Donate and Be Entered to Win our Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Basket

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team is helping to spread awareness, while supporting one of our amazing local non-profits, Albie Aware.  Albie Aware's mission is to save more lives and empower people with breast cancer through awareness, education and support.

This Foundation was created in memory of Albie Carson who succumbed to breast cancer on July 4, 2002. Albie was a 50-year resident of Sacramento where she attended school, raised a family, and made a career in real estate.

Albie Aware provide’s assistance for life-saving diagnostic testing, patient advocacy, prevention education and compassionate support to local individuals facing or fighting breast cancer.

In an effort to spread awareness we are asking everyone to Take the Pledge to Donate to Albie Aware.  Your donation will help them provide services such as resources, education, advocacy, co-pay assistance, testing and more.

It's simple to enter our Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway

• Start by Taking the Pledge to Donate to Albie Aware         
  
• Donate online at http://albieaware.org.  
• Fill out our Albie Aware Pink Ribbon Card, located at our practice, with your name and a special message for encouragement, in memory or in honor of someone. 
• Send our practice a copy of your donation receipt at smile@auburndentaloffice.com or snap a picture of yourself with your donation, share on Facebook and tag Auburn Dental Aesthetics in your post.

You do not have to come to the practice to enter.  You do need to let us know that you are taking the pledge to donate and one of our team member will fill out the Pink Ribbon card on your behalf.  Please feel free to invite friends and family to enter as well.

Everyone who participates will be entered into a drawing for our Think Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Gift Basket!  Our gift basket includes a limited edition Pink Sonicare Toothbrush, Pink Albie Aware Dutch Brother's 20oz Tumbler with a gift card for a free drink and several more items to get you to think pink for breast cancer awareness.  

Thank you in advance for your donations and for helping us to spread awareness!

                                          Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Thirsty? You Favorite Drink May Be Causing Long Term Dental Damage

It is definitely hot outside and reaching for a cool refreshing drink is a top priority, but it is important to consider your beverage of choice and the effects it will have on your teeth.  Energy and sports drinks are definitely popular, but did you know that these drinks can be extremely damaging to your teeth?

Sports and Energy Drinks Are Highly Acidic

It’s important to remember the purposes of each of these drinks so as not to consume them more often than you should. Energy drinks may provide a pick-me-up during a long day at work, but drinking one or more energy drinks everyday can damage your teeth in the long run.

Sports drinks were made to keep your body hydrated and energized during bouts of intense exercise. While they may be beneficial during a good workout, these drinks should never take the place of water and should not be consumed casually or on a daily basis.

The reason for this is that both energy and sports drinks are highly acidic. Regularly consuming food or drink with high acidity levels wears away your tooth enamel. This makes teeth more susceptible to cavities, tooth discoloration, and sensitivity.

The Combination of Sugar and Acid Packs a Mean Punch

Energy and sports drinks launch a twofold attack on your teeth: while acid weakens the enamel, sugar feeds cavity-causing bacteria and contributes to decay. Not a good combo! While sugar-free options are available, the majority of these types of drinks are chock full of sugar. Unfortunately, even the sugar-free versions are still as acidic as their sweet counterparts.

Know The Facts, Protect Your Smile

Believe it or not, the adverse effects these drinks have on teeth isn’t widely known. With 30 to 50 percent of U.S. teens consuming energy drinks, and as many as 62 percent consuming at least one sports drink per day, it’s important that people understand how damaging they can be to teeth.

If you have more questions about sports or energy drinks, call us or send us a Facebook message!

Your Auburn Dental Aethetics Team

Image by Flickr user Huw Thomas used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.  The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Tips for a Healthy Mouth for the Senior in Your Life

More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.  If you are a caregiver for a family member or friend this task can be both rewarding and overwhelming.  It is important to not neglect dental care since a healthy mouth is vitally important to their overall health, nutrition and well-being. Because of the aging process, this can be challenging.

Here are 4 areas where you should focus your attention to assure the senior adult in your life has the healthiest mouth possible.

