Maui Smiles

What do you see on Facebook???

2011-06-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

One power of social networking is to help people by sharing your knowledge, experience, and advice. On Facebook, Twitter,and Linked in, etc...it is not unusual for some one to complain or ask questions about a symptom. For instance, recently my own sister was having a problem with her tooth. She was unaware that it was a tooth problem. She then posted it on Facebook and her concerns. I was able to recognize that it sounded to me liked cracked tooth syndrome. I advised her to see her dentist in Colorado. Another friend told me about how one of his Facebook friends went in for an inconclusive MRI because of persistent headaches. The friend’s doctor has suggested it as a diagnostic measure because the headaches had been unexplainable.

My friend posted on their wall the question: “Do you also have jaw pain or grinding teeth at night?” My friend was wondering if the cause of her headaches may have been Teeth/muscle related (neuromuscular), a TMJ joint disorder. They knew about it from knowing a dentist who helps with these conditions… me.

This is why I think it is important to reach out to everyone I know and remind them of some important points. They are:

1) TMJ is hard to diagnose, especially for general practitioners. It is easy to prescribe pain pills for pain with diagnosis or order expensive testing which, as in this case, was inconclusive.

2) TMJ is a jaw joint disorder and pain is common in that area, but symptoms can range from migraine headaches, to shoulder pain, to back pain and more. If a head, neck or upper back pain cannot be identified, it very well might be linked to TMJ.

3) Neuromuscular dentists treat TMJ non-invasively.

4) Ask a friend who is showing symptoms to consider a visit me for an TMJ consultation. Worst case, we rule it out!

So, I encourage you to listen to what your friends are saying on social media and know the symptoms of TMJ, or other signs and symptoms they cannot figure out. If you see someone suffering and frustrated because their doctors can’t figure it out or they are struggling with unnecessary pain medications, please refer them to me. At the very least, we can rule out TMJ for them or other tooth, joint, or bite problems.

Ditch Your Tooth Brush

2011-05-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

My wife saw this in a magazine. I thought it would great to share on the blog!! I wish i would of thought to write this all my self!!
Enjoy!!

James Merrett DDS

Ditch Your Toothbrush
Sorry, you do still have to brush, but you may be able to do more to keep your teeth clean
By Jess Levine, Women's Health

Find more

A Perfect Smile
Take Care of Your Teeth
6 Dental Problems Fixed

Yep, we said it and we’ll say it again: Ditch your toothbrush! At least ditch it every three to four months, that is, says the American Dental Association’s recommendation for toothbrush replacement. But consider replacing it today, because beyond brushing the old-fashioned way, we have six tricks, tips, and technological innovations that could keep your teeth even healthier. “There’s really nothing that can replace brushing and flossing,” says dentist Ruchi Nijjar Sahota, DDS, in Fremont, California, “but knowing how to brush and floss correctly and knowing what is necessary to keep your particular teeth healthy is very important.” She says the most important thing is visiting your dentist at least twice a year to make sure that you’re doing everything right. Here are a few things you might try in the meantime.

1. Let the brush do the work.

You have the latest HDTV, but perhaps haven’t considered going high-tech with your toothbrush. “Some people brush too hard. Some people don’t brush enough,” Dr. Sahota says. And neither are good. She says brushing too hard can actually scrub away tooth enamel. “Electronic toothbrushes can make it easier for everyone to brush in the right way, but you’ve gotta allow the toothbrush to do its thing,” she explains. “The electronic toothbrush moves on its own, so you should try to be gentle with it to allow the bristles to work.” She recommends just a gentle side-to-side motion across your teeth without applying any pressure. Your dentist will be able to tell you if, control freak, you’re trying to do too much yourself.

2. Make flossing effortless.

If flossing your teeth is one of those shoulda-wouldas that have never become routine, maybe you need some help. Flossing aids like Dentek Triple Clean Floss Picks can make the process a lot easier for some people. “It’s difficult to get to the back of your mouth sometimes,” Dr. Sahota says. “Anything that can make flossing easier is great, but you’ve still gotta make sure you’re doing it properly. If you’re not, it’s as good as not doing it.” She says to make sure you’re getting between the teeth gently, making a c-shape around each tooth, and reaching the backs of the last teeth.

3. Stop snacking.

“Eating a really balanced diet is important but the most important thing is limiting your snacking,” Dr. Sahota says. Saliva production is stimulated by chewing so during a meal, your mouth is producing enough saliva to flush sugar and the bacteria that feeds on it off your teeth, but with a sugary snack (and she points out that that can include anything from milk or crackers to fruit or sugary candy) the sugar just sits on your teeth for about 20 minutes waiting for bacteria to come get it and created the acid that causes tooth decay. “If you snack a lot between meals that bacteria sticks to your teeth and has more time to do damage because it’s just sitting there, whereas if you eat during a meal there’s more saliva release and that can help wash away the foods.”

4. Start chewing gum.

Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which flushes food and bacteria from the surface of the teeth. And research shows the right kind of gum could be even better for your teeth. You want to go with sugarless for obvious reasons. And look especially for xylitol, a sugar alcohol that is used as a sugar substitute in candy and gum. This sweetener doesn’t attract bacteria like sugar, but actually fights it. Good ol' Trident should do the trick.

5. Take a toothbrush to go.

Let’s get real, most of us don’t have time to brush after each meal. That’s why twice a day became the standard recommendation. But with the new mini on-the-go-friendly toothbrushes like the Colgate Wisp, freshening up before that post-lunch meeting or discreetly unsticking something from between your teeth is easy. The lip gloss-size brush comes loaded with a dab of breath freshener and a soft pick on one end for unsticking stubborn food particles. And it doesn’t even require water. Just brush, pick, and feel fresh.

6. Drink up

If you do just one thing, drink more water. “Drinking as much water as possible allows you to flush bacteria and food out of your mouth,” Dr. Sahota says. “Water has a pH of 7, so it helps neutralize the environment in your mouth as well.” Since it’s the acid that the sugar-eating bacteria create that causes cavities in the first place, the simplest thing you can do for your dental health is drink more H2O.

The Wow Factor

2011-04-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

There is something about this time of year that makes people get motivated. The holidays are behind us and the summer is only a few months away. And, a lot of people are either waiting on their tax refund or know what the damage is there, so the pressure is off. In general, as we swing into April, it‘s a time when people start thinking about doing what’s next.

If you have considered cosmetic dentistry in the past, you might be thinking about it now. There are many great reasons to improve your smile. Sure, you can look at it from the viewpoint that a perfect smile can help with your career or give you an added edge socially. Or you can look at cosmetic dentistry as a way of giving yourself something long lasting, like the confidence to express your true self.

