The tongue plays an essential role in our speech, eating, and swallowing food. What many individuals probably don’t realize is that the tongue is an extremely powerful muscle.   It is attached to the floor of the mouth by a frenum, which is a heavy duty piece of tissue.  The base of the tongue is  attached at the back of the throat/back floor of the mouth.   It is covered with oral mucosa (which the first blog discussed.)  On top of the mucosa lay thousands of papillae which we call taste buds.  Taste buds are nerve-like cells which relay taste to the brain.  The four common tastes that are signaled to the brain are: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty.

When it comes to speaking, the tongue partners with the upper front teeth to create the sounds of our words.  Often times, when one is “tongue tied,” the frenum is attached too far forward on the tongue.  This  can create a speech impediment.  The frenum can be detached with a laser or scalpel in a quick surgery, thus improving tongue movement for speech.  The tongue is also considered an accessory organ to digestion.  It helps move and prepare the food to the back of the throat into the esophagus.

Conditions Associated with the Tongue:

Thrush: (yeast infection) typically occurs from a decreased in the immune system in the very young or elderly.  Also many individuals taking prescription steroids can get thrush.  Thrush appears as a white coating on the tongue, often times with red patches.

Oral Cancer: Typically oral cancers show on the sides of the tongue or under the tongue.  The lesions can be white or red.  A precursor to some oral cancers is leukoplakia.  White patches appearing on the tongue can become cancerous over time.

Geographic Tongue: Is a condition that can be caused by stress, spicy foods, and low immunity.  It is not a harmful condition, however can be unsightly.  The tongue appears patchy, meaning parts of the tongue are missing papillae and look red and glossy.  Geographic tongue will come and go, there is no medication to alleviate the appearance.

Burning Tongue Syndrome: Is a condition caused by misfiring nerves.  This is where the tongue feels a burning sensation or strange taste.

Canker Sores: These small lesions can be quite painful on the tongue.  The cause of these are unknown, however can be related to stress, spicy, and sweet foods.

Hairy Tongue: This condition occurs when the tongue papillae overgrow.  The tongue appears black and hairy in texture.

Here at my Holistic dental office we offer advanced technology to examine all the oral mucosa including the tongue for abnormalities.   We also make dietary and product recommendations that help to reduce many of these tongue conditions that I listed above.  If you are looking for a dental family who is focused on total body health as well as dental health, please call us at (951)686-3666.  Our Inland Empire Holistic Dental office is located in Riverside just off of the 91-freeway.

This blog is going to discuss an extremely important part of the chewing system, the upper and lower jaw and jaw joint.  The upper and lower jaw bones provide the chewing system with structure and shape.  This important balance is necessary for proper speech and chewing. Both the upper and lower jaw combined with other bones in the face create the shape of the face. The upper jaw is fused to bone in the skull and the lower jaw is separate from the rest of the skull.  The lower jaw joint itself acts as a “hinge” allowing the lower jaw joint to move during chewing and speaking.  When the upper and lower jaw joint are not aligned properly, the chewing system becomes off balance.  This imbalance over time can cause damage to the teeth and their surrounding tissue. Talk show host, Jay Leno has a clearly visible “under bite” which is why his lower jaw appears to be shifted so far forward.  This is a true misalignment in the jaw joint, and can cause bone and tooth destruction over time.  The only way to treat a condition such as his is by undergoing jaw surgery.

Problems Associated with Jaw Joint Imbalance (TMJ):

Excessive wear of the teeth: teeth appear to be flattened, natural teeth and tooth restorations “crack” or wear down faster than usual.  Notching of the teeth also occurs along the gum line.

Gum Recession: when there is consistently too much pressure on the teeth, the surrounding gum tissue and bone are destroyed.  This leaves the root of the tooth exposed causing sensitivity and root caries.

Excessive Headaches: many individuals who suffer from migraines or cluster headaches find that they are resolved once the jaw joint and bite are properly aligned.

Facial Pain: typically associated with opening and closing the jaw.

Ear Pain: A surprising 50% of individuals with chronic ear pain discover that they have been misdiagnosed as having chronic ear infections, when in fact it is their jaw joint (TMJ) causing the problem.  Ear pain associated with TMJ disorder is in front of or below the ear.