Make adjustments for hygiene. As we grow older, arthritis and similar conditions make brushing and flossing difficult to perform. You can help your senior adult keep up these vital tasks by switching to a powered toothbrush or refitting their brush with a bike handle or tennis ball to make gripping easier. Pre-loaded floss holders or water irrigators are effective alternatives to manual flossing if it becomes too difficult.

Have dentures or other appliances checked regularly. Many older people wear full or partial dentures. Due to the nature of these appliances, the risk of bone loss over time is greater, which can eventually affect their fit. Their dentist should check them regularly and reline or repair them if possible. Eventually, they may need a new appliance to match any changing contours in the mouth.

Be aware of age-related dental issues. Age-related conditions of both the mouth and the body (like osteoporosis, which can affect bone density) can impact dental health. For example, an older person can develop lower saliva flow, often due to medications they’re taking. This, as well as gastric reflux common in older people, increases acidity and a higher risk of tooth decay. Past dental work like fillings, crowns or bridges may also make hygiene and additional treatment more difficult.

Keep up regular dental visits. In light of all this, it’s crucial to keep up with regular dental visits for continuing teeth and gum health. Besides cleanings, these visits are also important for monitoring signs of tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease and oral cancer. It’s also a good opportunity to gauge the effectiveness of their hygiene efforts and suggest adjustments.

It is important to stick to a routine when caring for someone.  Use a calendar to keep track of all of their appointments and to stay up to date.  Don't forget to schedule time to take care of yourself as well.  In the event that you notice any change or even if you simply have a question, feel free to contact our office.  

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Content provided by Dear Dentist. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. Image by Flikr user torbakhopper used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

Taking a Road Trip..Pack Light and Don't Forget Your Toothbrush & Floss

Summer is almost here and as we enter the Memorial Day weekend, for many summer has officially begun. Taking a road trip or a vacation in the coming days or weeks? We understand that while on vacation you will likely indulge in some extra tasty treats and hopefully let yourself completely relax. Our only request is that you remember your oral hygiene. A vacation is great for the mind, body and soul, and as long as you keep up with your fantastic daily brushing and flossing you should be in tip-top shape.

Summer type drinks, popsicles and ice cream are delicious, but they are packed with sugar, so just remember bacteria, plaque, and gum diseases don’t halt their relentless attack against your teeth and gums while you’re on vacation. In fact, traveling, increases food and drink consumption, and making the most of the various tourist attractions along the way can all-to-easily disrupt a regular oral health routine.

Top 5 Tips for keeping your Summer Smile Healthy:

• Pack an extra toothbursh, toothpaste & floss in your travel bag, so that you can keep your smile healthy while on the go.
• Drink plenty of water. Keeping yourself hydrated staves off tooth decay besides protecting your skin and gum tissues. 
• Try to stay away from drinks that will stain your teeth like coffee, soft drinks, or dark colored juices. Not only will drinks like this weaken your enamel but they will also darken that your fabulous smile. 
• A good tip for keeping your mouth safe from staining and other possible pitfalls is to rinse your mouth with water after any meal in which you can’t fully brush your teeth after.

Most importantly, stick to your routine! It is so easy to stay up late and make excuses for not brushing your teeth before bed while on vacation, but it is not worth it! During a vacation, you are more prone to cavities due to the excess sugar consumed. Plaque doesn’t take vacation, and neither should your brushing!

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Image by Flickr user Nan Palmero used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Your Oral Health is Important for Your Brain Health

In a study of patients entering the hospital for acute stroke, researchers have increased their understanding of an association between certain types of stroke and the presence of the oral bacteria (cnm-positive Streptococcus mutans).

In the single hospital study, researchers at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center in Osaka, Japan, observed stroke patients to gain a better understanding of the relationship between hemorrhagic stroke and oral bacteria. Among the patients who experienced intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), 26 percent were found to have a specific bacterium in their saliva, cnm-positive S. mutans. Among patients with other types of stroke, only 6 percent tested positive for the bacterium.

Strokes are characterized as either ischemic strokes, which involve a blockage of one or more blood vessels supplying the brain, or hemorrhagic strokes, in which blood vessels in the brain rupture, causing bleeding.

