Digital Imaging

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays.  This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer.  This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier.  Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

Dental x-rays are essential, preventative, diagnostic tools that provide valuable information not visible during a regular dental exam.  Dentists and dental hygienists use this information to safely and accurately detect hidden dental abnormalities and complete an accurate treatment plan.  Without x-rays, problem areas may go undetected.

Dental x-rays may reveal:

• Abscesses or cysts.
• Bone loss.
• Cancerous and non-cancerous tumors.
• Decay between the teeth.
• Developmental abnormalities.
• Poor tooth and root positions.
• Problems inside a tooth or below the gum line.

Detecting and treating dental problems at an early stage may save you time, money, unnecessary discomfort, and your teeth!

Are dental x-rays safe?

We are all exposed to natural radiation in our environment.  Digital x-rays produce a significantly lower level of radiation compared to traditional dental x-rays.  Not only are digital x-rays better for the health and safety of the patient, they are faster and more comfortable to take, which reduces your time in the dental office.  Also, since the digital image is captured electronically, there is no need to develop the x-rays, thus eliminating the disposal of harmful waste and chemicals into the environment.

Even though digital x-rays produce a low level of radiation and are considered very safe, dentists still take necessary precautions to limit the patient’s exposure to radiation.  These precautions include only taking those x-rays that are necessary, and using lead apron shields to protect the body.

How often should dental x-rays be taken?

The need for dental x-rays depends on each patient’s individual dental health needs.  Your dentist and dental hygienist will recommend necessary x-rays based upon the review of your medical and dental history, a dental exam, signs and symptoms, your age, and risk of disease.

A full mouth series of dental x-rays is recommended for new patients.  A full series is usually good for three to five years.  Bite-wing x-rays (x-rays of top and bottom teeth biting together) are taken at recall (check-up) visits and are recommended once or twice a year to detect new dental problems.

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An Apple a day Keeps the Dentist away…or at least keeps the dentist happy!

Dietary habits of school children encourage an increase in sugar intake leading to a greater risk of cavities, reports the Academy of General Dentistry.

Over a 15-month period, researchers tracked the dietary habits and monitored the teeth of preschool children before and after the start of school. Results show that decayed, missing or filled teeth and initial cavities of the children jumped from 9.7 (at age five) to 15.3 cavities (at age six), an increase of 5.6 cavities within one year. Over the length of the study, the percentage of cavity-free school children dropped from 23 to 19 percent.

“This study substantiates the basics taught to dental school students that diet is an important part of proper oral health,” says Marilynn Belek, DMD, chief dental officer and senior vice president for Delta Dental.

The easiest way parents can help children prevent tooth decay and cavities at school, Dr. Belek says, is to monitor their eating habits. For example, parents can offer their children healthy snack alternatives such as apples, bite-size carrots or other foods that are naturally sweet, and instruct children to avoid candies, chocolate, caramels, soda, chocolate milk and other foods that contain refined sugar. Cavity-causing organisms feed on sugar and turn it into acid, which attacks tooth enamel and causes tooth decay. Sticky, chewy candy especially can linger on teeth throughout the day. If children do happen to eat sugary snacks at lunch, they should brush and rinse with water or eat a piece of fruit to help clean teeth surfaces and gums.

Dr. Belek also encourages parents to find out what their child’s school lunch program offers. “If programs do not offer healthy alternatives, talk to the school about incorporating healthy lunches or snacks,” she adds.

Finally, parents should consider professionally-applied sealants as another way to protect children’s teeth from cavities. Sealants, a thin coating of bonding material applied over a tooth, act as a barrier to cavity-causing bacteria. They can be put on as soon as the child’s first permanent molars (back teeth) appear.

Schedule your back to school dental checkups!

Start the school year with a healthy, beautiful smile — just in time for school pictures. The final days of summer are perfect times for back-to-school dental check-ups. It’s back-to-school across America, and it’s time to focus on ways to brighten students’ smiles for learning success and adorable school pictures. As the school bell is set to ring — and with one in four children having undiagnosed tooth decay — now is the time to give students a solid foundation for future dental health. Proper oral hygiene is a great way to start the school year off on the right foot. A complete and comprehensive dental exam can spell greater success in the classroom.

Despite recent improvements in dental care in the United States, tooth decay is still one of the most common childhood diseases, according to the American Dental Association. It is five times more common than asthma in 5-17 year-olds, according to the association, and affects more than one fifth of American children aged 2-4, half of those aged 6-8 and nearly 60 percent of those aged 15, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

Premier Dental of South Orange County (www.pdsoc.com), the number once choice for parents here in South Orange County, helps develop lifetime habits for bright smiles and strong cavity-free teeth, offers these tips to help brush-up on dental hygiene:

• A Good Cleaning. Your child may think he or she is old enough to brush their own teeth, but until they reach the age of six, make sure to take command and help them brush at least twice a day, using a pea-sized amount of ADA-approved toothpaste. Make sure older children brush at least twice a day, too.

• Don’t Forget in Between. A toothbrush can’t get into every nook and cranny so it’s important for parents to floss their child’s teeth.

• Eat Well. Make sure your child eats a balanced diet, stays hydrated, and seeks healthy options for between-meal snacks. Do not put your child to bed with a bottle. We encourage use of a cup as their first birthday approaches.

• Visit your Dentist. Book routine visits for professional cleanings and check-ups as recommended by the American Association of Pediatric Dentists and your dental health professional.

