George Washington's Dentures.

In 1976 a set of President Washington’s dentures were donated to the Smithsonian Institute, but a short time later they were stolen. Three other sets of President Washington’s dentures can be found in various other museums throughout the United States none of which are made of wood. One set can be found in the Smithsonian’s Dr. Samuel D. Harris National Museum of Dentistry, another in the New York Academy of Medicine, and the last in the Mt. Vernon Visitors Center.

Unfortunately, the myth of President George Washington’s teeth being made of wood is false.

They were mostly made of ivory, gold, and actual human teeth. He had various pairs, the first in 1789, the next in 1791, the next in 1796, one in 1797, and his last in 1798.

Happy President’s Day from TenderCare Dental.

The parotid gland is the largest of all salivary gland and is usually found on the posterior aspect of the mandible. The parotid gland is extremely important not just for what it does, which is provide saliva to the mouth, but because it houses some of the faces most important structures such as the facial nerve, carotid arteries and major veins.

Parotid Gland is located in front and below the ear.

85% of parotid gland tumors are benign, the most common of which is called a pleomorphic adenoma. This is most frequently found in women by 70%. Warthin’s tumor is the second most common benign tumor of the parotid gland. It is found 60% of the time in males. A common symptom of benign tumors of the parotid gland is facial pain and potential paralysis of the facial muscles if the tumor impinges upon the facial nerve.

20% of parotid gland tumors are malignant, the most common being mucoepidermoid carcinoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Common symptoms of malignant parotid gland tumors are similar to benign tumors, such as facial pain and paralysis. Malignant parotid tumors are extremely difficult to remove, much of it having to do with how the facial nerve intertwines within the parotid gland. Many times patients that undergo this surgery will lose feeling and function to parts of their face.

In 2009 NBA superstar Lebron James underwent a parotidectomyto remove a benign tumor from his parotid gland.

In 2009 Lebron James underwent surgery to remove a Parotid Gland tumor.

The surgery was successful, but doctors reported that had he let the tumor continue to grow it could have become malignant. This is why early detection and prevention are very important.

Early detection is the best mechanisms for prevention. Many dentists are now trained in head and neck examinations, so frequent dental check ups could be the first way to detect a parotid tumor. A head and neck exam

consist mostly of feeling for or palpating specific areas such as the throat, neck, lymph nodes, and thyroid gland. Other special tests might focus on the facial tenderness, sinuses, and TMJ.  If your dentist is not providing you with an adequate head and neck exam, you should seek out one that will.

Recent reports are that Tony Gwynn will make a full recovery and that the surgery was successful in removing most of the tumor. Also reports are that he did not lose any function or sensation in the face. Once he recovers he will be thoroughly treated with chemotherapy and radiation to eliminate any remaining malignant cells.

TenderCare Dental in Portland, OR takes pride in providing comprehensive care to our patients, which includes a thorough head and neck exam. Parotid tumors, although rare, can be detected by a dentist who is trained. For more information or questions contact your TenderCare dentist.

1. Teeth Cleaning.  A dental appointment with the hygienist, where she will take special care of your loved one’s teeth, cleaning them diligently and providing your loved one with the knowledge to maintain good oral hygiene.  This will help keep the romance alive in your relationship for years to come. Nothing says I love you more then actually caring about your loved one’s oral health.
2. Teeth Whitening.  Nothing is sexier then a beautiful white smile.  Teeth whitening can be done a number of ways.  First, in-office bleaching, which is having the dentist use special prescription grade bleaches that can whiten your smile in a matter of minutes.  You can also have your dentist make custom bleach trays, which will allow you to bleach at home on your own time.  Last most dentists will sell at home bleaching kits.  White teeth are usually a sign of a healthy mouth and who wouldn’t want to kiss that.
   

   TenderCare Dental takes pride in creating beautiful smiles in Portland, OR.

3. Xylitol Containing Gum.  This is an affordable Valentine’s Day gift that not only will your loved one appreciate, but it will help them get rid of that odor causing, gingivitis inducing, and cavity making plaque.  Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar substitute that bacteria in our mouth cannot break down to form plaque. Many gums such as Trident, Orbits, Extra, Spry Xylitol Gum, Stride, and many more contain xylitol.  Just take a look at the label on the back.  Not only will this Valentine’s Day gift be easy on your pocket, but will guarantee that your loved one will want to stay close a little longer.
4. Phillips Sonicare Toothbrush.  Nothing says I love you like an electric toothbrush. Sonicare’s patented sonic technology creates a dynamic cleaning action that drives fluid forces deep into interproximal spaces and along the gum line. This innovative sonic technology is proven to be powerfully effective, yet remarkably gentle, resulting in a superior clean that you can see and feel.  Giving this gift for Valentine’s Day will no doubt put a smile on his/her face and make them feel loved.
5. Cosmetic Dentistry.  Give him/her the gift they have been wanting, but have been putting off for a long time, such as veneers, all-porcelain crowns, or Invisalign.  It has been proven that having a beautiful healthy smile will improve self confidence that will translate into a more efficient happy life.  Call your dentist today to schedule a consultation regarding possible cosmetic dentistry.  You loved one will love you forever and will be able to smile with confidence forever with beautiful cosmetic dentistry.

