Making People Smile

Travelers forget everything from passports to false teeth

2011-12-05T18:17:00.003-07:00

By Gary Stoller, USA TODAY
http://m.usatoday.com/article/travel/51124844

Updated: 11/09/2011 11:52am

Frequent business traveler Joyce Gioia forgot more than $20,000 worth of jewelry in her hotel room in Italy last year.

Luckily for Gioia, the jewelry was in a room safe, and staff at the Rome Marriott Grand Hotel Flora shipped the items to her home in Austin.

"I had done such a dumb thing, and I was very happy to get the jewelry back," says Gioia, a management consultant.

Travelers annually leave millions of personally important items such as wallets, keys, cellphones and eyeglasses behind in hotels, airports, airplanes and rental cars. Fortunately for the forgetful, many belongings — including very valuable and unusual ones such as Gioia's jewelry — are returned.

Many, however, aren't, and they are given away or sold if their owners don't retrieve them or their owners cannot be found.

Gioia and other travelers scold themselves for their forgetfulness, but psychologists say it's commonplace even among the most veteran of travelers.

"When traveling, people tend to have lots on their minds, and there are often many unexpected distractions," says David Meyer, a University of Michigan psychology professor. "The combination of too much to keep track of, limited attention for doing so and being in relatively unusual circumstances outside familiar work and home locations promote forgetting about the small stuff being carried along the way."

USA TODAY contacted several airlines, airports, hotels and car-rental companies and, among other things, asked how many items are left behind by their customers yearly.

Southwest Airlines, which carried 88 million passengers last year, reported the largest number. The airline takes possession of up to 10,000 items a month that are left behind at airports and in planes, says spokeswoman Katie McDonald.

Books, cellphones, clothing and reading glasses are the most common items left behind, she says.

The most valuable items? A $10,000 diamond engagement ring, an NFL Super Bowl ring and professional video equipment — which all were returned to their owners.

Southwest stores items in a 4,000-square-foot area within a Dallas warehouse. Unclaimed items stay there 30 to 90 days, and the majority is then donated to the Salvation Army, McDonald says.

Most items left behind don't contain an owner's contact information and aren't reported lost, she says. Also, many electronic devices are locked, making it difficult to determine who owns them.

American Airlines tries to reunite items with their owners "for several weeks," says airline spokesman Tim Smith. And, if that cannot be done, he says, items are sold to a salvage company.

The cost of returning items to owners is "significant," he says, much more than the income received from the salvage company. "Lost and found is a customer service — not a money maker," Smith says.

McCarran airport in Las Vegas says about 30,000 items — an average of 82 a day — are left behind each year.

Most are left at Transportation Security Administration checkpoints and turned over to the airport, says McCarran spokeswoman Candice Seeley.

The most common forgotten items: cellphones, eyeglasses, belts, watches, wallets and other belongings that "travelers shed in preparation for screening," Seeley says.

Most of the 15,936 items logged into the lost-and-found office at Oregon's Portland International Airport last year also were left at TSA checkpoints, says airport spokesman Steve Johnson.

After 30 days, many unclaimed items are donated to charity, he says. Items valued at more than $100 are kept for 90 days, then auctioned at a state surplus website.

The airport employs a full-time worker to handle lost items and incurs mailing costs of $10,000 to $20,000 yearly to return items, Johnson says.

Many hotels told USA TODAY that at least one item a day is left behind by guests.

Many see more. The Hyatt Regency in Chicago reports about 7,300 items a year, or about 20 a day, are left, according to Shaheryar Adil, a manager at the hotel.

At Hyatt hotels generally, passports, credit cards, state ID cards, computers, wedding rings and other jewelry, MP3 players and cash are most often left behind, says Hyatt spokeswoman Lori Alexander.

Other hotels see other trends. Novotel last year surveyed its 31 hotels in Britain and found that more mobile phone chargers were left behind by guests than any other item.

Phone chargers apparently are easily forgotten. Matthew Humphreys, an assistant manager at the Grand Hyatt in San Francisco, says he's worked at nine Hyatt hotels and the housekeeping staff in each had a large box of chargers.

"If you are traveling and find yourself in need of a phone charger, definitely call down and ask housekeeping," Humphreys says.

Next to chargers, Novotel found underwear was most forgotten, followed by false teeth and hearing aids, shoes and clothing, keys, toiletries, adult toys, electric toothbrushes, laptops and jewelry.

"We continue to be mystified by the random collection of items left in our rooms by guests," says Melissa Micallef, Novotel's marketing manager. "Our lost property departments really are treasure troves."

Many hotels say they respect guests' privacy and won't return an item unless the owner asks for it. That prevents them from getting caught in such sticky situations as a spouse learning that a mate may have spent the night with someone else.

Considering that "intimate apparel" and "adult toys," according to Adil, are some of the most unusual items left behind at the Chicago Hyatt Regency, the policy may make sense.

The Surrey hotel in New York reaches out to people who leave valuables behind, says Shan Kanagasingham, general manager of the hotel.

About 30% of the roughly 500 items left at the luxury hotel each year are returned, she says. Items are kept for three months. If they can't be returned, they're given to the people who found them.

The Ritz-Carlton, which only returns items requested by guests, keeps items up to 120 days, depending on value, and gives unclaimed items to the employees who found them, says Sandra Estornell, the chain's corporate director of rooms' development.

Many hotels charge guests for returning items because the costs of returning them can run high.

It's easy to understand why belongings are left.

Claire Heymann, owner of the small luxury Hotel St. Germain in Dallas, says some rooms are in "such disarray" that guests don't see an item before leaving and some items are hidden for "safekeeping" and then forgotten.

A guest once lost a $1 million earring in the courtyard during an evening cocktail reception, but it was found, Heymann says.

Among items left at her hotel: sleep masks, keys for handcuffs, boxes of live sleeping butterflies, a mannequin head, a toupee and a five-year sobriety coin from Alcoholics Anonymous left next to an empty bottle of champagne.

Hertz spokeswoman Paula Rivera says "thousands" of items are left behind in Hertz cars annually, particularly mobile phones, laptops and cameras.

Every Hertz location has a person responsible for lost items, and about 75% are returned to their owners, she says. Unclaimed items are donated to charity.

Travel disrupts a person's habits at home or work, where a coat, keys and briefcase may regularly be placed in a particular place, says Robert Bjork, a UCLA psychology professor.

"We do things in a certain order as we depart from home or work," Bjork says. "Those habits protect us from forgetting things, and they are disrupted by travel."

Frequent business traveler Lori DeFurio of Jordan, N.Y., calls herself "the queen of leaving stuff behind."

In December, she left a new winter coat and leather gloves in the overhead bin on a Southwest jet.

"I remembered five minutes after I left the airport," says DeFurio, who works in the computer software industry. "I called the airline from the taxi and had the concierge at the hotel keep trying, but I never got it back."

Some frequent business travelers have formulated strategies, or routines, to prevent leaving things behind.

Flight attendant Jennifer Welch of Hillsborough, Calif., says her last actions before checking out are shutting off her computer and then conducting "a sweep" of the room.

"I've noticed that on the occasions when I forgot items, it happened when I was tired and did things in a different order than I normally would," she says.

November Issue of Scottsdale Health - Meet Kim

2011-11-14T12:18:00.005-07:00

"I can't say enough about Dr. McCargar as a person and a dentist. he is personable and I trust his professional opinion. He helps keep my smile healthy and sparkling. At Scottsdale Dental Arts they make me feel special at every appointment." - Kim - Optometrist and Actual Patient

John Lennon's tooth sells for more than $31,000 at auction

2011-11-07T17:38:00.003-07:00

John Lennon's tooth sells for more than $31,000 at auction
JOHN LENNON

November 05, 2011|By the CNN Wire Staff

The winning bid for John Lennon's tooth came in at $31,200, according to auction results posted online.The tooth fairy's trash became another man's treasure Saturday when a discolored molar that once belonged to John Lennon was put up for auction.

Michael Zuk, a Canadian dentist, is claiming responsibility for the winning bid. Omega Auction House, which sold the tooth, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Saturday.

Lennon gave the tooth to Dorothy "Dot" Jarlett when she worked as his housekeeper at his Kenwood home in Weybridge, Surrey, according to her son, Barry. Jarlett, who was employed between 1964 and 1968, developed a warm relationship with Lennon, her son said.

More trouble for Lindsay Lohan

2011-11-03T10:54:00.002-07:00

As reported in US Weekly recently Lindsay Lohan is not only having trouble with the law but also her teeth. Just look how her possible smoking could be ruining her teeth and her gums.

Could your child's baby teeth be a life saver?

2011-09-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

Could your child's baby teeth be a life saver?

Scottsdale Dentist Dr. Jason D. McCargar

2011-08-20T08:30:00.001-07:00

(click to enlarge)

About to Whiten Your Teeth? Read This First!

2011-08-03T10:36:00.002-07:00

by The Editors at RealAge, on Fri Apr 1, 2011 4:49pm PDT

The down economy's done little to darken the tooth-bleaching market. Americans spend $1.4 billion a year on at-home kits to brighten stained and yellowed chompers and request whitening more than any other procedure in the dentist's office. (Then again, who's begging for a root canal?) But, like anything that combines the potential of looking better (a twinkly white smile) with possible risks (sticking chemicals in your mouth), this one has attracted its share of controversy.

Before you run out for a lunchtime tooth-lightening session or apply your umpteenth -- or your first -- set of whitening strips to your bicuspids at home, here are four things you should know about chemical spiff-ups for your smile:

1. Give it a rest. There's a reason some products should be used only four times a year: worries about overuse. If lightening becomes as regular as a monthly haircut in your grooming routine, you may damage tooth enamel and take your teeth to the point of ghostly translucence. That's not pretty.

2. It's not always ouchless. The most common side effects of tooth-whitening, whether it's DIY in your bathroom or a professional job, are sensitive teeth and irritated gums. From 10% to 65% of people who give tooth bleaching a try have some pain, experts say. Usually, it's short lived, but to avoid it in the first place, try using a toothpaste that reduces sensitivity for several days before your procedure (and for a few days or weeks afterward). Taking an ordinary painkiller (like ibuprofen) before a bleaching session helps, too.

3. Think twice about bleaching at the mall. One recent CBS-TV investigation of "whiten while you shop" kiosks and storefronts in malls found that while employees may wear lab coats, they usually aren't dental-care professionals. And they aren't equipped to evaluate dental problems -- so underlying dental issues, like cavities, could be made worse by bleaching. One place used bleaching agents that were dentist-office strength, which can be two to three times stronger than the carbamide peroxide gel found in some home whitening kits approved by the American Dental Association.

4. Ask your dentist what's possible. Bleaching can make your pearly whites several shades whiter -- especially if coffee, tea, tobacco, or plain old aging are to blame for that gray-yellow grin. But the results are less reliable if your teeth were stained by the use of the antibiotic tetracycline or by too much fluoride in childhood. Also, if you have tooth-colored fillings or crowns, bleaching can cause a color mismatch. Talk to your dentist about whether a possible variation in "whites" in your mouth will be noticeable.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/about-to-whiten-your-teeth-read-this-first-2470763/

20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile

2011-07-13T17:19:00.001-07:00

20 Things That Can Ruin Your Smile#0

Your smile is one of your best assets, so, of course, you want to keep it sparkling.

But even if you brush, use white strips, and visit your dentist twice a year, it may not be enough.

Here are some factors that can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums, and put a serious damper on your smile.

1. Sports drinks

In the last decade, sports beverages have become increasingly popular, but they aren't great for your teeth.

"Scientific research has found that the pH levels in many sports drinks could lead to tooth erosion due to their high concentration of acidic components, which could wear away at the tooth's enamel," says David F. Halpern, DMD, FAGD, president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Additionally, these drinks are often high in sugars that act as "food" for acid-producing bacteria, which then sneak into the cracks and crevices in your teeth, causing cavities and tooth decay

2. Bottled water

Tap water often contains fluoride—about 60% of people in the U.S. have fluoride in their water supply.

However, most bottled waters contain less fluoride than recommended for good oral health (it will be listed as an ingredient on the label if it is an additive).

"Fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before damage is even visible," explains Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, Charles H. Perle, DMD, FAGD. "Studies have confirmed [that] the most effective source of fluoride is water fluoridation."

3. Diabetes

Diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, so you're at a risk for gum disease. Brushing, flossing, and monitoring your blood sugar can help.

"Diabetes is directly related to periodontal disease, so seeing the dentist and having your triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis is also crucial," stresses Perle.

Perle also points out that research has shown that diabetics can reduce the amount of insulin they need to take by maintaining good gum health

4. Tobacco

Smoking turns your teeth yellow, but it can be much more damaging than that.

"Using any form of tobacco can harm your teeth and gums in a number of ways," says Halpern.

"It can cause throat, lung, and mouth cancer, and even death. Additionally, the tar from tobacco forms a sticky film on teeth, which harbors bacteria that promote acid production and create irritating toxins, both of which cause gum inflammation, tooth decay, and loss."

Wine drinkers beware: Regular wine consumption can harm tooth enamel.

According to Halpern, wine's acidity can dissolve the tooth structure, and both red and white wine can increase dental staining. Still, you don't have to give up your regular glass of vino to save your smile.

5. Wine

"Enamel erosion develops when wine drinkers swish the wine, keeping it in constant contact with the enamel, so instead, take small sips and rinse with water when you're done drinking," advises Perle.

It's especially important to take care of your teeth and gums when you're expecting, since studies show a link between untreated gum disease and pre-term and low-birth-weight babies.

6. Pregnancy

"Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, particularly surges in estrogen and progesterone, can cause inflammation of the gums, which can lead to gingivitis (red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed) and put you at risk for infection," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson, Gigi Meinecke, DDS, FAGD.

