Your Dental Hygienist!

Normally we think of a teeth cleaning as just that. Our tongues love the smooth and clean feeling we get after visiting our dental hygienist.

But there's another huge benefit to regular teeth cleaning. Hygienists spend time in your mouth. That give them the opportunity to spot suspicious tissue or other possible signs of oral cancer.

Oral cancer has a fantastically high cure rate - but only if it's detected early.

Another reason to love your dental hygienist!


Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Baby Teeth: When Do They Come in & Fall Out? (Part 2 of 2)

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out

Once all the baby teeth have fully come in, it is very important to keep up with twice daily brushing to keep them clean and strong. It is recommended that parents brush their kids' teeth until the age of eight. During that time, those new baby teeth will begin to wiggle and fall out.

Baby teeth usually begin falling out in order of appearance. The lower center teeth go first, followed by the top center pair, and so on. This usually starts happening by age six, but some kids can start losing teeth as early as age four. Most children get excited when they feel their teeth start to wiggle (and the Tooth Fairy’s inevitable visit is also a big help), while some kids worry that losing a tooth will hurt when it falls out. If your child is worried, you can reassure him or her that they probably won't feel anything. A baby tooth typically won’t loosen until the permanent tooth below begins pushing it up to take its place. But it is possible for kids to lose a baby tooth before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt.

The Emergence Of Permanent Teeth

Once permanent teeth start coming in, you may notice that these new teeth look bigger, and you are correct. Adult teeth are not only bigger, but they also tend to be less white than baby teeth and have pronounced ridges because they haven't been used yet for biting and chewing.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Smile Makeovers

Maybe you remember that TV show, Extreme Makeovers?

They took people who were unhappy with their appearance and let surgeons and dentists perform cosmetic miracles on their bodies and teeth.

Well, a complete smile makeover like that can be done by many dentists, And often it only takes two visits!


Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Tooth Enamel

Tooth enamel is very hard but...
That doesn't mean you can't break it.

Our office recommends to avoid eating "hard foods" such as popcorn. Don't crack nut shells with your teeth or chew on ice. Opening packages with your teeth can also damage the enamel.

It's not just the sugar - it's also the acid
Sugar and acids are your teeth's worst enemies. What are we talking about? Soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit juices, and candy.

Because of the acid content, Mountain Dew seems to be the worst of the worst. There is even a name for the damage it does and it is called "Dew Mouth."

These erode the tooth enamel, making it highly susceptible to decay. Parents, watch your kid's consumption of these because young children's enamle hasn't developed fully. This makes these drinks even more damaging for kids.

As well as eliminating the above (or at least reducing their consumption), it is recommended to always brush and floss after every meal. If you can't, use a sugar-free xylitol chewing gum after a meal. Also rinse your mouth with a high quality dental mouthwash.


Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Baby Teeth: When Do They Come in & Fall Out? (Part 1 of 2)

Your child’s first set of teeth is as much of a milestone coming in as they are when they are wiggling loose. With the anticipation and anxiety associated with both events, it is understandable that parents want to know when to expect their baby’s first teeth to come in and when those baby teeth will fall out.

When Do Baby Teeth Come In

So, how many baby teeth are there? There are 20 primary baby teeth that are already present in a child’s jaw at birth, and they usually start appearing – or erupting– between six months and one year. You can expect your child’s full set of teeth to come in by age three. You can also refer to a baby teeth chart for this. Just remember that every child is different, so no exact dates should be expected, but below is an approximate order of when you can expect baby teeth to come in:

1. Lower center teeth (or lower center incisors) arrive between approximately six to ten months.
2. Top center teeth (or top center incisors) arrive around eight to 12 months.
3. Lateral incisors—just to the side of the center ones—come next between nine and 13 months.
4. Canines between 16 and 23 months.
5. Molars are next, with the first molars arriving between 13 to 19 months and the second molars arriving between 23 and 33 months./li>

When baby teeth begin pushing their way up through your baby’s gums, it can prove to be a very stressful time for both you and your child. Common baby teeth eruption symptoms are inflamed gums, excessive drooling, chewing on things, and irritability. It’s important to bear with your child during this time and maintain proper infant oral hygiene.

