Avoiding Sugar - Have Healthy Teeth for Life!

Courtesy of Smart Practice 2003

It is well known that sugar can promote obesity, tooth decay, and a wealth of other health issues. but do we realize just how much sugar is in our food and snacks? Here at Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR we understand that a healthy diet is just as important as regular visits to the dentists or hygienist. Our friends at the Minnesota Dental Association have put together a campaign to teach children and families about the harmful effects of soda drinking.

Here's how you get cavities

• Sugar in pop combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid.
• Diet or "sugar-free" pop contains its own acid.
• Acid in soft drinks, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel.
• The acid attacks your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes.
• The acid attack starts over again with every sip.
• Ongoing acid attacks weaken your tooth enamel.
• Bacteria in your mouth cause cavities when tooth enamel is damaged.

How to reduce decay

• Drink soft drinks in moderation.
• Don't sip for extended periods of time. Ongoing sipping prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth.
• Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the sugar.

To learn more about the research Minnesota Dental Association has completed, visit their website here!

Nature's Cavity Fighter

A Lifetime of Healthy Teeth!

Dr. Damion Gilday at Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR joins the ADA and ODA to support water fluoridation to prevent dental disease.

Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, occurring naturally in the earth's crust, in combination with other minerals in rocks and soil. Small amounts of fluoride occur naturally in all water sources, and varying amounts of the mineral are found in all foods and beverages. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay. Flouride minerals bind to enamel to strengthen the structure of the tooth, and this can be key for children as their teeth develop.

For more information about the work the Oregon Dental Association is doing for Portland area residents in the fight for children's health, read more here.

Children's Dental Health Month

Two Minutes - Twice A Day!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and all across the United States, dental associations participate in Give Kids A Smile Day - a day of free dental care. Many children suffer from decayed and abscessed teeth in Oregon, as a result of poor diet, poor hygiene, and lack of access to preventive dental care.

At Village Plaza Dental, we advocate for children's health and recommend children begin dental visits at age 1, or when teeth first come in (per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines). This helps ensure that children become familiar with visiting the dentist on a regular basis, alleviating any anxiety or fear. It also creates a comforting and recognized environment for your child, should a dental emergency occur.

Although children have baby teeth (primary dentition) that will eventually exfoliate (fall out), it is highly important that those teeth remain free of decay and disease. Not only does decay cause pain and other illness, but children need their teeth as they learn to speak, and to assist in proper jaw and facial development.

To learn more about children's oral health and visit your dentist in Eugene, OR, visit our website or call us at (541) 205-9997.

What Is Gingivitis?

Brush Twice A Day, Floss Once!

Gum disease starts with gingivitis; an inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It occurs when bacteria creates plaque and the plaque develops under the gumline on the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the more serious periodontitis which can eventually lead to a loss of teeth.

Patients with gingivitis will have red and puffy gums, and they generally will bleed during brushing and dental exams. Many times gingivitis can be treated simply with better oral hygiene - longer and more frequent brushing and daily flossing. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis may include:

1 - Bright red or purple gums

2 - Tender or painful gums

3 - Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing

4 - Bad Breath (halitosis)

5 - Inflamed gums

6 - Gums that are receding or soft

Dr. Damion Gilday checks for symptoms of gingivitis at your regular cleaning and exams, and the hygienists at Village Plaza Dental will remove any buildup of calculus (hardened plaque) around the gumline so that gums can remain healthy. It is important to have regular dental checkups to keep dental disease and decay in check and be treated for any initial signs of disease.

To schedule your cleaning appointment and checkup, call us today at (541) 343-3822.

All About Dr. Damion Gilday

Dr. Gilday has always had a passion for helping people in need and became interested in dentistry at a young age. He attended the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, each for two years. In 1996 he graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Dental School, and received his DMD with honors. He then went on to study full mouth reconstruction at the Pankey Institute, during which time he was in private practice until 2003.

Military Service

Dr. Gilday joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and was immediately deployed to serve his country in Iraq. In 2007 he enlisted as full-time military and became part of the first Army Special Forces stationed in SE Asia. He spent much of his time in the Philippines setting up a dental facility to treat the impoverished. Read More...