A lot of people have healthy teeth but they just do not like how they look. These people tend to shy away from smiling or being too expressive. And, it’s a shame when we don’t get to see their full personality because of this inhibition.

Cosmetic dentistry changes all that. The most common comment we hear following cosmetic dentistry is that the patient feels a new sense of confidence. They feel like they are free to smile because they know their teeth and smile are beautiful. And, when that happens, they let their whole personality out. Cosmetic dentistry is as easy as changing out that old dark filling on your front tooth, or a complete smile makeover. Just a small rejuvenating touch can make the world of difference. Recently, we have had many people who have had braces as adolescents get in to invisalign to straighten up those crowded lower teeth that could be affecting their overall health.

If you have had a desire to feel better about yourself, why not contact me today to discuss what cosmetic dentistry can do for you?

Mahalo,
James Merrett DDS

Oral Health: Don’t Brush it Aside

2011-02-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

I saw this article on MSN.com and thought I would share.
James Merrett DDS

Oral Health: Don’t Brush it Aside
Your mouth is trying to tell you something.
By Rich Maloof for MSN Health & Fitness
What motivates you to visit the dentist: A sore molar? Time for a cleaning? A crush on the hygienist? These are all (or nearly all) sound reasons for keeping your semi-annual appointment. But there’s a significant link between your smile and your overall health that has recently come to light.

Dental experts and medical physicians are learning to recognize striking correlations between oral hygiene and serious diseases, providing all new incentives to take excellent care of your teeth and gums.

Try a little tenderness

Unless you floss every day—and only 10 percent of the population does, according to the American Dental Association (ADA)—chances are good that your gums swell and bleed during a dental cleaning. A little inflammation and tenderness is normal and can be brought under control.

“If your gum is tender, it’s because you have inflammation caused by bacterial plaque,” explains Dr. Kimberly Harms, consumer adviser for the ADA. “There are toxins in the bacteria that are sitting between your tooth and gum. That bacteria is already at work in those little pockets if your gums are bleeding.”

About 70 percent of adults over 35 have some form of gum disease. Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums, is reversible; floss regularly and your gums will regain resilience and a health pink hue. However, unhealthy gums that remain sensitive and inflamed can lead to far more trouble than a little discomfort in the dentist’s chair. When moderate to severe inflammation sustains for a period of time, the bone that holds your teeth in place begins to decay.

“Once you have bone loss, that’s not reversible. You can’t bring that bone back,” says Dr. Harms.

Bone loss (periodontal disease) can in turn cause loss of teeth—which is bad enough in its own right. But at least that condition is confined to the mouth. Growing evidence indicates that chronic gum inflammation is associated with life-threatening inflammations deeper in the body.

Tracing the pathway

Jonathan B. Levine, DMD, PC, is an associate professor at the NYU School of Dentistry and has a degree from Cornell University in microbiology, so he’s acutely aware of the damage unchecked bacteria can wrought on the body. He explains here the pathway bacteria takes from the mouth to critical systems.

“When there’s chronic gum inflammation, bacteria byproducts start accruing around the roots of the teeth,” Dr. Levine describes. “If the wall of the gum tissue gets too inflamed, it can thin to a point where it’s permeable. There are these micro-cuts in the gum lining, almost like tiny cuts on your finger. With the gum opened, there’s a pathway — a portal of entry for bacteria to get into the bloodstream.”

The current thinking is that when these bacterial byproducts enter the bloodstream, they end up nicking the walls of the arteries. As the immune system dispatches its cellular soldiers to heal the nicks, there’s a cascade of inflammation that eventually leads to clot formations and plaque buildup in the arteries.

“There have been studies showing that the plaque from periodontal disease is the same plaque that builds up on the carotid artery,” says Dr. Levine. “So now you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease, or CVD. And if the plaque gets dislodged, you’re looking at the potential for a stroke.”

Dentists as detectives

Research confirms a connection between oral and arterial plaque, though no one would claim that gum inflammation is as much a risk factor as smoking or obesity. For cardiologists and dentists, though, an understanding of the link can quite literally be a life-saver. CVD and stroke, two of the nation’s leading killers, are not the only systemic conditions that have been related to oral bacteria, either. A 2008 study from Dr. Levine’s own institution provided evidence that gum inflammation contributed to brain inflammation and resulted in threefold memory loss. The NYU study supported a long-held hypothesis about the link between periodontal disease and Alzheimer’s.

All of these connections to oral hygiene position the dentist as a first line of defense against disease. The reality is, people see dentists a lot more often than they see internists.

“We’re the dental detectives,” says Dr. Levine. “When there’s no obvious cause of chronic inflammation, we have to move into risk assessment. Is the patient on medication? Some meds can cause inflammation. But so can diabetes. Diabetics have a much higher percentage of periodontal disease.”

Thanks to advances in technology, dentists today are also better equipped to detect oral cancers. Using a device called the VELscope, Dr. Levine can identify classic warning signs in the tissues of the mouth. Every visit to his office is a de facto cancer screening.

About that “apple a day”…

So, what can you do to improve your oral hygiene? A healthy lifestyle in the broadest terms contributes to a healthy mouth, and it all begins with nutrition. Dr. Levine notes that Americans favor a diet of high-protein meats and a lot of sugars—both of which make for an acidic oral environment in which damaging bacteria thrive. Adding more fruits and vegetables, which are alkaline, to the diet balances the pH and gives the gums a fighting chance against bacterial invaders.

The ADA also recommends brushing three times a day for two minutes each time (that’s 30 seconds in each quadrant of the mouth) and flossing every day. But you knew that already. If it seems like too much time to commit, consider how long it took to eat that cookie after lunch, or how long you chew on one piece of gum. Most of the damage we do to our mouths can be undone in a fraction of the time.

Be sure to catch your dental checkups and cleanings twice a year. You may be too old for a pat on the head and a free toothbrush on the way out. But when your dentist leaves you with a clean bill of health, it’s one gift you are sure to appreciate.

Rich Maloof is a regular contributor to MSN Health & Fitness. He specializes in health as well as technology and music. Rich has also written for CNN, Yahoo!, Women's Health, Billboard and the “For Dummies” book series.

Is your mouth trying to tell you something???

2011-01-18T13:30:00.000-08:00

I see many mouths everyday and fortunately most mouths I see are healthy.

However,here is a list of general health-related conditions that show warning signs in your mouth. Sure you want to keep your dental health strong and many people know that gum disease is connected with heart disease. I encourage you to have more awareness of your dental health and that includes these warning signs.

