How does it look?  Pretty and pink?  Yellow, milky white and coated?  Your mouth is teeming with bacteria that determine whether your teeth fall out or remain pearly white.

600 different species of bacteria in your mouth

Did you know that every drop of saliva contains millions of bacteria and your tongue is like a sponge hanging on to them? Most bacteria live symbiotically in your mouth producing enzymes to break down carbohydrates that aid in digestion and metabolism.  Your mouth is a veritable hot-house for bacterial breeding.  Just think, it’s warm, wet and cozy with an unlimited supply of food and shelter.  That’s great for good bacteria, however it keeps the bad kinds breeding just the same.  Certain bacterium get overgrown when not managed regularly which cover the tongue like a coat.

The truth about the coat

The coating on your tongue can not only look yucky, but it can make you sick.  The bacteria on your tongue contribute to tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

Keep the count down

To keep the bacteria at bay, it is important to pay special attention to the strongest muscle in your body.  Make sure not to forget your tongue when brushing.  At many drugstores you can purchase a tongue scraper that will aid in removing some of that build up, however, a kitchen spoon works just as well.   Some patients say they gag too much to even attempt cleaning the tongue, for that Wikihow offers some tips:  http://www.wikihow.com/Avoid-Gagging-While-Brushing-Your-Tongue.

Here are some gadgets that some patients find helpful.

To your health,

Dr. Bob

 We did it!   We have been certified by the  Monterey Bay Area  Green Business Program!

What does that mean for you?

To be certified “green,” means we are  in compliance with regulatory agencies and meet program criteria for conserving resources, preventing pollution and minimizing waste.  This includes :

• Digital X-rays
• Recycling
• Energy saving light bulbs
• Double sided copies
• Paperless charting
• Email instead of paper mail
• An amalgam separator that keeps removed amalgam out of the water sources
• Recycled paper products
• Green products

A special thanks to Anna!!

One of our goals this year was to become certified as a “green business.”  This was a big undertaking that our dedicated hygienist, Anna, took the reigns on.  She spent numerous hours researching new products  and implementing procedures so that we could get the grade.  We are very thankful to her for all her hard work.  Do us a favor and give her a high-five at your next visit!

To your health and the planet,

Dr. Bob

We love awesome patients and are so fortunate to have the best ones around!  They make coming to work so enjoyable and fun.  So to thank you all for your patronage, we give away FREE STUFF every quarter!  Yep, totally free awesome stuff, just to say thanks for choosing us.  In the past we have given away spa certificates,tickets to the Sharks, trips on the Chardonnay, and even a sky dive!

Referral Drawings

And to thank you for all your referrals and word-of-mouth, we are giving away a 55” Samsung LED TV!!  Here’s how it works:

Send in a friend and we send you raffle tickets.

• 1^st referral = 5 tickets
• 2^nd referral = 10 tickets
• 3^rd referral = 20 tickets

Thanks for telling your friends about us.  It means you so much to know you have confidence in the services we offer.  It makes us excited about what we do and keeps us on top of our game.

Next time you are in drop your name in the quarterly drawing.  And you just might win the newest prize.  Tell your friends about us and you might just win a HUGE TV!

Thanks for thinking of us.

To your health,

Dr. Bob

Not only does it have fewer calories and less effect on blood sugar than sucrose, but xylitol gum has the added benefit of inhibiting the creation of acid in the mouth. Products sweetened with xylitol create an unwelcome environment for bacteria; they simply cannot stick to teeth in a xylitol-rich environment.  This minimizes the damage done to your teeth, as well as allowing your teeth to heal at a faster rate. It allows the teeth to re-mineralize the calcium ions in enamel before dental caries form.

So what’s that all mean?  Chew a piece of xylitol gum after every meal or snack for maximum benefit to your teeth as it may reduce the risk of tooth decay and snack on!

I like the Spearmint Spry, but it comes in other flavors like cinnamon, peppermint, fruit and even green tea.  New Leaf, Staff of Life and Whole Foods all have a version of it, so pick up a pack next time you are in.  They are also putting xylitol in some Tridents now!

If only they could make it taste like chocolate…

To your health,

Dr. Bob

So you have been a patient here for years, or maybe you are a new member of the family, either way, do you know really what happens at your teeth cleaning?

