Valley Discount Dental Plan partnered with Dr. Patel of Chandler Dental Arts on Saturday, May 7th to offer free dental consultations at the Food City in Chandler. The turnout resulted in over 30 walk-in screenings where shoppers were greeted by a dental staff and one-on-one discussions with a dentist and hygienist.

Free dental consultations were conducted by Dr. Patel and his hygienist in the Food City store for over two hours on Saturday. “There was a strong turnout of local residents who might not have access to a dentist otherwise,” noted Devon Klinefelter, director of Valley DDP. “Valley Discount Dental Plan is an alternative to insurance. We fill a much needed market of the underinsured or uninsured by providing them access to hundreds of discounted dental procedures. We are proud to partner with Food City and Dr. Patel for this community event to promote the importance of oral health. After all, prevention is the key to a healthy and happy smile!”

About Valley Discount Dental
Valley Discount Dental Plan provides quality dental care at an affordable price by offering members pre-negotiated, reduced fees for dental services. This discount plan differs from traditional insurance in that there are no referrals, no usage limitations, no monthly fees and no waiting periods. With our Child, Gold, Platinum, and Family plans, there is an option for everyone. This isn’t insurance, it’s better than that! For more information visit, www.valleyddp.com. Media contact: Devon Klinefelter, support@valleyddp.com

About Dr. Mital Patel, DDS
Dr. Patel is a graduate of Creighton University in Nebraska, one of the top dental schools in the world. Since graduation Dr. Patel got married and moved to Mesa where he currently resides. Dr. Patel continuously furthers his education by attending seminars and courses to give his patients the most advanced care available. Visit his office at 501 W Ray Road, Unit 10 in Chandler or call for more information (480) 963-0077.

Media Contact: support@valleyddp.com

Baby teeth generally begin to appear around six months after birth. During the first few years of life, all 20 of the primary teeth will erupt through the gums. Most children have their full set of primary teeth in place by age three.

• As their teeth erupt, some babies may become fussy, sleepless and irritable, lose their appetite or drool more than usual. These are normal reactions to teething. If your infant has a fever or diarrhea while teething or continues to be cranky and uncomfortable, call your physician.
• As a tooth erupts an eruption cyst may develop. The tooth will eventually rupture this watery sac as it pushes through the gums. Eruption cysts are usually harmless and should be left alone.
• Some babies may have sore or tender gums when teeth begin to erupt. Gently rubbing your child’s gum with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a wet gauze pad can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help. Your dentist or pediatrician may recommend a pacifier, teething ring or a special “numbing” salve for the gums.
• When the teeth begin to erupt, brush them with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a little bit of water to prevent tooth decay. Toothpaste is not recommended until a child reaches age two. At that time, supervise brushing to ensure that your child does not swallow the toothpaste.
• After your child’s first tooth appears, but no later than the first birthday, begin regular dental check-ups.

Source: www.ada.org

Extraction of wisdom teeth is generally recommended when:

• Wisdom teeth only partially erupt. This leaves an opening for bacteria to enter around the tooth and cause an infection. Pain, swelling, jaw stiffness and general illness can result.
• There is a chance that poorly aligned wisdom teeth will damage adjacent teeth.
• A cyst (fluid-filled sac) forms, destroying surrounding structures such as bone or tooth roots.

Patients should ask the dentist about the health and positioning of their wisdom teeth. The dentist may make a recommendation for removal or send the patient to an oral surgeon for further evaluation.

Source: www.ada.org

1. Dental practices are constantly becoming more sophisticated, so diagnosis and treatment are always becoming more comfortable.
2. Get your concerns out in the open. If you are feeling tense or anxious, let your dentist know. Your dentist can adapt the treatment to your needs.
3. Plan your visit for a time where you are less likely to feel rushed or under pressure. Try an early morning or Saturday appointment.
4. Relax and let your mind wander. Listening to your favorite music or visualizing happy situations can help put you at ease.

• Choose a well-lit, convenient location.
• If the person is uncooperative or uncontrollable, try to calm him or her by explaining what you are about to do, or schedule the task for a time of day when the person is more rested or may be more receptive.
• Move in a calm, slow, reassuring manner to avoid startling the person.
• Give verbal praise and reinforce independent attempts.
• Support the person’s head, and take special care to prevent choking or gagging when the head is tilted back.
• If the person is unable or unwilling to keep their mouth open, you can make a mouth prop can by taping several tongue blades together. Discuss with your dentist how to insert a mouth prop to avoid injury to teeth.
• Lastly, it is important to visit a dentist that has training and experience in treating patients with special needs.