Flat, worn teeth and headaches are signs of TMJ. People often grind. This stress level, left unchecked, can lead to other physical and emotional issues. It can also lead to TMJ… you’ve seen plenty about TMJ treatment on my blog. If you have worn teeth and bruxism (grinding), please see me for a TMJ evaluation

Cracking teeth is a warning sign for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). You may also have something we call erosion. This is when the stomach acid erodes the tongue side of the teeth. Of course not brushing away sugars will cause your tooth enamel to erode, too. But if you take good care of your mouth with brushing and flossing and you still have tooth erosion, you may want to look for treatment for GERD.

A mouth sore that don’t heal is a sign of oral cancer. An oral cancer screening is part of your regular checkup and it is a good reason to keep your appointments for cleanings and check ups.

Gums that grow over teeth are a sign of issues with prescription medication. Your medication for seizures, heart disease or autoimmune diseases could be causing this reaction if the medication is not adjusted properly.

And, a dry mouth is a sign of diabetes. There are many early warning signs of diabetes and one small tip that you might need to see a doctor for a diabetes screening is a persistent lack of saliva. We have also seen with some of the newer medications being prescribed that they are causing dry mouth. This is leading to a high degree of decay in some of our patients.

Watch for these warning signs as you manage the home care of your dental health. Please see me regularly for check ups this year as well, so we can make sure your dental health is at its peak.

Thanks,
James Merrett DDS

Are Whitening Toothpastes working for you???

2011-01-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

Many people buy so-called “Teeth Whitening” toothpaste hoping to get whiter teeth. Hoping that a $5-$10 tube of toothopaste will be the miracle to get their teeth white. For most people, these toothpastes do not provide the result they are looking for. Is this a form of false advertising? Actually, it’s not. The confusion lies in the definition of teeth whitening. Teeth whitening in its strictest sense means to whiten the teeth to their natural shade. Teeth bleaching, on the other hand means to whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade.

The reason there is so much confusion is because the phrase teeth bleaching isn’t very attractive. So, companies that offer teeth bleaching, have started to refer to it as teeth whitening to make it more attractive to the average consumer. People do not want to bleach anything but thier clothes.

In order for a toothpaste, mouthwash, or gum to be certified by the ADA as tooth whitening, it simply has to be able to remove surface stains off of your teeth.

How Teeth Get Stained
When our adult teeth come in, they are a shiny white color. However, as we grow mature (and eat lots of teeth-staining foods), our teeth get more and more yellowish-brown. Teeth whitening toothpaste can remove tobacco stains, coffee stains, and other stains that we get as we go through our everyday lives.

Unfortunately, tooth whitening toothpastes can only return our teeth back to their original color. The toothpaste contains very gentle abrasives that rub against the stain and gradually remove it. However, they do not get inside the teeth where the stain resides.

If you don’t drink coffee much, drink sodas, teas, or chew tobacco, there’s a good chance that your teeth aren’t stained at all. In this case, if you use tooth whitening toothpaste, you probably won’t notice a difference in how white your teeth are.

Also, in the last ten years, it seems that all toothpastes are “teeth whitening”. Chances are, you’ve already been brushing with “tooth whitening” toothpaste. Continuing to brush with a “tooth whitening” toothpaste isn’t going to make your teeth any whiter since you’ve already removed the stains with previous tubes of “teeth whitening” toothpaste.

How to Whiten Your Teeth
If you truly want whiter teeth, you will probably want to use a form of teeth bleaching. Teeth bleaching is designed to whiten your teeth beyond their natural shade.

If you are interested about teeth whitening options such as in-office gels, Zoom teeth whitening, and take-home teeth whitening gels. Call us or ask us about our new year specials. Call us 873-0707.

Use it or Lose it

2010-09-26T22:41:00.000-07:00

We know many of our clients enjoy the benefit of dental insurance. Did you know that if you do not use all of your benefits for the year the insurance company gets to keep your money? Did you also know that only 20% of you people who have insurance use it?

There is only about 12 weeks left in 2010. We have to take out about two of those due to the holidays. We really only have about 10 weeks left. You can utilize your benefits or donate it to those insurance companies. Have you ever noticed that most of the big buildings in most cities are owned by insurance companies??? How do you think they pay for those buildings?? Could it the unused money from your benefits???

Here at Mauismiles we are not anti-insurance. We just think that you should spend your hard earned money and employers money on keeping yourselves healthy.

Our Hygienists are so popular that we are already running out of spots for 2010, and some people are being pushed into 2011. I always suggest making your next appointment before you leave. Even if you don't know your schedule it is much easier to get you in if we can trade your appointment with someone else. I would suggest for those that do not have an appointment for 2010 or 2011, that you call and make an appointment as soon as possible to reserve your spots and utilize your benefits.

We also will be having something new in 2011 for our patients that don't have insurance or have lost their benefits, due to the economy or change of employment. This is something new that will make it easier to obtain optimal oral health. I will have more on that in a later blog.

Thanks and keep Smiling
James Merrett DDS and the Mauismiles team

Back to School

2010-08-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Back to school or Fall Cleaning
We are all familiar with back to school time. I used to love a commercial I used to see with parents shopping for school supplies singing "It's the most wonderful time of the year". When the kids go back to school it is a great way to get yourself organized and back on track. Out with the old; in with the new. Time to straighten up for the rest of the year and get things looking good again.

While you are in the mood for getting back on track, why not consider your dental health schedule? As part of getting organized this time of the year, I suggest you make your schedule for cleanings and exams.

Regular cleanings are the best way to ensure that plaque build up does not damage your teeth or gums. Your daily brushing routine gives you a good basis for a healthy mouth, but professional cleanings give you a deep cleaning necessary to avoid gum disease and weakened teeth enamel.

Your annual exam is important for a variety of health reasons. One of the most important reasons for regularly scheduled exams is to have a proper oral cancer screening. This painless screening for the first signs of oral cancer is just as important as any skin cancer screening you would get at your primary care physician or dermatologist.

So, as part of your "Back to School" and organization, why not plan out cleanings and exams for yourself and your family members? It’s a great way to prioritize your dental health. If you have any questions about any of this, especially oral cancer screening, please feel free to contact me today.