Dental Volunteering

After his military service, Dr. Damion Gilday served on several medical missions in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Belarus through HELP International. The mission of HELP International is to empower people to fight global poverty through sustainable, life-changing development programs. Learn More About HELP International

In April of 2012, Dr. Damion Gilday purchased Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR and works closely with his dental staff to provide exceptional care to the Eugene, OR and Springfield, OR patient community. To schedule your appointment, call us at (541) 343-3822.

5 Ways to A Beautiful Smile

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. There are five main ways to improve your smile for a natural and beautiful effect.

1 - Composite bonding: Using tooth colored composite material, your dentist can apply this to the surface of the tooth to repair chipped, broken, discolored, or decayed teeth.

2 - Composite fillings: These fillings are tooth colored and require less tooth removal than traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. Many people choose to have their amalgam (silver) fillings replaced with composite for a more natural look.

3 - Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain veneers are adhesively bonded to the anterior (front) of the tooth to repair chips and cracks, or to correct severe tooth discoloration. 

4 - Teeth Whitening: Our teeth often become stained from smoking, foods, and poor oral hygiene. Using specialized whitening bleach either in the office or a lower-strength product at home, lightening your teeth can take years off your smile.

5 - Smile Makeover: These involved a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and your smile goals to improve your overall appearance. During a smile makeover, several dental procedures may be required to achieve the look you want.

To schedule your Smile Makeover Consultation with Dr. Damion Gilday at our Eugene, OR dental office, call us at (541) 343-3822.

Author

Are You Missing Teeth?

Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 is estimated to have three or more decayed or missing teeth? Your dental care and oral health are necessary to maintaining your overall health and wellness. Untreated dental disease in decaying teeth can lead to more serious health issues, including infection or damage to your bones and nerves. Learn More About Missing Teeth at www.MouthHealthy.org

If you are missing one or more teeth, or have teeth that need to be removed, there are many ways to restore your oral health and your beautiful smile. Dental bridges are one method of restoring missing teeth. A bridge restoration is fixed to adjacent teeth, and can be more invasive for teeth that are unrestored or are not needing to be removed. 

Dental implants are another method of restoring missing teeth, and provide a natural looking and naturally functioning tooth, and can be less invasive to adjacent teeth. To learn more about dental options for replacing missing teeth, contact our restoration specialist, Dr. Damion Gilday, at (541) 343-3822 to schedule your initial consultation.

Author

Implant Dentistry - Art, Experience, & Science

Implant dentistry merges art and experience with science to create naturally functioning replacement teeth. A dental implant serves as a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once placed. Implants are made of titanium, which has a special property of fusing to bone. This fusion is called “osseointegration” and is the basis of dental implant success. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. 

Dental Implants - Restoring Beauty to Your Smile

When teeth are lost, the bone that supported those roots is lost too. Placing implants stabilizes this bone, and prevents bone loss. Implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape, and supports the overal facial structure of the skeleton. Dental implants help you eat, chew, talk; all in a completely natural fashion. Read More About Dental Implants

How do you know if dental implants are right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Damion Gilday, your Eugene OR dentist, to learn more about how dental implants can help restore your natural and beautiful smile. Call our office today at (541) 343-3822 and schedule your appointment!

Finding A Link Between Oral Health & Dementia?

Can Oral Health Habits Affect Your Brain?

Dental researchers have determined a relationship between oral health habits and dementia.

According to a University of California study, oral health habits may affect whether a person develops dementia later in life. Researchers measured oral health habits of residents of a Laguna Hills, CA retirement community between 1992 and 2010. They followed 5,468 adults with no previous diagnosis of dementia age and a median age of 81 and determined that participants who reported brushing their teeth less than once per day had up to a 65 percent greater risk of developing dementia than those who brushed three times daily. Read More...

