What You Need to Know About Sugar, Sweets, and Silver Fillings

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Sugar. It’s everywhere you look, not to mention half of the places you wouldn’t even think to look. It’s become a huge part of what Americans eat and drink, which means it’s also become a major determinant of our oral health. With the Yelp! Simply Sweet event gearing up in nearby Los Angeles on August 11th, what better time to remind you of the effects of sugar on your teeth and gums?  Dr. Shawn Hofkes, who offers white fillings in Cerritos, CA, offers a dentist’s perspective on sweets.

But First, a Look at Fillings

In the past, the combination of sweets and poor oral hygiene would inevitably have led to cavities and the need for dental fillings. The problem? Silver and gold, the most popular materials for fillings, also happen to be the most conspicuous. So even though it’s estimated that more than three-fourths of Americans will have at least one cavity before their 18th birthday, there was no hiding the fact; a tell-tale glint of metal could be seen in the mouth of someone eating, speaking, or even yawning. The good news? You now have more subtle, aesthetically pleasing options for treating cavities. If you already have amalgam fillings, Dr. Hofkes may recommend replacing them with white fillings, which are made of composite instead of metal. Unlike metal, composite fillings can be tinted to match virtually any tooth color, restoring function to your tooth without compromising durability or beauty.

Sneakiest, Most Sugary Substances

Some sources of sugar are more obvious than others; think soda cakes, and cookies. Even so, it’s easy to overlook sugar, even if you scan the ingredient list of your favorite food or beverage. Did you know that carbohydrates, such as those found in bread, pasta, and cereal, also break down into sugar? This transformation happens almost the moment food comes into contact with your saliva, which contains enzymes that aid in digestion. So while sugar isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when snacking on potato chips, that doesn’t mean it isn’t a threat. Sugar can also be found in abundance in energy drinks and sports drinks.

Tips for Protecting Teeth

The longer sugary residue remains within your mouth, the more damage your teeth will likely sustain. Bacteria feed off this sugar, producing acids that eat away at your tooth enamel. Without the protective benefits of tooth enamel, your teeth are more susceptible to decay, staining, and infection. Here are a few ways to limit the damaging effects of sugar on your teeth:

  • If you consume beverages that contain sugar, sip through a straw
  • Avoid “grazing” or making your drink last as long as possible; each sip puts your teeth in harm’s way
  • If you can’t brush or use mouthwash after eating a sugary treat, rinse your mouth with plain water
  • Chew sugar-free gum; look for products made with Xylitol

Questions about white fillings? To learn more about restorative dentistry in Cerritos, CA, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shawn Hofkes, contact us. Dr. Hofkes, a graduate of the University of California Ostrow School of Dentistry, welcomes patients living in and around Cerritos, Long Beach, Lakewood, Fullerton, and Buena Park.

filed under: Dental Fillings, Restorative Dentistry

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Flashback to the 1800s: Oral Hygiene Then and Now

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It’s always fascinating to see how far we’ve come over the past hundred years or so. Other than fashion, nowhere are these changes more obvious than in matters of health and hygiene. Modern dental technology and improved access to professional dentistry have made it easier than ever to maintain a higher quality of oral health, so much that it makes us wonder how we ever got along without it! Dr. Shawn Hofkes, who offers oral surgery in Cerritos, CA, takes a closer look at Rules of Etiquette and Home Culture, published in 1889, for insight into the evolution of home dental care.

What They Got Right

Surprisingly, many of the pointers given in Rules of Etiquette still hold true today. The authors advise readers of the importance of oral health as it relates to overall health, also noting that healthy teeth are beautiful teeth. Readers are told that they should visit their dentist once every six months, a rule of thumb that holds true for most patients today. However, more frequent visits may be recommended for some patients, such as those who have periodontal disease. The book also touches on the potential damage to teeth and gums caused by using tobacco products, not least of which is oral cancer.

What They Didn’t

Several practices outlined in Rules of Etiquette wouldn’t hold water today. For example, readers are encouraged to use a toothbrush with stiff bristles while avoiding “injurious” tooth washes. Bad idea, says Dr. Hofkes. The American Dental Association recommends soft-bristled toothbrushes only; anything stiffer could damage the tooth enamel and hurt sensitive gum tissue.

Readers are also advised that rinsing the mouth with vinegar is a safe and effective means of removing tartar from the teeth. Vinegar is highly acidic. Technically, bathing your teeth in vinegar could remove a small amount of buildup from the surface of your teeth. Unfortunately, it could also remove a small amount of enamel.

Questions about oral hygiene? To learn more about extractions or dental implants, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shawn Hofkes, contact our Cerritos dentist office. We welcome patients living in Cerritos, Fullerton, Long Beach, Lakewood, and the surrounding areas.

filed under: Healthy Living, Patient Education

Become The Wiser On When To Remove Wisdom Teeth

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Although your third molars are called wisdom teeth, they don’t hold any magic solution to creating a more aware human being. What they can do is cause difficulties in maintaining a solid arch of teeth. The most common cause of wisdom teeth removal is due to a condition called an impacted third molar. This condition relates to the third molar not being able to erupt properly, which can cause pressure on your other teeth. Dr. Hofkes answers some FAQs on wisdom teeth. (more…)

filed under: Extracting Wisdom Teeth, Tooth Extractions

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A Battle Between The Sexes During Men’s Health Month

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June marks Men’s Health Month, a 30 day awareness extravaganza, nation wide, focusing on the wellness of boys and men alike. Shifting the focus onto the male population in June from the women in May raises quite a few questions for everyone. Who has better health awareness? Which are the healthiest? Who keeps up with their oral health more consistently? Well, the numbers are in. Women, on average, schedule, attend, and keep up with their oral health over men two-fold, according to a study completed by the American Dental Association. (more…)

filed under: Oral Health, Patient Education

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Do you Take Bisphosphonate Drugs?