Ear Pressure: around 30% of individuals with TMJ disorder report that their ears feel “clogged.”  When there are imbalances in the jaw joint, the muscles in the inner ear can spasm causing middle ear problems.

Tinnitus: again approximately 30% of individuals with TMJ disorder report ringing of the ears.  Once the jaw joint is balanced the ringing goes away!

Crepitus: grinding or popping noises when chewing food or opening the mouth.

As a dentist who specializes in evaluating the jaw joint, I am confident that with a little investigation we will be able to determine the cause of your symptoms and best way to care for you.  If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call to schedule a free consultation regarding your jaw joint.  My Inland Empire OBI Dental office is located in Riverside, Ca. (951)686-3666.

In Part II of this series of blogs, I will be discussing the role of the gum tissue.  This tissue is also covered by the oral mucosa.  Gum tissue is tough as it is made with the collagen material keratin.  The reason for its resilience is to help with chewing food along with protecting the teeth that they cover.    Its role is to protect and cover the root and bone surrounding the tooth.  It also makes up the tissue that is in-between the teeth.  When the gum tissue is healthy it remains firm to touch.  Proper oral hygiene and preventative dental care will help to reduce one’s risk for gum infection.

What happens when gum tissue is infected?

When the gum tissue is infected, it bleeds and is soft in texture.  The very beginning of gum tissue infected is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is caused by lack of oral hygiene.  When plaque and tartar are left on the teeth, it eventually builds-up along and underneath the gum line.  Gingivitis is treatable and reversible.  However, when left untreated, gingivitis advances to periodontal disease.  When the gum tissue is infected, the bacteria go underneath the tissue releasing toxins.  These toxins create an inflammatory response in our body which  causes bone and tissue destruction.  When infected gum tissue goes untreated, tooth loss can occur.  Infection of the gum tissue can also lead to more serious infections such as heart disease and diabetes.

How to prevent gum infection:

1. Brush and floss regularly.

2. Visit your dental hygienist at least twice a year.

3.  Eat food rich in Vitamin C, B6 and B12, D, and supplement with a high quality fish oil.

4.  Switching to all natural fluoride-free toothpaste.  Many individuals are allergic or have reactions to the ingredients in over the counter toothpastes.  Constant irritation to the gum tissue can cause destruction to occur.

5.  Maintain a healthy lifestyle adequate sleep and stress reduction will help to keep the inflammatory response from occurring.

6.  Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking.  Both can cause oral cancer along with suffocating the gum tissue.

If you are interested in a more holistic approach while visiting the dental hygienist, please visit my Inland Empire Cosmetic Holistic dental office.  My dental hygiene team is very knowledgeable and highly skilled in maintaining oral health.  Through the use of natural products and dental laser therapy, your gum tissue is in good hands.  Call (951)686-3666 to schedule an appointment.

I am going to begin this blog series discussing the importance of the “Oral Mucosa.”  What is the oral mucosa?  It is the tissue that is seen when you open your mouth, basically everything but the teeth in your mouth.  The tissue surrounding the teeth, cheeks, and bone is a protective lining made of the same mucous membrane that the inner lining of the nose is made of.  There are 3 different types of mucosa found in the mouth; for example the tissue on the palate can withstand the abrasiveness of food where the cheek mucosa is more fragile thus needing constant moisture from saliva secretions.

The function of the oral mucosa is to protect the oral tissues and body from infection from bacteria and irritants.  Although this tissue may feel soft, it is made of a very strong collagen material called keratin.  Another important function of the oral mucosa is to absorb certain nutrients or medications.  The oral mucosa varies in color depending on the color of one’s skin.  For those who have fair skin, their oral mucosa will be light pink in color.  Where as, those with darker skin will have pink to brown or freckled oral mucosa.  The oral mucosa is also susceptible to infection and cancer depending on one’s lifestyle.  The following is a list of disease or infections that affect the oral mucosa:

Oral Mucosa Diseases/Infections:

Mouth Ulcers:

Better known as “Canker Sores” affect roughly 20- 40% of the population.  They are found inside the mouth and are typically painful.  The exact cause of these lesions are not known however they are associated with: stress, hormonal changes, anxiety, and anti-inflammatory medications.  Medical conditions such as Celiac disease, Chron disease, and Bhecet;s disease.  There is also a known association with the bacteria H. pylori which cause peptic ulcers.