If you’re like most people,  the only thing you hear is “cavity” or no cavity.  However, so much more than just the evaluation of tooth decay is going on during those cleanings.  Besides polishing of the tooth’s surface, here’s what’s really going on while your mouth is open…

A review of medical health history

Gums and oral tissues can be greatly affected by changes in your medications or health and  can cause pocketing, dry mouth, or tooth and bone loss.

Blood pressure screening

High blood pressure has been labeled “the silent killer.”  People with elevated blood pressure often don’t know until they have suffered a heart attack or stroke.  Your health and safety is of the utmost importance to us.

American Cancer Society Oral Cancer Exam, Soft Tissue and Hard tissue Exam

Who looks in your mouth more than us?  Regular cancer screenings check for abnormalities or changes in cheeks, gums, tongue, tonsil, and lining of the mouth.  Early detection is the key.  In the United States 3 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every hour, that’s 30,000 Americans every year.

Periodontal exam

Periodontal disease is the #1 leading cause of tooth loss in Americans.  Periodontal disease is an infection of gum tissues.  We take measurements of 6 sites around the teeth to determine the health of the gum tissue and severity of infection.  Early treatment can not only prevent tooth and bone loss, but also save money (and teeth!) in the long run.

TMJ exam

Some say that 20% of the population if affected Tempromandibular Disorder (TMD) which affects the tempromandibular joint.  Early detection can help alleviate major jaw issues in the future including muscle stiffness, locking of the jaw, and changes in the way your teeth fit together.

Occlusal exam

Occlusion is the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed.  Often referred to at the “bite.”  This is super important for not only chewing, but the health of the jaw joint.    A healthy bite means a healthy jaw.

It’s not “just a cleaning”

Every time you open your mouth here at out office rest assured we are looking out for you even when you aren’t entirely aware of it.  Early detection of of high blood pressure can prevent a heart attack.  Early detection of a cavity can prevent a crown.  Early detection of periodontal disease can prevent tooth loss and cardiovascular disease.  Coming to your regularly scheduled cleanings and exams can  spare you unnecessary pain, tooth loss and money with early detection.  Do something good for you, let us keep you healthy.

To your health,

Dr. Bob

Hope this finds you enjoying the sunshine to the fullest.  It’s newsletter time and that means NEW QUARTERLY DRAWINGS!!!

Click the link below to read up on the most recent winner as well as what YOU can win this quarter!!

To your health,

Dr. Bob

http://www.santacruzdentist.com/newsletters/summer-2011-newsletter-2/

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that generally erupt between ages 17-25, when children pass into early adulthood.   This time period has previously been referred to as “the age of wisdom.”   Subsequently, the third molars have been dubbed wisdom teeth.  Most people have 4, but it is possible to have more as well as none.

Can I keep my wisdom teeth?

Some individuals don’t need to have their wisdom teeth removed.  There are a few factors that influence this:

• Jaw and mouth size
• The ability of the teeth to fully erupt
• The angle in which they are erupting

Sometimes, a patient has room enough to keep 1, 2, or four of the teeth.  A panoramic x-ray will allow the dentist to see if there is room enough for you to keep some or all of them.

Third molars need to be extracted when the mouth and jaw are too small to accommodate the teeth,  or they are unable to fully erupt.  These situations can cause discomfort, swelling and sometimes even cysts.

Where do wisdom teeth come from?

Wisdom teeth were originally designed to take the place of lost or damaged teeth that resulted from a primitive diet of coarse food that contained sand and grit.   Now days, processed diets protect teeth, meaning less are lost and damaged.   There is usually not enough room for the teeth to come all the way in.

Will I need to be put to sleep?

Some patients prefer to be sedated while others are just fine with a local anesthetic such as Novocaine.  Either way extractions can be done right here in our office where you already know the staff and dentist.  Most patients do fine to head back to work or school the next day, but if you want to take an extra day off, we won’t tell.

So if you have been putting off the removal of your third molars, there is nothing to fear!   Dentistry has come a long way from the covered wagon and whiskey days of our parents!  We have a variety of solutions for patients apprehensive about extractions and the skill to make your experience the most comfortable  possible.

To your health,

Dr. Bob

I ask all of my patients, “How do you rate your smile on a scale of 1-10?”

If you are like most patients, your answer is less than ten.  Why?  What about your smile would you change?  And why haven’t you yet?  Is it a misplaced tooth or stains that won’t go away?  Do you have a “gummy” looking smile or short looking teeth?  Or maybe it is a gap right in the middle?  If you are unhappy with how your smile looks, now is the time to do something about it.

