Dr. Blourchian Answers Teeth Questions

We all have so many questions about our teeth and don't always get a chance to ask them when we are at the dentist. So we asked Dr. Blourchian to talk about some of the more common concerns regarding those pearly whites.

Can fingernail biting cause damage to my teeth? What about lip biting or biting the ends of pencils?

Fingernail biting is not a good habit to have, but it won't damage healthy teeth. Same goes for the ends of a pencil. However, you'll want to avoid chewing hard objects on your fillings. If you have a filling on the edge of a tooth, hard objects such as a pencil can cause severe damage.

It’s said that the changing seasons can have an effect on your body and joints. Can the seasons changing also have an effect on the way my mouth feels?

The seasons themselves won't hurt your teeth, but if you develop sinusitis from the weather, it may mimic a toothache on your upper molars.

Is a soft toothbrush or a medium toothbrush better for my teeth and gums?

We only recommend a soft toothbrush. It is the only option that is gentle enough on your gums. And remember to replace your toothbrush once the bristles start to bend sideways.

If I play sports and use a mouth guard can constantly biting down on the hard rubber eventually cause my teeth to shift and become crooked?

Your mouth guard won't cause damage if it is constructed properly and fits passively. If it does not fit properly, you will need to get another size. If you are uncertain, bring it by New Image Dentistry and we will give you our professional opinion.

What Kinds Of Food Are Healthy For My Teeth? Dr. Blourchian Tells All

At New Image Dentistry, we know that there are so many questions about your teeth and you may forget to ask your dentist. So we asked Dr. Blourchian to share industry secrets about your pearly whites.

Which foods and drinks are actually healthy for my teeth?

Well, an apple or sugar free gum can cleanse the teeth for you. And any drink that has fluoride and no sugar (like tap water) is good also. Beside that dentists are mainly concerned with foods--and especially drinks--that can harm your teeth.

Can hard candies or hard mints cause damage to my teeth?

Yes, they sure can crack or break your teeth! Especially if you have large silver fillings.

Is sugar-free gum good for my teeth, or can it still cause cavities?

It is good for your teeth, because it does not have sugar and it stimulates salivary flow, which cleanses the teeth. However, if you have TMJ problems, you don't want to chew gum.

Does alcohol have an effect on the health of my teeth?

No.

Are spicy or acidic foods bad for my teeth?

Yes they dissolve the minerals in your enamel, causing sensitivity and weakness of teeth. If it becomes a habit, you will actually lose enamel!

Hope these pointers help. Stay tuned for next week, we'll have Dr. Blourchian cover even more topics!

New Image Dentistry Uses the Latest in X-Ray Technology

At New Image Dentistry, we use low radiation x-rays. Because the x-ray dosage is so low, it is essentially without any adverse effects to the patient. If digital x-rays are used, that cuts down the amount of radiation even further.

There is no alternative to an x-ray, and x-rays are essential for Dentistry. However, we use new methods to take x-rays. For example, we have a CT-Scan cone-beam device in our office that takes a 3D view of the subject area. It is a giant leap forward in Dentistry, but it still uses x-ray radiation.

At our office, we also cover our patients with non-lead aprons that are lightweight and protect from radiation. The shielding material is hi-tech; NASA developed it!

We try to avoid x-rays if a patient is pregnant, and we ask that all metal objects be removed from around the patient’s head and neck before the x-ray. Some mouth piercings can get in the way, so remove them if you can. Children under 7 can receive x-rays, if needed.

The Buzz Around Fluoride with Dr. Blourchian

Dr. Blourchian's Adorable Daughter

Recently there has been quite a buzz about fluoride - is it good for me, is it bad for me, how much do I need to stay healthy, and so on. A lot of toothpastes advertise fluoride as a main ingredient; and of course, we cannot forget drinking water! So how much really is too much when it comes to fluoride? Dr. Blourchian answers these important questions!

1. Is fluoride good for my teeth, or bad for my teeth?

Fluoride, in the amount found in drinking water (1 part per million), is very good for the teeth.

2. When I was younger, my dentist told me to use fluoride, do I still need to use it as a teen? As an adult?

Everybody would benefit from fluoride use, especially teens that drink a lot of soda and may neglect proper oral hygiene. Also people with a lot of fillings or caps would benefit.

3. How much fluoride should I be using each day?

No additional amount of fluoride is necessary if you drink tap water and do not replace it with bottled water. However, people who stop using tap water completely do not have access to fluoride. For them, daily use of fluoride is mandatory.

4. Many toothpastes say that fluoride is an ingredient, is this enough or do I still need a rinse in addition to brushing and flossing?

Again, if you do not drink tap water, you need a fluoride supplement.

5. Are there any at-home remedies (such as baking soda and peroxide) that I can use instead of fluoride?

No. Fluoride is unique because it incorporates the crystalline structure of enamel and hardens it. Nothing else will do the trick.

6. I’ve heard that fluoride can actually stain teeth or leave behind spots. Is this true? How can I avoid staining my teeth but still keep them healthy? If my teeth become stained or spotted, how can I fix this?

The amount of fluoride in drinking water is safe. If one drinks well water while growing up, and that well water has excess amounts of natural fluoride, a condition called fluorosis develops that causes the teeth to darken. Veneers are usually the best way to fix that problem.

7. Should I drink water with fluoride or without? How much fluoride should there be in the water I drink? How can I tell if there is enough fluoride in my water?

You should drink water with fluoride. Tap water in most cities and towns are adequately fluoridated (one part per million). You can check with your local water department to find out whether or not your tap water is fluoridated.

8. Do you recommend fluoride for all your patients? Should certain people avoid using fluoride?

I recommend fluoride for anybody and everybody. Every person using fluoride benefits.

9. Is it best to use over-the-counter fluoride or to have a prescription? If I use over-the-counter fluoride, what brand do you recommend?

I recommend prescription fluoride, because I don't know how other ones measure. An important thing to remember is that you should NOT swallow the fluoride supplement. If you have any more questions, contact New Image Dentistry.

Make Your Best First Impression With an Invisalign Smile -- New Image Dentistry

“You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”

This age-old aphorism has been used to describe situations in business, in Hollywood, in the classroom, as well as in simple everyday life. A recent piece of research confirms the sentiment, with a particular emphasis on the impression made by the quality of your smile – and the teeth it reveals.

According to a study conducted by Beall Research & Training of Chicago, Illinois, on behalf of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, your smile has quite a lot to say about you to strangers.

Researchers showed hundreds of Americans photos of eight individuals. Some of the photos showed the individuals before undergoing dental improvements, and some showed them after. The “before” photos all showed people within in a normal range of dental quality: there were no rotten or missing teeth, for example. The level of improvement displayed in the “after” photos ranged from mild, to moderate, to major. Those viewing the photos were not told that the subjects of the images had undergone dental improvements.

The results were telling. Across the board, respondents indicated that the people in the “after” photos were more attractive, intelligent, successful in their career, friendly, interesting, sensitive to other people, happy, kind, popular with the opposite sex, and wealthy than the people in the “before” photos.

If something is bothering you about your smile, give us a call at New Image Dentistry. We are certified Invisalign practitioners. Time-tested by over half a million people, Invisalign allows you to improve your smile invisibly, with no metal wires or bands. Adults and teenagers alike opt to straighten their teeth with a series of clear aligners, which can be removed for meals and cleaning, as well as on special occasions.

Your new, improved first impression could be right around the corner. Call us today at New Image Dentistry!