THE DENTIST’S PAGE

The idea that your smile belongs to you and that you should be the one to determine how it should look may not sound revolutionary, but in some ways it is. There was a time, not too long ago, when patients had few choices in aesthetics.

Thanks to the advent of cosmetic dentistry, patients can now choose from a variety of techniques to restore or improve their smiles, and patients have the right to ask for a look that is both natural and beautiful.

Currently, cosmetic dentistry methods can be used to whiten teeth, cover chips and breaks in teeth, close gaps between teeth, replace broken teeth, and even make telltale dark restorations disappear. Patients may choose to have a smile consultation during which specific dental issues are discussed and recommendations to create a new and more attractive smile can be made.

This emphasis on aesthetics doesn’t mean forgoing function, however. It’s essential that crowns and implants, among other dental restorations, be durable enough to perform the daily functions required of teeth. Melding form and function for a beautiful result is a goal we take seriously as dental specialists dedicated to your smile.

Thank you for all your referrals. We appreciate them!

Don’t be shy...

smileIt’sYOUR

…Patients have the right to

ask for a look that is both natural and beautiful.

Check out our website! We hope to

use it to be able to better serve you,

our patients. Check it out at

www.canfielddentist.com.

Produced for the patients of James E. Ellashek, D.D.S.Melinda A. Ross, D.D.S.

3665 Stutz DriveSuite 2Canfield, OH 44406

Fall 2015

OFFICE STAFF

Office Manager:Loretta Chapman

Dental Assistants:Shannon AliSonja Harrison

Hygienists:Sharon RichKimberly Vernon

Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives.

Brush 2 minutes, 2 times a day.It’s that time of year again for all the trees to change colors as we enter the fall season.

And speaking of transition, many of you may have already had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Melinda Ross, who has been with us the last six months and is trying to get acquainted with as many of our patients as possible. Don’t forget to introduce yourself to her the next time you are in the office. She can also deliver Botox® services to relax your wrinkles, and Juvéderm® to fill in those deep grooves. You can always set up a free consultation with her to discuss this cosmetic option.

As always, thank you for referring your friends and family to our office. Please don’t forget to check out our website at www.canfielddentist.com.

Dr. Ellashek

Research has shown that children establish taste preferences early, and those inclinations become food choices later in life. Now, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Preven tion (CDC) has found that toddlers eating prepackaged foods may be developing tastes for both salt and sugar.

The CDC study looked at ready-made foods for toddlers, including cereals, juices,

vegetables, and hot dogs, among others. They found that sugar accounted for more

than 60 percent of calories in many of these foods. In items made from grains or fruit,

calories from sugar totaled nearly 50 percent, and in desserts made from dairy products, more

than 30 percent of calories were from sugar. Added sugar, which refers to sugar not normally

found in an unprocessed food product, was discovered in over 30 percent of the foods the CDC sampled. Excessive

levels of sodium were found in more than 70 percent of the foods tested. Some studies have concluded that a toddler’s intake of sugar is about 12

teaspoons daily, roughly four times recommended levels. Concerned parents should try to feed their children unprocessed foods whenever possible and read labels to help avoid the excessive sugar and salt in processed foods.

A taste for sugar? Salivary mucus is powerful stuff

Gum disease — it can happen to you

Researchers previously believed that mucus in saliva only helped to keep saliva slippery; however, a recent study points to the possibility that mucus interferes with the habits of S. mutans, the bacteria known to cause tooth decay.

In the mouth, S. mutans forms biofilms by producing substances that help them stick to teeth. When S. mutans creates a biofilm, which consists of a close-knit group of microbes sticking to a tooth and secreting more sticky poly-mers, it creates a perfect environment for decay.

According to researchers, the salivary mucus does not destroy the S. mutans, but rather holds it suspended to make it impossible for the bacteria to form a biofilm. This type of interference provides a natural arsenal against tooth decay, and at the same time preserves good bacteria found in the mouth.

Plan on keeping your teeth for life? We’d like to see that happen as well, but the sad fact is that nearly 50 percent of adults over age 30 are battling periodontal disease. Once retirement age is reached, that percentage rises significantly. Periodontal disease attacks the gums—the foundation for the roots of the teeth—resulting in loosening of the teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Untreated gingivitis can easily lead to lost teeth, but because the disease causes no discomfort at the onset, many people don’t realize they have it until it is advanced. It’s important to recognize early symptoms, including redness and swelling of the gums, bleeding when brushing, and persistent bad breath. When a patient recognizes these signs, called gingivitis, it’s time to take action.

Keeping gum disease at bay means taking steps to prevent it before symptoms start. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride paste is the first step. Flossing daily is essential, and using an antiseptic mouth rinse can help. Regular dental appointments help remove plaque that builds up between teeth, in turn reducing the risk of gingivitis.

Are you at increased risk?

Patients who smoke or use chewing tobacco have a higher risk of developing gum disease. Other patients who are at increased risk include pregnant women, diabetics, those with a family history of the disease, and patients who are under stress.

