Dental Plaque and Tartar

Patients frequently ask the question at their hygiene appointment about the difference between plaque and tartar. We all have dental plaque and some tartar build-up. Some people may have more tartar build up faster than others. Plaque is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods. As plaque forms and is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can harden and calcify into tartar. Plaque on the tooth surface gives a fuzzy and sticky feeling. Tartar is described as rough on the tooth surface. Both dental plaque and tartar are harmful to the teeth and periodontal health and may lead to dental decay and periodontal disease.

Dental Plaque

• a sticky, colorless or pale yellow film of bacteria that is formed on and between the teeth and along the gum line after eating foods 
• begins forming on the teeth about 4-12 hours after brushing
• bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel causing dental decay
• bacteria in plaque on the gum line cause early stage of gum disease, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) 
• cause bad breath 
• teeth look dingy and yellow
• Causes of plaque: plaque develops when foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth after eating. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods and produce acids that attack the tooth surface and below or at the gum line. As a result, plaque may cause dental decay, periodontal disease or possible tooth loss

Tartar (dental calculus)

• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches to the enamel on the teeth
• hardened or calcified plaque (deposit or build-up) that attaches above or below the gum line
• yellow or brown deposit or build up between teeth, above or below the gum line
• tartar is rough and attaches at or below the gum line and can cause receding gums, periodontal disease, tooth loss, and dental decay
• Causes of tartar: plaque is not removed regularly, lack of tooth brushing, lack of flossing between teeth, poor dental hygiene and lack of dental checkups and dental cleanings

Prevention

• brush thoroughly at least twice a day for 2 minutes to remove plaque from all surfaces of the teeth
• floss daily to remove plaque from between the teeth and under the gum line
• limit sugary or starch foods, especially sticky snacks
• schedule at least 2 regular dental visits for professional cleanings and checkups each year
• proper brushing and flossing are necessary to reduce plaque and tartar build-up. Once tartar has formed, only the dentist or dental hygienist can remove it professionally

Treatment

• the procedure for removing tartar is called scaling and root planing
• ultrasonic and hand scalers are used to remove tartar and plaque from the teeth, above and below the gum line

Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. Please call our office at 626-335-5114 to schedule a dental cleaning and checkup. Visit us at www.annaleedds.com.

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

While a c-pap machine is an option to treatment of sleep apnea. There is a better way. Providing an oral dental device can give you your life back. It does not require batteries, it is not bulky and it does not make any noise when you go to sleep. 

CPAP machines are used with a variety of breathing masks. They are most widely used treatment for moderate and severe OSA.CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches.  If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.

                                  

                Oral Appliance Therapy (OAT)

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved oral appliance therapy (OAT) as a first line treatment for patients diagnosed with mild to moderate OSA.  The AASM also recommends oral appliance therapy for patients with severe OSA, who are unable to tolerate or cannot wear CPAP devices.  Another option for people with severe OSA is combination therapy (wearing CPAP and an oral appliance together) to help reduce the pressure on a CPAP machine, making it more comfortable to use.

For more information on a dental device, contact Dr. Lee and her team today!

Dental Crowns (Dental Cap)

A crown is a type of dental restoration that completely caps a tooth.  Crowns may be needed when teeth are broken, fractured or chipped. Sometimes, crowns restore teeth with broken and large fillings, tooth decay or after root canal treatment. Crowns help to restore your smile back to a healthy place.

 Crowns are typically bonded to the tooth using dental cement. Crowns can be made from different materials; metal, porcelain fused to metal, all resin, or all ceramic. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

 Different types of crowns have their unique benefits. Metal crowns have high strength and toughness that resist fracture and wear. They provide a good seal against leakages but they are unaesthetic and do not look natural.  Porcelain and resin crowns are esthetic and they mimic natural teeth, but they are not as strong and durable.

For more information on crowns contact Dr. Lee and her team today.

Surgery as treatment for Sleep Apnea

Surgery may increase the size of the airway and reduce the symptoms of sleep apnea. The surgeon may remove the tonsils, adenoids, or excess tissues at the back of the throat or inside the nose. The surgeon may reconstruct the jaw to enlarge the upper airway. 

However, surgeons face challenges of determining what site and/ sites of the upper airway is/are causing the obstruction to airflow.  There may be multiple sites of obstruction and the conventional sleep testing does not identify the sites the surgeon should modify.

Finding a Dentist:   

Dr. Anna Lee is a dentist trained in sleep apnea who can assist you with treatment.    Dr. Anna Lee conducts a full evaluation of your teeth, mouth and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) to ensure that your teeth and jaw structure are healthy enough to wear an oral appliance.  Following the examination, you will have models of your teeth made and a follow-up appointment is scheduled to fit your custom oral appliance. Please visit our sleep website at www.glendorasleep.com.

A Breathing Device for Sleep Apnea: Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP)

Continuous Positive Airflow Pressure (CPAP) is the most common treatment for moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.  A CPAP device is a mask-like machine that covers the nose and mouth, providing a constant stream of air that keeps the breathing passages open while sleeping.

CPAP technology is constantly being updated and improved, and the new CPAP devices are lighter, quieter, and more comfortable.  Here are some of the tips for choosing the right CPAP machine for you:

·       Make sure the CPAP device fits correctly-Straps should not be too tight or too loose and the mask should seal completely over the nose and mouth.

·       Ease into it-Start by using the CPAP device for short periods during the day. It is normal to need several months to get used to sleeping with the CPAP device.

·       Upgrade the CPAP device with customized options-Customize the mask, tubing and straps, to find the right fit.

·       Use a humidifier to decrease dryness and skin irritation.

·       Try a saline nasal spray for nasal congestion.

·       Keep the mask, tubing and headgear clean.

·       Mask the sound of the CPAP machine-Place it beneath the bed to reduce the noise. 

·       Use an oral appliance in conjunction with the CPAP can assist in opening the airway.

“Some patients still may not be able to tolerate a mask over the nose and mouth while they are sleeping,” says Dr. Lee. “If you are someone who still struggles, contact us. There may be an option that will work for you.”

*CPAP treatment may cause side effects: dry or stuffy nose, irritated skin on the face, dry mouth, and headaches. If the CPAP device is not adjusted properly, patients may get stomach bloating and discomfort while wearing the mask.