We hope that these 5 Valentine’s Day gift suggestions will help you have a wonderful happy Valentines and more importantly let your significant other know how much you love them.  Nothing says I love you then to know you care about their oral health.  Call your Tender CareDental Center today to schedule your appointment.

It is also important to change your toothbrush after you have been sick with a cold, the flu, a mouth infection or a sore throat. This is because germs can hide in the toothbrush bristles and can lead to reinfection. Even if you haven’t been sick, fungus and bacteria can develop on and in the bristles or your toothbrush.

I also researched some of the leading toothbrush makers such as Phillips Sonicare, Oral B, Crest, and Colgate to name a few. All of them suggest changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Many of their toothbrushes offer blue indicating bristles that when faded indicate that it is time to change the toothbrush.

It is very important for the health of your teeth, gums, and overall health that you properly maintain and replace your toothbrush. If you have more questions don’t hesitate to ask your TenderCare Dentist.

TenderCare Dental offers the latest technology in dental implants from Zimmer Dental Inc., the Trabecular Metal Dental Implant.

On February 1, 2012 TenderCare Dental’s Dr. Justin Marostica was the first dentist in Portland, Oregon to place the latest dental implant from Zimmer Dental Inc: Trabecular Metal Dental Implant.

Dental Implant History

 Attempts to replace missing teeth with implanted materials have been observed in ancient human remains, and documented experimentally and clinically in dental literature since the 19^th century.  Over the past 3 decades, dental implant systems have been commercialized in a variety of materials, including tantalum, vitreous carbon, stainless steel, and titanium.  The era of modern implant dentistry, however, is primarily built on orthopedic titanium research subsequently adapted for dental implant application.

In 1940, orthopedic surgeons first experimented with the surgical use of titanium and reported its extreme biocompatibility.  In 1950s, other orthopedic surgeons documented titanium’s superior ability to withstand corrosion and remain relatively inert in the body.  In 1977, orthopedic surgeon Per-Ingavar Branemark and colleagues published results of their monumental 10 year dental implant study.  The Branemark team documented the process and conditions in which ordered, living bone could form a direct structural and functional connection with a load-carrying titanium dental implant. The research team coined the term to describe this phenomenon as “osseointegration”.

Introducing the Zimmer’s Trabecular Metal Dental Implant

It is fabricated by coating a vitreous carbon skeleton with tantalum through a proprietary chemical vapor deposition coating process.  The trabecular metal technology significantly differs from sintered bead surfaces, titanium plasma-sprayed surfaces, titanium fiber mesh and titanium foam in the high degree of its interconnected porosity and the regularity of its pore size and shape.

In contrast to conventional bone-to-implant contact achieved by non-porous surfaces, Trabecular Metal Technology’s geometrical network of interconnected pores is designed for biological ingrowth through the pores.  Trabecular Metal material has been used extensively in orthopedic reconstructions for more than a decade.

Advantages of Trabecular Metal Dental Implants

Mechanical Properties

Trabecular Metal possesses a high strength-to-weight ratio, with mechanical properties capable of withstanding physiologic loading. The compressive strength and elastic modulus of Trabecular Metal are more similar to bone than are other prosthetic load-bearing materials. The material’s low stiffness facilitates physiologic load transfer and helps minimize stress shielding.

The Trabecular Metal struts generate a friction coefficient that is 76% greater than a sintered bead coating, providing increased initial stability.

Exceptional Bone Ingrowth

The bone-like physical and mechanical properties of Trabecular Metal contribute to extensive bone infiltration. A transcortical implant animal study demonstrated that new bone rapidly infiltrated the Trabecular Metal. Only 8 weeks after surgery, bone had grown into and filled the majority of available pore space. Consequently, fixation strength developed more rapidly. At 4 weeks, the bone interface shear strength of Trabecular Metal material was double that of sintered beads

Soft Tissue Attachment

The pore size and high volume porosity of Trabecular Metal supports vascularization and rapid, secure soft tissue ingrowth. Soft tissue adherence and vascularization occurred quickly with extensive tissue ingrowth 4 to 8 weeks after surgery.

