Dr Sherri Worth Cosmetic Dentistry, Health & Beauty

Sour Candy May Be Eating Your Tooth Enamel

drsherriworth — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:30:34 +0000

Most of us like to indulge in a treat once in a while whether at the movies, while reading a good book, or (sneaking Milk Duds) while shuttling kids back and forth between soccer games and violin practice. A little candy is generally not a problem, however, some candies can affect the health of your teeth more than others. Most of us know that sticky candies like caramels or taffy can stick to teeth and cause decay if not brushed away, but did you know another favorite is wreaking havoc on the health of your pearly whites? The trend of sour candies and sour desserts is hard on teeth thanks to acids that erode tooth enamel.

On the pH Scale your teeth are happiest and healthiest at around 7 pH, which is a neutral acidic level. Enamel loss begins at 4 pH. Unfortunately, most sour candies have a pH level of 3 or even less- well below the line for enamel loss. Between the weakened enamel and sugar on the teeth, no wonder so many people are struggling with decay.

How to Prevent Enamel Loss
Cut back on very acidic drinks and foods- Sipping on pure water can also help to remove the acid from your mouth after enjoying acidic foods.
Use an enamel building fluoridated toothpaste- Dr. Worth can recommend some excellent options at your next dental hygiene appointment.
Drink more water to replace saliva
Drink from a straw- Using a straw carries acidic liquids like soda or some juices to the back of your mouth, which can help the liquids avoid damaging your teeth.
Control snacking- Eating can keep acids in the mouth up to 4 hours after a meal. Try brushing or rising after a meal or snack.
Ask us about a fluoride treatment- The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry can offer treatments to help prevent tooth decay and enamel erosion.

What if I Already Have Enamel Loss?
Depending on the severity of enamel loss, our Newport Beach cosmetic dental office can offer tooth bonding to protect the tooth surface and smooth its appearance, dental veneers for longer lasting improvement of appearance and strength, or in some cases crowns to protect the tooth from even further decay.

While some toothpaste companies claim they can repair enamel, the best method for tending to the health of your tooth enamel is to control what foods you eat and how you take care of your teeth. If you enjoy eating sour foods and treats, eat them less frequently and make sure that you rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after indulging. That simple act can save you discomfort, money, and time in the long run. If you have additional questions about services offered at our Orange County dental practice, request a consultation with Dr. Sherri Worth, or call us at 800.878.9244.

Adult Teeth Straightening

drsherriworth — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:53:25 +0000

Look around and you may notice more adults are wearing corrective dental gear than ever. If you didn’t notice it, it’s probably because advancements in dental technology have provided a way for patients to achieve straight smiles with nearly invisible tools. For many patients, the need for bulky metal braces has been eliminated thanks to straightening devices like Invisalign®. But can you really see results with such a non-invasive approach to straightening? For many patients the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry says yes.

Who Benefits Most From Invisalign®?
Invisalign® is great for patients of Dr. Sherri Worth who have crooked teeth, gaps between teeth that they’d like to close, overly crowded teeth, crossbites, overbites, or underbites.

How Does Invisalign® work?
During a visit to our Newport Beach, CA cosmetic dentist office, Dr. Sherri Worth will take an impression of your mouth. Using the impression, a series of trays will be custom developed for each stage of your straightening process.

It’s important to note that Invisalign® works best if you are willing to wear your aligners 20-22 hours each day. It is also important to be patient and not try to rush the process of perfecting your teeth. Rushing your adjustments can cause root damage unnecessary dental pain.

Why Is Invisalign® So Popular?
Invisalign® is popular with all ages because unlike traditional metal bracing, it will not interfere with your lifestyle:

Enjoy foods that that may be “off limits” or difficult to eat when wearing traditional braces. Simply remove the aligner before eating.
Discretion. Since the retainer is clear, it is not obvious that the patient is wearing one.
Easier dental care. Patients can floss and brush without being hindered with the presence of wires and brackets.
Shorter treatment time. Many patients only require 1 year of treatments before enjoying beautiful straight teeth.
Virtually pain-free teeth straightening.

Patients who have resisted teeth straightening due to worries about appearance or pain will appreciate the discrete look and very minimal discomfort associated with Invisalign® treatments. At our Orange County dental office, Dr, Worth has also helped many patients achieve more beautiful teeth through dental veneers, implants, and bonding. To learn more about our services, sign up for a consultation or contact our office at 800.878.9244.

The Facts About Fluoride

drsherriworth — Tue, 07 May 2013 21:33:05 +0000

By now you’ve probably read over and over about the importance of fluoride for dental health. Toothpaste labels promote it. Mouthwashes lure consumers in with bold writing about fluoride content. Dentist offices offer fluoride treatments during routine dental hygiene exams for children and adults who have high risks for decay. Even floss is jumping in on the game. According to the ADA, fluoride is an essential part of keeping teeth decay free. But why?