If you have morning sickness, rinse your mouth with water or rub your teeth with a paste of baking soda and water to neutralize the acid caused by vomiting, since it can lead to tooth decay.

7. Diet pills

Even though they may seem like a quick way to trim your waist, diet pills can also be a fast track to gum disease and tooth decay.

"Like many over-the-counter and prescription medications, diet pills decrease salivary flow, which causes dry mouth and puts you at risk for gum disease, tooth decay, cavities, and discomfort," says Halpern.

Bottom line: A balanced diet and exercise are the safest way to lose weight and protect your smile.

8. Teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can affect your jaw, cause pain, and even change the appearance of your face.

"People who have otherwise healthy teeth and gums can clench so often and so hard that over time, they wear away their tooth's enamel, causing chipping and sensitivity," says Halpern.

Stress and anger can increase nighttime teeth grinding. "Finding ways to alleviate these feelings can help, but it's also important to see your dentist, who can recommend solutions like a custom night guard," advises Perle.

9. Candy

Contrary to what mom said, sugar won't directly rot your teeth—but the acid produced when you eat sugar and carbohydrates can.

"Naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth devour sugar, creating acids that attack tooth enamel, which can lead to decay and a host of other problems, including gingivitis and cavities," says Halpern.

The worst thing you can do is leave sugar lingering on your teeth and gums. Eating any amount of candy and brushing and flossing immediately is actually less damaging than not brushing after eating one piece before bedtime, says Halpern.

If you can't brush after a snack attack, eat cheese or yogurt, or chew sugarless gum to boost saliva flow and neutralize acids.

10. Puberty

The hormonal surge that occurs during puberty can cause more than acne—it can also result in swollen gums that are more sensitive to plaque. This can lead to gum infections, gingivitis, and mouth sores, say Halpern.

"But typically the gums only respond in such a manner if hygiene care is poor," he adds. Make sure your teen brushes and flosses daily, and sees a dentist regularly.

11. Dry mouth

A dry mouth isn't just unpleasant, it's bad for your teeth. Saliva washes away cavity-causing bacteria and neutralizes harmful acids.

"Without saliva, you would lose your teeth much faster—it helps prevent tooth decay and other oral health problems," says Meinecke.

Drink lots of water, chew sugarless gum, use a fluoride toothpaste or rinse, and consider over-the-counter artificial saliva substitutes. See your doctor if it's a frequent problem.

12. Dieting
Restrictive diets and poor eating habits can deprive you of the vitamins and nutrients necessary for a beautiful smile.

It's especially important to get enough folate, B vitamins, protein, calcium, and vitamin C—all of which are considered essential for healthy teeth and gums.

"Poor nutrition can affect your entire immune system, increasing your susceptibility to many disorders and infections, including periodontal disease," says Halpern.

13. Hot drinks

Your hot-drink habit may be one reason your teeth look a little dingy.

"Black tea and coffee contain stain-promoting tannins that lodge into the pits and grooves of the tooth enamel, producing a rough, stained surface, which is sticky and can retain decay-producing bacteria," says Halpern.

Consume such beverages in moderation, drink more water every day, and add milk to your coffee or tea to help neutralize the acids, says Perle.

14. Aging

As you age, you're more susceptible to decay near old fillings or root surfaces unprotected by receding gums. But there's no reason you can't keep your teeth. Oral disease—not aging per se—is the danger.

Bumping up your fluoride protection is key. And if you have arthritis, there are dental products that can make brushing and flossing less painful.

"Seniors who brush regularly with fluoride toothpaste or use fluoride rinses or gels regularly have fewer cavities," adds Meinecke.

15. Birth control pills

Because oral contraceptives mimic pregnancy, they can also lead to gum inflammation and infections, including gingivitis.

Additionally, some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills may have more trouble healing after tooth extractions and are twice as likely to develop painful dry sockets where the tooth used to be.

If you use birth control pills, it's not a bad idea to discuss their effect with your dentist before major procedures.

16. Not Flossing

Although many of us are much more diligent about brushing than flossing, they are equally important.

"Flossing every day is one of the best things you can do to take care of your teeth. It's the single most important factor in preventing periodontal disease, which affects more than 50% of adults," says Meinecke.

Flossing helps remove plaque and debris that sticks to teeth and gums, and gives you a brighter smile by polishing the tooth's surface; it even helps control bad breath.

17. Brushing at the Wrong Time

Although we've been taught to brush after every meal, depending on what you eat or drink, that's not always the best advice.

"After consuming high-acid food or drinks, like wine, coffee, citrus fruits, and soft drinks, rinse with water to neutralize the acids, but wait an hour before reaching for the toothpaste," says Meinecke.

"Brushing teeth immediately after drinking carbonated drinks and acidic foods can cause erosion."

18. Overzealous Whitening

It is not clear whether bleaching erodes tooth enamel, but it can increase sensitivity, especially when done too often.

Even at-home whitening treatments should be used with moderation, as some whitening toothpastes and gels contain abrasive ingredients that can increase tooth sensitivity, which can be painful.

Plus, as you get older, whitening products can only do so much, so after a certain point, using more won't necessarily do anything for your smile.

19. Soft Drinks

Soft drinks are chock-full of sugar, which puts you at a risk for cavities, tooth decay, and gum infections, and dark colas can also stain your teeth, leaving you with a lackluster smile.

Meinecke recommends drinking soda through a straw and rinsing with water or chewing sugar-free gum after consumption to neutralize the acids.

She also recommends waiting at least an hour before brushing.

20. Citrus & Acidic Foods

"Although lemons, grapefruits, and citrus juices don’t directly cause cavities, like soft drinks, they contain acids, which cause erosion of the tooth enamel, weakening the tooth and making it prone to decay," says Meinecke.

Waiting to brush, rinsing your mouth with water, or chewing sugar-free gum can help. In particular, consider xylitol, a natural sweetener found in plants and fruits that was FDA approved as a food additive in 1986.

Found in sugar-free gum, mints, and toothpastes, xylitol can inhibit the cavity-causing oral bacteria. "Dentists will often recommend patients chew at least two pieces per day if they are at high risk for developing cavities," explains Meinecke.

http://health.yahoo.net/articles/oral-care/photos/20-things-that-can-ruin-your-smile#20

How to Teach Young Children to Practice Good Oral Hygiene

2011-06-28T20:30:00.002-07:00

Teaching children proper dental hygiene is an important part of their development into healthy adults. Brushing, flossing and rinsing help prevent dental cavities and disease as well as tooth loss. Parents should teach good dental health by both demonstration and example; the family that brushes together smiles together.

The Baby Basics of Brushing:

1. Clean baby teeth twice daily with a soft washcloth or gauze pad as soon as teeth erupt. Baby tooth enamel is much thinner than adult enamel, and consistent cleaning will prevent cavities. Use water (up to age 2) or a small, pea-size drop of fluoride toothpaste. This will not only clean the teeth but provide a soothing sensation to gums that are inflamed during the teething process.

2. Floss teeth as soon as two teeth are touching each other. This will prevent bacteria from becoming trapped between teeth.

3. The American Dental Association recommends that children have their first dental appointment around their first birthday. This allows the dentist to check for problems and evaluate the hygiene regimen early on.

The Basics of Brushing for Ages 3-7:

1. Children over 3 years old should begin brushing their teeth themselves, using a soft child's toothbrush. Instruct them to brush in a gentle circular motion, rinse thoroughly with water, and spit. They should be supervised by their parents until they are 6 or 7 years old. Children love to imitate adults, so brushing at this age could be a family activity, with parents demonstrating proper teeth-cleaning techniques.

2. Children should also begin flossing by themselves at age 3.

3. Replace toothbrushes every 6-12 months, with the toothbrush increasing in size according to the child's age. Choose brushes with a small head and medium bristles.

Do a Plaque Attack

1. Occasionally check the effectiveness of your child's hygiene routine with a "plaque attack." Plaque is a white substance that develops when food mixed with bacteria and saliva clings to teeth and forms cavities. To see how much plaque remains on the teeth after brushing, mix in a paper cup three to four drops of red food coloring into 2 tablespoons of water . Swish around in the mouth for 10 seconds. Spit it into the sink, but do not rinse. Use a magnifying or regular mirror to find the red spots of plaque. Brush these away, and note the areas where the initial brushing failed to remove the plaque.

2. After age 7, direct supervision is not as necessary, but parents should periodically watch their children brushing to be sure bad habits haven't begun.

3. Dental appointments every 6 months should be a family priority to ensure healthy teeth and gums.

Read more: How to Teach Young Children to Practice Good Oral Hygiene | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5619605_teach-practice-good-oral-hygiene.html#ixzz1QdFuF21I

Funny Article from The Daily Mail Newspaper June 1, 2011

2011-06-13T08:51:00.003-07:00

My Dentist Gave Me a New Accent

Most of us fear walking out of the dentist's surgery with a sore mouth and a hefty bill. But, one American's visit proved a little more traumatic - after she left with an English accent. Karen Butler, from Toledo, Oregon, has never travelled further than Mexico, but is now coming to terms with strangers asking her about "bangers and chips". The 56- year- old tax adviser was given an anaesthetic a year and a half ago while her dentist removed several teeth in Oregon. She said: "I woke up and my mouth was all sore and swollen, and I talked funny. The dentist said , "you'll talk normally when the swelling goes down."" But, while the swelling did go down, her voice did not change. Neurologist Ted Lowenkopf, of the Providence Stroke Centre in Oregon, diagnosed her with foreign accent syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. He suspects Miss Butler suffered a small stroke which damaged the part of her brain that affects speech pattern and intonation. She is not alone, last year, Sarah Colwill from Devon developed a Chinese accent after a severe migraine.

Living Social - The Best Daily Deals

2011-05-20T09:28:00.007-07:00

Hour-Long In-Office Whitening Treatment with Dental Consultation

Only 2 Days remaining!!

When a dentist asks, "What's your poison?" he doesn't want to know what gets you loopy -- he's just trying to figure out what's staining your fangs. Whether the answer is coffee, red wine, or chocolate (or all three), add a sparkle back to your smile with today's deal from Scottsdale Dental Arts: For $125, get a one-hour in-office whitening treatment, including a dental consultation (a $450 value). These family-friendly tooth techs use the Opalescence Boost whitening system to gently liven up your smile. The hydrogen peroxide-based, self-activating gel can brighten your teeth up to ten shades in four 15-minute sessions during your visit -- giving you a pearly-white grin that will sweeten any encounter.

Just click on the Title (above) for a whiter smile!!!

New Year's Resolutions - Smoking

2011-03-01T09:52:00.010-07:00

For those of you who made a New Year's Resolution on January 1, 2011 to stop smoking and you kept it as of today, congratulations! You have a million and one reasons to celebrate. In the United States, tobacco remains the single largest cause of preventable deaths and diseases.

The nicotine present in tobacco causes decreased oxygen to the heart, increased blood pressure and heart rate, increased blood clotting, and damage to the cells that line the coronary arteries and other blood vessels. This means that if you smoke it increases your risk of having coronary heart disease and/or a stroke by 2 to 4 times. It also means that if you are a man who smokes it increases your risk of being diagnosed with lung cancer by 23 times. And even if you don't smoke a lot, you are still causing damage to your body. People who smoke just one pack of cigarettes per day have more than twice the risk of heart attack than non-smokers.

From a dental perspective, Dr. Jason McCargar, a general and cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale Arizona, says cigarette smoking leads to almost 5,000 deaths per year that are caused by forms of lip, oral, and pharynx cancers. Smoking can be attributed to causing almost 8,500 deaths from esophageal cancer, and also causing nearly 125,500 deaths from trachea, lung, & bronchial cancer.

If you are not convinced to quit smoking yet, then here are a few more statistics to help convince you:
-In the United States, tobacco use is responsible for about one in five deaths annually
-Cigarette smoke contains at least 250 chemicals known to be toxic or carcinogenic
-Worldwide, tobacco use causes more than 5 million deaths per year, and current trends show that tobacco use will cause more than 8 million deaths annually by 2030
-Smokers die on average 13 to 14 years earlier than nonsmokers
-Cigarette smoking results in 5.1 million years of potential life lost in the U.S. annually
-People who stop smoking greatly reduce their risk for disease and premature death
-Smoking cessation lowers the risk for lung and other types of cancer
-Smoking cessation reduces the risk of coronary heart disease within 1 to 2 years of stopping.
-Smoking cessation in patients with heart disease lowers their risk of death by 36% over 3 to 7 years
-Smoking cessation reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD - one of the leading causes of death in the United States)
-Smoking cessation by women during their reproductive years reduces the risk for infertility
-Smoking cessation reduces respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath

Each year more than two-thirds of smokers want to quit. About one-half try, but fewer than one in 20 are successful without formal help. Studies show that a smoker will be more successful if they set an ideal quit date 2 weeks in the future, then remove all tobacco products from their environment. A smoker trying to quit is more successful with a support group, so get friends, family and coworkers on board. Call the national access number for State-based quitline services (1-800-QUIT-NOW). There's also great medical options to help prevent the nicotine withdrawal symptoms. Ask your pharmacist about the differences between the smoking cessation products Chantix, Nicotine replacement patches plus gum, or bupriopion. Then, make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the best option for you.

At Scottsdale Dental Arts we want you to prolong your life, reduce your risk of developing heart disease, high blood pressure, lung cancer, throat cancer, emphysema, and other smoking-related diseases. We want to see you feeling healthier, and saving money. We also want you to look better. If you made a New Year's Resolution to quit smoking and as of today you are still successful. Tell us how you did it! Quitting smoking can help prevent wrinkles in the face, and we can help you get rid of your stained teeth. If you are on the right path to a healthier you, we want to make sure your smile reflects that! Print off this blog article and bring it in for your next cleaning, exam and xrays. Then, ask us how you can get a discount on a take-home whitening kit!