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

2010-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

Did you know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums? Your oral health can affect the general and dental health of your unborn child. Any infection during pregnancy is a cause for concern. A mouth infection, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, can lead to premature birth and low birth weight, putting your unborn baby at serious risk for life long conditions such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, or even death. Recent research suggests that the hormones the body releases to trigger labor may be similar to those released in response to an infection. In fact, pregnant women with gum disease are six times more likely to deliver their babies earlier than women with healthy gums. Since tooth decay is an infectious disease, a reduction in maternal cavity-causing bacteria may diminish transmission of these bacteria between mother and child. Other research suggests a link between maternal oral health during pregnancy and the development of early childhood caries in children.

What can you do to ensure a healthy pregnancy?

The best advice for women considering pregnancy is to visit their dentist for a complete exam and to treat any oral problems before becoming pregnant. It is also very important to continue seeing your dentist and hygienist for regular check-ups and dental hygiene visits. This is important because pregnancy gingivitis occurs from increased level of hormones, which exaggerates the way gums react to the irritants in plaque. However, it is still plaque, not hormones that is the major cause of gingivitis. Keeping your teeth clean, especially near the gum line by flossing, brushing and regular hygiene visits every three months will dramatically help reduce or even prevent gingivitis during your pregnancy.

If you have any questions on this subject, or would like schedule an appointment. Please contact us 808-873-0707

James Merrett DDS

New technology in the office

2009-10-12T14:28:00.000-07:00

We are excited about the introduction of new technolgy on Maui. We are going to be adding Cerec to our office. What is Cerec you ask???

CEREC is a dental restoration product that allows a dental practitioners to produce an indirect ceramic dental restoration using a variety of computer assisted technologies, including 3D photography and CAD/CAM. With CEREC, teeth can be restored in a single sitting with the patient, rather than the multiple sittings required with earlier techniques. Additionally, with the latest software and hardware updates, crowns, veneers, onlays and inlays can be prepared, using different types of ceramic materials.

The cavity preparation is first photographed and stored as a three dimensional digital model and proprietary software is then used to approximate the restoration shape using biogeneric comparisons to surrounding teeth. The practitioner then refines that model using 3D CAD software. When the model is complete a milling machine carves the actual restoration out of a ceramic block using diamond head cutters under computer control. When complete, the restoration is bonded to the tooth using a resin. CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

We are adding cerec because of all the the following advantages to you:

1. Time savings. You usually only have to go one time, as opposed to two trips for a traditional crown. This also reduces the number of local anesthetic injections (shots) needed. 2. More conservation of tooth structure. Often times a partial coverage restoration can be completed vs a full conventional crown. 3. Stronger porcelain. Milled ceramic is stronger than hand layered and pressed. 4. Esthetics. Homogenous pocelain blends in better than other porcelains. 5. Natural. Ability to copy what was there previously can yield restorations that are duplicates of the pre-prepared tooth.

Even if you don not need any crowns, inlays, or onlays, come check out this new technology. You will be amazed how cool it is!! If you have questions about this call us and we can answer any questions you may have.

Aloha,
James Merrett DDS

Why Teeth Get Darker!!

2009-09-02T12:16:00.000-07:00

Why Teeth Get Darker!

Why Are My Teeth Darker?
There are many reasons why our teeth change colors and appear darker over time. When our teeth darken, it can not only make us self conscious of our smile, but can also affect our self confidence and self esteem. Over the years, our teeth darken for many reasons.

The most common reasons are:
*As we age, the enamel wears away and becomes thinner. The inner layer, dentin, is exposed which is darker in color.
*There are medications we take that can cause our teeth to darken. Tetracycline was a common antibiotic given in the past to children. It is used less often now as we understand its repercussions for our teeth.
*While we encourage the daily use of fluoride, over use can have a negative effect. If you fail to brush your teeth well after using fluoride, plaque is likely to stick to the fluoride and stain your teeth.
*One factor we cannot control is heredity. Some families just have darker teeth due to thinner enamel.
*What we eat and drink. When we drink dark liquids, red wine, coffee or tea, sodas, on a regular basis our teeth can stain or darken. They can also cause microscopic cracks in the enamel. If you are a soda or energy drink drinker, the acid from the soda can dissolve the enamel resulting in exposure of the dentin underneath.
*Smoking or using tobacco of any kind can cause a yellow or orange stain.
*Poor oral hygiene

No matter why you are experiencing darker teeth, you do not have to live with dark colored teeth. There are ways we can whiten your teeth and bring back that beautiful white smile you always wanted or remembered. Call us today to set up an appointment at 808-873-0707 to discuss how we can help you attain that beautiful smile you always wanted.

Oral Piercing and Your Health

2009-08-23T18:45:00.002-07:00

Oral Piercing and Your Health

Oral piercing is becoming more prevalent in society. Young adults, athletes, musicians, and many more are piercing their lips or tongue to make a statement. Before making the decision to visit a piercing parlor, it is important to know the risks and side effects that can be involved with oral piercing.
According to the Academy of General Dentistry, one out of every five oral piercings results in infection from contaminated puncture wounds. The mouth is a host for a vast amount of bacteria. The actual piercing site could be considered a wound in the mouth, which is susceptible to infection. There is a chance that the bacteria from the mouth or handling of the jewelry could enter the bloodstream and lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart or its valves). The chance of transmitting herpes simplex virus and hepatitis B and C is also a potential risk.
If nerves have been damaged from the piercing, numbness or loss of sensation could occur. Tongue swelling from infection or trauma could block the airway and cause difficulty breathing. Dislodging and aspirating the barbell, etc. is also possible which can restrict the airway. For athletes, especially contact sports, this is more common.
Teeth that come in contact with the jewelry can be damaged by chipping or cracking. One study shows 47% of people wearing barbell tongue jewelry for 4 or more years had at least one chipped tooth. Jewelry can also interfere with salivary function because the actual jewelry stimulates salivary flow. Temporary or permanent drooling has been reported. Speech can be affected and taste can be altered.
Oral piercing is definitely not recommended! If you decide to have the oral piercing, it is important to consider the health and safety precautions taken at the piercing parlor of your choice. Ask a friend with a positive experience for a referral. Make sure the studio has a clean appearance especially in the area where the piercing is done. Ask if they use hospital-grade autoclaves for sterilization and/or use disposable instruments. Disposable gloves should be used. Ask to see health certificates. All staff members who are involved in the piercings should be vaccinated against hepatitis B. All needles and jewelry should be in sterilized packaging.

If you have questions please feel to Contact me. James Merrett DDS 808-873-0707

2009-08-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

FDA Rules on Merury Fillings

2009-08-04T23:57:00.000-07:00

FDA Rules on Mercury Fillings

Last week the Federal Drug Administration ruled that the use of Mercury in the mouth for Mercury-Silver fillings, known as Amalgams, is safe. This came as a surprise to some anti-Amalgam groups who have claimed that the Mercury can cause many maladies in humans. Even President Obama had made statements against Mercury exposure.(See below Articles and Links) The FDA made this ruling after review of documents showing adverse effects of Mercury in higher exposures. They felt smaller amounts of Mercury would be safe.