Oral Cancers:

The most common areas for oral cancer to occur are on the sides of the tongue, hard/soft palate, lip tissue, and on the oral mucosa itself.  Oral cancers are typically red/white in color and are not necessarily painful.  It is always best to have a suspicious area checked by a dental professional as opposed to waiting to see if it goes away.  Oral cancer treatment is most successful when it is caught in its earliest stage.

Lichen Planus:

This is a chronic inflammatory disease which causes the oral mucosa to appear white and red in color in a “lace like” pattern.  This can appear on the cheek tissue, tongue, and gum tissue.  At times lichen planus can be very painful and other times there is no discomfort.

Herpes:

Technically, lips are not inside the mouth however I did want to mention the importance of knowing the location of where oral herpes can occur.  Many people know these lesions as “cold sores” however in my opinion this term does not justify this infection.  Herpes of the mouth is very easily transmitted from object to person and person to person.  From sharing a cup, kissing,  and oral sex the herpes simplex virus when in its active stage will infect anyone who comes in contact with this particular virus.  This virus can spread to the eye causing blindness if it happens to get into the eyeball.  It is also now linked directly to oral cancer.  Oral cancer screenings are essential for anyone who has ever had a cold sore.

My Inland Empire Cosmetic Holistic dental office offers the latest in technology when it comes to oral cancer screening of the oral mucosa.  We recommend every patient have a Velscope oral cancer screening once a year.  If you are looking for a dental office that is focused on oral health and total body wellness, please contact us at (951)686-3666.

Here is my wish for all in 2012….make the health of your mouth one of your top priorities.

As a dentist who specializes in Holistic and Cosmetic dentistry, I believe that the health of one’s mouth mirrors the health or lack of health of their internal system.  For example, if an individual has a lot of cavities I check to see if their system is pH balanced.  In the majority of cases, these individuals are “acidic” both internally and in their saliva.  Another example that comes to mind is when an individual has periodontal (gum) disease.  This chronic low-grade infection in the mouth leads to tooth loss, heart disease, diabetes, long term inflammation in the body, and preterm low-birth weight babies.  Periodontal disease and tooth decay both have different strains of bacteria that they are associated with.  This bacteria moves throughout the mouth creating more infection in other places.  It also has the ability to get into the bloodstream and create infection in other parts of the body. Mercury metal fillings are also a concern to our internal health.  Research has shown that these metal fillings constantly release mercury vapors into the mouth and are absorbed in the tissue.  The mercury once absorbed into the body gets into the bloodstream and brain tissue. Over time, the amount of mercury in one’s internal system can cause major health problems, including cancer and dementia just to name a few.

Steps to take to improve total body health and oral health:

1.  Visit your dental hygienist at least 2 times per year.  This helps keep gums and teeth healthy by reducing plaque, tartar, and bacteria from spreading from the mouth to the rest of the body.

2.  Brush twice daily. This helps to remove the plaque that bacteria feed on constantly.  This too will reduce your risk for periodontal disease and tooth decay.

3.  Floss daily. This will remove debris in-between the teeth and also help reduce the amount of bacteria present.  Thus, also reducing your risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay.

4.  Get a yearly dental check-up. Preventative dentistry is much more cost effective as well as better for your overall health.

5.  Have your metal mercury fillings removed. This will help to prevent the further release of mercury into your brain and internal system.  My Inland Empire Cosmetic and Holistic dental office utilizes “mercury safe” removal technology.  Thus, your health and our health are protected when these metal fillings are removed.

If you are interested in a dental office that specializes in a more holistic approach to dentistry, please call to schedule an appointment at (951)686-3666.  My Inland Empire Holistic Cosmetic dental office is located in Riverside, California just off of the 91-freeway.