Bad Breath

2011-02-16T10:25:00.001-07:00

Bad breath? Break free -- and how to tell a friend By Danielle Dellorto, CNNFebruary 14, 2011 10:00 a.m. EST

(CNN) -- Ida Alvarez avoided close conversations. She was afraid of what someone might tell her. She was pretty sure she had really bad breath.

"It is such an embarrassing situation," Alvarez, 31, of Los Angeles told CNN. "There was always a bitter taste in my mouth, but I didn't want to ask anyone if my breath smelled bad because I was afraid of a negative reply."

Her keep-a-distance approach might be a good strategy given most of our natural reaction to bad breath, known medically as halitosis. It can wilt your love life, and even cost you that new job, according to surveys.

However, the 90 million Americans who suffer from bad breath -- and the innocent bystanders -- will be glad to know that the unwanted odor is easier to get rid of than you might think.

Do you have it?

The first thing to do is determine if your breath is fresh or foul. Most people with stinky breath aren't even aware they have it, because the brain becomes acclimated to one's own personal scent. The good news is there are ways to self-diagnose.

Start with a tongue check. What color is it? A pink, shiny tongue indicates fresh breath. However, a tongue that's white and scaly in appearance can indicate bad breath, according to Dr. Harold Katz, bacteriologist and founder of the California Breath Clinic.

Smelling your own breath in cupped hands is not the best way to check for halitosis, Katz says. Instead, lick the back of your hand, let it dry for a few seconds, and then smell the surface.

Alvarez's fears of bad breath had her so self-conscious she avoided kissing her significant other. "I would brush my teeth but was still worried he'd think I was gross."

It's important to remember that bad breath is typically not a sign of bad dental hygiene. "It usually has nothing to do with teeth," Katz says. "You can have good teeth, rotten teeth or no teeth at all and still have bad breath. It has to do with the tongue."

Think of your tongue as a shaggy carpet and your mouth as a mobile chemistry lab. More than 600 types of bacteria are found in the average mouth. Many of those bacteria get trapped under the surface of the tongue and cause the bad breath.

How to fight it

Fighting the smelly bacteria is like preparing for battle.

Stay hydrated. A dry mouth is a breeding ground for offensive-smelling bacteria on your tongue.

"Saliva has oxygen in it, which makes it a natural enemy for the foul-smelling bacteria," Katz says. "They can't live in the presence of oxygen, so drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum can produce saliva and naturally get rid of bad breath."

Popping a sugar-free mint or using mouthwash aren't bad ideas, but they're only temporary fixes. They mask the smell but won't kill the bacteria that cause the odor.

And watching what you eat doesn't just apply to your waistline. Some foods can trigger bad breath. If you're worried, limit consumption of foods like garlic, onions, curry, and fish. Acidic beverages like beer, wine, coffee and soda can also be a trigger. They all contain foul-odor-releasing compounds that get absorbed into your bloodstream. The odor is given off in your breath until all of the food is out of your body. Limit chocolate candy and sweets, as well. The sugar helps bacteria to reproduce in your mouth, leading to bad breath.

On the flip side, there are foods that fix bad breath, Katz says.

Green tea has anti-bacterial properties that knock out the stink. Cinnamon contains essential oils that kill many types of oral bacteria. Try adding fresh cinnamon to your morning toast or oatmeal, or adding a stick to flavor your tea.

Eating crisp fruits and vegetables, such as celery or apples, offers dual bad-breath-busting benefits. Chewing them will produce more saliva in your mouth, and the firm texture will also help scrub away bacteria, according to Katz. Melons and berries also help.

"I tell my patients to load up on berries, melons, oranges, and other foods high in Vitamin C, because they help kill smelly bacteria naturally," Katz says.

If you modify your lifestyle and eating habits yet bad breath persists, contact your health care provider to make sure it isn't a sign of a more serious medical condition. Roughly 10% of bad breath cases are a symptom of chronic sinus or respiratory infection, reflux disease, liver and kidney disorder, cancer or diabetes. These diseases can release chemicals into the body that result in bad breath.

How to break bad breath news

Don't forget that most people can't smell their own breath. So if you detect a friend's bad breath, you should speak up.

Granted, telling a a close colleague, friend or lover that his or her breath is offensive can be awkward for everybody involved. But it is the right thing to do. After all, if you were the one with stinky breath, wouldn't you want to know?

"My mom was the one who finally told me my breath smelled bad. She couldn't hold back," Alvarez says. "It embarrassed me at first, but I'm happy she said something, because now I watch what I eat, drink more water and use products to get rid of it."

Patricia Napier-Fitzpatrick, founder of The Etiquette School of New York, acknowledges the delicacy of the issue, but says speaking up is all part of having good manners. "If people are talking about them behind their back, it turns into a worse situation. If you respect the person, it's your duty to tell them."

There are two possible approaches, according to Fitzpatrick.

Sit down with your friend in a private setting and be direct. Begin the conversation by telling them you believe there is something they would want to know and that you aren't sure they are aware of the problem.

Or, if you know the person is sensitive, you may need to be more cautious about your approach. Delicately bring up the issue by carrying mints with you. Take one yourself first and then offer one to your friend who has bad breath. If the person doesn't accept, Fitzpatrick says it is acceptable to offer a nudge by simply saying, "I think you should."

First impressions, professional and personally, are long-lasting. So don't let bad breath wilt your image. In most cases, taking simple steps to control the chemistry lab living inside your mouth will keep you smelling fresh.

Your 2011 Dental Questions...

2011-01-27T11:49:00.004-07:00

10 Oral Health Questions—Answered partner
by Woman's Day, on Tue Jan 11, 2011 3:13pm PST 315 Keep
your pearly whites in peak condition for better overall wellness
By Sarah-Reistad-Long

Your teeth can reveal a lot about your overall wellness—research has linked poor oral health to conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, stroke and autoimmune disorders. The issue is twofold. If you already have one of these conditions, some signs may show up in your mouth: People with uncontrolled diabetes, for example, are more likely to have gum disease, cavities and oral infections. On the flip side, gum disease can increase your risk of developing health issues in the first place. That’s because the bad bacteria in your mouth (a cause of inflammation) can actually make their way into the rest of the body, causing other areas to become inflamed.

“The cardiovascular connection is known to be especially strong,” says New York City–based periodontist James Jacobs, DMD. For example, one British study showed that people who brush infrequently were 70 percent more likely to suffer from heart disease than those who brush twice a day.

Maybe you’re thinking, I brush. I floss—at least sometimes. Isn’t that enough? Probably not, considering that a whopping 85 percent of American adults suffer from gum disease, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. But it’s not too late to reform your ways. Here, we address your top concerns so you can keep your pearly whites in peak condition. Your good health depends on it.

Is there a right way to brush?

Yes! Grip your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gumline, so it’s slightly pointing up, and apply gentle pressure as you use a combo of back-and-forth and up-and-down strokes, says Santa Monica–based dentist Nushin Shir, DDS. Make sure you brush each tooth all over, as well as the gumline. And don’t rush! A thorough brushing lasts about 2 minutes, so aim to spend about 30 seconds on each quarter of your mouth.

Are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones?

Most dentists think so, even though studies are mixed. If you use them the right way, they prevent you from brushing too hard (which can wear away the enamel, the outer protective layer of the tooth, and make gums bleed) or, more important, not long enough (most have a built-in timer that beeps when 2 minutes are up). They’re also thorough. “Some electric toothbrushes go as fast as 40,000 strokes per second. You just can’t do that manually,” says Jeffrey Golub-Evans, DDS, founder of the New York Center for Cosmetic Dentistry and a past president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. The downside: Some can cost more than $100, though it’s possible to find them for as low as $30.

For a less expensive option, consider a batteryoperated brush. They may lack some bells and whistles, but whether you choose a brush that uses replaceable batteries or you opt for the disposable variety, they should still work well. Catrise Austin, DDS, author of 5 Steps to the Hollywood A-List Smile, likes the disposable Oral-B Pulsar 3D White Advanced Vivid Toothbrush, which is only $3.49. If you prefer to stick with a manual, that’s fine—just make sure that it’s labeled soft, since harder brushes can wear down the enamel and cause tooth sensitivity. Remember to replace your brush (or change the head) every three months.

What’s the best type of floss?

Whatever kind you’ll actually use (waxed or unwaxed)—studies show they work equally well. The key is to floss every day. In fact, dentists wish you’d do it twice a day—it’s the only way to remove all the food and plaque (a film that harbors bacteria) that gets stuck between your teeth, says Dr. Austin. Plaque ups the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, which makes you more likely to have bleeding gums and even lose some teeth as you get older. But if you’re only going to floss once a day, do it at night (so you don’t sleep with food particles in your mouth).

How can I get rid of bad breath?

Two words: tongue scraper. Researchers from the University of Sao Paulo in Brazil found that using one improved bad breath as much as 75 percent by removing the bacteria and residue that builds up on your tongue.

Other possible halitosis culprits include heartburn or acid reflux (chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can help) and gum disease, which can cause your gums to recede and bacteria to get stuck. If you have persistent bad breath that doesn’t get better when you use a tongue scraper or chew gum, see your dentist or a periodontist. If the problem turns out to be gum disease, you may need a series of deep cleanings (generally done with local anesthesia) to remove bacteria and diseased tissue.

As I’m getting older, it seems as if more food is getting stuck between my teeth. Am I imagining this?

Not at all. The enamel wears down with age, so your teeth get a little smaller and the spaces between them get slightly wider, which means food gets trapped more easily. Eroding enamel can also make your teeth more sensitive. If you have extensive damage to your enamel (you may notice darker, more yellow spots on your teeth), bonding can help, says Emanuel Layliev, DDS, president of the New York Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. It entails having your dentist apply a toothcolored plastic filling to the front and back of teeth. The cost can add up (about $150 to $300 per tooth), though insurance often covers at least a portion of it when bonding is done to repair damage (as opposed to for purely cosmetic reasons).

Can I tell if I have a cavity?

Sometimes. The tipoffs: pain or sensitivity in just one area, or a brownish stain on the top of the tooth, says Dr. Shir. Bad breath can also be a sign; a decaying tooth can be a breeding ground for bacteria. But of course, the only way to know for sure is to see your dentist.

Do I really need to go to the dentist twice a year?

Absolutely! Waiting too long between visits means more scraping, because plaque that sits on your teeth for a while hardens and turns into tartar (also called calculus). Going twice a year also gives your dentist a chance to catch a cavity early, when it’s just forming. In that case, you might not even need any filling or drilling; you may simply be sent home with a fluoride treatment to redeposit some of the minerals that have worn away, says Dr. Jacobs. Wait too long, however, and the cavity will progress and can infect a nearby nerve, which means you could end up needing a costly root canal. Frequent visits also mean more opportunity for your dentist to spot signs of an illness that’s affecting your whole body.

What is the best drugstore teeth-whitening option?

Whitening strips, such as Crest Whitestrips, says Dr. Golub-Evans. “They deliver a premeasured, evenly distributed amount of hydrogen peroxide to your teeth. Results build over prolonged use, so I’d recommend the 2- to 3-week ones over the stronger 4- to 7-day option.” Spreading it out also results in less sensitivity. You won’t get as powerful a result as you would from a professional whitening treatment, but they can definitely give you a subtle lift that lasts for 6 months.

Whitening kits that use trays (a tray with a gel mixture goes on your upper teeth and another goes on the lower ones) are also effective, but they tend to be messier, harder to use and can irritate your gums (unless you get custom-fit ones from your dentist). If you go this route, make sure to get one that doesn’t require you to measure and distribute the bleach yourself, because it’s too difficult to do it evenly.

I’ve seen laser whitening treatments being offered in spas and malls. Are they safe?

Maybe—but only if a dental professional (such as a dentist or dental hygienist) is administering them. “I once met a banker who was performing these whitenings for extra income!” says Dr. Austin. The problem: An untrained person could end up damaging your teeth, and many people are selling products that haven’t been proven safe or effective. In fact, states including Tennessee and Alabama have recently banned teeth-whitening kiosks that aren’t operated by dentists.

If you do opt for laser whitening (ideally at a dentist’s office), here’s how it works: A highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide formula will be spread over your teeth. You’ll then sit in front of a laser or other activating light designed to help the formula penetrate, and walk out of the office about an hour later with a whiter smile. Dentist-approved treatments including Zoom! and BriteSmile are safe, but some people experience pain and sensitivity during or after the process. Recently, some dentists have started offering a laser-free option called Opalescence. It involves using a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide, but it also has fluoride to help reduce sensitivity. Expect a professional whitening treatment to cost between $250 and $600 and for the effects to last for one to five years, depending on your habits. Photo: Shutterstock

Head overseas to save on dental work? Maybe

Dental insurance—if you have it—often isn’t very comprehensive. Paying out of pocket or subsidizing a skimpy policy may be fine when it comes to routine cleanings, but if you need substantial work done, it can end up setting you back thousands of dollars. Because of this, a small but growing number of people are jumping on the medical tourism bandwagon. Statistics are hard to come by, but at the last official count (in 2006), about 200,000 Americans were traveling abroad for dental work alone. The top destinations in recent years: Mexico, India, Costa Rica and Hungary (the latter has a high number of well-trained dental professionals per capita, which has driven down costs). The savings are often considerable.

In the best-case scenario, you’ll see a dentist with good credentials (some have even been trained in the U.S.) and maybe do a little sightseeing, says Neilesh Patel, DDS, CEO/ founder of HealthCare Tourism International, a nonprofit medical tourism website that connects patients with safe, accredited international providers. On the other hand, you’re dealing with different standards of care and sanitary practices, and you’re doing it far from home (even if things go well, follow-ups or unforeseen emergencies can pose a tricky problem). From sorting through language barriers to determining which foreign seals of approval are actually credible, it can take a whole lot of work to make sure your practitioner is up to par. “Of the dental work I’ve seen from Mexico, I would say that the majority of cases would not meet the U.S. standard of care,” says Dr. Patel. “It’s important to do your homework.”

