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Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

How to Avoid Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Did you know your baby’s teeth are at risk for decay as soon as the child is born? One of the biggest causes of tooth decay in infants and toddlers is known as baby bottle tooth decay.
Baby bottle tooth decay occurs when the baby’s teeth are exposed for extended periods of time to liquids that contain sugar, such as juice, sweetened water and potentially milk or formula. The sugars in these drinks feed the bacteria in plaque that accumulate around the baby’s teeth and gums.  Like adult teeth, each time a child drinks these beverages the acids attack the teeth for 20 minutes or longer, and multiple attacks can cause cavities and decay.
Bottle
The good news is that baby tooth decay is very preventable.  Here are a few ways parents can help keep tooth decay at bay for their little one.
  • Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after every feeding to remove plaque and leftover foods.
  • Never coat the baby’s pacifier in sweeteners, such as honey or jam.
  • When your child’s first tooth erupts, brush it gently with a child-sized toothbrush and water. Check with Dental Dimensions before using any type of fluoride treatment.
  • Only serve juice and other sugary drinks at mealtime.
  • Infants should always finish their bottle prior to napping or going to bed.
  • Introduce training cups for drinking by 12 months of age.
  • Promote a healthy, well-balanced diet, and limit foods that contain sugars, which contribute to decay.
  • Schedule your child’s first appointment with your [location] dentist by his or her first birthday.
It’s never too early to start taking care of your baby’s teeth and gums.  Pay special care to your baby’s mouth now, and always contact Dental Dimensions with questions or at the first sign of a problem.
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Restoration Dentistry

How to Restore Your Natural Smile

If you’re one of the millions of adults who have lost one or more teeth due to cavities, gum disease or traumatic injury, then you know how big of an impact tooth loss can have on your life. Missing teeth can cause problems speaking, make eating your favorite foods difficult and have a negative impact on your self-confidence.
Restoration
Fortunately, there are many tooth replacement options available for people with damaged or missing teeth. Delaying treatment may lead to more serious problems and require more extensive dental work down the road, so it’s important to talk to your San Jose dentist as soon as you notice a problem.

What is Dental Restoration?

Dental restoration is the process of restoring damaged or missing teeth to a healthy, functional and beautiful state.  Whether you need a tooth-colored filling, porcelain crown, permanent bridge or any other replacement for missing teeth, Dental Dimensions can help you regain the function and natural beauty of your smile while providing improved comfort.

Fillings

Fillings are used to restore a portion of a tooth damaged by decay or traumatic injury. Compared to earlier fillings, the materials used in fillings today are much more aesthetically appealing, allowing patients to restore their tooth while maintaining a smile that looks and feels natural.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are an excellent long-term solution to missing or broken teeth. These artificial tooth roots are securely placed to simulate the root of a pre-existing tooth. Implants are designed to replicate your natural teeth while restoring function and preventing further decay, dental diseases and bone loss.

Dentures

Another option for tooth loss is dentures, or false teeth. There are two types of dentures: complete and partial. Complete dentures are used when no teeth are remaining. This type of dentures covers both the upper and lower gums. Partial dentures, on the other hand, are used when several teeth are missing. Today’s dentures are designed to be much more comfortable and functional than earlier years.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns may be used to restore a tooth’s function and appearance following a restorative procedure, such as a root canal, or when decay in a tooth becomes so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed.  Crowns are placed on the top of the tooth and are typically made of tooth-like porcelain material. Crowns may also be used to cover implants, attach dental bridges or protect an existing filling from becoming loose or dislocated.

Bridges

Dental bridges “bridge” the gap between your missing tooth or teeth and your surrounding teeth. False teeth are fused between two crowns to fill in the area where tooth loss occurred.
If your teeth are damaged or missing, then you want a replacement option that will restore your smile as close to your natural teeth as possible.  Today’s restorative dental options are more durable and natural looking than in years past, renewing both your health and self-confidence. Talk to Dental Dimensions about the best treatment for you.
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How to Avoid Tooth Stains

Stained, discolored teeth are one of the most common complaints dentists hear from patients. Fortunately, it’s also one of the easiest dental problems to prevent and treat.
In most cases, you can prevent your pearly whites from turning dingy simply by controlling what you expose them to. Foods and drinks are common culprits, such as coffee, tea, juice, wine, soy sauce and blueberries.  But it’s not just what you eat that can taint your smile. Tobacco—whether it is smoked or chewed—is one of the worst offenders of discolored teeth.
Stained
Not all stains are caused by bad habits and foods. Aging can also lead to yellowing of the teeth. As the enamel of the teeth wears thin, the underlying layer of yellowish dentin shows through.