Dental Implications

Zimmer Dental Inc. research has proven that Trabecular Metal will allow for greater stability and longevity of the dental implant. Due to the porous nature of the tantalum, the surface area of the Trabecular Metal dental implant is more than three times that of a regular implant. This increased surface area allows for more bone attachment or osseointegration. This means that these dental implants will be able to withstand more force and ultimately last longer.

Traditional dental implants it is ideal to wait, depending on the location the jaw, 4-6 months for healing and osseointegration to occur.  This meant that there would be a great deal of time between dental implant placement and restoration.  Research on the Trabecular Metal dental implant showed 8 weeks after implant surgery, bone had grown into and filled the major of the porous space.  This will allow for Trabecular Metal dental implants to be restored much sooner than traditional dental implants thus reducing the amount of time without a tooth or teeth.

TenderCare Dental is proud to be able to offer its patients the latest in dental technology, not just including dental implants.  We recognized that dentistry is constantly evolving and we need to be able to use the latest advancements to improve our patient’s oral health.

Call TenderCare Dental today for your free dental implant consultation.

Like natural teeth, dentures must be brushed daily to remove food deposits and plaque. Brushing helps prevent dentures from becoming permanently stained and helps your mouth stay healthy. It’s best to use a brush designed for cleaning dentures. A toothbrush with soft bristles can also be used. Avoid using hard-bristled brushes that can damage dentures.

Some denture wearers use hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid, which are both acceptable for cleaning dentures. Avoid using other powdered household cleansers, which may be too abrasive. Also, avoid using bleach, as this may whiten the pink portion of the denture.

Your dentist can recommend a denture cleanser. Look for denture cleansers with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Products with the ADA Seal have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

The first step in cleaning dentures is to rinse away loose food particles thoroughly. Moisten the brush and apply denture cleanser. Brush every surface, scrubbing gently to avoid damage.

Dentures may lose their shape if they are allowed to dry out. When they are not worn, dentures should be placed in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in water. Your dentist can recommend the best method. Never place dentures in hot water, which could cause them to warp.

Ultrasonic cleaners are also used to care for dentures. However, using an ultrasonic cleaner does not replace a thorough daily brushing.

For more information visit: www.ada.org

Daily Dental Habits

Consistent good dental habits go a long way toward maintaining whiter teeth. Snacks and meals high in sugar and carbohydrates encourage bacteria that produce acid that harm our teeth. Avoid these kinds of foods, opting instead for fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat.

Follow each meal if possible with a thorough brushing, holding your toothbrush at a forty-five degree angle to clean the gumline. Brushing your teeth after breakfast and dinner may be the most convenient – if brushing after lunch isn’t possible, rinse well with water. Floss at least once a day to clean out food particles from between teeth.

Teeth Whitening at Home

If your teeth have lost their luster, it may be time to whiten them. Teeth whitening is basically applying a bleaching agent to the surfaces of your teeth. The best equation for whiter teeth is consistent use over a long period of time to produce the results you want.

If you want to spend less than $100, there are many teeth whitening agents available in retail stores. These options range from strips that adhere to your teeth as well as non-customized mouth trays filled with a bleaching agent. These teeth whiteners are safe to use at home and don’t require a dentist’s supervision. They also require more consistent use and a longer amount of time to work. To get the most from these less expensive options, follow the directions carefully.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening that’s done by your dental professional is the fastest, easiest and most convenient way to whiten your teeth. Using professional equipment, your dentist can help whiten your teeth up to ten shades in about an hour. While more expensive, this is the most effective way to whiten teeth.

A less expensive option involves customized mouth trays and a dentist’s supervision. In a little over a week, your teeth could be up to ten shades whiter using these materials provided by your dentist. Many dental professionals offer these teeth-whitening kits for free for new patients, which may be worth your time and effort.

No matter which option you choose, the reward will be a smile that’s healthy, white and bright!

What Makes a Mouth?

Your mouth is made up of more than your teeth and tongue. There are three additional important elements of your mouth that contribute to tooth decay:

• Saliva – You may not think much about your spit, but it serves an important function for the overall health of your teeth. Saliva keeps your mouth moist, cleansing your teeth of food particles and decreasing acid levels that cause cavities.

• Bacteria – There are several kinds of bactera that live in our mouths, just like the rest of our bodies. Some bacteria are good, while some are harmful. Bacteria feeds on leftover food stuck in our teeth, producing acid that forms plaque.