If you’re still up to the challenge, start by looking for professionals that are endorsed on a reputable site. Some are: Dr. Patel’s HealthCare Tourism International ( HealthCareTrip.org); the International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers ( IAMAT.org), a site recommended by the American Dental Association; or Medical Tourism International ( MediTourInternational.com), a for-profit organization made up of international hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers that are screened and inspected to ensure that they adhere to a strict set of standards. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, the ADA suggests reviewing the educational information at The Organization for Safety, Asepsis and Prevention’s website ( OSAP.org; click on “resources” and then “travel”).

Lastly, if you’re very concerned about having all your i’s dotted and t’s crossed, you may want to consider booking through a medical tourism travel agency. Planet Hospital ( PlanetHospital.com), a California-based company, is generally considered to be the most reputable.

Original article appeared on WomansDay.com.

Tooth Erosion due to Acidic Foods

2011-01-05T12:07:00.010-07:00

According to research done by GlaxoSmithKline, 50% of U.S. dental professionals report seeing an increase in acid erosion compared to 5 years ago. Signs of acid erosion include changing of shape and loss of contour of the tooth, surfaces that lack shine and look dull, loss of surface ridges or texture, transparency, and a dull yellow appearance. In more advanced stages of acid erosion a total loss of the biting edges of the teeth can occur due to the brittleness and lack of enamel. People that suffer from acid erosion are susceptible to cavities, cracks, and loss of teeth.

Foods that are acidic can lead to tooth erosion. Please refer to the chart below for a list of the acidity levels of some foods and drinks. For reference a pH of about 7 is neutral and a pH of 1 is very acidic. (click on chart to enlarge)

Dr. Jason McCargar, a dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona says that "the pH of the food or liquid is not the sole indicator of how damaging it can be to your teeth. For example, soda is acidic and can cause acid erosion to the teeth. But, drinking the soda through a straw and limiting how frequently you drink soda can drastically decrease your chances of having tooth erosion and tooth decay."

Your Guide to Fluoride

2011-01-04T21:15:00.019-07:00

Fluoride is used to prevent cavities. It was originally thought that fluoride worked to decrease cavities solely by making the enamel stronger. However, new studies have determined that fluoride also helps in re-mineralization (a process of rebuilding the tooth after damage) and fighting bacteria. The use of fluoride has substantially declined the rate of cavities.

When children receive an adequate level of fluoride the enamel of the teeth is found to have a formation of fluorapatite crystals that are smaller and stronger and more resistant to breakdown. Fluoride can also act in a process called bacterial inhibition to stop the production of cavities by interfering with cavity-forming bacteria found in plaque.

Fluoride can be found in many sources. Fluoride is intentionally added to toothpaste, some mouth rinses, fluoridated water, and fluoride supplements. It is found naturally in some well water, in some brewed tea, in some bottled water, and some fish. (Products made from or that come from naturally fluoridated water.)

Fluoride was first introduced into the water supply intentionally to help prevent cavities in the 1940s. Communities in Arizona that have chosen to adjust the fluoride level in their drinking water include but are not limited to: Bisbee, Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, El Mirage, Mesa, and Yuma.

Fluoride levels can fluctuate, but are strictly controlled by the local water treatment plant. “The best source of information on fluoride levels in your water system is your local water utility. All water utilities must provide their consumers with a Consumer Confidence Report that provides information on a system’s water quality, including its fluoridation level. The state drinking water administrator or state oral health program also should be able to help you identify the fluoride level of your drinking water. Optimal fluoride levels recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service and CDC for drinking water range from 0.7 parts per million (ppm) for warmer climates to 1.2 ppm for cooler climates to account for the tendency for people to drink more water in warmer climates.”(2)

For example, The City of Chandler strives to maintain fluoride levels at the Sewage Waste Treatment Plant between 0.7 & 1.0 PPM, which is the level recommended by the National Public Service, EPA and the American Dental Association. Ground water does not receive additional fluoride, however, the natural occurring fluoride averages 0.9 PPM. (2) Furthermore, the city of Scottsdale does not add fluoride to the drinking water. However, Scottsdale water sources contain low levels of naturally-occurring fluoride ranging from 0.3 to 1.0pp.(3)

Data obtained from 1992 to 2004 shows the naturally occurring level of fluoride in Maricopa county. It is broken down in this chart based on the water system. As you can see the levels naturally occurring are higher than the recommended levels by the ADA and the EPA. In cases such as this, as a public health measure, the excess fluoride would be removed during processing.

(4)http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/levels/arizona.html

The Environmental Protection Agency has set a maximum level of 4 mg/L fluoride for human consumption. Levels above this can cause fluorosis. The symptoms of mild fluorosis include white mottled areas of enamel due to hypomineralization which can cause a cosmetic concern. More severe fluorosis can result in pitted and malformed areas of enamel and brittle enamel. Fluorosis does not occur in adults because it must occur during pre-eruptive enamel maturation (development of the adult tooth before it erupts from the gum tissue); ingestion of excess fluoride after this developmental phase cannot result in fluorosis. Generally most children have developed all their adult teeth by the age of 8 and therefore, it is very unlikely to see fluorosis in someone older than this age.

In contrast, Reverse osmosis typically removes at least 80% of most constituents, including fluoride. However, you may want to contact the manufacturer of the reverse osmosis device to determine the removal rate for your system. It is possible that if you have fluoridated water and use a reverse osmosis system in your home, then you are not getting adequate levels of fluoride.

If the water supply does not provide adequate fluoride, then supplementation can help to decrease the risk of developing cavities. For children under 16 years of age, chewing or sucking fluoride tablets and lozenges prior to swallowing will maximize the effect of these supplements by providing an additional topical effect before being absorbed systemically. Current recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, ADA, and American Academy of Pediatrics are to start fluoride supplements, if required, at 6 months of age because prior to that most infants do not have teeth.
The selection, use, and frequency of various types of fluoride treatments for an individual patient are based on his or her risk level, ADA recommendations, patient age, product efficacy, clinical support, safety, ease of use, and patient preference. Your dentist can provide an in-office fluoride treatment in the form of a varnish, gel, foam or rinse. The concentration of in-office fluoride treatments is significantly higher than at-home treatments. The use of at-home fluoride treatments include toothpastes/ gels, and rinses. At home dentifrice (for example: a toothpaste such as colgate or crest) twice daily provides a regular supply of fluoride that results in the presence of low levels of fluoride intra-orally on the teeth and soft tissues. (5) Dr. McCargar, a dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona states that at-home fluoride treatments are most effective if the patient does not swish with water after using. "Many people after brushing rinse their mouth with water, this washes away the fluoride treatment. An extensive number of clinical trials have demonstrated a significant reduction in cavities if people use the fluoride treatments as directed."

(1) http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/MWF/Index.asp
(2) http://www.chandleraz.gov/default.aspx?pageid=458
(3)http://www.scottsdaleaz.gov/Water/quality/Drinking/FAQ.asp
(4)http://www.fluoridealert.org/pesticides/levels/arizona.html
(5) Twetman S. Caries prevention with fluoride toothpaste in children: an update. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent. 2009 Sep; 10(3):162-67

7 Things Your Teeth Say About Your Health

2010-12-08T11:25:00.000-07:00

7 Things Your Teeth Say About Your Health

Taking care of your teeth during pregnancy

2010-12-02T13:41:00.002-07:00

It is very important to take care of your teeth and your gums during pregnancy. The hormones that are helping your baby grow can sometimes cause havoc for your teeth. Watch this video from WebMD... http://www.webmd.com/video/eddleman-dental-hygiene-during-pregnancy

The truth about that sneeze thanks to Mythbusters on the Discovery Channel

2010-11-12T12:52:00.004-07:00

You are on an elevator and the person next to you sneezes. If they cover the sneeze with their hand, then there is no way you will get sick, right? Wrong!! Check out this amazing video on Mythbusters by the Discovery Channel. http://dsc.discovery.com/videos/mythbusters-flu-fiction/ It compares covering a sneeze with a hand, a handkerchief, or an elbow. It is amazing to find out the results. Watch for yourself to help protect the people around you this flu season.

Do you have the smile of Scottsdale?

2010-10-26T17:22:00.004-07:00

Do you have the Smile of Scottsdale? At Scottsdale Dental Arts, Dr. McCargar and his staff are providing a free smile makeover. Tell us why you should be chosen to have the smile of Scottsdale in 250 words or less. How would improving your smile improve your life? Entry details and competition rules available at: www.ScottsdaleDentalArts.com

Complete Smile Makeover courtesy of Scottsdale Dental Arts and Kierland Smile Design.

Ask the Dentist about Dry Mouth

2010-10-26T16:50:00.007-07:00

How do I treat this dry mouth?

The first step in treating dry mouth is determining the cause. Are you taking any of the following medications? Tricyclics, SSRIs, clonidine, antihistamines, oxybutynin, or any other anticholinergics? If you answered yes, then discuss with the doctor that prescribed the medicine if it is possible for you to stop the medicine, switch to another, or possibly lower the dose. (Please note we do not recommend you stop any medication without your doctor's permission.) If you answered that you do not use the above medications, then do you use caffeine, or tobacco, or drink alcohol? If you answer yes, then start decreasing the amount that you use. If you use tobacco there are solutions for breaking that bad habit. If you still answered no to the above, then other culprits can be poor diabetes control, cancer radiation, or an autoimmune disease called Sjogren's syndrome.

The second step is finding a treatment that helps. Swishing water in the mouth frequently and using a humidifier at night is a great place to start. Sugarless hard candy or gum can also help to stimulate saliva. (Check the ingredients and choose sugar-free candy containing xylitol which studies show may actually help to prevent cavities). These stimulants will only work if your salivary glands are working properly. If they are not working properly, then you will need to use a saliva substitute, such as Biotene Gel, or Mouth Kote.

"Treat" your teeth this Halloween

2010-10-18T12:35:00.005-07:00

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build up the stockpile of sweets for the winter. Being one of the most fun times of the year for families, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges.

The American Dental Association, America's premier source of oral health information, has prepared a list of 10 suggestions to help parents maintain good oral health for their children around the Halloween holiday and throughout the year.

1. Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.
Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

3. Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.
The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay.

4. Drink more water.
Consuming optimally fluoridated water can help prevent tooth decay. If you choose bottled water, check the label for the fluoride content.

5. Maintain a healthy diet and make sure the meals you eat are nutritious.
Your body is like a complex machine. The foods you choose as fuel and how often you "fill up" affect your general health and that of your teeth and gums.

6. Avoid beverages with added sugar such as soda, sports drinks or flavored waters.
When teeth come in frequent contact with beverages that contain sugar, the risk of tooth decay is increased.

7. Chew gum that has the ADA Seal.
Chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after meals has been shown to reduce tooth decay, because increased saliva flow helps wash out food and neutralize the acid produced by dental plaque bacteria.

8. Brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won't do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

9. Clean between teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
Decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can't reach. Flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.

10. Visit an ADA-member dentist for more information on maintaining your oral health. Dr. Jason McCargar is an ADA-member dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Dr. Oz's Ultimate Stress Checklist

2010-10-12T11:34:00.001-07:00

<< prev 1 2 3 next >> Practice Mindful Eating Several times throughout the day...

Getting a Flu Shot lowers Heart Attack Risk

2010-09-29T12:59:00.006-07:00

By Marrecca Fiore

A new study from the United Kingdom finds that getting a flu shot in the fall can prevent the onset of a first heart attack by an average of 19 percent.

The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, suggests a link between influenza, pneumonia and heart attacks, as heart attacks typically increase during the winter months. Because of this, researchers believe getting vaccinated against the flu in the early fall may prevent the increase of heart attacks during the winter months.

U.K. researchers looked at 78,706 patients ages 40 and older from 379 family doctor practices in England and Wales. Of the patients, 16,012 had heart attacks, 8,472 of which had been vaccinated. The researchers found that having an influenza vaccination within the past year was associated with a significantly reduced rate of having a heart attack.

Early vaccination, between September and Mid-November, was associated with the highest reduction rate, about 21 percent. Late vaccination reduced the risk by 12 percent.

"Our findings reinforce current recommendations for annual influenza vaccination of target groups, with a potential added benefit for prevention of acute myocardial infarction in those without established cardiovascular disease," writes Dr. Niroshan Siriwardena, University of Lincoln, United Kingdom with coauthors Stella Gwini and Carol Coupland, in the study. "This benefit may lead to an increase in suboptimal rates of vaccination, particularly among younger patients."

The researchers adjusted their findings for bias because people at risk for heart attacks were more likely to get flu shots than those not at risk.

They concluded that if similar studies also find that the flu shot prevents heart attacks, it could lead to a change in recommendations for timing and indications for the vaccination.

A smile makeover that delivers confidence!

2010-09-28T12:58:00.002-07:00

Meet Merranda, she is an actual patient that recently had a smile makeover. Dr. Jason McCargar helped Merranda gain more confidence in her smile by giving her new veneers. At Scottsdale Dental Arts we feel that Merranda is now the poster child for what a natural, beautiful, healthy smile should look like. We specialize in cosmetic and general dentistry, so whatever your need is we are able to help. Give our office a call today to schedule a consulation with Dr. McCargar.

Scottsdale Dental Arts has updated the website!