According to a study presented in the scientific journal Langumir, fluoride may prevent tooth decay based in its ability to prevent sticky plaque from attaching to teeth. In the study researchers found that fluoride decreases the capacity of plaque and bacteria to stick to teeth. Because bacteria is not able to grasp teeth, brushing, saliva, and other modes wash bacteria from the teeth. Numerous studies have shown that fluoride also works to strengthen tooth enamel by remineralization as well as reduce gingivitis.

Who May Benefit from Additional Fluoride:
While fluoride consumption is considered important for dental health in children ages 6 months to 16, many adults may need additional treatments as well. Who will benefit:
Patients who have gingivitis. As gums retract it is important to protect your teeth from even more exposure to damaging bacteria.
Those who have dry mouth conditions. Certain medications and illness can prevent the mouth from producing enough saliva. Without adequate saliva production foods do not get washed away and acid levels in the mouth increase the risk of tooth decay.
Cavity prone patients. If you are an adult and have between 1-2 cavities per year, Dr. Worth may recommend supplemental fluoride treatments.
People who have braces or other dental work like crowns or bridges.

The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry suggests brushing with fluoridated toothpaste, regularly flossing, and if necessary receiving a fluoride treatment to prevent further damage. To learn more about other services like veneers, bonding, and teeth whitening offered at our Newport Beach Cosmetic Dentist Office, sign up for a consultation or call us at 800.878.9244.

The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry Offers Financing Through Care Credit

drsherriworth — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 19:40:51 +0000

Leaving teeth untended, especially if you have decay, is risky business. Aside from pain that will eventually accompany cavities- tooth loss, major procedures, and expensive repairs can come from neglecting your dental health. Dental health and appearance is often put on the back burner since many people may not carry dental insurance, are not regular with their dental visits, or falsely believe that exceptional dental work is unaffordable. In reality, having healthy, beautiful teeth does not require high upfront costs and can be easily fit into your budget. At the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry we are proud to offer financing through Care Credit to our customers.

Patients are able to finance cosmetic and general health procedures through Care Credit. Varying term lengths allows you to choose which plan works best for your needs and budget. We offer:

3 month financing
24 month financing
36 month financing
48 month financing

Even if your insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, you can still reap the benefits of beautiful dental veneers and dental bonding at our Newport Beach cosmetic dental office. Because veneers are durable and stain resistant, you can enjoy a gorgeous, white smile for many years after a procedure with Dr. Sherri Worth.

While more insurance companies are covering (or partially covering) dental implants, there are still some companies that consider restorative procedures like dental implants to be cosmetic. With personal financing you will be able to replace ill-filling dentures with natural looking implants- improving the appearance of your smile, your confidence, and your general comfort. Whether you pay the entire bill or your insurance requires you to pay for part of a procedure, our office will work with you to create the perfect payment plan.

Smaller procedures like crowns and cavity fillings are also available for financing at our Orange County cosmetic dental office. To learn more about your financing options contact our office at 800-878-9244.

Getting Back Your Toothpaste Commercial Worthy Smile

drsherriworth — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:38:17 +0000

It’s a sad reality that on average adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have three or more decayed or missing teeth. Beyond the discomfort and degenerating effects missing teeth can have on the jaw bone, dental issues can also effect a patients quality of life and confidence. At the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry, we have helped many patients replicate or improve their original beautiful smile. Through veneers, implants, and crowns, Dr. Sherri worth can improve your dental health at her Newport Beach dental office.

Veneers
If you have had tooth discoloration due to tooth decay treatments like root canals or fillings, veneers can restore the natural beauty of your teeth. Veneers are an extremely durable and stain resistant option for improving dental appearance. During three visits, Dr. Sherri Worth will meet with you to discuss your dental goals, shape your veneers, and apply them to your teeth.

Implants
Missing teeth can seriously alter both the shape of your mouth and the shape of your jawbone in a relatively short period of time. If you have lost a tooth due to decay or an accident, dental implants can provide a very realistic appearing tooth and also fortify the strength of your jawbone.

Crowns
Crowns are not only used after root canals, crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth and to fortify a weak tooth. Crowns are custom shaped to mimic the natural appearance and feel of your original tooth.

General Hygiene
An important factor in keeping your dental health up to snuff is ensuring you are setting regular dental hygiene appointments. At a visit, our dental hygienist can review your dental health, assess any decay and alert Dr. Worth about any questions you may have. If you do have decay, an appointment can be scheduled to attend to any cavities before they require more advanced treatment.

