What is Mouth Breathing & How to STOP Mouth Breathing

Let's talk about why mouth breathing is AWFUL for your dental health! 

Typically, your mouth needs plenty of saliva to stay healthy. An adequate saliva flow helps to limit the accumulation of bacteria, dry tissues, and even odors. When someone is always breathing through their mouth instead of their nose—say for the occasional hard workout at the gym—it dries out your saliva quicker than it can replenish itself.

 

The more you breathe out your mouth, the drier your mouth becomes. And the drier your mouth is, the higher your chances are for:

 

• Cavities

• Halitosis

• Gum disease

• Dry, cracked lips

 

In fact, in dentistry we purposely try to treat and manage dry mouth, because it’s that bad for your tooth enamel. Without saliva coating your teeth throughout the day, your bacterial and acid levels skyrocket. Chronic mouth breathing can—and almost always will—lead to an uptick in dental diseases. You could almost equate mouth breathing to being as bad on your teeth and gums as what we see with cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. It’s a huge factor in your dental wellness, not just a minor knit-picky issue.

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1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Formation of the Periodontium : Periodontal Ligament

Cells from the dental follicle give rise to the periodontal ligament (PDL). Specific events leading to the formation of the periodontal ligament vary between deciduous (baby) and permanent teeth and among various species of animals. Nonetheless, formation of the periodontal ligament begins with ligament fibroblasts from the dental follicle. These fibroblasts secrete collagen, which interacts with fibers on the surfaces of adjacent bone and cementum.

This interaction leads to an attachment that develops as the tooth erupts into the mouth. The occlusion, which is the arrangement of teeth and how teeth in opposite arches come in contact with one another, continually affects the formation of periodontal ligament. This perpetual creation of periodontal ligament leads to the formation of groups of fibers in different orientations, such as horizontal and oblique fibers.

Read more, here.

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1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Formation of the Periodontium

The periodontium, which is the supporting structure of a tooth, consists of the cementum, periodontal ligaments, gingiva, and alveolar bone. Cementum is the only one of these that is a part of a tooth. Alveolar bone surrounds the roots of teeth to provide support and creates what is commonly called a "socket". Periodontal ligaments connect the alveolar bone to the cementum, and the gingiva is the surrounding tissue visible in the mouth.

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707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Xylitol vs Fluoride | Can Xylitol REPLACE Fluoride?

Let's talk about the benefits of xylitol versus the benefits of fluoride -- and how xylitol is NOT an effective replacement of fluoride in toothpaste.

Xylitol is a popular alternative for people looking for healthy ways to improve their oral health in general. But it doesn’t replace the need for fluoride. You see, fluoride contains hydroxyapatite crystals.  These tiny granules work to create a stronger, smoother surface on your tooth enamel and make your teeth less prone to decay. Essentially, they strengthen weak teeth to make them more resistant to acids.

 

On the other hand, xylitol helps repel plaque by preventing it from accumulating on teeth to begin with. It doesn’t remineralize enamel that has already been coated with buildup. So, although both xylitol and fluoride can be used for preventative purposes, they serve two totally different goals. A lot of dentists and hygienists recommend pairing both of them together for optimal results. One repels the plaque, the other repairs the areas damaged by it (before cavities start.)

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Hard Tissue Formation : Cementum

Cementum formation is called cementogenesis and occurs late in the development of teeth. Cementoblasts are the cells responsible for cementogenesis. Two types of cementum form: cellular and acellular.

Acellular cementum forms first. The cementoblasts differentiate from follicular cells, which can only reach the surface of the tooth's root once Hertwig's Epithelial Root Sheath (HERS) has begun to deteriorate. The cementoblasts secrete fine collagen fibrils along the root surface at right angles before migrating away from the tooth. As the cementoblasts move, more collagen is deposited to lengthen and thicken the bundles of fibers. Noncollagenous proteins, such as bone sialoprotein and osteocalcin, are also secreted. Acellular cementum contains a secreted matrix of proteins and fibers. As mineralization takes place, the cementoblasts move away from the cementum, and the fibers left along the surface eventually join the forming periodontal ligaments.

Cellular cementum develops after most of the tooth formation is complete and after the tooth occludes (in contact) with a tooth in the opposite arch. This type of cementum forms around the fiber bundles of the periodontal ligaments. The cementoblasts forming cellular cementum become trapped in the cementum they produce.

Read more, here.

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Hard Tissue Formation : Dentin

Dentin formation, known as dentinogenesis, is the first identifiable feature in the crown stage of tooth development. The formation of dentin must always occur before the formation of enamel. The different stages of dentin formation result in different types of dentin: mantle dentin, primary dentin, secondary dentin, and tertiary dentin.