2010-09-15T10:53:00.004-07:00

At Scottsdale Dental Arts we strive to provide you with exceptional service. Our motto is "making people smile." We want every aspect of your dental experience to be comfortable and enjoyable. That is why we have updated our website. Check it out! http://www.scottsdaledentalarts.com/

We offer a range of dental services including family dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. The Scottsdale, Arizona, cosmetic dentist delivers patient-specific smile makeovers, but his sense of humor is just as likely to produce a gleaming grin. “Helping people relax is always a priority,” says Dr. McCargar. “Our patients enjoy our homelike atmosphere where they are respected as if they are members of our own families.”

Right now in honor of our updated website we are offering special coupons. Check out: http://www.scottsdaledentalarts.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Microsoft-Word-Website-Coupons.pdf to print yours today! We are conveniently located just of the 101 and Shea. Come in and visit us today.

Makeover your smile

2010-08-31T21:45:00.005-07:00

Every six months you routinely go to your dental appointment to maintain a healthy smile. But, did you realize your dentist can also help to make you look younger? Discoloration on your teeth is a telltale sign of your age. Yellow stains on your teeth can occur from smoking, drinking coffee, drinking tea, and drinking red wine. The yellowing of your teeth begins to occur in your twenties and progressively increases each decade of life. Sometimes with advancing age teeth can also naturally start turning a shade of gray. This grayish discoloration is often due to receding nerves in the teeth that deprive the teeth of nourishment and cause them to turn brittle and gray.

You can look years younger in just one hour at the dentist. In Scottsdale Arizona, Dr. Jason McCargar uses Zoom! Whitening. This whitening method coats the teeth in a hydrogen preoxide solution, and then a heatless light is shone onto the teeth activating the bleaching action. The dentist will replace the hydrogen peroxide solution on the teeth every 15 minutes until the desired degree of white is achieved. Some offices will offer discounts to new patients or if you refer them a new patient, so be sure to ask your dentist about this service. If you just need your teeth whitened a few shades Crest White Strips are an effective and safe over-the-counter alternative for you to use at home. The clear strip is placed onto the teeth and worn for about 15 to 30 minutes. After wearing the strips daily for about two weeks your teeth will be noticeable whiter.

The dental aisle break down

2010-08-24T17:28:00.007-07:00

The dental aisle can at times be intimidating. With so many choices, how do you know that you are choosing the right toothpaste?

First of all, the toothpaste must contain fluoride. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, brushing with a toothpaste containing fluoride decreases your risk of tooth decay by as much as 40 percent. There are other generic brands and organic brands that may claim to clean or whiten teeth just as good as the brand names, but if they do not contain fluoride, then they are not worth the money. Look for the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval. Only the products that have the seal of the ADA have undergone scientific research to determine they are safe and effective for use on your teeth. The ADA has approved over 50 different kinds of toothpaste, so it should be easy to find one that is within your budget and that your taste buds will approve of.

Many people are also overwhelmed by the additional ingredients in the toothpaste. To make the toothpaste foam the manufacturers put a product into it called sodium lauryl sulfate. If you are prone to canker sores sodium lauryl sulfate may be the culprit. Try choosing a toothpaste that has less of it like Colgate original or try Tom’s Natural toothpaste which does not contain this ingredient at all. Other manufacturers add thickening agents such as seaweed colloids, mineral colloids, and natural gums. All of these products are safe and effective and help to give the toothpaste the consistency that you are used to. If you are looking for whiter teeth, then Crest and Colgate both make really good whitening toothpastes. These toothpastes contain mild abrasives that help to remove surface stains on your teeth (like baking soda). With repeated daily use you will see a whiter smile; however, it will not get your teeth as white as your dentist can get them using bleaching agents. The commercials that you have seen claiming that foaming toothpastes work better than normal pastes or gels are not exactly accurate either. Some people do prefer the foaming toothpastes, but it is more of a personal preference, which only you can decide through trial and error. There are also toothpastes for people with sensitive teeth. Sensodyne is a great toothpaste to help decrease the sensitivity of teeth to hot or cold.

Next, how much toothpaste you put on your toothbrush is also important. A brush that is overflowing with toothpaste is not going to clean your teeth any better. It is recommended that you apply only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the toothbrush. Also, no matter what brand of toothpaste you use, if you are brushing incorrectly, then debris will never properly be removed from your teeth. Dr. Jason McCargar, a Scottsdale dentist, says “to brush properly, it is important to move the brush in small circles and to hold the brush at a 45 degree angle. Doing this ensures that the bristles get in between the teeth and that the bristles also effectively clean out plaque at the gumline. It is recommended that you brush for about two minutes.”

So, next time you are in the dental aisle wondering which toothpaste to choose, use our flow chart to help pick. (click to enlarge)

Do these genes make my teeth look unhealthy?

2010-08-11T16:59:00.008-07:00

DNA contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms. These genetic instructions are the genes that have been passed down to you by your parents. Your genes determine your height, your hair color, your eye color, and your body shape. But, did you know that genes may also play a role in gingivitis?

Researchers from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and Procter & Gamble Oral Care have identified more than 9,000 genes (approximately 30% of the human genome) that are expressed differently during the onset and healing process of gingivitis. Gingivitis, which literally means inflammation of the gum tissue, is part of an immune response to bacteria. Bacterium is found in plaque-buildup on and around your teeth. Even though the area of plaque may be small the bacteria release large amounts of endotoxins. The endotoxins cause the gum tissue to become swollen, red, and inflamed. Due to the swelling the cells inside the gum tissue do not receive enough oxygen; to compensate for this lack of oxygen the cells trigger the body to produce additional capillaries near to the surface of the gums. More capillaries forming on the surface of the gums means easier bleeding when you brush or floss. This whole inflammatory process is activated by your immune system to fight the bacteria. The research team found that the specific gene expression pathways associated with stopping the plaque overgrowth and bacteria are the same as those involved in wound healing and skin repair.

The study's main author, Steven Offenbacher, DDS, PhD, is quoted as saying, "The study's findings demonstrate that clinical symptoms of gingivitis reflect complicated changes in cellular and molecular processes within the body. Understanding the thousands of individual genes and multiple systems involved in gingivitis will help explain exactly what is occurring in a person's body at the onset of the disease and how it relates to their overall health." By studying the genes and the pathways that result in gingivitis it may be possible in the future to develop new medicines that may help to prevent gingivitis. Traditionally, gingivitis has been attributed to poor oral health habits; however, with this new clinical research it may be possible to prevent and fight gingivitis using a person’s specific genes.

Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD a Scottsdale Dentist says, “While these results are promising for the future of dentistry, the most important way to treat gingivitis is to prevent it.” Currently, gingivitis can be very difficult to treat. The focus of the treatment is to remove the causative agent, the bacteria. Periodontal scaling, antibiotics, antiseptic mouthwashes, and gum surgery are just a few examples of treatment options. Gingivitis can easily progress beyond just inflammation of the gums and can infect bone tissue of the jaw. Complications of gingivitis include recurring infection, bone loss, tooth loss, and periodontitis. Dr. McCargar stresses that regular oral hygiene appointments every 6 months, and brushing and flossing twice daily helps to remove bacteria-causing plaque, keeps your teeth and your gums healthy, and helps to prevent gingivitis.

Will your teeth flunk out of school this semester?

2010-08-03T11:19:00.005-07:00

College students have a higher incidence of tooth decay than some other age groups according to research. The tooth decay in this age group is likely caused by nutritional choices and acid erosion. College is difficult and stressful. Students cram late into the night studying for tests, then wake up early each day for class. This schedule causes students to choose sodas, coffee, chips, starchy foods like pizza or pasta, and sports drinks. This on-the-run nutrition contains acids and sugars that can deplete the tooth of needed minerals to stay healthy. Without the protective minerals your teeth can become weak and vulnerable to decay.

So, don't let your teeth flunk out of college. There are many ways to improve the health of your teeth and your nutritional habits. Every once in awhile, substitute water for your soda or coffee. Eat carrots or other crunchy vegetables instead of chips for a snack. (Studies show the rigidity of the vegetables can actually help to scrape off some plaque as you chew). It is fine to have sweets in moderation, but try to chew a gum containing xylitol (Trident) immediately after to help prevent decay-causing bacteria. It takes less than 5 minutes to brush and floss, so make sure you are doing this morning and night. Even if you are far from home, you should still see a dentist twice yearly for a cleaning and an exam. Often your campus health office will have a licensed dental hygienist or a dental hygiene student who can clean your teeth for a lesser cost if you do not have insurance. Dr. McCargar, a dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona says, "Remember, you are studying hard to better your mind and your life. Don't sabotage your health and your teeth by neglecting them. You will want to make a good first impression at your first job interview after graduation!"

Ask the Dentist: How often do I need X-Rays?

2010-07-28T16:28:00.009-07:00

As a society we are taught that radiation is scary and bad. That it can cause cancer. We have seen the three-eyed fish exposed to nuclear waste on the Simpsons and watched as an ordinary man was bit by a radioactive spider and turned into Spiderman. But, are you aware at how beneficial radiation can be? X-rays are a type of radiation that help to diagnose bone disease, bone loss, infections in the root of the tooth, abscesses, cysts, unseen decay between teeth and sometimes even tumors.

When an x-ray is taken of your tooth, the film is the small square that is placed on the tongue-side of the tooth. The camera is then aimed at the tooth that will be imaged and a picture is taken. The act of the "picture" is really a small amount of radiation that leaves the camera in the form of a gamma ray, it cannot pass through thick material such as a tooth. So, the image left on the film only shows dark areas where the rays passed through air or your skin to react on the film. The rays can pass through cavities or cracks in your teeth (because these areas are mostly air) and these will show up as small, dark, cloudy areas on the film as well. Your dentist has many years of schooling to determine how to read the radiograph and to look for areas of the tooth that appear darker or cloudy.

Dr. McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts says, "The need for x-rays is dependent on the patient's particular situation. Patients with high risk factors for decay might require x-rays every 6 months during their cleaning and exam. High risk factors include dry mouth, recent decay, or gum disease. Patients with low risk factors for decay might require an x-ray every 12 to 24 months." Often dental insurance does not cover x-rays more frequently than every 12 months.

This small amount of radiation that you receive during an x-ray is not dangerous or hazardous for your health. High speed films and lead apron shields allow dentists to take a complete oral series with exposure 800 times lower than a chest x-ray. Digital dental x-ray systems further reduce exposure by 50 percent.

Is your morning tea helping to fight cavities?

2010-07-20T16:29:00.003-07:00

http://www.newbeauty.com/dailybeauty/entry.aspx?id=3677
You probably get most of your cavity-preventing fluoride from toothpaste and tap water—unless you're a fan of black tea. Previous estimates of the fluoride level in this popular breakfast brew have been miscalculated, according to recent research.

Past studies have used a measuring technique that determined black tea's fluoride to be between one and five milligrams per liter. However, Dr. Gary Whitford, professor at the Medical College of Georgia's School of Dentistry, used a new method of analysis that revealed black tea could contain as much as nine milligrams per liter.

The average American ingests approximately two or three milligrams of fluoride every day.

Although this is good news for the moderate tea drinker, it could spell danger for constant consumers of black tea. Excessive fluoride can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a painful bone disease. However, sufferers whose diagnoses have been linked to black tea are believed to have drunk over a gallon of it every day for more than a decade.

If you decide to up your black tea intake to help protect your teeth, you may also want to consider incorporating a whitening toothpaste or treatment into your dental hygiene routine, as it's one of the biggest staining culprits.

American Idol contestant is smiling a little bigger

2010-07-13T15:53:00.007-07:00

Crystal Bowersox, the American Idol contestant, has a lot to smile about. She is currently on tour with other American Idol contestants and she just had a smile makeover.

Bowersox had previously turned down a public offer for a smile makeover earlier in the year. "I had turned down an offer that I thought was very rude," Bowersox, 24, says. "There was a dentist that made a public offer -- he didn't contact me personally, and so I turned him down publicly. It's not that I didn't want to do it. I've always wanted to do it... I had braces when I was young and I couldn't afford to finish treatment." She said in a "Good Morning America" interview.

The singer says that it has helped her confidence. "I'm smiling with pure confidence for the first time in my life," she said. "And it's a good thing."

As a cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale, Arizona Dr. Jason McCargar has seen what a smile makeover can do to help one's self-esteem. "Having undergone an extensive smile makeover myself, I understand the feeling of satisfaction that is gained with the end product."

The Perfect Day Starts with the Perfect Smile

2010-06-28T12:58:00.006-07:00

We would like you to meet one of our patients. Her name is Theresa. Theresa came to Scottsdale Dental Arts because she was unhappy with her current smile. She was getting married and wanted the perfect smile for her wedding day. Dr. McCargar replaced her bridge and also did several crowns for Theresa. Next, we whitened her teeth with Zoom! She also went home with an at-home whitening kit to maintain her perfect smile. If you are getting married soon and want to have that picture perfect smile, then give us a call to discuss your options.

Forget Botox. Floss your teeth

2010-06-23T17:52:00.003-07:00

by: Lisa Zamosky
msnbc.com contributor
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37692310/ns/health-skin_and_beauty/
June 18, 2010

If you're like most of us, your dental hygienist scolds you every six months for not flossing. You hear the warnings that sticky plaque tucked between your teeth can lead to gum disease and health problems, but still you have trouble squeezing it into your daily routine.

But here’s some news that may inspire you to remember: Flossing your teeth, experts say, may do more to fight the effects of aging — at least over the long-term — than plastic surgery.

If you’re not flossing every day, you’re leaving 40 percent of your teeth surfaces dirty — coated with gummy bacteria — and that causes staining and yellowing between and around teeth, explains Dr. Eugene Antenucci, a dentist in Huntington, N.Y., and spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry.

An overgrowth of plaque can also lead to gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, which creates inflammation, bleeding and tenderness in gum tissue that can lead to gum recession and bone loss.