Even though the FDA ruled that the use of Mercury is safe in the mouth, (but, not in the water, air, or spilled on the floor), many people are still leery of having Mercury placed into their mouths. Some have had their old Mercury fillings replaced with gold inlays, porcelain inlays, or resin fillings to ease their fears of the Mercury in their mouths.

If you would like more information about Mercury fillings or the alternatives to Mercury fillings you can ask your dentist. If you do not have a dental home I invite you to give my office a call and schedule an examination to evaluate your situation and your needs.

"Exposure to mercury leads to serious developmental problems in children as well as problems affecting vision, motor skills, blood pressure, and fertility in adults," said Obama. "Despite our country's improved efforts to contain and collect mercury over the years, we remain one of the world's leading exporters of this dangerous product, so I am proud this bill will finally ban mercury exports."
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/green/President_Bush_Signs_Obama_s_Mercury_Export_Ban_into_Law.html

AND OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE:

"Mercury poses a serious threat to public health in communities around the world," said Nancy Sutley, Chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality. "Today, the world's environmental leaders agreed that we must take immediate action to reduce mercury emissions. The United States will play a leading role in working with other nations to craft a global, legally binding agreement that will prevent the spread of mercury into the environment and improve the health of workers, pregnant women, and children throughout the world."
http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/press_releases/february_20_2009/

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009, the FDA “issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings. While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients. The regulation classifies dental amalgam into Class II (moderate risk).” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173992.htm)

Treating Gum Disease Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

2009-06-01T18:15:00.000-07:00

Treating Gum Disease Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

ScienceDaily (May 29, 2009) — Here's one more reason to keep your teeth healthy. People, who suffer from gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness when they cured their dental problems.

Researchers from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and University Hospitals of Cleveland reported on this new intervention for arthritis in the Journal of Periodontology. "It was exciting to find that if we eliminated the infection and inflammation in the gums, then patients with a severe kind of active rheumatoid arthritis reported improvement on the signs and symptoms of that disease," said Nabil Bissada, D.D.S., chair of the department of periodontics at the dental school. "It gives us a new intervention," adds Bissada. This is not the first time that gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis have been linked. According to another researcher in the study, Ali Askari, M.D., chair of the department of rheumatology at University Hospitals, "From way back, rheumatologists and other clinicians have been perplexed by the myth that gum disease may have a big role in causing systematic disease." He added that historically teeth were pulled or antibiotics given for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, which actually treated the periodontitis. The patients got better. Askari and Bissada are part of a team of researchers that studied 40 patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease and a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis. The study results should prompt rheumatologists to encourage their patients to be aware of the link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, says Askari. Bissada notes that gum disease tends to be prevalent in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Both inflammatory diseases share similarities in the progression of the disease over time. In both diseases, the soft and hard tissues are destroyed from inflammation caused by toxins from bacterial infection.

One toxin from the inflamed areas called tumor neurosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a marker present in the blood when inflammation is present in the body. TNF-α can initiate new infections or aggravate sites where inflammation already exists. The study's participants were divided into four groups. Two groups of patients were receiving a new group of anti-TNF-α drugs that block the production of TNF-α at inflamed rheumatoid arthritis sites. Two groups were not on this new medication. Half of group of the participant on the medication and half not receiving the new drug received a standard nonsurgical form of periodontal treatment to clean and remove the infection from the bones and tissues in the gum areas. The other half of those studied did not receive the treatment until after completion of the study. After receiving treatment for the gum disease, improvement in rheumatoid arthritis symptoms was seen in patients who did and did not receive the anti-TNF-α medications, which block the production of TNF-α that aggravate or can cause inflammation. Patients on the TNF- α inhibitors showed even greater improvements over those not receiving the drugs.

"I'm optimistic that someday the biologic agents that we use successfully in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis will lead to improvement of periodontitis and would be available for use and treatment of this perplexing problem," says Askari. "Again we are seeing another link where good oral health improves the overall health of an individual," says Bissada, who adds that studies have linked gum disease to premature births, heart disease and diabetes.

Other researchers contributing to findings in the article were P. Ortiz, Yiping Han, Leena Palomo, and Ashok Panneerselvam from Case Western Reserve University; and M.S. Al-Zahrani from King Abdulaziz University.

All uses of Mercury Banned in Sweden

2009-02-10T14:25:00.000-08:00

GREAT NEWS... Sweden has officially banned all mercury including the use of mercury containing amalgam fillings. Please see below for the official press release. This will hopefully speed up the US FDA to seriously re-consider the re-certification of amalgam as a safe medical device for use...

Subject: Sweden bans amalgam effective June 1 2009

A press release from the Swedish Ministry of Environment follows.

http://www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/11459/a/118550

Press release 15 January 2009
Ministry of the Environment

Government bans all use of mercury in Sweden
The Government today decided to introduce a blanket ban on mercury. The ban
means that the use of dental amalgam in fillings will cease and that it will
no longer be permitted to place products containing mercury on the Swedish
market.

"Sweden is now leading the way in removing and protecting the environment
from mercury, which is non-degradable. The ban is a strong signal to other
countries and a Swedish contribution to EU and UN aims to reduce mercury use
and emissions," says Minister for the Environment Andreas Carlgren.

The Government's decision means that products containing mercury may not be
placed on the Swedish market. In practice this means that alternative
techniques will have to be used in dental care, chemical analysis and the
chloralkali industry. The Swedish Chemicals Agency will be authorised to
issue regulations on exceptions or grant exemptions in individual cases.

In connection with the Government's decision, waste containing mercury will
be disposed of in deep geological repositories in other EU countries. The
Swedish market for hazardous waste is small. Last spring, a government
inquiry established that there are existing repositories for waste
containing mercury in, for example, Germany that more than adequately meet
the safety requirements on which Swedish legislation is based. Creating a
new Swedish repository would be around 15 times more expensive than
depositing waste in existing facilities in the EU. The bodies consulted on
this matter shared the inquirys conclusions.

"By using common solutions and almost forty years of experience of storing
mercury in the EU, we are not lowering safety standards. The waste will be
transported to a deep geological repository with high safety standards. In
accordance with the polluter pays principle, the owners of the waste will be
responsible for ensuring that disposal in a repository is arranged and
paying for it," says Mr Carlgren.