Interestingly, this study took into consideration what is called “the window of infectivity” which is when babies are introduced to new types of bacteria.  Babies are introduced to bacteria by means of parents, family members, and other children as they place virtually everything in their mouths!  Previously, “the window of infectivity” was said to occur between 19 and 33 months of age.  However, this new research determined that the bacterial community in the mouth of infants without teeth was more extensive than previously thought.  Babies gum tissue serve as a place for the bacteria to grow and multiply.  The bacteria evolve as our children’s diets evolve.  As babies are introduced to formula and solid foods are added, the risk greatly increases for cavities to occur.

As a holistically-minded dentist, myself along with my dental team does not promote the use of fluoride as a means of reducing tooth decay.  Instead, we recommend products containing xylitol along with products that help to re-mineralize tooth enamel that are safe and effective for infants as well as adults.  My Southern California Holistic Family Dental office also recommends organic, nutrient-rich foods and avoiding overly processed foods in children’s diets.

Proper Oral Care for Babies:

Breastfeed to give your little one proper immunity and nutrients.

Gently wipe infant/baby gums with a warm washcloth or gauze after feedings, particularly if formula fed and when introducing soft solids and other liquids

Stay away from all juices as they contain citric acid and excessive amounts of sugar.  It is best to feed them whole fruit as it is rich in nutrients.

Introducing vegetables prior to introducing fruits when transitioning to solids will help develop your child’s palate.

When the first tooth begins to erupt, introduce a toothbrush.  Introducing a toothbrush during early development will help your little one get used to toothbrushing as part of their routine.

Introducing xylitol tooth gel during brushing will help to protect the newly erupted teeth by blocking the bacteria which releases acid that weakens the enamel.

Avoid processed foods as they contain sugars and starches which bacteria feed on.  As a result, the bacteria release acid into the mouth which over time causes tooth decay.

If you and your family are looking for a dentist with a more holistic approach to dentistry, please call my Southern California Holistic dental office located in Riverside, Ca. (951)686-3666.

Yes, teeth can become dull looking and more yellow in appearance as we drink and eat dark colored foods.  Soft drinks, coffee, red wine, tea, dark sauces, and certain ethnic foods can certainly cause surface staining on enamel. In most cases, a power toothbrush and frequent visits to the dental hygienist will remove the surface stain leaving the enamel shiny and white in color.

How does enamel become dull and yellow looking?

Over time, the inside of the tooth called the dentin can be seen through enamel because the enamel has been de-mineralized.  De-minerialized/thinning enamel is typically caused by acidic foods/drinks along with an acidic oral environment. When the enamel looses it’s minerals it becomes dull in color and the yellow color of the tooth dentin begins to show through.

Genetics also plays a role in the color of our teeth, typically our parents pass on the “shade” of our teeth.  The medication Tetracycline mothers take when pregnant can also cause a darkening of enamel in their unborn child.  This medication can also cause discoloration of enamel when taken as a child.  Tobacco use also causes the enamel to become darkened in appearance.

If you are looking to brighten your smile, please contact my Biological Cosmetic office where we provide both in-office and take-home teeth bleaching treatments.  (951)686-3666.

In this blog, I am going to discuss the ways in which receding gums can be treated.

Treating Receding Gums:

1.  Treating the bacterial infection present.

Removing the plaque and tartar along with killing the bacteria present surrounding the gum tissue is ideal.  My dental hygiene team is highly skilled at providing periodontal treatment.  Utilizing the periodontal laser during dental cleanings and more in depth periodontal treatments will disinfect the gum tissue surrounding the teeth.  The periodontal laser also increases the healing time in the infected areas.

2.  Proper home care.

Investing in an electric tooth brush and dental irrigator will help to remove plaque and debris along with disrupting the bacteria colonies which surround the teeth and gum tissue.  Flossing also plays a major role in disrupting bacteria and removing plaque.

3.  Bite analysis.

Clinical wear present on the biting surfaces of the teeth (flattening of the teeth) or notches on the sides of the teeth are indications that the bite is imbalanced.  This imbalance causes destruction of bones and gum tissue in the areas where the bite has too much pressure.  Here at my Holistic O.B.I. dental office we recommend a bite study for those clients looking to prevent further destruction of their teeth and gums.  The bite study allows me to simulate and study the jaw joint and bite of each individual after hours to determine the best route of treatment to protect and preserve the chewing system.