Getting back your toothpaste commercial worthy smile can be a reality when you visit the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry. To learn more about improving your smile and maintaining the health of your mouth, contact our Orange County Dental office at 800-878-9244 or sign up for a consultation.

Are You Phobic of the Dentist?

drsherriworth — Tue, 12 Feb 2013 22:15:30 +0000

New advances in dentistry allow patients to relax and enjoy their teeth cleanings. Peoples fears of the dentist often develop from poor prior experiences at the dentist when children or as adults. Horror stories from family and friends can also cause patients to fear coming in for a cleaning. Often just the fear of the unknown and thought of “something being wrong in their mouth.” However the fear develops there are ways to ease your fears. The simple way to relax is take medication one hour before that will relax you for your appointment. You can then have your teeth cleaned and not be anxious–this can also help you to come in on a more regular basis because you had a pleasurable experience. The infamous nitrous is also a fabulous tool to help ease the stress of cleanings or restorative dental work. Nitrous can make you feel as though you have had a glass of wine. The use of “twilight” or ” IV sedation” has become very popular to ease the stresses and fears of dental work. At the office of the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry, the on staff anesthesiologist, Dr. Glenn Izmerian, uses IV sedation for patients to make the visit confortable and the work bearable. One patient commented, ” I would have done this work years ago if I knew that I would not feel it and not know anything was going on.” IV sedation is a safe way to combat dental fears and anxiety,”

Oral Piercings and Dental Wear

drsherriworth — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 21:49:23 +0000

In the last few years, the popularity of piercings and has increased to the point that nearly one in seven Americans have a body piercing that is not located in the earlobe; many of these piercings are oral. While many people consider these body modifications a harmless form of self-expression, the risks associated with wearing oral jewelry can be serious. The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry offers a little more depth into the long term effects tongue, lip and cheek piercings may have on your teeth.

Damage to Gums
While not every person who opts for a dental piercing experiences gum issues, the likelihood of damage to healthy gums is greatly increased. Research has found that oral jewelry can cause gum recession and periodontal defects over time. Research found by the Minnesota Dental Association stated that 50% of individuals who wore long barbells for more than two years had gum loss from constant wear. In severe cases patients have experienced gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss.

Damage to Teeth and Fillings
A recent study found that nearly 47% of people who have oral piercings have had tooth damage due to constant tapping on the interior of teeth or accidental biting on the metal bar. Over time patients may have to have reconstructive surgery like veneers or crowns to repair broken or cracked teeth.

X-Ray Interruption
Metal jewelry may interfere with x-rays taken during a dental hygiene cleaning, however plastic jewelry will not.

Increased infection
Considering the large amount of bacteria the mouth harbors, oral piercings can increase your likelihood of contracting an infectious disease or bacteria. Some of these bacterias can enter the blood stream and cause endocarditis, an inflammation of the heart and/or its valves.

We encourage our patients to observe the health of their gums and teeth while practicing self-expression. If you have experienced dental wear do to oral piercings, a visit to Dr. Sherri Worth can help you determine what steps will help restore your beautiful smile. Contact our Newport Beach dental office at 800.878.9244, or request a consultation.

Obesity and Its Effects on Dental Health

drsherriworth — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:30:55 +0000

Obesity is quickly becoming one of the most deadly and costly epidemics to Americans in history. While we’ve all heard that obesity can cause a slew of related illnesses- heart disease, sleep apnea, and diabetes, to name a few- recently the dental community has also determined that obesity effects dental health as well.

Findings from the Canadian Health Measures survey determined that, “Men and women with a BMI over 30 regardless of smoking or diabetes status had a greater risk of developing periodontal disease than those with a healthy body weight.” Further evidence suggests that women who fall into the overweight category have a greater risk for gum disease than men who are overweight.

At the moment there are no known reasons why obesity effects gum and dental health, but it is believed that fat tissue allows gums to become inflamed more easily by providing a hospitable environment for macrophages, which can contribute to inflammation and degeneration of tissue. So how can you prevent gum decay and poor dental health associated with obesity, The Center for Reconstructive Dentistry has a few suggestions:

Begin a Healthy Diet
While a focus on reaching a healthy BMI is critical for overall health, studies have shown that a reduction in weight as simple as 5-10% can show impressive results for improved health. Start with a small goal and work your way to a healthy weight. Alternatively, eating a healthy diet rich in nutritious foods can help improve gum health and reduce the occurrence of cavities.

Replace Sugary Drinks with Water or Teas
Avoiding sugary drinks may not only help you to lose weight, but it may also help you to avoid caries and possible root canals down the road.

Visit the Dentist
A visit to Dr. Sherri Worth can help you keep track of the health of your teeth. Regular dental hygiene visits ensure that dental needs are addressed before they become problems.