Soft Drinks … Soft Teeth

How to protect your enamelTooth enamel is tough stuff. In fact, this translucent surface layer of the teeth is strong enough to guard against the extreme

conditions that bombard teeth daily—mainly eating, drinking, and assault by acids in foods and beverages. Unfortunately, even enamel can’t hold up against this onslaught forever, and eventually it may start to erode. Eating sweets,

especially sour candies, can contribute to erosion, as can dry mouth, acid reflux, certain medical conditions, and brushing too vigorously. Bruxism, which involves grinding the teeth while sleeping, can also wear away at enamel.

Fortunately, steps can be taken to help protect the enamel that protects your teeth. First, work to remove acidic foods, such as fruit juices, from your diet. If you do eat acidic foods, rinse with water promptly, but wait at least an hour to brush with a soft brush and a fluoride paste—the acid can make the enamel vulnerable during that time period. Patients who suffer from dry mouth should drink plenty of water. Chewing sugar-free gum and/or gum containing xylitol can reduce mouth acid and increase saliva production.

Enamel erosion may manifest itself in yellowed teeth, tooth sensitivity, and indentations or rough edges. Fortunately, there are ways to treat enamel loss, including bonding and crowns. Because each case is different, it’s important to seek a diagnosis and discuss the best treatment for your situation.

Many people who don’t floss daily have excuses for avoiding this important step in their regular oral home -care regimen. Some claim their teeth are packed so tightly they can’t get floss between them. Others

say flossing is uncomfortable or they lack the necessary time, coordination, or skill to floss properly.While we admit flossing isn’t always easy, we maintain that almost anyone can floss and therefore should

floss. Flossing helps remove food and bacteria between teeth and ward off periodontal disease, which can lead to tooth loss.

Some patients do struggle with the challenge of teeth packed tightly together. Waxed floss can often help in these situations; floss threaders can also make it easier to clean between

tight teeth.Others feel they have not been able to get the hang of flossing because

they aren’t sure how, or they haven’t mastered the skill. Flossing requires about 18 inches of floss. Some floss should be wrapped around the

finger of one hand. Several inches of floss should be free so it can be grasped with the other hand to pull it tight. Next, slide the floss between two teeth. Wrap it around so it hugs one tooth and slide it up and down. Then change direction to hug the other tooth. This action should work to remove food debris from the gumline to the top of the tooth. Move to the next tooth and repeat the process.

Those who find traditional floss difficult and time-consuming to use may want to consider using some of the many flossers that are now available, including interdental cleaners, instruments with pointed rubber tips, and U-shaped flossers that make it easier to reach back teeth.

If you experience discomfort or notice bleeding when flossing, chances are good that gingivitis is present. Effective flossing twice a day should help to alleviate this condition, but if the problem doesn’t improve within a few weeks, a professional diagnosis should be sought.

Why aren’t you flossing?

You may think the toothbrush you rinsed after brushing this morning is clean, but bacteria are likely nestled among the bristles. Toothbrushes can easily pick up germs present in your mouth, which can live for some time on the brush surface.

Rinsing your brush when you finish using it isn’t a bad idea. Different types of brush sanitizers are also available. Consider the type that uses ultraviolet light to decimate germs.

Avoid keeping a brush more than four months, and if you’ve been ill, replace your toothbrush as soon as you’ve recovered. Replace your brush even sooner if you notice signs of wear on the bristles.

Finally, never share your toothbrush—even with a spouse or child. Bacteria present in the mouth can be transferred to your brush, including bacteria that cause dental decay. Avoid passing germs around by keeping your brush clean and your brush use private.

© Copyright 2015. Newsletters Ink. Corp. Printed in the U.S.A. www.NewslettersInk.com The information included in this newsletter is not intended as a substitute for dental advice. For your specific situation, please consult our office.

Ellashek Dental3665 Stutz Drive, Suite 2Canfield, OH 44406

Keep your brush clean

Your dentist and hygienist get to know the layout of your mouth, the alignment of your teeth, and where you have restorations from your regular visits, but no one really knows your mouth the way you do.

Amazingly, some people brush their teeth twice daily without really paying much attention to them. They just brush away methodically without noting where food particles tend to stick or which areas might

be harder to clean because of the way the teeth are configured.If you aren’t spending as much time as you should getting to know your teeth, we suggest you start

by brushing each tooth individually to learn the contours of your teeth. While flossing, pay attention to areas where you notice food debris or inflammation and bleeding, which are signs

of gingivitis.Most people love that super-clean feeling their mouth has after having a professional cleaning.

They run their tongue around their teeth and feel how smooth the tartar-free surfaces are. After brushing, take time to run your tongue around your teeth and note areas you may have missed

so you can give them the extra attention they need to get squeaky clean.

Get to know your teeth

Office HoursMonday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Tuesday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.Wednesday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.Thursday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.*Friday 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.**Doctors are in either Thursday or Friday of each week.Alternating Saturdays 8:00 a.m.-Noon

Appointment and Emergency Phone: (330) 702-8500Fax: (330) 702-8249

Website: www.canfielddentist.com

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