The researchers also evaluated MRIs of study subjects for the presence of cerebral microbleeds (CMB), small brain hemorrhages which may cause dementia and also often underlie ICH. They found that the number of CMBs was significantly higher in subjects with cnm-positive S. mutans than in those without.

The authors hypothesize that the S. mutans bacteria may bind to blood vessels weakened by age and high blood pressure, causing arterial ruptures in the brain, leading to small or large hemorrhages.

"This study shows that oral health is important for brain health. People need to take care of their teeth because it is good for their brain and their heart as well as their teeth," Friedland said. "The study and related work in our labs have shown that oral bacteria are involved in several kinds of stroke, including brain hemorrhages and strokes that lead to dementia."

Multiple research studies have shown a close association between the presence of gum disease and heart disease, and a 2013 publication by Jan Potempa, Ph.D., D.Sc., of the UofL School of Dentistry, revealed how the bacterium responsible for gum disease worsens rheumatoid arthritis.

If you have recently experienced a stroke or any other medical issues, please let our team know.  Medical issues and certain medications may also play a role in your overall oral health.

We care about your dental health and your general well-being,

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Story Source:The above post is reprinted from materials provided by University of Louisville. Note: Materials may be edited for content and length.

Toothbrushing Do's and Don'ts

BRUSHING OUR TEETH is something we do everyday, but believe it or not there is a right and wrong way to brush your teeth.  It is easy to fall into a routine of bad habits if we’re not careful! Developing correct brushing techniques and sticking to them is crucial to the health and appearance of your smile.  We recommend evaluating your brushing routine carefully. Practice proper technique until it becomes habit!  The below Toothbrushing DO's and Toothbrushing DON'Ts will help to get you on the right track.

Toothbrushing DO’s

• Use the right technique. Tilt the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gum line and brush using small circles. This method is the most gentle and effective way to remove plaque!
• Brush for the correct amount of time. Proper brushing takes at least two minutes! To make sure you brush for the right amount of time, use a stopwatch or listen to your favorite song while brushing. When deciding how much time to spend brushing your teeth, the important thing to remember is that it’s not about a prescribed amount of time, it’s about cleaning all the surfaces of your teeth.
• Brush morning and night. Brushing your teeth should be an absolutely essential part of your daily and nightly routine. It’s also important to avoid midnight snacking! Sleeping directly after eating significantly raises your risk for cavities.
• Replace your brush. The ADA recommends buying a new toothbrush every 3-4 months. Over time, the bristles of the toothbrush wear down and become less effective at removing plaque and bacteria. It’s also important to swap out your toothbrush after being sick, otherwise the germs from your illness may reinfect you.

Toothbrushing DON’Ts

• Don’t put yourself at risk for gum recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and refrain from aggressive brushing. Brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush or using excessive force while brushing can slowly cause gums to recede, exposing the root of the tooth and leading to sensitivity. Not fun!
• Don’t brush immediately after eating. Wait at least 30 minutes after you’ve eaten to brush your teeth. When you eat, bacteria produce acid that temporarily weakens the enamel. Brushing too soon after eating, especially acidic foods, can damage the enamel in its weakened state. After eating, it’s best to rinse your mouth out with water or chew sugarless gum to increase saliva production. These measures will help to wash away bacteria without damaging your teeth!
• Don’t ignore the rest of your mouth. Especially your tongue! Did you know that 90 percent of bad breath is due to a dirty tongue? That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly brush the tongue or use a tongue scraper.
• Don’t underestimate the importance of visiting your dentist. No matter how well you brush, biannual visits to your dentist are imperative to keeping your smile radiant and healthy! Professional cleanings and checkups are the easiest way to avoid dental problems in the future.

Little Things Can Make A Big Difference!

What you do everyday has an effect on the health and beauty of your smile. We hope these little tips will make a big difference in your oral hygiene routine!

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Image by Flickr user Lars P. used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Can Springtime Allergies Affect Your Teeth?