At Village Plaza Dental, your Eugene, OR dentist, Dr. Damion Gilday works with patients of all ages to preserve your oral health and keep you healthy for a lifetime. We recommend visiting the dentist twice yearly for a comprehensive exam and professional cleaning to keep plaque and calculus buildup from causing gum disease. Our patients with periodontal disease may need to visit our office more often throughout the year to manage their oral health. To schedule your dental checkup, call our office at (541) 343-3822 today!

A Season of Thankfulness

As we approach Thanksgiving and live in this season of thankfulness, we want to send our thanks and appreciation to our patients and community. Without your patronage and service, we would not exist! Dr. Damion Gilday and the staff at Village Plaza Dental strive for meeting your individual needs; not seeing people in terms of their teeth, but treating the whole person and helping them on a road to longer living in a healthy way.

We also thank the military personnel that have served in the past for our country and those that are serving now, away from family and friends. Dr. Damion Gilday's military service gives him a unique perspective on what our troops endure to fulfill service to their country.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday - to you and yours!

The Staff of Village Plaza Dental

In This Economy, Can You Afford to Skip Dental Care?

In the current economic crunch, it may be tempting to skimp on dental care. But you will not save money in the long run by ignoring your dental health and you might endanger your child's health or your own.

We want to help you keep more of your money for other essentials and that is why we encourage you to get regular dental checkups. Insurance companies know that prevention is far less costly than cures and that is why most policies cover routine dental checkup and cleanings.

The best way to avoid more expensive dental procedures is to follow a home dental hygiene program and maintain regular checkups to identify issues before they become full-blown problems needing costly intervention. Read More....

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment?
Call us today at 541-343-3822. We also encourage you to sign up for our monthly newsletter; with great tips for staying healthy and aware of dental news.

Use Your Insurance Benefits!

Toward the end of the year, our office typically gets an increase in phone calls from patients looking to schedule an end of year cleaning or restorative appointment and use their insurance benefits before they lapse December 31st.

Many patients sometimes don't realize that they can't carry over benefit maximums from year to year (with limited exceptions - check with your plan administrator to see if your plan qualifies for a rollover.) With premiums increasing in cost from year to year, it's important that you use the monies that you've been allotted - otherwise you've just given the insurance company back a chunk of free cash.

We still have appointments available in our Eugene, OR dental office with Dr. Damion Gilday, and we'd love to see you! Please call our office today at 541-343-3822 to schedule your appointment before time runs out.

Healthy Mouths for Everyone!

We all know life can be busy, but don’t neglect your oral health. Your dental care is just as important now as it was when you were a kid. Untreated dental disease can lead to serious health problems such as infection, damage to bone or nerve and tooth loss. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and see your Eugene, OR dentist regularly.

Fact Check:
Did you know that the average adult between the ages of 20 and 64 has three or more decayed or missing teeth? If you are missing one or more teeth, there are plenty of reasons to correct the problem. Dr. Damion Gilday has many treatments to restore your smile.

The ADA website has many great resources for kids and adults of all ages - and Dr. Gilday recommends that you visit the pages often for great information on keeping mouth healthy all year long!

To learn more, visit pages on MouthHealthy.org:

• Healthy Habits
• Concerns unique to you
• Nutrition tips

Ready to Schedule Your Appointment With Dr. Gilday?
We look forward to welcoming new and returning patients! Has it been a few years since we've seen your family? We still consider you our patient and we would love to see you back in the office to check up on your dental health and assist you in getting back on a healthy track. Call our office today!

Meet Your Dentist: Dr. Damion Gilday

Dr. Damion Gilday has always had a passion for helping people in need and became interested in dentistry at a young age. He attended the University of Oregon and Oregon State University, each for two years. In 1996 he graduated from Oregon Health Sciences University (OHSU) Dental School, and received his DMD with honors. He then went on to study full mouth reconstruction at the Pankey Institute, during which time he was in private practice until 2003.

Military Service
Dr. Gilday joined the Army Reserves in 2003 and was immediately deployed to serve his country in Iraq. In 2007 he enlisted as full-time military and became part of the first Army Special Forces stationed in SE Asia. He spent much of his time in the Philippines setting up a dental facility to treat the impoverished.