Have you always wondered about cosmetic dentistry, but thought maybe it wasn’t for you?

Well, veneers are your answer!  Veneers have come a long way.  They are easy, painless and virtually instant.  In a little as two visits you have an entirely new smile, or just enhance the one you already love.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a contact-lens-thin custom made shell that covers the front side of the tooth and is bonded on permanently. They are created one-of-a-kind in a laboratory just for you, by a technician from exact models of your  mouth taken by the dentist.

It’s about time

There is no reason to live with gaps in your front teeth, stains that won’t come off or crooked and misshapen teeth. Today a veneer placed on top of your teeth can correct natures mistake or remove the results of an injury, leaving your teeth looking better than ever and refreshed.

Veneers might be perfect, if you:

• whiten regularly, but would like a permanent solution
• are self-conscious of the gaps in your smile
• have stains that do not respond to whitening
• have an upcoming event, like a graduation, wedding, or reunion coming up
• want the look of a straight smile without the commitment of braces

At least once a week I get asked if we do Lumineers.  And my answer is YES!  Not only does our office do Lumineers, but also many other kinds of veneers.  Lumineers are just one type of veneer that our office offers.  They are one of the most publicized types of veneers, however there are many options to fit your dental problem.

Veneers require little, if no drilling, no shots, and no large time commitment, with gorgeous permanent results.

Just what you want

Many times patients think cosmetic dentistry means an unnatural,  movie-star smile.  They think cosmetic dentistry is not for them because they might not feel like “themselves”.  These days this is not the case.  Results can range from drastic, to subtle.  With a variety of  custom shade, size and shape  options, you can get exactly what you want.

Veneers are one of the easiest and fastest ways to change your smile.  Whether you looking for a dramatic or subtle result, veneers can deliver both.  I would love to talk over your options at your next visit.  Feel free to ask about the variety of Before/After photos we have in our office.

I would love for the next time I ask you to rate your smile, your answer to be, “It’s a ten, Dr. Bob!”

To your health.

The Matiasevich Team with trainers Pat and Roz

“Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer.”
–Rick Pitino Coach for the Louisville Cardinals

We believe we are only as good as what we can do for our patients and what services we offer.   It is important for us to be able to offer our patients a variety of solutions for every dental situation.  Our mission is to keep you with your teeth for a lifetime. And it is one we have accepted whole heartedly.

Mission Possible Training

Last month we were fortunate enough to have onsite training with 2 fantastic women who specialize in non-surgical periodontal therapies that can save teeth and bone! We learned the ins and outs of Periodontal Disease, as well as new techniques of infection control. There was not only classroom training, but lucky us, chair-side too!  With three days of intensive instruction, we are pumped and ready to bring you the best treatment available!

#1 cause of tooth loss

Periodontal Disease is the number-one cause of tooth loss. “According to the 1996 American Dental Association/Colgate survey, U.S. dentists say gum disease is a more pressing oral health concern than tooth decay by a 2-to-1 margin.”  Research has shown, and experts agree, that there is an association between Periodontal Disease and other chronic inflammatory conditions, as well as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Health doesn’t stop at your mouth. We understand that there is a person attached to your teeth and we want the very best for your health.

It’s not your fault

Here are just some of the factors that contribute to Periodontal Disease:

• Nutrition
• Sleep
• Stress
• OTC Drugs
• Genetics
• Age
• Gender
• Hormones
• Smoking
• Disease
• Dry Mouth
• Grinding

The list goes on and on.  No wonder brushing and flossing alone can’t combat the bacteria!  It’s not your fault.  Bacteria are excellent breeders and can reproduce at an exponential rate when conditions are right.  Excessive bacteria causes infection in the gums.

Imagine a 3″ wound on your arm that is not only tender to the touch, but bleeds and oozes puss. It is constantly irritating and just won’t heal.  It could give you a fever.  It could make you feel run down and affect your blood pressure. That is what an infection in your mouth can be like.  Left undisturbed, the infection will lead to not only bone loss, but also tooth loss.

We can help

Never fear, the Matiasevich Team is here!  We can get that health deteriorating infection under control with amazing new techniques.  It is possible.  Active infection will be a thing of the past.  A future of healthy pink gums  and strong teeth are waiting for you.  Your mission, and we hope you accept it, is to let us take care of you.  This is what we do.  And we love it.

To your health,

Dr. Bob

I’m more comfortable coming here than I have been going to any other dentist.