Early Detection and Prevention

Did you know your McLean dental care can help protect teeth from future bacteria? A dental sealant is a plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Porous grooves in these teeth are so narrow that a toothbrush cannot fit into the spaces to remove plaque. Dental sealants prevent dental decay in the grooves and create a long lasting and preventative barrier for bacteria. Sealants are especially effective for children and adolescents. Since their inception, sealants have dramatically decreased tooth decay in children and adolescents.

On your dental hygiene visit, Dr. Gharagozloo uses the painless laser instrument Diagnodent for dental decay detection. Before decay is even visible to the naked eye, the Diagnodent laser can find it, so it can be treated as soon as possible. Earlier detection means a less-invasive dental repair and a more comfortable dental experience. In addition, your teeth and gum tissue will be evaluated for any signs of concern.

VELscope is an instrument that highlights abnormal tissues in your mouth, which may indicate the possibility for oral cancer or disease. This quick, painless, 2-minute test can show Dr. Gharagozloo any areas of concern for oral cancer on your lips or in your mouth. Dr. G can evaluate risk factors for dental caries, which allows more predictable results for your dental treatments. This type of early detection can save your life! Everyone gets a VELscope screening at their initial exam or on a hygiene cleaning. Early detection of oral cancer can greatly improve treatment effectiveness and survival rates. The findings from these tests can also lead to risk assessment for cardiovascular disease.

As we have become a culture that is constantly drinking acids in coffee, sodas, foods and even some dental products, the effects can be extensive. If Dr. Gharagozloo determines your teeth are at risk from acidic foods, you may benefit from CariFree products. CariFree products, offered at Dr. G's office, protect tooth enamel from harsh foods and drinks, and include tooth pastes and oral rinses.

Another line of protection from Dr. Gharagozloo is mouthguards for sports and nighttime grinding. Your teeth and any dental work you have had are safely preserved with a mouthguard - meaning less chipping and breaking of tooth surfaces. Your teeth are the hardest surface in your body. If they are clenched together, teeth can grind each other down or cause pain or oral trauma. Our sports or nighttime mouthguards are specially formulated just for you, using professional materials that are comfortable and prevent wear, trauma or jaw misalignment.

Nighttime mouthguards are different from the sports version, but each are the safest method of keeping your teeth in pristine shape. There are alternative options - such as store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards, but are made with inferior materials and cannot always provide the crucial protection you may need. Your smile is worth protecting, so give it the care it deserves.

Some people may not be aware they have acid reflux. However, specific erosion patterns in the teeth make it possible to be detected in the dental office. If you have been diagnosed and regularly experience bouts of acid reflux disease, you may need to take action to protect your teeth. If left untreated, this condition can lead to esophageal and gastric cancers, as well as serious complications with tooth erosion.

Download an Erosion Risk Assessment chart now! erosionchart.pdf

Acid Reflux Disease
When you eat and drink and as you swallow, food and drink heads down the esophagus and into the stomach. There, acids in the stomach begin to break food down. Under normal conditions, the muscle between the esophagus and stomach, only lets food into the stomach and keeps stomach acid from going into the esophagus.

Acid reflux is when the muscle between the esophagus and stomach becomes lax, allowing food and stomach acids back up the esophagus. This condition is also called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Symptoms are painful and include burning in the chest, throat and neck (also called heartburn), a sensation of food reentering your mouth from your throat, and a stubborn acidic or bitter taste.

Tooth Erosion
The outer layer of teeth is made up of enamel, which is the hardest substance in the body. Under normal conditions, saliva can protect the mouth’s natural pH balance (acidic or alkaline levels), clear leftover food particles and help protect your teeth’s natural mineral content. Unfortunately, our culture today has become one of instant gratification and ease, especially with foods and drinks. Café’s are opening everywhere and many restaurants offer curbside quick delivery. We are snacking or grazing all day, often “nursing” a coffee or soda. Common foods and drink today tend to be highly acidic and can upset saliva’s ability to protect your teeth, which can soften tooth enamel.

Over time, exposure to these harmful substances, as well as stomach acid from acid reflux, begins to erode tooth enamel. After enamel wears away, it is gone forever, leaving the less protective and highly sensitive dentin exposed. This inner layer isn’t meant to be on the surface of teeth and having it exposed can lead to many severe complications of your oral health. Even your teeth and bite can adversely change because of compromised tooth structure.

Tooth erosion symptoms:

• Sensitivity to particular foods and drinks – hot, cold or sweet
• Darkening or yellowing teeth
• Irritation or pain in the mouth
• Jagged or sharp tooth edges
• Teeth becoming thin or shortened

Advised treatment
To avoid acid reflux disease or find relief from its symptoms, follow these precautions:

• Consume healthy foods and avoid fried or fatty foods, peppermint or spearmint, alcohol, chocolate, carbonated drinks, coffee, citrus fruits and juices, pickles, yogurt, vinegar, garlic, onions, peppers and tomatoes. If these are favorite foods, reduce your consumption to infrequent indulgences.
• Eat several small meals throughout the day instead of fewer meals with large portions
• Live an active lifestyle – if you are overweight, lose weight with a healthy diet and regular exercise
• Don't overuse antacid medicine
• Sleep with your head 6 inches higher than your feet
• Quit smoking
• Drink plenty of water, and chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva
• See your medical doctor on a regular basis

Tell Dr. Gharagozloo if you are receiving treatment from a medical doctor for acid reflux disease. We can help by prescribing fluoride treatments, other pH balancing products or a customized mouthguard to protect your teeth during sleep. Additionally, Dr. G may advise you to use a softer toothbrush and/or a low-abrasion toothpaste.

If we observe tooth erosion, Dr. G may need to restore your teeth or replace old, worn fillings. Teeth whitening solutions may also be discouraged in severe erosion cases. If enamel on your teeth is severely worn you may benefit from crowns or porcelain veneers. These can restore your bite integrity and protect the structure of your teeth.

• With VELscope, Dr. G can find indications of oral cancer and treat it before it progresses
• Diagnose and treat gum disease, to protect your whole body health
• Diagnodent laser finds decay before it's even visible
• CariFree products can protect your mouth from acidic foods
• Mouthguards for contact sports or nighttime grinding keep teeth healthy
• Dental diligence by Dr. Gharagozloo will keep your smile in good health and confident