The disposal possibilities in other EU countries provide better incentives
for the desired development of safe, large-scale technologies to stabilise
waste containing mercury.

Since the beginning of the 1990s there has been a ban in Sweden on the
manufacture and sale of certain products containing mercury, including
thermometers and other measuring devices and electronic components.

The new regulations enter into force on 1 June 2009.

Contact
Mattias Johansson
Press Secretary to Andreas Carlgren
work +46 8 405 22 69
cell +46 70 950 22 45
email to Mattias Johansson, via the Senior registry clerk
Jerker Forsell
Desk Officer
+46 8 405 39 71

Anna Sanell
Desk Officer
+46 8 405 21 20

Happy and Healthy New Year

2009-01-07T17:44:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

I wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a happy new year. Going into 2009, you are assured to get the same high-quality attention and dental care from my team and I. Each year, we all do our best to improve our skills and our practice to offer you the best dental service on Maui.

And, as we head into the new year, I’d like to remind you to make sure and prioritize dental health for you and your family. The little things you do for home care and with your regular cleaning and prevention visits are very important.

Best wishes for the new year. I hope that you will continue to tell your family and friends about our practice and let people know about the excellent dental care your receive from us.

Back to Basics

2008-12-02T13:56:00.000-08:00

It is definitely one of the themes you are hearing a lot about lately. People are refocusing on the basics on a lot of topics. And, one that should be top of your list is dental care.

Dental care could be one of the easiest parts of your day. Simple brushing and flossing can keep your teeth in good condition and help you avoid long-term problems. But it is also important to visit your dentist for routine cleanings, screenings and care.

One of the basics you should be considering right now is ensuring good dental health for yourself and your family. If you have not had your regular appointment in more than six months, you need to put that on your calendar. If it has been more than a year since you have visited me for oral cancer screenings and a check for gum disease, this should be placed as a priority, too.

Remember the basic warning signs, too. Sore or bleeding gums, sensitive teeth and bad breath are all signs that you should be addressing some of your basics when it comes to your dental health.

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Ideas

2008-11-05T11:54:00.000-08:00

Holiday Gift Idea

With the holiday season just around the corner, I am sure that you have had some thoughts already about how this might affect your holiday gift-giving.

When you are considering gifts that are long-lasting and meaningful, you should think about teeth whitening for teenagers and adults. We offer a number of options for teeth whitening and it can be a gift that affects lives for years. Improving a smile with whiter teeth can make a professional difference for a person, as well as personal differences. Plus, it can make people happier.

We have many other products that can help you feel better about yourself. We have sonicare toothbrushes, Breath RX for fressh breath, and many more great ideas.

Begin your holiday planning now. If you want a gift that keeps on giving, consider teeth whitening or a fun new product.

What does biocompatible dentistry mean

2008-10-01T19:28:00.000-07:00

What does biocompatible dentistry mean?

Biocompatible dentistry is an approach to dentistry that focuses on keeping toxic substances out of your mouth and, therefore, your body. And, with modern dentistry, there is no reason why any toxic substances should be used.

Many people come in wanting to have their old, grey or black fillings removed for aesthetic purposes. The new white composite fillings that blend with the teeth simply look better. That may be true but the better reason to replace black/grey/silver fillings is because the amalgam that is used contains Mercury, a highly toxic metal.

Mercury can leech out of these fillings in very small does into your system. And, this sort of filling expands and contracts, endangering the stability of the tooth. In general, we can do better. The composite materials we use in white fillings are stronger, do not expand and contract and are fully biocompatible.

For biocompatible reasons, I would like you to be motivated to have your black/grey/silver fillings replaced. If you need the extra motivation, it looks much better but I would be more concerned with getting the Mercury out of your teeth.

If you have any questions about your fillings or biocompatible dentistry in general, please email me today.

Passion for your Dental Health and Smile.

2008-09-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Showing some passion for your smile and dental health.

As a dentist, my passion for my patients’ smiles and their dental health is pretty apparent. If I did not love what I did and I did not think it was important, you would feel like just another patient with just another mouth when you visit me. However, part of the reason I write this blog and part of the reason why my team works so hard to make you feel at home in our office is because we have that passion for your smile and dental health. A healthy beautiful smile not only makes you happy and confident but it can help you to live longer.

One of the reasons I have taken advanced training as a dentist is to make the experience as beneficial as I can for all my patients. I believe in the saying that “Anything worth doing is worth doing well.” This is why I pursued cosmetic and neuromuscular dentistry and it is why I invest in the latest treatments and training. It is all part of a passion to offer you the best. My team makes the extra effort and time to make sure that when you visit us you feel like a guest and that you are appreciated.

Now it is your part. Since you care as much about your dental health and smile as we do, share this passion with a friend today! So many people do not prioritize their visits to the dentist. And, even more do not think of what a little cosmetic work could do for them. White, straighter teeth… a healthier smile… any little pains or discomforts in your mouth treated…. Many people want these things but are not doing anything about it, join my team in showing a little passion and talk to your friends about their dental health.

Diet and Dental Health

2008-08-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Summer is here and I have a great project for you. That project is your health!

I’m not talking about toning up, dieting or anything else that is so ambitious. What I suggest is that you observe your health over these summer months. That might provide you with an idea of just exactly where you and your family members are when it comes to your overall health.

Here is the project I propose. Take the next three months to keep a food journal. Simply make a log of what you eat and when you eat it. This usually gives people a pretty good insight into areas they might be able to improve nutritionally.

In terms of your dental health, you may want to look for how and when you eat certain foods. Look for times when you eat certain foods. It is commonly known that sugar causes tooth decay. So, you should know that a good habit is to brush within 20 minutes of eating a big sugary snack or treat. This cuts down on the amount of time the sugar will attack the teeth. Acids caused by sugar breaking down attack the teeth for up to 20 minutes. On a food journal, you will see when you routinely leave yourself open to greater effects of high sugar foods.

Also, watch for those isolated snacks. Foods that are eaten as part of meal cause less harm on teeth because more saliva is produced during a meal. This helps wash foods from the mouth, thus lessening the effect of sugars on the teeth.

You will learn more about yourself if you try this summer food journal. No need to be perfect. Just give it a try and if you want to bring it in to review with me on your next cleaning visit, then I will be happy to help you interpret the results and, hopefully, help you continue good oral health.

How about a Maui Makeover?