• Oral Cancer
• Periodontal (gum) disease—a leading cause of tooth loss and sensitivity
• Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery
• Few options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments such as implants)
• Bad breath
• Stained teeth and tongue
• Diminished sense of taste and smell

Quitting tobacco is difficult because all forms of it—cigarettes, cigars and spit (chewing) tobacco—contain nicotine which can be addictive. However, you can quit once and for all. The reasons for quitting are simple: You’ll lower the chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer, including oral cancer. Most importantly, a smoke-free environment is healthier for you and those around you.

For some, brushing twice daily with a fluoride containing toothpaste and regular cleaning at the dentist are enough to maintain that sparkly smile. If you decide you would like to go beyond this to make your smile look brighter, you have a few different options.

First, you may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

In-office Bleaching: If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chair-side bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take between 30 minutes to one hour.

During chair-side bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

At-home Whitening: There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter. These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically come in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, and 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouth guard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouth guard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. It is important to speak with your dentist if you experience more than mild sensitivity or soft tissue irritation.

• Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner. Tooth decay–causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove the sticky film on teeth called plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

It is always a good idea to talk to you dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effect for you.

How does my pregnancy affect my oral health?

Vomiting caused by morning sickness can allow stomach acid to weaken your tooth enamel. This can increase your risk for cavities. Morning sickness can also make it difficult to brush and floss which also increases your risk for cavities and gum disease.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk for gingivitis, an infection in your gums caused by plaque (germs). Hormonal changes can also cause your mouth to be drier. Less saliva or spit can increase your risk for cavities.

Eating more frequently during pregnancy can increase your risk for cavities, especially if you choose sugary or starchy foods.

How does my oral health affect my pregnancy?

If you have gum disease during pregnancy, the germs in your mouth can spread to your entire body. These germs can cause you to deliver a premature, low birth weight baby. They can also increase your risk for diabetes or preeclampsia (high blood pressure) during pregnancy.

Visit a dentist at least one time during your pregnancy

• Dental work is safe at any time during your pregnancy, but it may be more comfortable during your second trimester.
• A dentist can tell if you have any problems in your mouth and give you advice on how to keep your mouth healthy.

Choose healthy snacks

• Limit sugary and starchy foods to mealtime only.
• Choose fruit rather than fruit juice.
• Avoid soda pop, including diet soda.
• Use gum and mints that contain xylitol.

Take care of your mouth

• Brush your teeth, especially along the gum line, at least twice daily.
• Use a small, soft toothbrush.
• Use toothpaste with fluoride.
• Floss at least once daily to clean between teeth and under your gums.

For frequent nausea or vomiting

• Eat small amounts of healthy foods throughout the day such as fruits, vegetables, yogurt, or cheese.
• Use a fluoride mouth rinse daily.
• Rinse your mouth with water or a combination of baking soda and water after vomiting to stop the acid attack on your teeth.

Your child’s baby teeth are at risk for decay as soon as they first appear-which is typically around age six months. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay or Early Childhood Caries (cavities). It most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Tooth decay is a disease that begins with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) who has these bacteria in their mouth to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria are passed to the baby.

Another factor for tooth decay is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to liquids that contain sugar, like sweetened water and fruit juice and potentially milk, breast milk and formula. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. The sugary liquids pool around the teeth while the child sleeps. Each time your child drinks these liquids, acids attack for 20 minutes or longer. After multiple attacks, the teeth can decay.

Infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may also have an increased risk for tooth decay since fluoride combines with the outer covering of the tooth (enamel) and makes the tooth more resistant to the acid attack.

Prevention

The good news is that tooth decay is almost completely preventable. You can help prevent tooth decay for your child by following the tips below:

• Lower the risk of the baby’s infection with decay-causing bacteria. This can be done two ways – by improving the oral health of the mother/caregiver which reduces the number of bacteria in her mouth and by not sharing saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers and giving them to babies.
• After each feeding, wipe the baby’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth. This will remove plaque and bits of food that can harm erupting teeth. When your child’s teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a child’s size toothbrush and water. (Consult with your child’s dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age two.)
• When your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste (usually not before age two), begin brushing the teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. The American Dental Association recommends fluoride toothpaste; ask your dentist about your child’s fluoride needs.
• Brush your child’s teeth until he or she is at least six years old.
• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean — don’t dip it in sugar or honey, or put it in your mouth before giving it to the child.
• Encourage children to drink from a cup by their first birthday and discourage frequent or prolonged use of a training (sippy) cup.
• Encourage healthy eating habits that include a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit and whole grains. Serve nutritious snacks and limit sweets to mealtimes.
• Ensure that your child has adequate exposure to fluoride. Discuss your child’s fluoride needs with your dentist or pediatrician.

Source: www.ada.org