Prevent Stained Teeth

  • Keep teeth clean: Brush and floss every day—and immediately after eating or drinking—to remove plaque and other stain-causing debris that accumulates on the teeth.
  • Choose foods and drinks wisely: Limit how often you drink tea, coffee and other dark foods and beverages. If you must indulge, do so in one sitting rather than sipping or snacking throughout the day.  When drinking, use a straw to reduce your teeth’s exposure and minimize staining.
  • Quit smoking: While easier said than done, smoking is a major cause of stained teeth. Stop now and you’ll not only save your teeth from turning yellow, but you will be doing your overall health a favor.
  • Brush with whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste won’t actually change the overall color of your teeth, but can be very effective at removing minor stains.
  • Visit Dental Dimensions: Remember to schedule appointments with your dentist for a professional cleaning and check-up every six months to keep your smile looking and feeling its very best.

Professional Whitening from Dental Dimensions

For dramatic, long-lasting teeth whitening results, your San Jose dentist may recommend professional in-office whitening. Professional teeth bleaching can remove unwanted stains to reveal your smile’s bright white in as little as a single appointment.  A special whitening agent is applied to your teeth and activated by a light to accelerate the whitening process. This procedure is ideal for busy patients looking for immediate results and dramatically whiter teeth in just one or two appointments.
There’s no reason to be embarrassed by discolored teeth today. With proper care at home and professional options available from Dental Dimensions, you can reclaim your bright, white smile.
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Replace Toothbrush

The Filthy Truth About Your Toothbrush

You know that the best way to take care of your teeth and gums is by brushing every day. But do you know how to best take care of your toothbrush? Believe it or not, your toothbrush may not be all that clean and could be home to millions of bacteria and germs.
How you store your toothbrush can play a big role in how clean it stays. After brushing, you should rinse the brush in tap water to remove toothpaste and debris. Store the toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to air dry after every use.  If multiple brushes are stored in the same area, keep the brushes separated to avoid illness from being passed between brushes.
Generally speaking, the human body is able to defend itself from bacteria and prevent infections. You should, however, still exercise some basic common sense when caring for your toothbrush.
Toothbrush
To keep your toothbrush as germ-free as possible, follow these simple tips.
  • Every 3-4 months- The American Dental Association recommends replacing your old toothbrush about every three months, or sooner if the bristles start to bend or fray.
  • Following illness- If you’ve had a cold or flu, you may also want to buy a new toothbrush. Germs and bacteria can hide out in the bristles, which may lead to reinfection.
  • Avoid sharing toothbrushes- Because microorganisms can be passed between users, sharing a toothbrush should be avoided to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.
  • Don’t cover toothbrush- Moist environments are breeding grounds for bacteria. Store your toothbrush upright in the open air instead.
Brushing is the best way to keep your mouth clean and your teeth healthy—but not if your toothbrush is in bad condition. If you ever have any doubts about the shape of your toothbrush, simply throw it out and get a new one.
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Orthodontic Braces

Am I a Candidate for Orthodontic Braces?

Candidate

Orthodontic braces are used to correct malocclusion, or “bad bites.”  When teeth are unevenly spaced, crooked and crowded, they are difficult to clean and maintain. This can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and even tooth loss. Other problems, such as ineffective chewing, problems speaking and misalignment of the jaw joints can also result from a poorly aligned bite without treatment. That’s why it is important to consult with a trained dentist or orthodontist about the best treatment options for moving your teeth to their optimal position.

Who can benefit from braces?

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage. But you don’t have to be an adolescent to benefit from braces.  Both adults and children can undergo orthodontic care to correct a wide range of dental problems. Common reasons for getting orthodontic braces include:
  • Overcrowded or crooked teeth
  • Crossbite
  • Underbite
  • Irregular spacing
  • Overbite
  • Jaw misalignment problems

More comfort, better results.

Thanks to advancements in modern dental materials and technologies, today’s dental braces are much smaller, comfortable, and aesthetically pleasing than in years past. One popular option for adults—Invisalign—may also be a good choice for improving moderate teeth misalignment. Invisalign appliances are clear and removable, giving adults the convenience and comfort to improve their smile without anyone knowing they are even undergoing treatment.
If you or your child desires a straighter smile and an improved bite, talk to your San Jose dentist or orthodontist. The best orthodontic option will depend largely on the severity of dental problems. Dental Dimensions can help you determine the best course of action.
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Toothache? Here’s What To Do!

Listening to your body’s warning signs can mean the difference between a lifetime of good health and years of chronic conditions. This is especially true for toothaches and oral pain. When you experience these pain types, your body is often trying to tell you something – and that often means you may need to make a trip to our South San Jose dentist’s office.