Dental Volunteering
After his military service, Dr. Damion Gilday served on several medical missions in Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, and Belarus through HELP International. The mission of HELP International is to empower people to fight global poverty through sustainable, life-changing development programs.

Since its founding in 1999, HELP has grown to be a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization specializing in three core competencies: (1) public health, (2) education and (3) entrepreneurship/business projects.

In April 2012, Dr. Damion Gilday purchased Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR and enjoys working with his diverse patient community.

Dr. Gilday is married, with 6 children ages 7 to 17. His family can often be found golfing together, and they are avid Ducks fans. They also enjoy spending time backpacking and out on the trails.

We invite you to meet Dr. Gilday - call our office today at 541-343-3822 for your appointment!

FDA Alert: Benzocaine Products

FDA warns against using benzocaine products in children under 2

When a baby is teething, mom and dad want to help stop the pain. For this reason, gel and spray products are available that contain benzocaine, a topical anesthetic. However, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that these products should not be used for children under 2, except under the advice and supervision of a health care professional. The reason? Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious, and sometimes fatal, condition called methemoglobinemia.

What is methemoglobinemia? In simple terms, it’s a disorder in which the amount of oxygen that the blood can carry is greatly reduced. Although it can occur in older children and adults, children under 2 appear to be particularly at risk. That’s because since 2006, the FDA has received 29 reports of benzocaine gel-related cases of methemoglobinemia, and 15 of these have been in children under 2.

According to the FDA’s consumer update, here are some of the symptoms of methemoglobinemia:

• pale, gray, or blue colored skin, lips and nails
• shortness of breath
• fatigue
• confusion
• headache
• light-headedness
• rapid heart rate

The ADA’s Seal of Acceptance Program currently has two topical benzocaine-containing pain relief products that bear the ADA Seal, neither intended for children under 2. These products are Benzodent Dental Pain Relieving Cream by Chattem, and Professional Strength Kanka Mouth Pain Liquid by Blistex. Both products contain 20 percent benzocaine and contain the following label statements:

• For the temporary relief of pain due to minor irritations of the mouth and gums caused by dentures or orthodontic appliances or minor injury to mouth and gums. Kanka also says that it can be used to help relieve pain from canker sores.
• Children under 2 years of age: consult a dentist or physician.
• Children under 12 years of age should be supervised in the use of this product.
• Keep out of reach of children.

For more information on these and other oral care products that carry the ADA Seal, visit the ADA Seal page on MouthHealthy. Products that bear the ADA Seal have undergone a rigorous, independent, scientific review to ensure that they meet ADA criteria for safety and effectiveness.
To keep up to date on the latest dental related news, sign up for our eNewsletter, or follow our blog.

Information provided is from mouthhealthy.org - a site developed by the American Dental Association.

Oral Cancer Screenings: A Matter of Life and Death

Oral cancer is the largest group of those cancers which fall into the head and neck cancer category. Common names include mouth cancer, tongue cancer, tonsil cancer, and throat cancer. Approximately 40,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2012. Published studies show that currently less than 15% of those who visit a dentist regularly, report having had an oral cancer screening. Historically, the greatest strides in combatting most cancers have come from an increased awareness, and aggressive campaigns that focus on early detection.

It is important to realize that a visit to your dentist is no longer about a filling, a crown, or a postponable cleaning, but it is actually a matter of life and death. Dental exams, when properly done and that include a screening for oral cancer, can save lives. With advances in modern technology, dentists are now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its development.

Dr. Damion Gilday and his staff at Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR believe strongly in the health of their patients, and recommend oral cancer screenings at your new patient appointment, and each year thereafter. Oral cancer screenings are generally completed with an ultraviolet light, or a similar device that allows the dentist to view problem areas that can't always be detected by the human eye under normal conditions.

We encourage you to make an appointment today at Village Plaza Dental in Eugene, OR for your annual dental exam and cleaning, and make sure that you are on the path to a healthy mouth for life! Contact us today at 541-343-3822.

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.