• Plaque – Plaque is the yellow, sticky substance that sticks to teeth and can cause cavities.

How Cavities Form

When you eat foods that contain carbohydrates, bacteria uses the leftovers to form plaque that leads to tooth decay. Plaque is formed by acid produced by the bacteria, eventually dissolving the outer layer of teeth (called enamel). The more you eat, the more your teeth are exposed to acids and plaque.

Tooth decay that includes cavities is also referred to as dental caries. The bacteria form acid which dissolves the outer layer of the tooth. A white spot might appear that indicates the weakened area, but this preliminary stage of tooth decay may also be seen in a digital x-ray.

Once the decay breaks through the outer layer of a tooth, a cavity will form. Essentially the decay will get worse, destroying the tooth from the inside out.

How to Fight Cavities

Once cavities have formed, the damage is permanent. At this point, a dentist needs to clean out the decay and fill the tooth to prevent losing the tooth.

Before that point, however, much can be done to prevent cavities from forming or destroying teeth. Once a white spot appears on a tooth that indicates that a cavity is developing, the tooth can be treated with proteins and minerals in saliva as well as fluoride.

Good daily oral hygiene habits also help decrease the chances of forming cavities. Brushing twice a day – once in the morning and once in the evening – is required for healthy teeth and gums. Flossing needs to be practiced once a day, combined with fluoride if necessary. Eating a well-balanced diet can also help keep your teeth healthy and bright. Visit your dentist once every six months to keep your teeth free from decay.

Dental Exam

A dental exam is a preventive measure, like a regular physical with a medical doctor. The exam helps you and your dentist keep track of the health of your teeth, as well as any potential problems or new situations that may crop up. Regular visits are extremely important for establishing and maintaining a healthy baseline – the American Dental Association recommends dental exams every six months.

The cost for a dental exam ranges from fifty to a little over a hundred dollars, a small price to pay for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you don’t have dental insurance, check with your state’s health department for low-cost options available to you, or make payment arrangements with your dentist’s office.

X-rays

They might be tempting to skip, but x-rays are an important part of a regular dental check-up. The x-rays taken of your mouth can identify potential problems that don’t present any symptoms, like impacted teeth, tumors, bite problems, tooth decay or periodontal disease.

The cost of dental x-rays range from about fifteen to a little over a hundred dollars, and the standard bitewing x-rays are more budget-friendly than new technology in this area. If money is an issue, don’t forego the x-rays altogether. Instead, talk with your dentist and dental hygienist regarding your financial concerns and the x-rays that you can afford.

Teeth Cleaning

No matter how well or how often you brush and floss your teeth, a professional dental cleaning is essential to your health. Bacteria sticks to your teeth and forms plaque, which hardens into a yellowish substance called tartar. Over time, this can lead to cavities and gum disease.

Reasonably priced around fifty dollars, a professional cleaning prevents plaque and tartar build-up, avoiding gum disease and the costly treatments it requires. A teeth cleaning may be combined with a dental exam.

Fillings

Cavities are prevalent in our society for people of all ages. They can also be undetected with few symptoms until a painful toothache requires expensive emergency treatment. Cavities can also lead to tooth sensitivity, bad breath, and tooth loss. A dental exam and having any cavities filled can help you avoid these scenarios, stopping the development of cavities.  Standard fillings – called amalgam – cost around seventy-five dollars and can be done fairly quickly.

Consider the money you spend on any of these procedures an investment in your health – after all, you’re worth it!

What to Expect

Your first visit to TenderCare Dental sets the stage for your ongoing routine dental care, allowing the friendly and professional TenderCare dentists and staff get to know you through:

• A review of your complete dental and medical history forms
• Complete X-rays of your teeth and mouth
• An oral exam – our hygienist will clean and polish your teeth, make sure your teeth and gums are healthy, and check for any cavities or early signs of tooth decay.

Once a TenderCare dentist has reviewed your dental and medical health history forms and completed your dental exam, you will receive a comprehensive dental consultation and information about any additional treatments necessary for good dental health. During this time, the doctor will also answer any questions or concerns you may have.

What to Bring

For your first dental appointment, remember to bring the following documents:

• Completed Health History Forms
• Insurance information
• X-rays if applicable
• A list of medications you are presently taking

Please alert TenderCare dentists and staff if you have a medical condition that may be of concern prior to treatment (i.e. diabetes, high blood pressure, artificial heart valves and joints, rheumatic fever, etc.) or if you are on any medication (i.e. heart medications, aspirin, anticoagulant therapy, etc.). The additional information will help TenderCare dentists and staff provide the best care at the highest level of comfort.