Odontoblasts, the dentin-forming cells, differentiate from cells of the dental papilla. They begin secreting an organic matrix around the area directly adjacent to the inner enamel epithelium, closest to the area of the future cusp of a tooth. The organic matrix contains collagen fibers with large diameters (0.1–0.2 μm in diameter). The odontoblasts begin to move toward the center of the tooth, forming an extension called the odontoblast process. Thus, dentin formation proceeds toward the inside of the tooth. The odontoblast process causes the secretion of hydroxyapatite crystals and mineralization of the matrix. This area of mineralization is known as mantle dentin and is a layer usually about 150 μm thick.

Read more, here.

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

donnathedentist@gmail.com

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can TOOTHPASTE really WHITEN teeth?

Let's talk about whether or not toothpaste actually whitens teeth!  We'll also dive into charcoal toothpastes, purple toothpastes, and more!

Does whitening toothpaste work? When it comes to preventing new stains and keeping your smile white (after a professional whitening treatment), yes. It’s perfect for minimizing new surface stains from coffee, tea, etc. Does charcoal toothpaste work? Depending on the type, also yes. But some are too abrasive and they can cause gum recession and enamel abrasion, making long-term tooth stain even worse. If you really want whiter teeth, talk to your dentist about getting them treated in-office. And always, always, always work with your dental team when you’re choosing which whitening products to use. They are not created equal!

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

donnathedentist@gmail.com

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Hard Tissue Formation : Enamel

Enamel formation is called amelogenesis and occurs in the crown stage (advanced bell stage) of tooth development. "Reciprocal induction" governs the relationship between the formation of dentin and enamel; dentin formation must always occur before enamel formation. Generally, enamel formation occurs in two stages: the secretory and maturation stages. Proteins and an organic matrix form a partially mineralized enamel in the secretory stage; the maturation stage completes enamel mineralization.

Read more, here.

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

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Human Tooth Development : Advanced Bell Stage

Hard tissues, including enamel and dentin, develop during the next stage of tooth development. This stage is called the crown, or maturation stage, by some researchers. Important cellular changes occur at this time. In prior stages, all of the IEE cells were dividing to increase the overall size of the tooth bud, but rapid dividing, called mitosis, stops during the crown stage at the location where the cusps of the teeth form. The first mineralized hard tissues form at this location. At the same time, the IEE cells change in shape from cuboidal to columnar and become preameloblasts. The nuclei of these cells move closer to the stratum intermedium and away from the dental papilla as they become polarized.

The adjacent layer of cells in the dental papilla suddenly increases in size and differentiates into odontoblasts, which are the cells that form dentin. Researchers believe that the odontoblasts would not form if it were not for the changes occurring in the IEE. As the changes to the IEE and the formation of odontoblasts continue from the tips of the cusps, the odontoblasts secrete a substance, an organic matrix, into their immediate surrounding. The organic matrix contains the material needed for dentin formation. As odontoblasts deposit organic matrix termed predentin, they migrate toward the center of the dental papilla. Thus, unlike enamel, dentin starts forming in the surface closest to the outside of the tooth and proceeds inward. Cytoplasmic extensions are left behind as the odontoblasts move inward. The unique, tubular microscopic appearance of dentin is a result of the formation of dentin around these extensions.

After dentin formation begins, the cells of the IEE secrete an organic matrix against the dentin. This matrix immediately mineralizes and becomes the initial layer of the tooth's enamel. Outside the dentin are the newly formed ameloblasts in response to the formation of dentin, which are cells that continue the process of enamel formation; therefore, enamel formation moves outwards, adding new material to the outer surface of the developing tooth.

Read more, here.

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

donnathedentist@gmail.com

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What Do BROWN SPOTS on Your Teeth Mean?

Let's talk about the different reasons you have brown spots on your teeth!  And how to get rid of them!

Do you have teeth with brown stains on them? Aside from discoloration, are you also suffering from sensitivity or toothaches? Having brown spots on teeth can be a cosmetic concern, but it could also indicate that a tooth is dying or had a cavity. Larger areas of decay tend to be brown, while early stages look more like white spots. An exam and X-ray will quickly determine the cause of the dark spots on your teeth and if it’s something you need to worry about.

Your dentist can let you know if the brown stain is something that’s safe enough to bleach away with a whitening product, or if you require some type of physical treatment, such as a filling. If whitening is an option, the product can help you erase more internal tooth stain and keep new discoloration at bay (as long as you use your whitening kit for maintenance purposes.)

Bottom line make it a habit to see your dentist on a regular basis (at least twice a year) to have your teeth cleaned. This will give you a brighter smile so that if problems do pop up between visits, they’re easier and quicker to diagnose.

707-453-1776

1001 Nut Tree Rd, Ste 230

Vacaville, CA 95687

donnathedentist@gmail.com

Website