Monthly Archives: February 2013

Cosmetic Dentistry

Help for a bulimic

I’ve been getting treatment for bulimia and I have realized how bad my teeth have gotten because of it. Is there anything I can do to fix the damage I’ve done?

Name Withheld

The first thing I recommend is going to see your dentist. The acid from your purging is what causes the erosion on your teeth. I would drink a lot of water to help neutralize any residual acid.

Bulimia can also cause your mouth to dry out. This can lead to tooth decay, because the minerals and enzymes in our saliva helps to fight the bacteria in our mouth. Chewing on a sugarless gum will help promote saliva production.

Your dentist may also recommend a fluoride treatment. Depending on the condition of your teeth, it may be wise to get porcelain crowns placed on them. Please be aware that this does not completely protect them from purging. There is always some space that can allow the acid through.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

The Top 10 of Treating Children

Did you know that February is Children’s Dental Health Month? At Peck Family Dentistry we LOVE treating children. They have a vibrancy, innocence, and excitement that adults just can’t pull off. Here are just some of the reasons we love treating them.

10. It is so much fun seeing their “dress ups” they wear into the office. Not many of our adult patients have the self confidence to dress like Snow White or wear their cowboy hat. We have also yet to meet an adult that will jump up and down just to show us how their new athletic shoes light up.

9. They listen attentively to everything we tell them. Their faces get grossed out when we talk about bacteria “bugs” on their teeth. They get an equal look of determination when we discuss destroying those same bugs.

8. They ask what each implement in our office does and give them funny names.

7.  No one looks as good in our protective eye gear than a child.

6. Their smiles light up the room.

5.  We’ve yet to have an adult giggle when we polish their teeth. Almost every child does though.

4.  They get excited about getting a new toothbrush.

3.  They tell us about their favorite games and toys.

2. They take great pride in drawing us pictures.

1.  They tell us funny stories (sometimes about their parents).

Thanks for letting us take care of your children. Don’t forget to set up their next cleaning. We want to keep those brilliant smiles healthy.

Oral Hygiene

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Sensitivity

I keep getting these canker sores. After doing a lot of research, I think i’ve narrowed it down to the chemical Sodium Lauryl Sulfate in the toothpaste. Can you tell me where I can get a toothpaste that doesn’t contain this? It looks like all the ones in my general store have it.

Serena K.- San Diego, CA

Serena,

Yes, below is list of toothpastes you can use. You will generally find them in a health food store. Be aware that these will not foam when you brush your teeth. It is the Sodium Lauryl Sulfate that makes the foaming reaction in your mouth. You can be assured your teeth are still getting clean. Here are the toothpastes:

  • Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste
  • Rembrandt Gentle White Toothpaste
  • Auromere Ayurvedic Toothpaste  (found on-line)
  • Tom’s of Maine Natural Clean and Gentle Care, SLS-Free Antiplaque plus Whitening Spearmint Toothpaste
  • Herbal Toothpaste Cardamon-Fennel
  • Biotene Dry Mouth Toothpaste Fresh Mint Original Flavor
  • JASON Natural Cosmetics Powersmile Toothpaste Peppermint

You may also want to avoid acidic foods, such as grapefruits and tomatoes, as they can create the same problem.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr.Kevin Peck.

Oral Hygiene

Bad Breath

Can you tell me what causes bad breath? I know I’ve got a bad case of it, but I don’t know why. Breath mints don’t help for long.

Name Withheld

Breath mints don’t deal with the causes of bad breath, they just mask it. Beware of just using breath mints over and over. Many of them contain sugars that not only can contribute to bad breath, but can also quickly lead to tooth decay.

Sometimes bad breath can be the result of acid reflux, or an infection such as strep throat. Those causes have medication that can help, but you need to get them diagnosed by a physician.

Other times it is a matter of the types of food you eat, or even oral hygiene issues. First, I’d make sure you are practicing good oral hygiene. Do you brush and floss regularly? If not, start there. You’ll notice a real difference just from that. Even with good hygiene, your mouth is filled with bacteria designed to help break down the proteins in your mouth. As they break down, a sulfur gas is left behind in your mouth which can have a foul odor. There is a Smart Mouth rinse that can eliminate the sulfur gas from forming and prevent bad breath for about twelve hours.

I hope this helps.

You may also be interested in learning about Teeth Whitening.

This blog is brought to you by Phoenix Dentist Dr. Kevin Peck.