Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

As the name implies, teeth whitening is the act of whiting teeth and therefore making them more attractive. Teeth whitening can be used to whiten stained, discolored, or dull teeth to improve your smile. Whitening is one of the most safe and cost effective ways to improve your smile and is relatively painless.
There are two primary methods of teeth whitening; in office and at home trays.

In office teeth whitening is ideal for people looking for immediate results or active lifestyles that don't have time for a series of at home treatments. The procedure usually takes about an hour. In office teeth whitening starts with the application of a protective gel to the gums and surrounding soft tissue for protection from light. A different gel that activates under light is applied to the teeth surfaces. An intense light is used enhance the whitening gel's effectiveness.

At home trays are generally less expensive than in office treatments and require the making a mold of the teeth to create trays. After a few days the trays will be ready for pick-up and receive instruction on proper use. The trays are taken home, filled with a bleaching gel, and worn for up to one hour at a time, up to twice a day. Bleach trays allow for gradual whitening of the teeth over several days or weeks ending in fabulous result. Bleaching may cause tooth sensitivity.

To schedule your appointment to have custom trays made for you by our Eugene, OR cosmetic dentist, call our office at 541-343-3822 or visit our website for more information.

Vitamin D - Good for Your Teeth!

You already know that good dental health depends on regular oral health practices and a healthy diet low in sugar. But did you know that vitamin D also plays a role?

Scientists and researchers for the past 100 years have noted geographical variations in dental health. A study as far back as the Civil War showed an 8% military service rejection rate in Kentucky for lost teeth compared to a 25% rate in New England.

The connection between geography and sunlight exposure was made in the 1930's when researchers found that subjects living in more sunny areas had half as many tooth decay issues as those in less sunny areas.

In a study conducted in Oregon in the 1950's, dental decay was lower on the sunny side of the state and more pronounced on the rainy side. Vitamin D from sunlight's ultraviolet rays was identified as a factor in calcium metabolism. Both the sun's rays and vitamin D induce cathelicidin, an antimicrobial polypeptide that fights oral bacteria.

Vitamin D has many health benefits in addition to reducing dental decay. If you don't spend much time outdoors or if you live somewhere without a lot of sunlight, make sure you and your family are receiving sufficient levels of this important vitamin.

If you have questions or concerns about vitamin intake, give us a call or contact your physician. We invite you to subscribe to our monthly wellness newsletter for more tips on your oral health. Dr. Damion Gilday in Eugene, OR looks forward to answering your questions and helping you achieve optimal dental health!

Rhuematoid Arthritis Linked to Periodontal Disease

At Village Plaza Dental, Dr. Damion Gilday and his staff keep on top of the latest wellness research. Recently a study was published regarding the links between rhuematoid arthritis and periodontal (gum) disease. What do the two have in common?

"The common denominator here is the inflammatory aspect of both diseases," according to President of the New Jersey Society of Periodontists Dr. Scott Zirkin. Because chronic bacterial infection is associated with periodontal disease, the system experiences an inflammatory response. The ensuing chronic inflammation not only taxes the immune system but it can destroy connective tissue and bone tissue, both teeth and joints.

So here's the good news for rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. A study in the Journal of Periodontology found that people who suffer from both periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis had fewer swollen joints and stiffness when they brought their periodontal disease under control.

"The mouth/body connection is very strong and should not be underestimated by those living with arthritis or their caregivers," says Zirkin. We would like to take that one step further and tell you that the mouth/body connection should not be underestimated by any of our patients because there are many body-related complications associated with periodontal disease, not just rheumatoid arthritis.

To read more and receive monthly wellness news, visit our website and subscribe to our newsletter.

Why Dental Implants for Missing Teeth?

Dental implants are the closest dental restoration to your original teeth. They are natural-looking and provide the functionality of a normal tooth. Dental Implants require the same maintenance as a normal tooth; brushing, flossing, and regular check-ups. Dental implants can replace missing or severely damaged teeth and can be used to secure restorations like dentures and dental bridges. Patients with dental implants often have greater satisfaction and results than other types of dental restorations.
Dental implants have two primary parts, a small titanium post and a crown. The small titanium post is first implanted into the jawbone. Titanium is used because of its unique compatibility with human tissue.

Unlike other metals, the jawbone will grow naturally around the titanium post and secure it in place. After the post is secure the dental crown or other dental fixture is attached to the post. The titanium post acts similarly to a natural tooth root and the crown provides a natural looking tooth and biting surface. Dental implants can replace a single tooth or many teeth, regardless of whether the tooth loss was caused by disease or injury.

For information on dental implants and to learn whether they are the right restoration option for you, call our Eugene, OR dental implant dentist at 541-343-3822 today or visit our website.

Watch Those Summer Drinks!

It's easy to rationalize using sports and energy drinks in the heat of summer activities. An energy jolt may boost your game and stores have aisles of drinks to meet that desire. But a recent study shows that such drinks bathe the teeth in acid, rapidly eroding tooth enamel. In a matter of days, you can damage your teeth.

Better alternatives on the playing field or training circuit include chilled herb teas, coconut water, water flavored by mint leaves, and just plain water. All have excellent re-hydrating properties without the sugar, acid, caffeine and artificial ingredients.

For more information on these and other tooth tips, visit our Newsletter Archives.