Oral Cancer

Did you know that oral cancer often goes completely undetected until it spreads to another part of the body? You can stay ahead of the game by having regular oral cancer screenings with us in San Lorenzo, CA. If you use tobacco and drink alcohol regularly, you are at a greatly increased risk for oral cancer. Oral cancer is also being connected to human papillomavirus, also known as HPV. Oral cancer can appear anywhere in the oral cavity. It is mostly found:

• On the lips
• On or under the tongue
• On the roof of the mouth
• Back of the throat
• Inside the cheek

The ability to detect oral cancer early is a great tool for us and for you. We are able to identify and pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution, meaning it can be treated well before it becomes a major problem. If you’re having regular cleanings at least twice a year, you are much more likely to have possible problems detected early because we document each appointment and know your history.

 

You should be getting an oral cancer screening at least once a year. Come in and visit us today so we can make sure your oral hygiene is in tip-top shape. We’re here to help, so call today!

Acid Reflux and Teeth

The enamel of your teeth is the thin, tough outer layer of your teeth. Enamel protects your teeth from daily activities like chewing, biting and grinding. The enamel of your teeth also protect against harmful temperatures and chemicals. Although enamel is a hard protector of your teeth, it can chip and crack. There are many factors that affect the health of your enamel, but one of the quickest ways to erode enamel comes from acid reflux disease.

 

If you suffer from consistent acid reflux, the health of your teeth probably isn’t one of the first things you’re thinking about. You’re probably reaching for an antacid or a glass of milk and moving on with your day. However, new research reveals how gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, can severely damage your teeth thanks to an increase of acid in the mouth. The study concluded that acid reflux can ultimately lead to thin, sharp and pitted teeth.

 

GERD, better known as acid reflux disease, causes chronic heartburn. The stomach contents, including acid, leak into the esophagus and often work their way back up into the mouth, causing burning pain. The damage from acid reflux looks a lot like tooth wear because the acid dissolved the tooth surface directly, softening the surface. Once the surface is softened, it becomes worn down layer by layer. Once the enamel is eroded, it cannot come back. In that case, patients would need a crown, veneer or filling to replace their tooth.

 

We recommend the following to our patients who suffer from acid reflux disease:

• Do not brush immediately after an acid reflux episode, use a fluoride rinse instead
• Use specialized toothpaste recommended by our staff
• Utilize antacids or baking soda after an episode to protect your teeth

If your teeth have been damaged by your condition, feel free to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shital Kazi to discuss your treatment options. 

Night Guards for Bruxism

Think you might be a night grinder but aren’t sure? If you wake up with a dull, constant headache or a sore jaw then you might be suffering from bruxism (night grinding). If you suspect that you might be grinding your teeth and you live in the San Lorenzo, CA area, schedule an appointment with us at Lewelling Dental Care for information on treatment options.

 

You might grind your teeth because of stress and anxiety, but it more likely due to an abnormal bite or missing/crooked teeth. Patients often find out that they are a grinder from a loved one or through a consultation with their dentist. Dr. Shital Kazi is trained in the detection of bruxism and can diagnose it through a simple examination. Patients exhibiting symptoms such as jaw tenderness and teeth abnormalities are most likely grinding their teeth at night.

 

Teeth grinding can become a serious issue. Chronic teeth grinding can lead to fractured, loosening or loss of teeth. Taking the time to visit us at Lewelling Dental Care is a great preventative measure when it comes to preventing night grinding. Chronic teeth grinders can wear their teeth down so bad that bridges, crowns or even dentures may be necessary. While these procedures are effective, they are also very expensive and can be very invasive.

 

We have a great reputation when it comes to creating custom mouth guards for prevention of night grinding. Our team is able to custom-fit a mouth guard to your individual needs so as to prevent any discomfort during sleep. Dr. Kazi will take an impression of your teeth and the mouth guard is molded over the model using special material. Custom-fitted mouth guards are utilized because they provide the most comfort and best overall protection. The night guard creates a barrier between your top and bottom teeth, preventing your teeth from grinding. Call us today to schedule  your appointment!

Loose Teeth

Feeling loose teeth in your mouth is one of the most unpleasant and unsettling things that can happen with your teeth. Immediately you feel like something must be very wrong and that you might end up losing a tooth. You’re also hoping that you can find an effective treatment option that helps you save your teeth.

Severe form of gum disease, excessive clenching or grinding of the teeth, or even pregnancy, are among the many reasons our patients experience the feeling of loose teeth. Any time a tooth is weakened, whether following a root canal procedure or due to the bone structure being lost from periodontal gum disease, it can make the teeth loose.

Along with the feeling of loose teeth, patients may experience other symptoms. For example, patients might experience discomfort while chewing, pain along with the slight tooth movement, or the gum tissue is swollen, red, and damaged, the latter of which may be likely signs of gum disease.

The treatment for loose teeth depends on the cause. If the tooth is loose because it has been weakened, putting a crown over it can be helpful as it saves the tooth structure. However, if a loose tooth is due to clenching or grinding, we provide occlusal (bite) treatments of the teeth. Orthodontic procedures are also helpful in some cases.

Call us here at Lewelling Dental Care at 510-276-6040 to speak to our dentist Dr. Shital Kazi about your loose teeth right away so we can help you to save them.

Night Guards

If you or your sleep partner grinds their teeth at night, you’re not alone. Teeth grinding is a very common condition. Teeth grinding can lead to sore gums and a sore jaw. It can also cause headaches and can wear down teeth. In some instances, it can even lead to loose or fractured teeth. Although the cause of teeth grinding is not always known, stress and certain sleep disorders may play a role.

At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer a solution for teeth grinding. Night guards are coverings worn over the teeth while you are sleeping. It creates a barrier between the top and bottom teeth. A night guard prevents damage to the teeth and gums due to teeth grinding.

Although stock night guards are available over the counter, they are often uncomfortable and don’t fit well. This might increase pain and make the situation worse. At Lewelling Dental Care, we offer custom made night mouth guards.

The process of creating a custom made night guard is simple. An impression is made of your teeth. The night guard is then created in a laboratory. Because the night guard is custom made to fit your mouth, it is more comfortable than a stock mouth guard.

For more information on night guards or to schedule an appointment, please call Lewelling Dental Care, at 510- 276-6040 or visit us at www.lewellingdental.com.