2008-05-16T14:30:00.001-07:00

We are partnering up with Medispa Maui and Colours Salon to do a makeover on some lucky individual. We are really excited about this, because we have seen this change peoples lives. We are looking for qualified individuals who maybe interested and can't afford to do a full makeover on themselves. If you are interested or know someone who is deserving, have them contact our office to set up a consultation appointment. Be sure to mention that you are interested in the Maui Make Over.

We planning to have a big reveal in September. This a great heart warming event be sure to attend!!!

Have you thought about Cosmetic Dentistry?

2008-03-03T14:37:00.000-08:00

Never underestimate the advantage a cosmetically enhanced smile can give you. Even something as easy and quick as whitening your teeth can improve your overall appearance. Every once in a while, I ask people to think about the advantages.

The choice of porcelain veneers or other cosmetic dental treatments is sometimes tied to an event: a wedding, an important business function, a holiday, a graduation or some family event. But, if you think about it, there are so many ways an improved smile can impact your life on an every day basis.

There is no doubt that a better smile is an advantage in business. This can impact promotions, sales and career paths. In a society that has learned that teeth can be improved, when you see a misshapen smile or misaligned teeth, you often can’t help but wonder why the person has done nothing to fix their smile.

If you know someone who might benefit from cosmetic dentistry, this is why you should think about referring them to me for a cosmetic consultation. A better smile can mean a better presentation at work. Makeovers of all kinds lead to promotions all the time. It can improve a person’s social prospects. It can also give a new sense of inner confidence that can manifest itself in many ways.

If you know someone who might be interested in cosmetic dentistry to gain an advantage somewhere in their life, refer them to me. It could be the best advice they get all year.

The Cosmetic Channel™

2008-01-29T11:57:00.001-08:00

Questions about Cosmetic Dentistry? Ask at The Cosmetic Channel™.

We start off the new year with a new way for you to use the Internet at TheCosmeticChannel.com. By now you have seen the new videos on our web site brought to you by The Cosmetic Channel™.

Last week, The Cosmetic Channel™ unveiled a new web site that includes a Chat Community. You can see links posted to this chat board on Craig’s List and it is beginning to get some questions and comments about both cosmetic dentistry and cosmetic surgery. You can visit the chat at www.TheCosmeticChannel.com/chat.html.

If you or someone you know is interested in gathering information on cosmetic dentistry or cosmetic surgery procedures, this is a good place to ask questions. Cosmetic dentists and cosmetic surgeons are being recruited to monitor the chat and answer your questions.

And, you know you can always contact me directly if you have any questions.

Why not ask?

2007-12-03T21:27:00.001-08:00

You would be surprised how many people live with the wish of wanting to make some cosmetic changes to their smile. But, there is always something else on their mind or on their plate and they never take the time to ask about it. So, as the holiday season approaches, I want to encourage everyone to take a few minutes and do something for yourself.

I see it all the time. There is never time for something for yourself. Children, work, family, the holidays and all of your other obligations take up all your time. People tell you to take a minute for yourself or think of yourself first for once. It’s good advice. So, this holiday season, I encourage you, even for one day, to stop and do something for yourself.

And, if that thing is cosmetic dentistry, please call or email me. I will be happy to answer all of your questions and give you my informed opinion on what are the best options and what might be the best options for you.

Why not ask? Why not take a minute and send me an email? You might be surprised where it takes you.

For those with a sweet tooth

2007-10-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

All you need is a quick trip to the grocery store to realize how much sugar is poured into the Halloween holiday each year. If you have kids, most likely you will have a sugar rush to deal with this week. To make the most of it, use this influx of sugar as a reminder to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Sugar, saliva and bacteria can work together, leading to tooth decay that causes cavities. That is why brushing and flossing at least twice daily is important. This attention to cleaning should include between teeth and along the gumline.

You always hear about what you should do but sometimes it is important to review what happens if you don’t. In general, sucrose (which comes from sugar) and glycoproteins (a combination of a carbohydrate molecule and a protein molecule, can stick to teeth and begin the formation of plaque, which attracts bacteria.

Lactic acid is a byproduct of the bacteria when it metabolizes sugar in this anarerobic environment. It is the lactic acid that dissolves tooth enamel, leading to a cavity.

In addition to a diet that is rich in calcium and fluoride, brushing and flossing is crucial to preventing cavities. So, on Halloween, is it okay to indulge in some treats. Why not? Just make sure and brush and floss afterwards

New video for you

2007-09-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Earlier this month, our web site began broadcasting The Cosmetic Channel™. You can click here to visit our web site. Just click on the button that says, “The Cosmetic Channel™ - Click here to watch.

I have chosen these online “shows” for your education and, sometimes, entertainment. If you return to our web site each month, you will see new “episodes.” I got this for my clients to help you learn more about the importance of great dental care and to learn more about the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

So, stay tuned to our web site for more new video on The Cosmetic Channel™!

Headaches and TMJ

2007-09-04T20:55:00.000-07:00

Did you know migraine headaches can be caused by TMJ issues? A misaligned jaw can be the reason for many pains and discomforts.

Normally, you would not think of taking your migraine headache issues to a dentist. Most people go to the doctor and get medication if the need persists. Or, they just live with it and ride out the headaches. It takes some research, a heads-up referral, and often a lot of frustration before some migraine sufferers finally seek out a neuromuscular dentist.

Misaligned jaws can cause a number of issues beyond simple jaw popping and pain. This is how most people know TMJ, so to connect TMJ with migraines may seem a difficult jump to make. In truth, it is not. In layman’s terms, the muscles and nerves that surround the jaw area are affected when the bite it not right. A misaligned bite may cause localized pain at the jaw but the effects radiate out to nearby areas. Naturally, this can cause severe headaches and even migraines.

If you or someone you know has migraines, why not ask them to call my office for a TMJ test that will let them know if I can help their migraine problem. Better to treat the cause for a lifetime, than to continue to treat the symptoms for the moment with medications that may not always work.

New Guidelines for Heart Patients

2007-07-26T12:12:00.001-07:00

There was a recent article on The American Dental Association web site that published a recent revision in the recommended use of anti-biotics prior to a dental visit. These new recommendations apply to many dental procedures, including teeth cleaning and extractions.

For years, The American Heart Association advised patients take anti-biotics just before a dental visit if they have certain heart conditions. The prevailing thought has been that doing so would prevent infective endocarditis, also known as bacterial endocarditis.

The latest guidelines published in the AHA’s scientific journal in April 2007 adjust their recommendation. In short, the AHA recommends that most patients with heart conditions not take short-term anti-biotics before a visit to the dentist as a precaution for endorcarditis.