Springtime brings warmer weather, outdoor fun, and colorful blooming flowers and trees. That also means allergies for approximately 58 million Americans.

What causes springtime allergies? The biggest trigger is pollen, which is released into the air by trees, grasses, and weeds. When pollen is inhaled, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive.

What are the symptoms? If you don’t already know, allergies usually bring itchy and watery eyes, itchy ears and nose, sneezing, congestion, and sinus pressure. Not fun!

Can they affect your teeth? Surprisingly, yes. The maxillary sinus cavities are the ones most likely to be affected by congestion and pressure during allergy season. These sinuses are located right at the root of your molars and premolars. If pressure and congestion builds up in the sinuses, it can put pressure on the roots of these teeth and can cause tooth pain.

What you can do: If you suffer from allergies, try to limit going outside on high pollen days. Also, you can try taking an allergy medication. Antihistamines and decongestants can start to provide relief within an hour. However, for more severe allergies, you many want to try a nasal spray. If toothache symptoms persist, make an appointment with our office.


Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team


Image by Flickr user Jim Lukach used under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 license. The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.
Sources:  http://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/5-ways-to-beat-spring-allergies?page=2     http://www.webmd.com/allergies/guide/spring-allergies

Smiles for Life

Want to whiten your Smile this Spring & give back to an amazing local charity at the same time?  Through the month of June Auburn Dental Aesthetics will be whitening smiles for charity through ‪#‎SmilesForLife‬. Schedule your teeth whitening for a discounted fee and children in our community and around the world will receive 100% of proceeds.

Since its creation, the Crown Council’s Smiles For Life Campaign has raised over $36,000,000 for seriously ill, disabled and disadvantaged kids. That’s a staggering $2M a year average, all thanks to participation from local communities and dental practices. Smiles For Life hopes to continue this tremendous pace for donations this year.

“Smiles For Life allows a person to help children in need by doing something that benefits them as well,” explains Greg Anderson, director of the Crown Council.  “Dr. Dan and team donate their time and expertise, while Ultradent generously provides all Opalescence whitening products.  You receive a brighter smile, and, best of all, provide children with a brighter future.”

When communities work together they can help make a real difference in countless children’s lives. Anyone interested in donating directly without teeth whitening can do so by clicking here.  Participants can also refer friends to Auburn Dental Aesthetics by linking to the Smiles for Life site, making it easier than ever to give the gift of a new smile to friends and loved ones, while also giving hope to children in need. 

Half of the donations raised by Auburn Dental Aesthetics are given to CASA El Dorado, a local children’s charity. The remaining balance goes to the Smiles For Life Foundation to support its national and international initiatives, including programs in the Dominican Republic, Bolivia and Guatemala. Smiles For Life also maintains a strong longtime partnership with the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation supporting Child Life Zones in Children’s Hospitals across the United States. Stay tuned to see how much Smiles For Life is able to raise this year. Better yet, participate!

Patients who would like to get involved should talk to Crown Council dentist Dr. Dan at Auburn Dental Aesthetics and share a comment HERE.

Check out the amazing things CASA El Dorado does to help children at www.casaeldorado.org and call our office at 530-888-9764 to schedule your teeth whitening.

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Tooth Fairy Day is this Sunday!

February 28th is National Tooth Fairy Day! 

For hundreds of years, mystical legends, stories, and traditions have been shared about the loss of baby teeth. In some cultures, children’s teeth were buried in order to hide them from witches and evil spirits who would use the tooth’s powers for voodoo. The Vikings believed that children’s teeth had a magical power in them that would help them fight in battle. They would even pay their children for their lost baby teeth so that they could be used to string onto battle necklaces and other jewelry.

Over time, people began to share stories about a Tooth Mouse who would scamper around town and steal children’s teeth in the middle of the night. This story of the mouse soon transformed into the story of the Tooth Fairy, who would leave treasures under the children’s pillows in exchange for their lost teeth.

The traditions and legend of the Tooth Fairy are still practiced today all around the world. It is considered a useful practice by many parents because it gives their children something to look forward to when they lose their teeth. And so year after year, baby teeth are placed under children’s pillows at night in hopes of waking up to a wonderful surprise from none other than the Tooth Fairy!