“You register an older look because you see more spaces, less and uneven gum tissue,” according to Antenucci. Hence the quaint term for aging, “long in the tooth.”

And matters can get even worse. Gum disease can eventually cause the bones underneath to dissolve away, explains Dr. Donald S. Clem, a dentist in Fullerton, Calif.

“When gum disease begins to eat away at the bone, there are changes in facial appearance. Once a tooth is lost the bone has no reason to be there,” says Clem, who is also president-elect of the American Academy of Periodontology Foundation. “In later stages of periodontal disease we would see disfigurement in terms of caving in of the lips and cheek and wrinkles around the lips and cheeks.”

And don’t count on plastic surgery to save the day. In a recent study in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers found that bone loss in the jaw, as well as the eye sockets and cheeks, aged people in ways that cosmetic procedures that tighten and plump the skin, can’t fix.

“Even if tooth replacement is considered after a tooth is lost, there might not be enough bone left to place an implant in the most aesthetically desirable place,” says Dr. Laura Torrado, a cosmetic dentist in New York City.

Flossing won’t give you the immediate gratification of Botox or Restylane, Antenucci acknowledges. But who really care if you’ve got smile lines when you’re missing teeth?

Dry Mouth

2010-06-14T10:10:00.008-07:00

In dry mouth little or no saliva is present to help break down food. It can cause food to taste bland and therefore people will often add more salt or sugar which can increase disease risk for diabetes and hypertension. Dry mouth can also create an environment that bacteria thrive in. Bacteria in the mouth can cause cavities, gum disease, and bad breath. There are treatment options for dry mouth and ways to prevent it.

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, can be caused by certain medications. Common medications that cause this are: anticholinergics (ie: dicyclomine, Atrovent®), antihistamines (ie: diphenhydramine, Claritin®), and tricyclics (amitriptyline, nortriptyline). {We have a complete list of medications in a past April, 14 2009 article: http://makingpeoplesmile.blogspot.com/2009/04/medications-that-can-cause-dry-mouth.html} Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have dry mouth and you are taking one of these medications.

Discontinuing the medication that is causing dry mouth will often result in the cessation of the dry mouth. However, a medication should never be discontinued without your doctor approving it first. If your doctor recommends that you should continue taking one of the medications that is causing dry mouth there are over-the-counter treatment options to help with the dry mouth. There are 3 different types of products to help treat dry mouth. The first products work quickly and are portable for relief on-the-go. There are gels, liquids, and sprays to sooth the dry mouth quickly. The second type of product is to help prevent the dry mouth by daily cleaning. Biotene makes mouthwashes and toothpastes specifically designed for people with dry mouth. The third type of product helps to stimulate salivary flow throughout the day in a gum.

Dr. McCargar, a dentist at Scottsdale Dental Arts, states that Biotene is a product he frequently recommends to patients that suffer from dry mouth. "Often, by using a series of the Biotene products, patients see improved salivary production and decreased dry mouth." Dr. McCargar also stresses that if you are experiencing dry mouth not to ignore it because it can be causing other more serious health problems.

The Super Tooth

2010-06-08T12:07:00.004-07:00

Researchers at the Tel Aviv Univeristy School of Mechanical Engineering, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and George Washington University have been studying what makes the human tooth so resilient. The researchers discovered that tooth enamel owes its strength to a network of micro-cracks that diffuse pressure and stress. The structural make-up of the enamel is wavy and arranged in several layers. This structure makes is strong because it does not allow a clear pathway for pressure to break down the tooth. The pressure instead is spread out over the entire tooth due to the network of layers and wavy patterns. The research was originally planned to be used in composing a newer generation of stronger and lighter aircraft. The researchers are trying to develop a new aircraft composite material to replicate the tooth structure. Currently, aircraft uses cmoposite materials made from layers of glass or carbon fibers held together in a single layer grid matrix. The researchers are also now studying ways to replicate this matrix for the use in dentistry to create stronger crowns and dental materials.

Scottsdale Dental Arts: Our New Logo

2010-06-01T18:21:00.011-07:00

Recent Removal of some Denture Creams from Market

2010-05-19T17:16:00.005-07:00

Approximately 1 out of every 10 denture wearers uses a denture cream or adhesive. Many of these products contain zinc to help improve their holding power. Recent case reports in people who have used excessive amounts of denture creams containing zinc for long periods of time are showing an increased risk of zinc toxicity. Zinc toxicity can present itself as numbness, tiredness, weakness, difficulty with balance or walking, or anemia. Due to this hazardous potential many manufacturers have removed the zinc-containing denture adhesives from the market and replaced them with zinc-free versions.

The manufacturer of Poligrip has voluntarily changed their products to now contain zinc-free versions. When shopping for a denture adhesive look for the packaging to say zinc-free. If it does not say zinc-free then it still may have zinc in the product. Because the FDA considers denture adhesives to be a medical device, manufacturers do not have to list every ingredient that the product contains. For example, Fixodent has one zinc-free formulation. The other products made by Fixodent contain less than 4% zinc, which is nearly half of what the old Poligrip products contained.

If you have been using a denture cream that contains zinc there is no need to worry as long as you have been using it according to the package directions. Realistically, one 68 gram tube should last 8 to 10 weeks. Dr. McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts recommends "dabbing a small amount of cream onto the denture to avoid oozing. You should only apply the adhesive once per day. A good rule of thumb to assure that you are not applying too much is the amount that is squeezed out of the tube should not be longer than the distance between the second joint in your finger and your fingertip." If your denture does not fit properly and you find yourself using more than this amount, then consult with your dentist about getting it properly adjusted. If you continue to use excessive amounts of denture cream containing zinc it is possible to experience the symptoms of zinc toxicity in which case you should contact your doctor right away.

So my gums bleed a little, is it really that serious?

2010-05-18T19:40:00.005-07:00

Do you think it is ok if your hands bleed when you wash them? Of course not, so why do you think it is ok if your gums bleed when you brush or floss. If your gums bleed when you brush or floss, it is serious. Bleeding allows bacteria and their toxins to easily pass into your body. Bacteria in your blood stream can make you sick.

Your gums are not bleeding because you are brushing or flossing to hard either. Healthy gums do not bleed when they come into contact with floss or with the bristles of a tooth brush. The bleeding is caused because the body is making additional capillaries. The capillaries are forming near to the surface of the gums because oxygen molecules are having a difficult time reaching the cells deeper within the gums. The cells within the gums are not getting enough oxygen because of swelling. The swelling of the gums is due to an immune response trying to kill bacteria that is dumping waste. The bacteria is attached to plaque located on your teeth. Your gums are bleeding because of bacteria inside of your mouth.

Dr. McCargar, a Scottsdale Family Dentist says "After reading this article, I hope that the next time you see blood in the sink, you will know that it is serious. Contact your dentist for an appointment. Clinical studies show that people with gum infections (periodontitis) have an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic inflammatory conditions." (See our blog article from 07/21/2009: The Link between Dental Care and Diabetes)

50 Secrets From Real Dentists

2010-04-20T21:22:00.005-07:00

by Reader's Digest Magazine, on Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:55am PDT
By Chris Woolston

Dentists from across the country tell us what they're really thinking as they peer at our teeth.

Do you floss about as often as you flip your mattress? Do you spend more time putting toothpaste on your brush than actually cleaning your teeth? Dentists notice these things. And that's not all. They also know when you're asking for a procedure that's going to disappoint you and when insurance companies are stinting on the care your smile needs. We asked 22 dentists from across the country to tell us what they're really thinking as they peer at our teeth. What came out of their mouths will change the way you treat yours.

You Don't Get It
Some truly educated people think that if nothing in their mouth hurts, they're fine. High cholesterol doesn't hurt, either, but it's a big problem. I honestly think that the general population doesn't understand that their mouth is part of their body.
-- Danine Fresch Gray, DDS, general dentist, Arlington, Virginia

If your hands bled when you washed them, you'd run to the doctor. But in the public's mind, bleeding gums are okay. Unless you're really whaling away with your brush, if your gums bleed even a little, that's periodontal disease, period.
-- Ron Schefdore, DMD, general dentist, Chicago, Illinois

The advice to see your dentist twice a year applies only if you have healthy gums. Most people don't.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS, cosmetic dentist, Middleton, Wisconsin

Many of my patients have periodontal disease affecting their back teeth, but their front teeth are fine. Evidently, they brush only what others see.
-- Joel Slaven, DDS, general dentist, Valencia, California

Dentists often tell patients with advanced gum disease to floss more often. But flossing is useless at that point. Imagine trying to clean out the bottom of a shirt pocket with a piece of string tied to your fingers.
-- Reid Winick, DDS, holistic dentist, New York, New York

People come to me with a mouthful of tooth decay and say, "I got my grandfather's soft teeth." I don't even know what soft teeth are.
-- Bryan Tervo, DDS, expert at JustAnswer.com

When someone meets you for the first time, the first thing they notice is eyes. Second is teeth, and third is hair. But people spend way more money on their hair than their teeth.
-- Damian Dachowski, DMD, general dentist, Horsham, Pennsylvania

Proper oral hygiene requires ten minutes of brushing and flossing every day. The average adult spends two or three minutes total, and kids do even worse.
-- Joel Slaven, DDS

Our Noses Still Work
People who smoke try to cover it up with mints or mouthwash, but that stench is steeped into their gum tissue and the tissues in their mouth.
-- Jennifer Jablow, DDS, cosmetic dentist, New York, New York

Brushing doesn't go deep enough into the gums to reach the plaque that causes bad breath. You need to floss every day and get a cleaning every few months. If you do all that and still have bad breath, I start looking into diet and checking for health problems.
-- Ned Windmiller, DDS, general dentist, Stillwater, Minnesota

A mouthwash with alcohol dries out your mouth -- you'll smell nice and minty for a half hour, but then the bad breath comes back worse than ever.
-- Gary Herskovits, DDS

If your breath is bad, we won't tell you unless you ask.
-- Gary Herskovits, DDS, family dentist, Brooklyn, New York

"New and Improved"? Yeah, Right
There's no reason to sanitize a toothbrush unless you're sharing it with other people. Those UV devices and other germ zappers are totally unnecessary.
-- Joel Slaven, DDS

There's a limit to what toothpaste can do. New whitening formula? It can get rid of surface stains, but it can't whiten like a bleach.
-- Careen Young, DDS, prosthodontist, Beverly Hills, California

The electric toothbrush is one of the best things to ever happen to dentistry. The newer ones replicate professional cleaning -- they won't reach much below the gum line, but they're far superior to regular toothbrushes. The cheap ones are okay for kids, but you'll have to pay more than $75 for a really good brush with a warranty and replacement heads.
-- Danine Fresch Gray, DDS

I wish people still used the Waterpik [a water-shooting device that was popular in the 1970s]. Each tooth is surrounded by a putrid, germy moat of saliva. If you replace that moat every day, you'll go a long way toward keeping your mouth clean and your gums healthy.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS

We Blame You When Baby Teeth Go Bad
It's not unusual for me to see a beautiful little child dressed to the nines with teeth rotted down to the gums. And I'll see teenagers from affluent homes with nine cavities. It's just a total breakdown in parental supervision.
-- Joel Slaven, DDS

For the past 20 years, we've been telling parents about baby bottle tooth decay and not to let a child go to sleep with a bottle. But I haven't seen much of a change.
-- Winifred J. Booker, DDS, pediatric dentist, Owings Mills, Maryland

The bacteria that cause cavities can be spread from mother to baby through saliva. If you have poor dental health and you taste your baby's food and then pop the same spoon into his mouth, you're putting him at risk.
-- Mark Helpin, DMD, pediatric dentist, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Kids with dental problems often struggle in school. They're distracted and easily agitated. Teachers will say they have behavior problems, but they really have toothaches.
-- Winifred J. Booker, DDS

I have to extract a lot of baby teeth that are abscessed or heavily decayed. Parents think there's no reason to pay attention to baby teeth because they fall out. But when a tooth comes out prematurely, other teeth crowd in to fill up the space. Without the right treatment, it turns into a mess.
-- Paul Hettinger, DMD,general dentist, Orlando, Florida

I call soda pop the liquid chain saw. It cuts through teeth. And it's not just the sugar -- it's the acid.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS

Free Advice
If you want to reduce the bad bacteria in your mouth, you should be all over xylitol [a sugar substitute found in chewing gum]. It changes the chemistry of your mouth. Six or seven pieces of xylitol gum every day will help keep cavities away.
-- Chris Kammer, DDS

Some people give up on tooth whitening because the gel irritates their teeth and gums. Just use a fluoride rinse or gel before and after -- it'll make your teeth much less sensitive.
-- Ned Windmiller, DDS

With any kind of mouth piercing, there's a huge risk of infection if it's not done in a really sterile environment. I've seen cases where we've had to cut out pieces of the tongue because the infection was so rampant. Even when things go well, virtually everyone I see with a tongue piercing has chipped front teeth. Don't pierce your tongue.
-- Jay Grossman, DDS, cosmetic dentist, Brentwood, California

Quit Worrying
Amalgam [silver] fillings do release a small amount of mercury through wear and tear in the mouth. But you'd have to have about 300 fillings for the mercury level to get high enough to pose even the smallest risk.
-- Edmond Hewlett, DDS, prosthodontist, Los Angeles, California

Taking metal fillings out can release more mercury than leaving them in.
-- Brody Hildebrand, DDS, orthodontist, Dallas, Texas

Composite [tooth-colored] fillings are popular, but a metal filling is going to be more durable, especially for bigger jobs.
-- Brody Hildebrand, DDS

I have amalgam fillings in my own mouth. There's no proof that they do any harm. Convincing patients to remove their fillings for health reasons is quackery.
-- Michael Alkon, DMD, general dentist, Holmdel, New Jersey