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Many women are concerned with bone loss as they get older. Over the years, general physicians have started prescribing a certain class of drugs called bisphosphonates which are proven to combat bone density conditions such as osteoporosis. Intravenous bisphosphonates are prescribed for patients with certain types of cancer likely to lead to bone loss. In high potency forms, bisphosphonates have even stopped malignant cells from growing in some patients. Unfortunately, powerful and affective drugs often come with side effects. In the case of bone density drugs, this could prove disastrous to your dental health.

Bisphosphonate Drugs

Bisphosphonates adhere to the surfaces of bones directly beneath you bone cells (osteoclasts). This class of drugs bind with the osteoclasts which halts the process of bone degeneration. Bone density is then improved, which eliminates the high risk for bone breaks and fractures that are so often a concern as we age. The benefits seen from bisphosphonate medications have been seen in patients sometimes several years after the drug has last been ingested. Cancer patients or women with osteoporosis often have weakened bones and poor bone density. Bisphosphonate treatments allow patients to go about life without worrying about easily fractured bones.

BRONJ

Bisphosphonate Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) is an unfortunate side effect of certain bone density medications. The death of a portion of jawbone is the result of this highly unpleasant reaction. Symptoms such as localized pain, swelling of gingival tissues, loose teeth, and exposed bone are all signs that you should get to the dentist immediately. If you notice these symptoms in conjunction with taking bisphosphonate drugs, take fast action. BRONJ isn’t a common occurrence, but it does happen, and the faster it is treated, the better prognosis.

About Shawn Hofkes, DDS

With advanced training in oral and maxillofacial surgery and certification in oral and IV sedation, Shawn Hofkes, DDS is qualified to provide comfortable, advanced dental care from our state-of-the-art dentist office in Cerritos, CA. To schedule your appointment or consultation with Dr. Hofkes, contact us today. We proudly serve patients of all ages from Cerritos, Lakewood, Long Beach, Buena Park, and all surrounding communities.

filed under: Patient Education, Science & Research

Tooth Extraction Is Not Extinct

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Tooth extraction may seem like a thing of the past with modern dental technology.  The numerous dental procedures for saving teeth seem to no longer warrant tooth removal. Add to that, the philosophy of minimally invasive dentistry–the belief that saving as much natural dentition is optimal for the patient’s future dental health.  Tooth removal, however, is still a treatment dentists offer. Therefore, you wonder what would cause a dentist to remove a tooth. There are circumstances when removing a tooth is the healthier option, particularly for people with chronic health issues. Your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, can educate you on the reasons tooth removal might be the right treatment for you.

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filed under: Extracting Wisdom Teeth, Gum Disease, Tooth Decay, Tooth Extractions

Roots Canals, Implants, Crowns, Oh My…

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There are so many types of dentistry and dental procedures today–cosmetic dentistry, preventative dentistry, general dentistry, restorative dentistry–all offering a myriad of different treatments. Then there is oral pathology and oral surgery. Have you ever wondered what it all means? What is oral surgery? What is oral pathology? Your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, received advanced training in oral surgery, and in today’s blog, he will give a brief overview of both.

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filed under: Gum Disease, Oral Cancer, Oral Pathology, Oral Surgery

What’s Causing Your Toothache?

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Your tooth right? Not so fast. Toothaches are usually caused by deep decay reaching into the pulp of the tooth, commonly referred to as “the nerve.” Other sources of a toothache are inflammation of the gums due to gingivitis or periodontal disease. But, what if you are experiencing a toothache without apparent decay or other dental problems? Some toothaches can be of non-dental origin. If you are experiencing a toothache, contact your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, for a thorough evaluation of your dentition, supporting gingival (gum) tissue, and bone to determine if your pain is non-dental related.

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filed under: Gum Disease, Patient Education, Tooth Decay

What Happens When I Develop a Cavity?

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At some point in our lives, most of us will develop a cavity. In fact, only less than 2% of the population is immune to dental caries. While tooth decay is widespread, this doesn’t mean cavities aren’t a serious dental health issue. Recognizing the warning signs and seeking treatment for a cavity is essential for maintaining a healthy smile.

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filed under: Dental Prosthetics

Is It Wise To Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

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Wisdom teeth often present problems. That is why wisdom tooth removal is one of the most commonly performed dental surgeries. Because wisdom teeth erupt after the jaw is already formed, there is often a lack of space to accommodate them. Therefore they may grow in crooked, crowd other teeth, cause cheek or gum irritation, or even damage your jawbone. In the past it was a matter of course to remove wisdom teeth, but today every case is different. If your child–or you as an adult–is having difficulty with your wisdom teeth, contact your Cerritos, CA oral surgeon, Dr. Shawn Hofkes, to discuss whether wisdom tooth removal is right for you.

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filed under: Extracting Wisdom Teeth, Wisdom Teeth