To read the entire article visit crest.com

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Surprisingly Simple Food Tips for Healthy Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis

You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were.

An Element of Strength
The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth.

So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• 'Moo're Dairy Please
• Swish and Swallow
• Candy and Chewing Gum
• Nature's Toothbrush

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Cold and Flu Season: 5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.”

When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority-and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Romo says.

Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: 

Practice Good Hygiene
When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well.
According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. “The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when you are sick,” Dr. Romo says.
You also probably don’t need to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Unless your immune system is severely compromised, the chances of reinfecting yourself are very low. “But if you’re still in doubt, throw it out,” says Dr. Romo. “Especially if you’ve had your toothbrush for 3-4 months, when it’s time to replace it anyway.”

Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drug store with an eye to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. “Many cough drops contain sugar, and it is like sucking on candy,” says Dr. Romo. “Sugar is a culprit when it comes to cavities.” The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Swish and Spit After Vomiting
• Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth
• Choose the Right Fluids

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

You May Have Acid Erosion on Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.comthat was written by Jennifer Mitchell

Tooth enamel isn't just strong; it's the hardest substance in your body. It isn't indestructible, however, and can be eroded by substances that are stronger. Acid exposure can come from many sources, but with the help of your dentist, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy.

Symptoms 
Acid erosion on teeth can lead to a variety of symptoms that should be evaluated by a dentist. As the outer layer of your teeth wears away, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity often leads to pain when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks.
Your teeth may also become discolored. This is because the enamel is white, unlike the sensitive, yellow tissue underneath is known as dentin. As the enamel erodes and exposes more of your dentin, your teeth begin to show more of its yellow color.
The appearance of your teeth can change in other ways as a result of acid erosion, depending on the case. The bottom edge of your front teeth may start to look transparent instead of its natural opaque. You may also notice your teeth look smaller or thinner than they used to. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have acid erosion, and should see your dentist right away for an evaluation.

Causes 
There are just as many possible causes of acid erosion. Your favorite beverages, for example, may also be to blame for the initial sensitivity: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), soft drinks are the most frequent source of erosive acids, most damaging due to their low pH levels. Other popular drinks, such as fruit juices, sports drinks and energy drinks, can also damage your teeth due to their acidity.
These liquids aren't the only possible cause. Frequent vomiting introduces highly acidic stomach contents to your mouth and can lead to acid erosion. This is a particular concern for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness, as well as those who struggle with bulimia or related eating disorders. Similarly, gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that makes acid from your stomach back up into your throat and mouth involuntarily. This leads to frequent heartburn and, ultimately, the erosion of your tooth enamel. If you suffer from GERD, make sure your dentist is aware of your condition.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Prevention
• Treatment

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511

Westside-Dentistry.com

Early Childhood Cavities:Causes, Effects and Prevention

Sometimes called Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, Early Childhood Cavities is a serious disease that can destroy your child's teeth – but it can be prevented.

What Causes Early Childhood Cavities?

• Letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle. When your baby is asleep, the liquids that contain sugar stay around the teeth and can cause decay. Even breast milk and formula contain sugar.
• Prolonged nursing with mother or allowing your baby to fall asleep while nursing.
• Allowing your infant to walk around with a bottle.

Put your child to bed without a bottle ...

Your child can fall asleep without a bottle! Here are five tips to try:

• Let your child take a "security" blanket, teddy bear, doll, or favorite toy to bed.
• Quietly sing or play restful music.
• Hold or rock your child.
• Give your child a back rub to help him or her to relax.
• Read or tell your child a story.

What are the Effects of Early Childhood Cavities?

• Tooth loss
• Ear and speech problems
• Crooked permanent teeth
• Severe pain
• Poor self-image
• Tooth decay

How can I prevent Early Childhood Cavities?

• Get into the habit of putting your baby to bed without a bottle.
• Never put the baby to bed with a bottle filled with formula, milk, juice, sugar water, or soda pop. If your baby must have a bottle to go to sleep, fill it with water.
• Do not let your infant walk around with a bottle.
• Start teaching your infant to use a cup between 6-12 months. Trade your baby's bottle for a training cup by age one.
• Check with your doctor or dentist to make sure your child is getting enough fluoride each day.