A lot of patients are worried that dental X-rays can cause cancer, but if you're outside for an hour, you're exposed to more radiation than you'd get from a full set of dental X-rays. What I worry about is that if I don't take an X-ray, I might miss something serious.
-- Bryan Tervo, DDS

Your Teeth Can Alert Us to Disease
Misaligned teeth can cause migraine headaches. If we can align the teeth and fix the bite, the pain often goes away.
-- Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS, general dentist, San Francisco, California

One of the first signs of diabetes is bleeding gums. I started taking blood samples from all my patients with bleeding gums and bone loss around the teeth and discovered that many of them were diabetic or prediabetic.
-- Ron Schefdore, DMD

We're Not Miracle Workers
Patients come in with pictures of celebrities and say, "I want to look just like her." I'm sitting there thinking, You can't have a smile that looks like Angelina Jolie's, because you don't have a face that fits those teeth. It's like when you get your hair color done -- you can't just put the same highlights or lowlights in everybody's hair.
-- Jay Grossman, DDS

Teeth get whiter when they dry out. Some dentists promise that their office procedures will make your teeth four shades whiter. But if you leave your mouth open for an hour, you could easily be two shades whiter just from dehydration.
-- Careen Young, DDS

If you bleach your teeth too often, it can thin the enamel. Your teeth can end up almost translucent.
-- Jennifer Jablow, DDS

We Feel Your Pain
People say something difficult is like pulling teeth. But pulling teeth is really fast and easy.
-- Mark Mutschler, DDS, pediatric dentist, Oregon City, Oregon

A study showed that tooth implants increase libido, probably because people feel much more confident without missing teeth or dentures sliding all over the place.
-- Jim Janakievski, DDS, periodontist, Tacoma, Washington

Many people without insurance don't go to a dentist until they're in a tragic situation. They could wind up needing $20,000 worth of work.
-- Paul Hettinger, DMD

When choosing a dentist, Check if the magazines in the waiting room are current. That shows attention to detail.
-- Michael Alkon, DMD

Don't eat a heavy garlic lunch before coming to see us -- we'd appreciate that.
-- Jennifer Jablow, DDS

Do you think your morning breath isn't that bad?

2010-04-20T16:44:00.004-07:00

Bad breath can be from a combination of smelly foods like garlic. However, if you have chronic bad breath (halitosis) it is actually not from the food that you eat, but from from volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in your mouth. The VSCs are actually a build-up of anaerobic bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria likes to live on your tongue, your gums, and crevices of your teeth that do not get much oxygen. The bacteria feeds off food that you eat and especially likes sugary products. As the bacteria utilizes the food into energy it releases sulfur as a by-product, which causes the smell. Not only does the bacteria produce bad breath, but it can also cause gum disease, tooth decay, dry mouth, and sinus problems.

Breath mints are not going to make the problem go away either. Mints may mask the problem for a few minutes, but as soon as the mint is gone the bad breath is back. The only way to fix the problem is to get rid of the bacteria. Dr. McCargar, a Scottdale dentist says, "Brush your teeth twice daily. Floss and a tongue scraper are the most likely ways to get rid of the problem bacteria on your tongue and your gums. Alcohol-based mouth washes can actually dry out the mouth more and make it more susceptible to bacteria, so choose an alcohol-free mouthwash like biotene." Dr. McCargar stresses that routine cleanings and proper oral hygiene can get you back on track to having kissable breath again.

Root Canal Treatment

2010-04-13T14:31:00.011-07:00

Most adult teeth will last a lifetime. However, if a tooth becomes infected or injured it can be saved through root canal treatment. Years ago, the tooth would have been extracted. But, removing the tooth is not the best option now. When a tooth is removed and not replaced it can cause the other teeth to shift and become crooked or crowded. This can decrease chewing efficiency, and increase the risk of gum disease as it is more difficult to clean improperly aligned teeth. A replacement tooth (an implant or a bridge) is an option but is often much more expensive and more involved. Therefore, having a root canal can save the tooth, your smile, and your wallet.

If you have an untreated cracked tooh, a deep cavity, or a traumatic injury to a tooth it is likely that the enamel (the exterior portion of the tooth that is hard and lies on the exterior of the tooth - it also protects against cavities) has been compromised. This allows entrance of bacteria into the deeper levels of the tooth. The bacteria travels through the dentin (the hard tissue on the inside of the tooth that supports the outer layer of tooth enamel) and into the pulp. The pulp extends from the pulp chamber in the middle of the crown down each root to the tip that lies in the bone of the jaw. The infection is felt because there are tons of nerves inside the pulp that radiate to the brain signaling that something is wrong. Beyond the pain, often swelling and redness are symptoms that are experienced as well. Without treatment the bacteria can damage the bone that anchors the tooth to the jaw and can result in a bone infection that is difficult to treat.

So, to treat the tooth, the dentist will first administer local anesthesia. Then, the dentist will remove the infected part of the tooth all the way to the pulp. The pulp or its remnants are then removed carefully from both the pulp chamber and the root canal(s). Each root is cleaned and shaped to allow it to be filled. Medication is often placed in these areas to eliminate any bacteria. A temporary filling will be placed on the tooth while your permanent crown is being made. Most likely you will be sent home with a prescription for antibiotics. In the final step, the tooth will be fully restored by a crown or a filling. The purpose is to strengthen the tooth and improve its appearance.

Dr. McCargar says "Many people are very fearful of having a root canal done, but I assure you that it is a completely painless procedure. The most pain that one feels is due to the infection and once the infection is treated then so is the pain."

Are Dental Implants an Option for you?

2010-04-05T10:16:00.011-07:00

Are you missing a tooth or perhaps several teeth? Did you think that a denture or a bridge was your only option to replace the missing teeth? Dental implants are also a viable option for people who are missing teeth and in good general health.

A missing tooth may cause you to feel self-conscious, but there are also health concerns too. If a missing tooth is not replaced, the surrounding teeth can shift. Harmful plaque and tartar can collect in new hard-to-reach places creating tooth decay and periodontal disease. Bone loss can occur in the region of the missing tooth. Missing teeth can affect the biting force of the remaining teeth. As the bite changes to compensate for the lost tooth, there is a risk of extra pressure and discomfort on the jaw joints, which may lead to temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Missing teeth can also affect your speech.

An implant is basically a type of screw that is placed into the jaw surgically to function as a sturdy anchor for the replacement teeth. The screw is made of titanium so it is compatible with the body. The implant process can take several months. First, the implant is surgically placed into the jaw and a screw is inserted into the implant to prevent gum tissue and other debris from entering. The gum is then secured over the implant, where it will remain covered for approximately three to six months while the implant fuses with the bone (osseointegration). It is likely that there will be swelling and tenderness. Next, after three to six months the implant is uncovered and the dentist attaches an extension (post) to the implant. The gum tissue is allowed to heal around the post. Some implants require a second surgery in which a post is attached to connect the replacement teeth. With other implants, the implant and post are one unit placed in the mouth during the initial surgery. Once healed, the implant and post can serve as the foundation for the new tooth. Finally, the dentist makes a custom artifical tooth (crown) to fit and blend with your other teeth. Once completed the crown is attached to the implant post.

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Regular dental visits afterwards are crucial to the life and long-term success of the implant. Dr. McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts says, "Disease or trauma can cause tooth loss, but there are options for restoring your smile." Dr. McCargar stresses that because implants require surgery not all patients are good candidates for implants, but he recommends that if you are interested in discussing your options to contact their Scottsdale dental office.

Benefits of Chocolate

2010-03-30T15:59:00.004-07:00

A new study is adding more research to the recommendation that chocolate may actually reduce cardiac risk. According to the European Heart Journal, in a study of nearly 20,000 people over eight years, the people who ate on average six grams of chocolate per day (this is about equal to a small square of a chocolate bar) decreased their risk of a heart attack or stroke by nearly 40 percent.

Researchers and previous studies suggest that it is the flavonoids found in the dark chocolate that in small amounts may be good for you. Flavonoids are also found in fruits and vegetables, green tea, and red wine. It is suggested that the flavonoids benefit the body by acting as antioxidants and they may also help to relax or dilate certain blood vessels which can help to lower blood pressure.

Dr. McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts wants to warn patients about the study "eating large amounts of chocolate can lead to weight gain which is a major risk factor for heart problems, strokes, and diabetes... not to mention cavities." But, he does recognize the benefit of the study and the findings, "With Easter just around the corner, there will be plenty of chocolate in the house and with this added knowledge perhaps people will choose to eat the dark chocolate which has the most benefit according to this study. I think in moderation and with proper oral hygiene, chocolate can possibly be good for you and your heart."

Biomarkers for Pancreatic Cancer have been identified in saliva

2010-03-22T12:07:00.005-07:00

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According to the March issue of Gastroenterology, researchers have discovered four biomarkers for pancreatic cancer in human saliva. This new development may save the lives of nearly 1 in 72 people in the U.S. According to the American Cancer Society, pancreatic cancer is now the fourth-leading cause of cancer death in the United States.

In the study, four biomarkers have been identified: KRAS, MBD3L2, ACRV1, and DPM1. These four biomarkers differentiated pancreatic cancer patients from non-cancer patients with 90 percent sensitivity and 95 percent specificity. The study was conducted in a relatively small population of 30 pancreatic cancer patients, 30 chronic pancreatitis patients and 30 healthy adult controls to compare the data.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the few cancers for which survival has not improved substantially over the past 30 years. Seventy-five percent of pancreatic cancer patients die within the first 12 months of diagnosis. Because of the anatomy of the pancreas, signs and symptoms of the cancer are not noticeable until the cancer has spread to other major organs of the body. Once the cancer is in several organs it is very difficult to treat. The importance of having an early diagnostic test would save over 35,000 of American's lives every year.

This rapid, chair-side, saliva test may just be performed at an upcoming dental visit. Dr. Jason McCargar, a Scottsdale Family and Cosmetic Dentist, says "There are already several important saliva tests that are available to improve your overall health. This important research will enhance medicine by delivering less invasive, more convenient testing methods for patients, and I would be very interested in offering this service if it meant one person was able to have their pancreatic cancer diagnosed early enough that treatment ended up being successful."

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A Smile so White Even Your Pearls will be Jealous

2010-03-16T20:17:00.002-07:00

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See our lastest featured patient in Scottsdale Health Magazine. Laura, an actual patient of Dr. McCargar's completed Invisalign last year. This year after her general dentistry appointment and cleaning she asked for a take-home whitening kit, and we whitened her teeth 3 shades! Mention this blog article and receive a free in-office whitening after completing a cleaning, exam, and full series of x-rays.

9751 North 90th Place - Scottsdale, Arizona 85258 - 480/860-8282

Invisalign: The Clear Alternative to Braces

2010-03-10T17:21:00.003-07:00

Invisalign is a safe, effective alternative to braces that allows you the same teeth-straightening procedure without any of the hassle and embarrassment of regular wire braces. Align Technology is the manufacturer of Inivsalign and have treated thousands of happy patients since their beginning in 1997. Invisalign not only helps you to achieve the smile that you’ve always dreamed of, but it often is less expensive and less time consuming. Dr. McCargar is a specialist trained in the use of the Invisalign technology. His goal is to make you smile during the alignment or correction process as well as after it is over.

Upon your first visit as a candidate for Invisalign, several pictures of your teeth and mouth will be taken in addition to a mold of your teeth. These are then sent to the Invisalign manufacturer, where they will turn the data into a 3-D computer image. During the second visit, you will see exactly what your teeth look like and you will be able to compare them to what they will look like after Invisalign. This is a huge benefit to be able to view the step-by-step treatment process and see the final product before treatment even begins. The manufacturer will then, complete a series of custom-made alignment trays (the invisible braces) that are made just for you. These will then be changed every two weeks during the course of treatment.

There are a multitude of advantages that Invisalign has over conventional braces. The first advantage is cost. The national average cost of Invisalign is $5,000, and some treatments can cost as little as $3,500 for less severe cases. The second advantage is that the trays can easily be removed for brushing, flossing, and eating, this in turn, helps to maintain proper oral hygiene (something that is very difficult with conventional braces). Next, there are no annoying wires or metals to rub on gums or lips, so Inivisalign is much more comfortable to wear. It also is safer for teens involved in sports because there is no risk of injury to the mouth.

If you or someone you know is not happy with their smile and is interested in a free consultation for Invisalign, please call our office today. We would be happy to schedule an appointment to meet with you to address your needs.

Are You Scared of the Dentist?

2010-03-01T19:26:00.003-07:00

If you answered yes, I am scared of the dentist then you are with the majority of Americans. More than half of all people in the U.S. will never see a dentist for regular care, and the reason is they are scared. So, what is it that makes us so scared of the dentist? Is it the sound of the drill? Are we afraid that a cavity might be found? Are we afraid the hygienist will yell if we haven’t been flossing? Have we had a bad experience or heard of someone who has?

The answer to the question is, none of the above. Most people cannot tell you why they are scared of the dentist. The answer is usually, “Well, I just don’t like going.” Basically, we all saw “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Jaws” in the 80’s, and frankly we are just as afraid of sharks as we are of the dentist. You can thank Hollywood for that. We are afraid of something based on a story that we have heard or we have seen, not on actual experience, this is called vicarious learning.

So, just as we eventually gathered accurate information about the ocean to determine that it is safe to go back into the water, we also need to gather accurate information about the dentist. Knowledge is a powerful weapon. First, what degree would you rate your fear? Do you have mild anxiety before or during your appointment? Do you experience a high level of stress and emotional discomfort (manifesting as sweaty palms, nervousness, tears, etc.)? Or do you have a phobia: an intense fear so bad that you use avoidance to solve the problem? Secondly, think back to your personal history with the dentist. Why do you feel this particular level of stress specific to you?

