidelines published in the AHA’s scientific journal in April 2007 adjust their recommendation. In short, the AHA recommends that most patients with heart conditions not take short-term anti-biotics before a visit to the dentist as a precaution for endorcarditis.

Preventive anti-biotics prior to a dental procedure still are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
* unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
* a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
* any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.

You can learn more about this at ada.org.

Periodontal care and your overall wellness

2007-04-01T15:03:00.000-07:00

Periodontal care is one of the most important aspects of dental health because periodontal disease (or disease of the gums) has been linked to several other health problems. We are interested in your general wellness and that means remembering periodontal care.

A few common facts you may know are that there is link between periodontal disease and heart disease. And, surely, you know that proper brushing technique includes brushing the gums and that you should floss regularly as part of your daily care for you gums.

What many people do not know is that certain conditions can increase the likelihood for periodontal disease. For instance, if you are in a high stress life style or career or if you have poor coping skills in dealing with stress, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease.

So what do you do about that? Go back to the basics in caring for your gums. Take that extra few minutes while brushing to make sure you are doing a good job on your gums, in front and behind the teeth.

And, while you are doing it, take a breather. Try to relax and take care of yourself!

Our commitment to personal attention

2007-03-01T15:02:00.000-08:00

I hope that my patients know my commitment to personal attention. This is one of the important elements that I think separates my practice from other dentists. It has always been my intention to make patients feel at home in our dental office. This goes well beyond simply being polite while performing your dental care.

There is an obvious, warm quality that goes along with genuine personal attention. It is our goal for our patients to experience this when they come to us for a visit. Why? It's how we really feel. So, it is important to us that you know this.

How many times do you go to a business or a professional service and you feel like a number? When you are finally seated, the doctor seems very hurried with little time to interact with you as a patient, let alone as an individual. The doctor may have to leave you several times to see another patient during your visit. That is not how we operate here and, every once in a while, I like to make it a point for our team to revisit this important concept.

When you visit us for your dental needs, we want you to feel our genuine interest in you. Call it personal attention... but it is all about caring.

It’s surprising so many people live with this kind of pain

2007-01-30T15:01:00.000-08:00

Much of the continuing education I have taken includes courses on treating Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Many people know this condition as TMJ, which is usually known for causing jaw pain. However, TMJ is a much more complicated disorder than most people realize. As it turns out, many people live with chronic, debilitating pain that seems completely unrelated to the jaw.

Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaw joints, chewing muscles, and the bite. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck, and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause ringing, dizziness, and stuffiness in the ears, as well as altered taste and changes in posture.

Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it's quite common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.

I have learned very advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I help my patients find the solution that's right for them.

It’s surprising so many people live with this kind of pain

2007-01-30T15:00:00.000-08:00

Whiter teeth for the Holidays

2006-12-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

When we finish cosmetic work on a patient, there is something almost all of them say to us. It is almost said in confidence, so as not to hurt others’ feelings. They say something like, “Now that my teeth are so white, I am noticing how dull and dingy other people’s teeth really are.”

It’s a pretty common reaction to suddenly having whiter teeth. As a dentist, I see all kinds of teeth. All are white to some degree (unless they are gold or are full of black filings). Because white teeth come in so many shades, many people don't notice how everyday behaviors slowly darken and dull a smile. The process is slow and before you know it, the color of your teeth is affecting your smile and your overall appearance.

Most people know the usual suspects for this slow deterioration of color: drinking coffee, smoking and the antibiotic, tetracycline. But many people just do not realize how simple and affordable whitening can be. You can choose permanent methods like porcelain veneers that will not stain or you can opt for in-office or take-home whitening that can improve the shade of your teeth in a short amount of time. Some in-office whitening treatments take only about an hour and will last you for years.

Whitening is one of the most common requests we have among patients. If the idea of whitening your smile seems like a good idea, why not call us today at 509-466-6979 to learn more? Or you can click here to read more about your options on my web site.

Extreme Makeover was on ABC again last month

2006-11-03T14:59:00.000-08:00

In case you have never seen it, Extreme Makeover was a huge hit a few years ago and there are still a lot of makeover shows on television. Before that, a makeover used to mean a new hairstyle and new make-up. The makeover shows have really shown that improving one’s appearance can be done in many ways including smile makeovers.

Since Extreme Makeover first aired, I’ve noticed a big increase in the number of casual conversations I have with people about making over their smile. I think the makeover shows made people realize that there were certain imperfections that they could have fixed. And, cosmetic dentistry does not have the negative stigmas like you have with plastic surgery.

If fact, makeover shows demonstrate how fast and easy cosmetic dental work can be. I am not sure how accurate those shows make the recovery times seem for surgery; but I do know with cosmetic dentistry, we can complete a smile makeover in two visits. That is accurately portrayed on makeover shows.

I invite you to click through my web site to see my smile makeovers… some of which might be considered “extreme.” And, if you want to talk about a smile makeover for yourself or refer a friend who has been thinking of getting one, please call me at (509) 466-6979.

The right treatment for "TMJ" problems, treats the cause and offers a cure

2006-10-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

I have successfully diagnosed and treated many "TMJ" patients. This problem is more common that one would think and is correctly referred to as TMD, which stands for Temporo-Mandiblular Disorder.

There are many health professionals who think they have the answer for TMD sufferers, and granted, they will have some success and some failures. In my opinion, the true measure of their success is more of a measure of their patients ability to adapt to their latest treatment, rather than responding to anything that is addressing the true cause of their problem.

We live in a society whose health professions develop treatment protocols for many ailments based on what is considered "NORMAL". The dental profession has typically tried to treat this very complex problem based on what our profession as a whole considers to be normal. Well, just what is "normal" when it comes to TMD problems?

TMD patients can have many signs and symptoms that elicit no pain what so ever, all the way to extreme chronic debilitating pain. If the treating health professional is not trained to identify these subtle signs and symptoms, they will be either missed all together, or diagnosed as something else. For that reason, it becomes very confusing and nearly impossible to establish what normal is because so many people have some form of this disorder and don't even know it.

As one of a rapidly growing number of Neuromuscular Dentists, I understand this phenomenon, and I help my patients find what is "normal" for each of them as individuals and help them get their quality of life back again.

How do we do this and why is it so successful... visit my blog again next week for more info, or give my office a call and we'll be glad to help 509-466-6979.

Link to Dr. Prabu Raman's blog

2006-10-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Click Here to visit the blog of Dr. Prabu Raman for more information on TMJ.

A couple thoughts about why we do what we do

2006-09-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

One of the most gratifying aspects about being a cosmetic dentist is seeing cosmetic patients gain confidence. This is an amazing phenomenon that is discussed among cosmetic dentists all the time. When patients see their new smile for the first time, it's often a very emotional experience and tears of joy are quite typical and very gratifiying to everyone present for this moment . When someone sees an area that they consider a flaw suddenly transformed into a strength, you can see them lower their guard. All of a sudden, it’s okay for the rest of us see their real personality come out.

Here is an interesting observation about confidence. Attractive personalities draw people in because they seem so natural expressing themselves. The truth is, they are relaxed and comfortable with how they appear. That quality is translated into confidence. This is one of the main reasons people seek out cosmetic dentists to enhance their smiles.

We get a lot of patients who just want to let their "Real Me" out for everyone to see but won’t because they are unhappy with their smile. I think this is why we see so many dramatic changes in personality and confidence with cosmetic dentistry. It really is gratifying.

Maybe you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry for this reason. If you are, email me here and we can set up a consultation to discuss the possibilities for you.