Your child's healthy teeth and brilliant smile depend on you!

To read the entire article visit colgate.com

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Periodontal Disease and Obesity

Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1  It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1

The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placing these individuals at greater risk for diabetes and cardiovascular dis¨ease. Some authorities estimate that two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, and projections of obesity trends for the future indicate an increase in the incidence of obesity in the general population.1

It is very critical for individuals to understand the obesity epidemic and to take proactive steps in addressing this issue with themselves and family members who are obese. Good nutrition and exercise should be stressed and individuals should be educated on the role that obesity may play in the development of diabetes, CVD and cancer. 

The dental professional will take a thorough medical history and review any medical issues which may point to the cause for the obesity and  refer the patient to his/her physician for evaluation. The oral health status will also be evaluated and treatment rendered based on the diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the reduction of the plaque and accompanying inflammation, both above and below the gumline. Home care should be reinforced, and patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Westside Dentistry  
Stephen J. Kimball, DMD
7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A
El Paso, TX 79912
(915) 581-1511
Westside-Dentistry.com

Teeth without Enamel: Causes, Treatment and Care

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Katriena Knights

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and is therefore vital to the health of your teeth. Not everyone's is the strongest, though, and still others have teeth without enamel at all. Without enamel to protect the softer interior parts of your teeth, they can't stand up to the stress of natural biting and chewing. These abnormal developments require special care and treatment.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Teeth can come in without enamel as a result of inherited issues or because of exposure to certain substances while the teeth are erupting. Baby teeth and permanent teeth can both emerge with enamel that is weak, improperly formed or missing altogether. One of these conditions is enamel hypoplasia, which literally means "underdeveloped enamel." A disorder that causes the teeth to develop with thin, deficient enamel, it sometimes manifests as a pit in the tooth ñ or even a hole. In advanced cases, there is no enamel at all, leaving the more sensitive dentin exposed.

Under normal conditions, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), special cells in the teeth called ameloblasts form the cells of the tooth enamel. If these ameloblasts are damaged or do not fully develop, the enamel can't develop normally either.

What Causes It

Many factors can cause enamel hypoplasia. These include:

• Poor nutrition during pregnancy or infancy.
• Infection during pregnancy or infancy.
• Genetic disorders.
• Trauma to the teeth or jaw.
• Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy or infancy.

Nonetheless, it's often difficult to determine exactly what caused the teeth to develop abnormally.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Enamel Hypomineralization
• How to Treat It

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511

Westside-Dentistry.com

Teeth Grinding (also known as Bruxism)

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth grinding also known as bruxism.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511

Westside-Dentistry.com

Wisdom Teeth

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

With age comes wisdom. Specifically, wisdom teeth.

Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.

When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. Itís normal to feel a little discomfort when your wisdom teeth appear, but if you have pain, see your dentist immediately.

Room to Grow?
Wisdom teeth can lead to problems if there isnít enough space for them to surface or they come through in the wrong position. If your dentist says your wisdom teeth are impacted, he or she means they are trapped in your jaw or under your gums.

As your wisdom teeth make their way through your gums, your dentist will be monitoring your mouth for signs of the following:

• Wisdom teeth that arenít in the right position can allow food to become trapped. That gives cavity-causing bacteria a place to grow.
• Wisdom teeth that havenít come in properly, which can make it difficult to floss between the wisdom teeth and the molars next to them.
• Wisdom teeth that have partially come through can give bacteria a place to enter the gums and create a place for infection to occur. This may also lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in your jaw.
• Wisdom teeth that donít have room to come through are thought by some to crowd or damage neighboring teeth.
• A wisdom tooth that is impacted can form a cyst on or near the impacted tooth. This could damage the roots of nearby teeth or destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about:

• Why You Might Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
• Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth?

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511

Westside-Dentistry.com

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

• Looking for a dentist? 
• Interested in a dental career?

Westside Dentistry  

Stephen J. Kimball, DMD

7181 Westwind Dr., Suite A

El Paso, TX 79912

(915) 581-1511

Westside-Dentistry.com