If you are already dealing with tooth loss from periodontal disease, our Newport Beach dental office has years of experience providing our customers with beautiful, natural-looking crowns, bridges, and dental implants. To learn more about restorative and cosmetic dentistry, request a consultation with Dr. Worth, or call us at 800.878.9244.

Teeth Grinding: Prevention and Repair

drsherriworth — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 21:13:12 +0000

You see it from cartoons to comedies- characters expressing frustration by grinding their teeth or clenching their jaw. While those expressions can portray strong emotion, behind those actions lay a very serious dental issue. According to research done by a Chicago Dental Society, nearly 82 million (roughly 25%) Americans clench or grind their teeth to the point where dental work is necessary to repair any damage done . Teeth Grinding, or bruxism, has become increasingly rampant as the economical downturn has effected many Americans, and more people are feeling additional stress.

There are two ways to handle bruxism: prevention and repair. Ideally the best method to handle teeth grinding and clenching is prevention. However, if you have already have advanced damage that has resulted in tooth lost, fracturing, or severely ground down teeth, the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry can help you recreate a gorgeous, healthy smile.

Prevention
Regular Dental Visits- A visit to our Newport Beach dental office can determine if you are grinding your teeth during the night. During a routine cleaning, our skilled dental hygienist will tend to your teeth and alert you if you have any grinding damage.
Don’t Chew On Hard Non-Food Objects- While most bruxism occurs while you’re sleeping, habits like chewing on pens or pencils can also wear down teeth. Avoid chewing on non-food objects that might damage teeth.
Retrain Your Jaw to Relax- By practicing not clenching teeth you can train your jaw to relax. If you find yourself clenching your teeth, try slipping your tongue between your teeth to prevent biting down.
Invest in a Mouthguard- A mouthguard can protect teeth from grinding during the night. Our office can suggest a comfortable option that will help keep your teeth healthy.

Repair
Crowns and Root Canals- If grinding has worn down your teeth to the point that they are sensitive or fractured, a root canal may be necessary to deal with dental discomfort. After a root canal Dr. Worth can rebuild your smile and the shape of your teeth with a beautiful crown.
Bridges- Sometimes grinding is so severe that teeth become lose and may actually fall out. If you have lost teeth due to bruxism, a bridge can help restore your smile.
Dental Implants- Dr. Sherri Worth has had years of experience creating natural-looking dental implants for clients. Dental Implants not only prevent bone loss in the jaw, they can also look and feel like natural teeth.

If you’ve experienced tooth wear from bruxism, set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Worth, or call our office at 800-878-9244 to learn about what dental restoration options are available to you.

Deciding On Dental Floss

drsherriworth — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:26:42 +0000

There is a saying in the dental field that you only need to floss the teeth you want to keep. While funny, that saying also rings true. Many patients who come in to the Center for Reconstructive Dentistry because of uncomfortable dental caries (cavities) or other dental emergencies may have been able to prevent or delay dental work by practicing a good brushing and flossing routine. If you stroll down the dental hygiene aisle at your local grocery store, you’ll notice there is a floss option for just about every preference. So, which are the best and which should you use? Let’s go over some of your options.

Dental Floss
Dental floss is the most common type of floss. In this range you’ll find waxed, unwaxed, fluoride-treated, and just about every flavor (including bacon!). Many dentists think unwaxed floss is best at getting out particulates, but waxed options are excellent for people whose teeth are close together, and fluoride-treated floss can inject a little extra protection in plaque-susceptible crevices.

Dental Tape
Unlike dental floss, dental tape generally doesn’t fray or break. Since dental tape is thicker, this option is great for people who have larger spaces between their teeth. Dental tape is also a great selection for people who must navigate floss between tight spaces, or who experience fraying when they use dental floss.

Flossing Sticks
While convenient, flossing sticks aren’t always the best option for removing food and plaque from teeth. Flossing sticks can be difficult navigating (without ripping) through tight spaces, and may not be able to floss effectively through dental work like bridges, braces, or crowns.

Water flosser
Water flossers can be a great option for those who have partial dentures or braces, but shouldn’t replace traditional flossing. Using a water flosser reduces the risk of inflaming gums or causing bleeding and can significantly reduce debris around teeth. Traditional flossing is still recommended for complete dental care.

Of course, dental floss works the best when used regularly, so any floss that will get you to floss daily is “best.” Picking out floss is a matter of preference. While traditional options like dental floss or dental tape are excellent at capturing lodged food and removing plaque between teeth, a water pik can be more gentle on sensitive gums. Flossing will increase your odds of having healthy teeth and less cavities. For more complete dental health, set up a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Sherri Worth, or contact our office at 800-878-9244.