Preventive anti-biotics prior to a dental procedure still are advised for patients with:

1. artificial heart valves
2. a history of infective endocarditis
3. certain specific, serious congenital (present from birth) heart conditions, including
* unrepaired or incompletely repaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including those with palliative shunts and conduits
* a completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first six months after the procedure
* any repaired congenital heart defect with residual defect at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or a prosthetic device
4. a cardiac transplant that develops a problem in a heart valve.

Patients with congenital heart disease can have complicated circumstances. They should check with their cardiologist if there is any question at all as to the category that best fits their needs.

You can learn more about this at ada.org.

Periodontal care and your overall wellness.

2007-04-25T13:31:00.000-07:00

Periodontal care is one of the most important aspects of dental health because periodontal disease (or disease of the gums) has been linked to several other health problems. We are interested in your general wellness and that means remembering periodontal care.

A few common facts you may know are that there is link between periodontal disease and heart disease. And, surely, you know that proper brushing technique includes brushing the gums and that you should floss regularly as part of your daily care for you gums.

What many people do not know is that certain conditions can increase the likelihood for periodontal disease. For instance, if you are in a high stress life style or career or if you have poor coping skills in dealing with stress, you are at higher risk for periodontal disease.

So what do you do about that? Go back to the basics in caring for your gums. Take that extra few minutes while brushing to make sure you are doing a good job on your gums, in front and behind the teeth.

And, while you are doing it, take a breather. Try to relax and take care of yourself!

Our commitment to personal attention

2007-03-01T13:30:00.000-08:00

I hope that my patients know my commitment to personal attention. This is one of the important elements that I think separates my practice from other dentists. It has always been my intention to make patients feel at home in our dental office. This goes well beyond simply being polite while performing your dental care.

There is an obvious, warm quality that goes along with genuine personal attention. It is our goal for our patients to experience this when they come to us for a visit. Why? It's how we really feel. So, it is important to us that you know this.

How many times do you go to a business or a professional service and you feel like a number? You are the next one in line, so now it is your time to get your service. That is not how we operate here and, every once in a while, I like to make it a point for our team to focus on this fact.

When you visit us for your dental needs, we want you to feel our genuine interest in your care. Call it personal attention… but it is all about caring.

It’s surprising so many people live with this kind of pain.

2007-01-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

Part of the continuing education I have taken courses on treating Tempromandibular Joint Disorder. Many people know this condition as TMJ, which is usually known for causing jaw pain. However, TMJ is much more complicated disorder and many people live with the pain.

Basically, TMJ is a misalignment of the jaws and it can cause a lot more than jaw pain. TMJ can manifest itself in the form of head, neck and shoulder pain in addition to jaw pain. It can also cause a ringing in the ears.

Because there are so many symptoms that are not associated directly with the jaw, it is common for people to see a doctor for their pain instead of a dentist. This is often the reason why TMJ goes undiagnosed. The sufferer complains about headaches and a battery of tests for severe headaches may not turn up TMJ unless the doctor is looking for it. This is why many TMJ sufferers have been told the pain is “just in their head” after a visit to their general practitioner.

I have learned advanced treatments for TMJ and I help people with this disorder all the time. If you are suffering from these persistent pains and just living with it because you cannot get your pain diagnosed properly, please call me or email me here. The same goes for anyone you know who might be simply living with TMJ pain. I can help.

Whiter teeth for the Holidays

2006-12-11T13:28:00.000-08:00

When we finish cosmetic work on a patient, there is something almost all of them say to us. It is almost said in confidence, so as not to hurt others’ feelings. They say something like, “Now that my teeth are so white, I am noticing how dull and dingy other people’s teeth really are.”

It’s a pretty common reaction to suddenly having whiter teeth. As a dentist, I see all kinds of teeth. All are white to some degree (unless they are gold or are full of black filings). Because white teeth come in so many shades, many people do not notice how everyday behaviors slowly darken and dull a smile. The process is slow and before you know it, the color of your teeth is affecting your smile and your overall appearance.

Most people know the usual suspects for this slow deterioration of color: drinking coffee, smoking and the antibiotic, tetracycline. But many people just do not realize how simple and affordable whitening can be. You can choose permanent methods like porcelain veneers that will not stain or you can opt for in-office or take-home whitening that can improve the shade of your teeth in a short amount of time. Some in-office whitening treatments take only about an hour and will last you for years.

Whitening is one of the most common request we have among patients. If the idea of whitening your smile seems like a good idea, why not call us today at 808.873.0707 to learn more? Or you can click here to read more about your options on my web site.

Extreme Makeover was on ABC again last month.

2006-11-06T13:27:00.000-08:00

In case you have never seen it, Extreme Makeover was a huge hit a few years ago and there are still a lot of makeover shows on television. Before that, a makeover used to mean a new hairstyle and new make-up. The makeover shows have really shown that improving one’s appearance can be done in many ways including smile makeovers.

Since Extreme Makeover first aired, I’ve noticed a big increase in the number of casual conversations I have with people about making over their smile. I think the makeover shows made people realize that there were certain imperfections that they could have fixed. And, cosmetic dentistry does not have the negative stigmas like you have with plastic surgery.

If fact, makeover shows demonstrate how fast and easy cosmetic dental work can be. I am not sure how accurate those shows make the recovery times seem for surgery; but I do know with cosmetic dentistry, we can complete a smile makeover in two visits. That is accurately portrayed on makeover shows.

I invite you to click through my web site to see my smile makeovers… some of which might be considered “extreme.” And, if you want to talk about a smile makeover for yourself or refer a friend who has been thinking of getting one, please call or e-mail me.

A couple thoughts about why we do what we do

2006-10-02T13:22:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite parts about being a cosmetic dentist is the transformation our patients go through when they have enhanced their smiles. It is one of the amazing results (and rewards) of cosmetic care. We see the new confidence of these patients because they smile! When someone sees an area that they consider a flaw suddenly transformed into a strength, you can see them lower their guard down. All of a sudden, it’s okay for the rest of us see their real personality come out.

Here is an interesting observation about confidence. Have you noticed people who seem so natural expressing themselves? It’s likely they are relaxed and comfortable with how they appear. That quality translates into confidence. This is one of the main reasons people seek out cosmetic dentists to enhance their smiles. We get a lot of patients who just want to let their “Real Me” out for everyone to see but won’t because they are unhappy with their smile. I think this is why we see so many dramatic changes in
personality and confidence with cosmetic dentistry. It really is gratifying.

Maybe you are thinking about cosmetic dentistry for this reason. If you
are, email me here and we can set up a consultation to discuss the
possibilities for you.