How often should I brush and floss my teeth?

Brushing and flossing help control the plaque and bacteria that cause dental disease.

Plaque is a film of food debris, bacteria, and saliva that sticks to the teeth and gums.  The bacteria in plaque convert certain food particles into acids that cause tooth decay.  Also, if plaque is not removed, it turns into calculus (tartar).  If plaque and calculus are not removed, they begin to destroy the gums and bone, causing periodontal (gum) disease.

Plaque formation and growth is continuous and can only be controlled by regular brushing, flossing, and the use of other dental aids.

Toothbrushing – Brush your teeth at least twice a day (especially before going to bed at night) with an ADA approved soft bristle brush and toothpaste.

• Brush at a 45 degree angle to the gums, gently using a small, circular motion, ensuring that you always feel the bristles on the gums.
• Brush the outer, inner, and biting surfaces of each tooth.
• Use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside front teeth.
• Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

Electric toothbrushes are also recommended.  They are easy to use and can remove plaque efficiently.  Simply place the bristles of the electric brush on your gums and teeth and allow the brush to do its job, several teeth at a time.

Flossing – Daily flossing is the best way to clean between the teeth and under the gumline.  Flossing not only helps clean these spaces, it

disrupts plaque colonies from building up, preventing damage to the gums, teeth, and bone.

• Take 12-16 inches (30-40cm) of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.
• Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.
• Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each tooth and under the gumline.  Gently move the floss up and down, cleaning the side of each tooth.

Floss holders are recommended if you have difficulty using conventional floss.

Rinsing – It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing, and also after meals if you are unable to brush.  If you are using an over-the-counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Dr. Marian S. Bradford

Dr. Bradford

Dr. Marian Bradford has been an educator, researcher and clinician since 2001.  She attended the University of California at Irvine and earned a B.S. degree in Biological Sciences and a Minor in Psychology.  Dr. Bradford continued her education at the University of Southern California where she earned her Doctorate in Dental Surgery.  She held a position as an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry at USC for over nine years.  Dr. Bradford has presented her research work both nationally and internationally at professional meetings including the annual meetings for International Association for Dental Research and the American Association for Dental Research.

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Dr. T. Duc Pham

Dr. Pham

I am born Vietnamese and was raised in Idaho.  I have a B.S. in Biochemistry from UC Davis, and a Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of Southern California.  I have been a full time professor at USC since 2001 and I still maintain that position as an integral part of the faculty.  I have graduated many new dentist since my first year teaching focusing on instilling ethics in my students, so they may go our and treat patients as they should.  These are the same ideas that have helped me build and maintain this ever growing practice.  I welcome you to come to our practice and experience what dentistry should be like for everyone.  Bring a smile and a good spirit!

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Premier Dental of South Orange County

Welcome to our Blog.  We will be posting information about our office as well and educational materials regarding dentistry and overall Oral Health.  We are just starting so any comments or promotion is greatly appreciated!  We hope you enjoy our Blog!

Remember to visit our website and connect with us online!

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What should I do if I have bad breath?

Bad breath (halitosis) can be an unpleasant and embarrassing condition.  Many of us may not realize that we have bad breath, but everyone has it from time to time, especially in the morning.

There are various reasons one may have bad breath, but in healthy people, the major reason is due to microbial deposits on the tongue, especially the back of the tongue.  Some studies have shown that simply brushing the tongue reduced bad breath by as much as 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

Morning time – Saliva flow almost stops during sleep and its reduced cleansing action allows bacteria to grow, causing bad breath.

Certain foods – Garlic, onions, etc.  Foods containing odor-causing compounds enter the blood stream; they are transferred to the lungs, where they are exhaled.

Poor oral hygiene habits – Food particles remaining in the mouth promote bacterial growth

Periodontal (gum) disease – Colonies of bacteria and food debris residing under inflamed gums.

Dental cavities and improperly fitted dental appliances – May also contribute to bad breath.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia) – May be caused by certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.

Tobacco products – Dry the mouth, causing bad breath.

Dieting – Certain chemicals called ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.

Dehydration, hunger, and missed meals – Drinking water and chewing food increases saliva flow and washes bacteria away.

Certain medical conditions and illnesses – Diabetes, liver and kidney problems, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis, and pneumonia are several conditions that may contribute to bad breath.

Keeping a record of what you eat may help identify the cause of bad breath.  Also, review your current medications, recent surgeries, or illnesses with you dentist.

What can I do to prevent bad breath?

• Practice good oral hygiene – Brush at least twice a day with an ADA approved fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush.  Floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gumline.  Brush or use a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas.  Replace your toothbrush every 2 to 3 months.  If you wear dentures or removable bridges, clean them thoroughly and place them back in your mouth in the morning.
• See your dentist regularly – Get a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.  If you have or have had periodontal disease, your dentist will recommend more frequent visits.
• Stop smoking/chewing tobacco – Ask your dentist what they recommend to help break the habit.
• Drink water frequently – Water will help keep your mouth moist and wash away bacteria.
• Use mouthwash/rinses – Some over-the-counter products only provide a temporary solution to mask unpleasant mouth odor.  Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.

In most cases, your dentist can treat the cause of bad breath.  If it is determined that your mouth is healthy, but bad breath is persistent, your dentist may refer you to your physician to determine the cause of the odor and an appropriate treatment plan.

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