Enjoy Tooth Fairy Day,

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Content from the Toothfairy.org  Image from Delta Dental
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

THE CDC REPORTS that 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, it should be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re spreading the word about children’s dental health and would love for you to join us.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes. Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.

2. Set reminders to brush twice a day. Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.

3. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful. Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.

4. Be persistent. Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.

5. Set their first dental appointment before age 1. Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

Spread the Word and Spread the Smiles!

Share this message with your friends and family, and especially with the children in your life. If you have any questions about children’s dental health, don’t hesitate to ask us!


Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Enjoy these Fun & Healthy Valentine's Day Treats

Looking for some healthy alternatives this Valentine's Day?  While it is hard to resist all of the sweet treats during this season, there are alternatives that are fun and healthy.  

We found some great ideas and at Clean & Scentsible.  Start your morning with avocado hearts on toast or with a strawberry centered waffle.  Looking  for something sweet?  How about a greek yogurt banana split?  Looking to be a bit creative?  Try creating fun foods with heart shaped cookie cutters.  It's relatively simple and it will show your sweetheart that you care.

While cards and flowers are always nice fun Valentine's Day Foods are always a nice way to celebrate the day.  Just remember if you do partake in some extra sweet treats to try to stick with the treats that won't stick to your teeth.

Have a Happy Valentine's Day,

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Celebrating 75 Years of Children's Dental Health

What began as a humble one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1941 is in 2016 a nationally recognized and celebrated monthlong ADA event that spreads awareness and information about the benefits of good oral health to children and to their caregivers.

Per the American Dental Association, "National Children's Dental Health Month in February will turn 75. This year's "Sugar Wars" campaign theme depicts heroic cartoon children in a spaceship swatting "Sweet Tooth Invaders" with toothbrushes.

'National Children's Dental Health Month has become the symbol of what can happen when thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers and educators come together to help bring awareness to the importance of oral healthcare," said Dr. Cesar R. Sabates, chair of the ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations, which overseas the annual observance. "I hope that the next 75 years will bring even greater successes as we strive to eliminate early childhood caries and educate everyone on the importance of a healthy mouth and a healthy body. It is through education and prevention that we can eliminate the needless pain and suffering of so many children.' - Dr. Sabates

Dental caries remains the most common chronic disease of children aged 6 to 11 years and adolescents aged 12 to 19 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Tooth decay is four times more common than asthma among adolescents aged 14 to 17 years, according to the CDC." 

Please check back for more tips and information on how to keep your children's dental health in tip top shape.

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Image and content provided by the American Dental Association

What Are Your New Years Resolutions?

2016 is well underway.  How are you doing with keeping your New Years Resolutions?  Making it through the first month is likely the hardest part of sticking to your goals, so we thought we'd share our resolutions with you in hopes that it will inspire you to stick to yours.

Vanessa resolves to exercise as much as possible and to top last years fun with her kids! Mary is committed to drinking more water, while Kathy is going to swim more. Penny's goal is to take her horses on rides more often. Since Megan recently moved to Auburn lake trails, she aims to spend more time outdoors and to expllore the area, go on hikes and more!

While sticking to your New Year's Resolutions isn't always easy, by being realistic and specific as to what you hope to accomplish will definitely make a difference in meeting and possibly exceeding your goals for 2016. We wish you all success in this New Year and we look forward to seeing your beautiful smiles.

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Reasons Your Dentist May Recommend You Visit More Than Twice A Year

Wondering were the recommendation to visit your dentist twice a year came from? It's hard to believe that more than 50 years ago, examinations of people entering the military showed that Americans' teeth were in pretty bad shape. Few people took good care of their teeth. There were no guidelines for how often you should see a dentist. Dentistry wasn't practiced as a preventative measure, but instead it's focus was on fixing dental problems.  Luckily, dental and health organizations decided that standards for preventative dentistry were needed.  Therefore the recommendation to visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups was adopted.