Tooth pain can come from multiple sources, but is generally considered a sign that a nerve or nerves are irritated in your mouth. You may notice this pain when chewing your food. The pain may accompany bleeding, temperature sensitivity, fever or swelling.

Emergency

Common causes of a toothache can include dental cavities, infection, impacted wisdom tooth or injury to your mouth. Rarely, a toothache is not actually due to a tooth-related pain at all. Conditions such as sinusitis or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) can cause tooth pain as well.

You can relieve or lessen some tooth pain through at-home care, such as rinsing your mouth with warm water. You also can apply a cold compress to your cheek to relieve oral pain or take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Some “don’ts” when caring for your teeth are to refrain from applying aspirin or a painkiller directly to the gum. This can burn your gum tissue.

If you experience oral pain or a toothache that does not go away after two days or does not feel better, even after taking over-the-counter pain relievers, call our dentist’s office in South San Jose. These are all signs that you need professional dental attention.

Waiting longer or trying to ignore tooth pain or oral pain is not only uncomfortable, it also can worsen your condition. If you are experiencing a tooth infection, the bacteria responsible for the infection can spread.

If you have tooth pain, don’t delay – call The Dental Dimensions, a dentist practice in South San Jose at (408) 225-6815.

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How Computerized Shade Matching Gets You A Better Restoration

Have you ever seen someone’s dental crown and the color and size just don’t match the rest of his or her teeth? It takes so much away from the overall esthetics of that smile, doesn’t it?

At Dental Dimensions, Dr. Deepak Shetty and Dr. Kavita Bhatia insist on dental restorations such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns that match surrounding teeth perfectly, looking natural in color, contours, and size. That’s why they use technologically-advanced computer matching for all their restorative and cosmetic work.

Whitening

No More Human Error

Let’s face it. Human beings aren’t perfect, and when it comes to color matching restorations, past efforts have fallen short of the aesthetic ideal. The result is patients who live with a crown, veneers, inlays or onlays that make them self-conscious about their smile, particular if the problem is on a front tooth.

In response, cosmetic dentists have developed a computerized system which virtually eliminates human error. The dentists at The Dental Dimensions in South San Jose, California use a hand-held, digital scanner to accurately record the color of teeth surrounding the site of restoration and then translate that color into porcelain.

How Color-Matching Works

The color-matching software takes images from the scanner and translates them into the right formula of porcelain powders to produce materials that are perfect in:

  • chroma or color
  • hue or subtle gradations of color
  • intensity of shade and translucency

This amazing software also helps the technician translate the color, hue and intensity to real-life 3 dimensions. With the help of a digital shade guide, the technician can more precisely adjust the resulting look of the porcelain or composite resin material as it will appear in different lighting situations. He or she then creates the restoration according to the dentist’s treatment plan, assured that the final product will blend in with the rest of the patient’s smile.

Long-lasting, Healthy and Dazzling Smiles

Doctors Shetty and Bhatia, their associate dentist, Dr. May Yoneyama, combine the precise skills of modern restorative, cosmetic and preventative dentistry for a dental practice that is second to none in patient care. They offer a wide range of services, including:

  • cleanings, x-rays and examinations
  • tooth-colored fillings
  • root canal therapy
  • dental crowns and implants
  • periodontal treatments
  • comprehensive care for children through senior adults
  • sedation
  • orthodontics

Call The Dental Dimensions in South San Jose, California

Would you like to know more about color-matched restorations and how they can improve your smile? Contact the friendly staff today for a consultation:(408) 225-6815.

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Is Sugar Free Gum Good For My Smile?

Chewing gum, which originated in ancient societies, is popular for more than just its minty freshness. Whether you use gum to quell anxiety, freshen your breath or simply out of boredom, you may wonder about the effects that chewing gum has on your teeth. These effects have been debated for years, but your San Jose dentist is here to set the record straight.

gums

Is sugar free gum different than sugar-containing gum? 
You should avoid chewing sugar-containing gum. Chewing gum can increase the flow of saliva in the mouth, having a positive effect on plaque acids. While sugar-containing gum has this effect on saliva flow, the sugar itself can cause decay, just like the sugar in a cookie or cola. Sugar-free gum is sweetened with non-sugar sweeteners, which are not known to cause decay.

Are some sugar-free gums better than others? 
The American Dental Association actually gives its seal of approval to some chewing gums. ADA-approved gums, however, only include the sugar-free variety. These gums are sweetened with, for example, xylitol, sorbitol or maltitol, which studies show do not cause tooth decay.