4. Orthodontics.

It is true that as adults, when the teeth are moved gum loss can occur.  However, orthodontic therapy is recommended most often when the bite is imbalanced.  Technology has greatly improved when it comes to moving adult dentition.  Experienced Orthodontists have the capability to move adult teeth slow enough as to not damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue.

5. Tissue repositioning.

This procedure is a surgery that is performed by a Periodontist (gum specialist.)  When the root is exposed, it is more susceptible to tooth decay and sensitivity.  Tissue repositioning simply is where the gum tissue is surgically lifted out of place, then pulled down to cover the root surface that is exposed.  Sutures are placed and the area usually takes 2-4 weeks to heal.  This type of surgery is recommended to preserve the health of the tooth.

6. Tissue grafting.

This procedure is also preformed by a Periodontist.  When there is not enough tissue in the area of recession, then a tissue graft is placed.  The graft either comes from the roof of the mouth or is a collagen material that is placed over the area(s) needing treatment.  Again sutures are placed and the grafted area typically heals in 2-4 weeks.

**If you suspect that you have receding gums and are looking for an answer please call my office to schedule an appointment at (951)686-3666.

Here are some tips on how to prevent receding gums:

• Use a soft or ultra soft toothbrush as to not “brush away” the gums
• Use dental floss at least once a day
• Maintain a proper oral hygiene schedule with your dental hygienist to decrease the amount of bacteria present
• Have your bite thoroughly evaluated by your dentist; when the bite is imbalanced it creates excessive wear and trauma on the teeth that are not in an ideal position.  As a member of O.B.I., I am well trained in the study of the bite.  Often when I see excessive tooth wear in the form of recession, I recommend a bite analysis to be able to determine if the bite is the actual cause of the gum recession.
• Prevent destruction of gum tissue by correcting the bite with orthodontics.
• Wearing a mouth appliance at night will reduce the amount of stress on the jaw joint and teeth
• Proper nutrition:  Gum tissue requires nourishment from many vitamins such as : Vitamin C, D and the B vitamins.
• Proper immune function: if the immune system is chronically run down, the body stays in a fight or flight response mode.  This causes less nutrients and oxygen to go to the gum tissue.  Stress plays a major role in this.

**Look at Part III in my series on receding gums where I discuss the various treatment options.

If you think you are experiencing gum recession please call my holistic cosmetic dental office for an evaluation. (951)686-3666.

Causes of Gum Recession:

1.  Periodontal (Gum) Disease:  Although it is true that as we age we are more at risk of gum disease, it is the bacteria in the mouth that causes the infection of the gums.  The bacteria that causes gum disease grow and multiply between dental cleanings and live under the gum tissue where dental floss goes.

2.  Unhealthy Diet:  Gum tissue needs nutrients just like the rest of our body. Vitamin C plays a critical role in gum health.  Along with the Vitamin B12 and essential fatty acids.  A diet containing fruits and vegetables will help to keep the tissue healthy.

3. Bite Imbalance:  It is unfortunate that with all of the dental technology available, the issue of bite stability still creates gum recession.  As a trained O.B.I. dentist, it is my belief that if the bite is balanced, teeth will last more than a lifetime.  Not all dentists are trained in bite stability and jaw alignment, thus millions of individuals are suffering from continual gum recession that could be stopped with proper bite balancing.  When the bite is uneven, certain teeth have too much of the workload, causing tissue and bone destruction in those areas.

4. Clenching/Grinding:  Again, excessive forces on the teeth damage the surrounding bone and gum tissue.  There are several ways my Riverside Biological dental office can help you protect your teeth from excessive wear.

5.  Chewing tobacco:  Where snuff is placed, the tissue is suffocated and recedes as a result.  Also, lets not forget oral cancer is largely increased in these areas.

6.  Oral piercings: Cause trauma to adjacent tissue.

7.  Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: for those individuals who are sensitive to many materials this toothpaste additive can cause gum tissue to recede due to irritation.

*stay tuned for part II of my blog on gum recession where I will discuss ways to prevent and treat gum recession.

If you are interested in finding out how to prevent, stop, or fix your gum recession please contact my Southern California Biological dental office where your health is our utmost priority. (951)686-3666.