While going to the dentist twice a year is a great standard to follow, there are times when you may need to go more often.  Lifestyle choices and medical conditions may be a reason to see your dentist more often.

Do You Needs To Go More Than Twice A Year?

There are a number of conditions and circumstances that may require more frequent dental visits. Listed below are people who should talk to their dentist about going more than twice a year: 

• Diabetics

• Smokers                                         

• Pregnant women

• People with gum disease                                  

• People who have dry mouth

• People with a weak immune response to bacterial infection

• People who are more prone to cavities or plaque buildup

• People who do not keep up with their dental hygiene very well

• People whose diet is rich in sugary foods and/or drinks

How often you need to make a dental visit is determined by your dentist and hygienist and is based on the health of your gums, as well as how committed you are to a good oral hygiene program. More frequent visits, especially for high-risk patients, can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health conditions. The preventive care we provide will save you time, stress, and money.

Your Smile is Unique and So Are You

Your smile is unique and so are your dental needs.  We understand that dental habits, lifestyle choices and health issues change.  We are committed to your dental needs now and as they may change. 

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

Achieve a Naturally Whiter Smile

Is taking better care of your smile and brightening your smile one of your New Year's resolutions?  If so, here are some tips to help you achieve a naturally whiter smile.

REGULAR BRUSHING AND FLOSSING are always your best protection against tooth decay and gum disease. However, there are some tooth-friendly foods out there that will help you maintain a bright, healthy smile and even naturally whiten your teeth!

Here are some foods that help whiten & brighten your teeth.

Fruits And Veggies

Fruits such as apples and strawberries contain malic acid which removes surface stains from your teeth and whitens enamel. Strawberries are also beneficial in that they contain ellagitannins—antioxidants that are known to reduce stain-attracting bacteria and inflammation in your mouth.

Furthermore, apples, celery, carrots and pears—have a high water content. Water increases production of saliva, which washes away bacteria in the mouth. In addition, pears are also great for neutralizing odor-causing bacteria on teeth that lead to bad breath.

Did you know that Pineapple is the only food that naturally contains bromelain. Bromelain is a compound that has anti-inflammatory and cleansing properties and is effective in removing surface stains from your teeth, resulting in a brighter smile.Guess where else we can find bromelain? In stain-removing toothpaste! 

Natural Scrubbers

Foods such as broccoli, seeds and nuts, and, yet again, apples, actually scrub your teeth due to their abrasive texture.  They help in naturally removing bacteria and plaque. Eat these foods in the afternoons to clean and polish your teeth, giving them a brief midday brush. Furthermore, broccoli is high in fiber and iron, resulting in a lower risk of inflammation in your mouth and greater protection against enamel-degrading acids produced by bacteria.

Dairy

Cheese and milk provide a tremendous amount of calcium, which we all know is very good for teeth and bones. Calcium, as well as other minerals and proteins found in dairy products, protect tooth enamel from erosion and decay. They also don’t stain your teeth like coffee or wine.

More Than Just Brushing

To keep your mouth clean and smile white, avoid foods that can damage or stain your teeth, and opt for some of the healthier options mentioned above. Your teeth will thank you for it!

Your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Considering a New Smile for the New Year..You Deserve a Confident Smile!

You've made your New Years Resolutions:

-Eat Better
-Exercise
-Go to sleep earlier
-Take better care of your smile......

While taking better care of your smile might not be on the top of your resolution list it is definitely a resolution that you'll want to keep.

There are several ways to improve your smile and Auburn Dental Aesthetics is here to help you achieve the smile that you deserve. From teeth whitening to dental implants, it is possible to ring in the New Year with a New Smile.

Tooth Whitening: Tooth whitening (or bleaching) is a simple, non-invasive dental treatment used to change the color of natural tooth enamel and is an ideal way to enhance the beauty of your smile.

Because having whiter teeth has now become the number one aesthetic concern of most patients, there are a number of ways to whiten teeth. The most popular method is using a home tooth whitening system that will whiten teeth dramatically. Since tooth whitening only works on natural tooth enamel, it is important to evaluate replacement of any old fillings, crowns, etc. Replacement of any restorations will be done after bleaching so they will match the newly bleached teeth.