When should chewing gum be avoided? 
You should avoid chewing gum if you have certain dental appliances such as traditional braces, bridges or crowns, as they can become loosened or dislodged, or gum can get stuck in or under them. You should also avoid chewing gum if you suffer from jaw-related conditions like TMJ, as it could make the condition even worse.

Is chewing sugar free gum good for my smile? 
While there are mild benefits to chewing gum, it is certainly not vital to the upkeep of your teeth. It can stimulate saliva flow, helping your mouth to naturally wash away plaque acid, but statistics show that chewing gum does not produce significant results. Just because chewing gum has a few beneficial effects, it should never replace brushing or flossing. The best way to keep your smile healthy and happy is with a committed dental hygiene routine and regular dental appointments and cleanings to catch and treat problems and plaque buildup early.

Whether you have questions about chewing gum, your teeth or scheduling a routine dental checkup, The Dental Dimensions in San Jose, CA is here to help. Call (408) 225-6815 to schedule an appointment today!

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May 31 is World No Tobacco Day!

From your lungs to your skin to your teeth, smoking affects many aspects of your body. On May 31, 2014, there’s no time like the present to kick the habit and start on the path to stop smoking for good.
Smile
World No Tobacco Day is an effort from the World Health Organization to stop the more than 6 million deaths from tobacco use and secondhand smoke around the world. At The Dental Dimensions, Dr. Shetty and our entire South San Jose, CA dentist staff have an interest in keeping you smoke-free: It makes your teeth healthier too.
Smoking is associated with a number of dental problems. This includes tooth discoloration, increased risk for plaque and tartar, increased risk for gum disease and affected healing after a gum injury. If you smoke, you also are at increased for oral cancer, which can have deadly effects. All forms of nicotine use can result in harmful side effects, including smokeless tobacco products, which contain cancer-causing substances called carcinogens that can contribute to dental decay and harm.
In addition to improving your oral health, quitting smoking improves your health in general. From breathing better to reduced risk for lung cancer, quitting today or on World No Tobacco Day can make a world of difference in your health.
If you have tried to quit before, but were unsuccessful, we recommend calling the California Smokers’ Helpline at 1-800-NO-BUTTS. The helpline also offers language lines in Vietnamese, Spanish, Cantonese/Mandarin and Korean.
At our South San Jose, CA dentist office, Dr. Shetty and staff want to celebrate and encourage your decision and consideration in quitting smoking. Sometimes the first step is simply making the decision to make a change. By joining with people all around the globe to give up smoking, you are doing something for your health and to protect the health of those around you who could breathe in secondhand smoke.
For more information or to make an appointment at The Dental Dimension in San Jose, please call (408) 225-6815.
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Tooth Anatomy

Let’s Talk Teeth: An Inside Look at the Different Types and Parts of the Human Tooth

Teeth not only constitute a critical part of a person’s appearance, but they also play an indispensable role in our ability to chew and digest food, as well as speak.  Keep reading for a quick overview of the parts of a tooth and the different functions each tooth serves.
Anatomy
A tooth is divided into two basic parts: the crown and the root. The crown is the visible part of the tooth above the gumline. And the root is the part of the tooth that extends below the gumline and attaches the tooth into the jawbone.
Every tooth has a slightly different shape and performs a different function. Here is a brief description of your different teeth and their jobs.
  • Incisors: These are the eight teeth in the front and center of your mouth (four on top and four on bottom). Incisors are used to take bites of food and are typically the first teeth to erupt in the mouth.
  • Canines:  These are your four sharpest teeth, which are used to rip and tear food.
  • Premolars: These eight, flat teeth are located on each side of your mouth (two on the upper and two on the lower jaw). Premolars are big and have ridges, which make them perfect for crushing and grinding food.
  • Molars: Your 12 molars are even stronger than premolars. Molars are the back teeth that have broad surfaces designed for crushing and grinding food, and they work along with the tongue to help you swallow food after it’s been mashed.
While each type of tooth might look different, they are all comprised of three main types of tissues: pulp, dentin, and enamel.
  • Enamel:  Enamel is the hard, visible, outermost substance that covers the tooth and protects it from decay.
  • Dentin: Dentin is the yellowish, softer layer of the tooth under the enamel that envelops the pulp. Dentin can be attacked by decay if it progresses through the enamel.
  • Pulp: The pulp is the soft tissue located in the center of all teeth, containing the nerve tissue and blood vessels.  The pulp is how the tooth receives nourishment and transmits signals to the brain.
Your teeth serve different purposes, working together to help you speak, chew and digest your foods. Don’t take your teeth for granted. Pay extra care to your teeth and gums now by brushing and flossing every day, and visit Dental Dimensions regularly for routine check-ups and appointments.