Tooth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up maybe needed every several years, and more often if you smoke, drink coffee, tea, or wine.

Invisalign: Invisalign® corrects the same dental problems as traditional metal braces; the only difference is that Invisalign® trays are almost invisible to the naked eye, and can be removed at will.

Here are some problems that are commonly corrected with Invisalign®:

Overcrowding – This occurs when there is too little space for the teeth to align normally in the mouth. Overcrowding can cause tooth decay and increase the likelihood of gum disease.

Large gaps between teeth – This can sometimes occur because teeth are missing or because the jaw continues to grow abnormally.

Crossbite – This common dental problem occurs when one or multiple upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. As a consequence, uneven wear can lead to bone erosion and gum disease.

Overbite – This problem occurs when the upper teeth project further than, or completely cover, the lower teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ may occur. Underbite – This is the inverse of the overbite; the lower teeth project further than, or completely cover, the upper teeth. Eventually, jaw pain and TMJ can occur.

Dental Implants: Dental implants are a great way to replace missing teeth and also provide a fixed solution to having removable partial or complete dentures. Implants provide excellent support and stability for these dental appliances.

Reasons for dental implants: 

• Replace one or more missing teeth without affecting adjacent teeth. 

• Resolve joint pain or bite problems caused by teeth shifting into missing tooth space. 

• Restore a patient’s confident smile. 

• Restore chewing, speech, and digestion. 

• Restore or enhance facial tissues. 

• Support a bridge or denture, making them more secure and comfortable.

While the idea of a new smile may seem a bit overwhelming your Auburn Dental Aesthetics Team is here to discuss all of your options and to make achieving your new smile a comfortable and exciting resolution that you can easily keep.

Dan Gustavson, DDS & Your Auburn Dental Aesthetic Team

Happy Thanksgiving....Let's Fill the Barrel!!

This Fall we are are reminded of all that we are thankful for.  Our amazing community is at the top of that list.  That is why from now until Thursday, December 17th, we'll be holding a food drive to help our local families that need a little extra help this holiday season. Hunger is an all but hidden epidemic in Placer Food Bank’s communities. Nearly 80,000 individuals in Placer, Nevada and El Dorado Counties do not know where there next meal will come from.

More often than not, the hungry are hard-working adults, children and seniors who simply cannot make ends meet. Many are forced to choose between paying for rent, medicine, or transportation and buying food; missing daily meals or going without food for days.

Local Hunger Facts:

• Hunger is a reality for 1 in 8 individuals living in Placer, El Dorado and Nevada Counties
• 1 in 3 of these individuals is a child
• 30% of seniors in our region report having to choose between food and paying for medicine or medical care
• 37% of the families receiving food from our network partners have one or more working adults in the household

It's simple to participate, just bring your non-perishable food donation to our office and place it in our donation barrel.  When you donate we invite you to help us spread the word online.  Snap a picture with one of our donation signs, tag our office and share that you donated to the Placer County Food Bank.  You'll also be entered into a drawing for our "Get Cozy Gift Basket," which includes a Kindle and several other fun goodies to get you in the Fall spirit.  We are accepting donations now until Thursday, December 17th.

Thank you in advance for your donation!

Dan Gustavson, DDS & Your Auburn Dental Aesthetic Team

Cancer Treatment and Your Dental Health

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While this serves as a reminder to schedule your mammograms it is also important to remember your dental health. Breast cancer survivors and especially chemotherapy patients need to be aware that they are at a greater risk of tooth decay and other dental problems. 

There are 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 a 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:

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

To our patients, friends, and families, this month we honor and remember those who have lost their battle, are currently fighting and who have survived. Please remember to schedule your mammogram and to perform routine self exams. 

If you or someone you know will be receiving treatment for cancer, please contact our office to schedule a consultation prior to and after your treatment. We have assisted several of our patients through this difficult and honestly scary time in their life and having the expertise to handle these very sensitive life situations.

Dan Gustavson, DDS & Your Auburn Dental Aesthetic Team