Reasons for fearing the dentist could be fear of potential pain, fear of being scolded or judged about the condition of the mouth, teeth, or gums, or fear of loss of control during the treatment. Learning from why you have the fear can help us at Scottsdale Dental Arts to resolve it. For example, fear of potential pain helps to keep us safe and healthy. We have learned not to touch a hot stove because it will burn and harm us. Instinctively, we all know risky behaviors like jumping off a bridge will cause pain and harm thus, we avoid these behaviors. But, a regular check-up with the dentist may save you from having much more involved treatment down the road. A small filling is easier, quicker, and less painful than a root canal. So, in reality the risky behavior is waiting to see the dentist until you have pain instead of having routine exams.

In evaluation of the truth about pain and dentistry, it is concluded that most procedures are either completely painless or slightly uncomfortable. At Scottsdale Dental Arts, we want you to enjoy your dental experience. We have several benefits to make your experience more comfortable. Dr. McCargar offers sedative treatment options, and wants to work with you in choosing from a wide range of methods and medications that can help to alleviate anxiety, pain, and discomfort. At the dental office in Scottsdale we offer relaxing music, televisions in most rooms, and blankets if you are too cold. These are just some examples of ways that we care about your comfort.

Olympic medalist breaks tooth

2010-02-23T17:57:00.002-07:00

The German Luger, David Moeller, may best be remembered after the 2010 Winter Olympic games as the guy who broke his tooth biting into his silver medal. "The photographers wanted us to bite into our medals at the presentation ceremony. And a corner of my front tooth broke off." Puns aside, Moeller did not hurt his molar only his front tooth. He immediately went to see a dentist to have the tooth fixed. "...because I want to have nice pictures and happy memories of my Olympic Games, I went to the dentist to get it repaired," he said.

Dr. Jason McCargar says that it is easy to break a tooth especially if biting into such a hard object. "The jaw exerts a tremendous amount of force upon biting, and when all that force is put onto one edge of a tooth, it is inevitable that something has to give," said the cosmetic dentist, based in Scottsdale. The 28 year old luger said that he did not feel any pain.

Who is the Phoenix Dentist of Tiger Woods?

2010-02-16T20:57:00.003-07:00

The January 18, 2010 edition of US Weekly is reporting a new conspiracy theory about what happened between Tiger Woods and his wife Elin in the early morning hours after Thanksgiving. According to the article (as seen above) Elin "virtually knocked out two of his upper teeth and broke the bone on the upper right side of his face." The article goes on to say that "Tiger then made a secret trip to Phoenix to have his face reconstructed."

Dr. McCargar is not the Phoenix Cosmetic Dentist that treated Tiger Woods, however he explains that this type of trauma could require a lot of work.

"Trauma to the front teeth is similar to a car hitting a brick wall. Depending on the severity of the trauma, anything from root canals and porcelain crowns to complete replacement of the teeth with dental implants may be indicated," stated Dr McCargar.

After experiencing trauma it is critical to be evaluated immediately by a dentist. The teeth may have moved into a different position which can completely change the bite.

"Sometimes the teeth can manually be put back into their previous position in the arch. It depends on how far the teeth moved, and how soon the patient sees the dentist after the trauma has occurred," stated Dr McCargar, a cosmetic dentist with Scottsdale Dental Arts.

One of the worst things that can happen is for the roots to completely fracture. The long-term prognosis for a tooth with a fractured root can vary from questionable to hopeless, depending on the location and depth of the fracture.

Dr. McCargar has several years of dealing with trauma victims as he was a Phoenix Dentist at Banner Good Samaritan Hospital before going into private practice in Scottsdale. At the hospital Dr. McCargar treated emergency trauma patients after car accidents, bike accidents, and severe falls. He says, "It is so important after a person experiences a trauma, that their smile is similar to the old one and still comfortable, but much improved. We don't want to change the appearance too much because the person didn't elect to look different; however, it gives us the opportunity to act as artists and change aspects of the teeth that the person always wished looked better."

H1N1 Influenza Facts

2010-02-10T18:19:00.003-07:00

If you think that the H1N1 virus is dying down this flu season think again. Just because you have not heard much about it in the media lately does not mean that you should not get your H1N1 flu vaccine. In fact, according to the Maricopa Department of Health, the cases of confirmed H1N1 have increased since last fall: 4,981 confirmed cases in Maricopa the week of October 25-31 versus 7,170 confirmed cases the week of January 24-30, and February is the peak of the flu season.

The H1N1 virus (also known as the "swine flu") is a new strain of the influenza virus. Because most of the population has not been exposed to a similar strain of the virus in the past, many people are not immune to this strain. Certain people are at a higher risk of developing serious complications if they are exposed to the virus and have not been vaccinated. While the CDC is encouraging all people to get vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, it is very important for people in the following groups to do so: anyone with respiratory illness, diabetes, or a heart condition, or anyone that is pregnant. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These infected respiratory droplets then can infect others if someone touches an object with the virus on it, then touches their nose, eyes, or mouth. The influenza virus can survive and infect another person for 2-8 hours after being deposited on an object. Infected people are contagious from 1 day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick.

Symptoms of the flu are high fever, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. To protect yourself from getting sick, get the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not available, then cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, instead of into your hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you have the symptoms of the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.

At Scottsdale Dental Arts, we want you to have a happy and healthy New Year!

STRESS: The Daily Grind

2010-02-02T17:55:00.003-07:00

The economic pressures in America are affecting millions of Americans, resulting in broken teeth, facial pain, and migraine headaches. Mixing pain and financial worry together has resulted in fewer people visiting the dentist for a brighter smile, however dentists are seeing a new phenomenon in their daily schedules: a rise in the number of teeth grinders.

"I'm seeing an increase in patients who are anxious, stressed out and very worried about their financial futures and they're taking out their stresses on their teeth," said Dr. Jason McCargar, a cosmetic dentist at Scottsdale Dental Arts. "These patients are all grinding their teeth as a response to what is going on in their lives.”

One patient of Scottsdale Dental Arts lost hundreds of thousands of dollars invested with Bernard L. Madoff. Another one of Dr. McCargar’s patients also informed the staff that he had lost his seven-figure salary due to a “budget cut.” The common thread seems to be as follows: Americans are working twice or three times as many hours as they previously did for about half of the income.

On average Dr. McCargar is seeing a 30 to 40 percent increase in patients reporting pain in their jaws, cheek muscles, and necks as a result of stress. And what is the cause of this stress? Welcome to the “new economy.”

People are having trouble just making ends meet. Families who previously relied on two incomes are now adjusting to just one income. And this trend seems to have no end in sight. Unfortunately, this financial strain can create an overwhelming amount of pressure and uncertainty for the spouse who had the sole job in the family. “Such a high level of responsibility to keep the family afloat can create a huge amount of stress on the sole bread winner.”

But don’t think that stressful times are the only times when patients grind their teeth. On average approximately 15 percent of people will grind their teeth no matter what kind of economic conditions they are experiencing.

Most people don’t realize that they are grinders until the symptoms of grinding lead to either a broken tooth, recurrent migraine headaches, or severe facial pain.
"Stress causes flight-or-fight hormones to be release in the body," stated Dr. McCargar. "When the stress hormones are released by the brain, energy is mobilized which causes muscle activity. The greater the increase of hormones, the more intense the muscle activity will be," stated the Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentist.
Repairing or rebuilding teeth that have been damaged by years of grinding can be a daunting process. If teeth have been only moderately damaged, composite fillings may be a treatment option. But extensive damage often requires full mouth reconstruction in order to repair the teeth. Some of these treatment options include full coverage crowns and porcelain veneers. Regardless of the treatment modality, there is one component that is a must for all grinders or “bruxism” patients: a night guard.

Some dental insurance companies do not view grinding as a true dental condition. Often times bruxism is classified as a condition that originates in the central nervous system. This “gray” area of classification can leave patients with no help from their insurance companies in paying for bruxism-related treatment and services.
Studies show that some night time grinders can spend upwards of 40 minutes per hour of sleep grinding their teeth. The constant wear and tear can quickly destroy the enamel (10 times faster than that of non-grinders), fracture teeth, change the overall bite, and damage both the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the masseter muscle, which controls the jaws. Jaw and face pain may also occur.
The first line of treatment for night time grinding is a custom-made night guard. Dr. McCargar can make various types of night guards for patients which can help to minimize or even stop grinding completely.

Night guards are readily made for patients by making an impression of the patient’s upper or lower teeth. Patients are advised to get acquainted with their night guard by wearing it gradually for a few hours before bed before attempting to wear it throughout the night. The cost of a custom made night guard may vary based upon the style of night guard that will best meet the patient’s needs.
Many patients tell Dr. McCargar that they notice a huge difference in their overall jaw comfort when they wear their night guard. One of his patients, Sarah, said, “My migraines immediately came back when I stopped wearing my night guard. I cannot imagine going to bed without my night guard now.”

“There is nothing that can compare to a night of good rest,” states Dr. McCargar.
The Scottsdale Cosmetic Dentist advises his patients to take some time before going to bed to simply relax and de-stress before rest. “Meditation, listening to soft music, and de-compressing before bed will help to set the mind in motion for a night of relaxing sleep.”

Scottsdale Dental Arts provides a complimentary consultation for patients who suffer from night time grinding. “We enjoy taking time with our patients to better understand their sleeping patterns. A night guard can make all the difference between a night of restless sleep and complete relaxation.”

Questions and Answers with your Family and Cosmetic Dentist in Scottsdale, Dr. McCargar

2010-01-22T14:45:00.005-07:00

The Best Answers to your tough dental-related questions by your local Scottsdale Dentist, Dr. Jason McCargar.

Leave your question in the comment section and Dr. McCargar will personally answer your question either directly to your email account or by posting the Q & A on the blog!

2010 is The Year to Address those Wisdom Teeth

2010-01-19T11:45:00.005-07:00

Our human ancestors used their wisdom teeth to help grind down food from plant sources. Scientists postulate that our ancestors did not have an efficient digestive tract capable of digesting the cellulose (the plant’s cell wall). Our ancestors therefore, had larger jaws with more teeth that enabled them to chew on the foliage. As the human race has gradually evolved, jaws have become smaller; however, the third molars (or wisdom teeth) still develop in most human mouths.

There is scientific data that suggests that if a culture today is still eating mostly plant sources for food then that modern day race has a higher percentage of people that are still developing wisdom teeth. For example, Indigenous Mexicans have a nearly 100% chance of having wisdom teeth because their diet is mainly based on plant sources. However, in cultures that food sources have changed to consuming mainly non-plant sources evidence is supporting that these modern day humans are gradually no longer producing wisdom teeth. For example, the Bantu speaking people of Africa who mainly consume meat sources such as cattle have a nearly 0.2% chance of having wisdom teeth.

Because wisdom teeth are not necessary for processing food, most dentists in the United States will recommend that they be removed. For the majority of people, wisdom teeth will appear between the ages of 16 and 25. They may erupt through the gum line or be impacted. Removal of wisdom teeth is recommended if the teeth are impacted or if they could become problematic if not extracted. Problems that potentially arise are generally due to infections because a toothbrush does not reach the area well and food particles can easily become trapped. This can result in pain and gum disease. In a worst-case scenario the infection could become systemic and pose a life-threatening infection. Wisdom teeth can also crowd other teeth resulting in pain and the need for orthodontia.

Removal of the wisdom teeth usually takes about 1 to 2 hours under IV sedation. Dr. Jason McCargar, a family and cosmetic dentist in Scottsdale, says that "after surgery, the patient can expect to have some bleeding, swelling, and pain from the site of the surgery." Complications such as “dry socket” can occur. This is caused at the site of the surgery when blood clots fall out prematurely or do not form properly. It is very painful and an NSAID, such as Ibuprofen may help with the pain and inflammation. Generally, dry sockets will resolve without additional treatment within a couple of weeks. The complication of bleeding is normal for the first three days after surgery and is addressed by following your surgeon’s instructions. Packing the area with gauze pads and applying gentle pressure as directed will help to stop the bleeding and decrease inflammation. The complication of infection is prevented by properly cleaning the area as directed with a warm salt water rinse and this will also help to promote healing. One can expect about seven days post-surgery to be needed for adequate recovery. Dr. McCargar also stresses the importance of a post-operative appointment with your dentist or surgeon at day seven or ten to make sure that the healing process has no complications and that the wounds are relatively clean.

Teeth Grinding

2010-01-12T17:33:00.004-07:00

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Benefits of Arestin

2010-01-05T12:33:00.003-07:00

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Nail biting can affect your health and your teeth

2009-12-29T17:26:00.004-07:00

The pressures of work, the stress of the holidays, the worries about the economy... these days it seems there is definitely a reason to be biting your nails. But, there are also several reasons to break the habit in the New Year.

Research has proven that people who bite their nails are more likely to crack, or chip their front teeth or incisors. The constant pressure of biting down on something can lead to bruxism (unintentional grinding of the teeth or clenching of the jaw). Bruxism can cause headaches, tooth sensitivity, recessed gums, tooth loss, and unnatural tooth wearing. Jagged sharp fingernails can tear and damage gum tissue. Bacteria, fungus, and viruses can hide underneath the nail and when bitten off be introduced into the body through the mouth causing infection and disease.

A bad habit is difficult to break. Wearing a special mouth guard can help to deter nail biting or try to keep an emery board with you and file your nails instead of biting them. You can purchase bitter-tasting products that you brush onto your nails to prevent the biting. You can also examine the streses in your life that are triggering the nail biting and try to focus on calming techniques to help you change these stressors. Above all, at Scottsdale Dental Arts we want to see you have a happy and healthy new year.

Do You Have a Cracked Tooth?

2009-12-21T18:02:00.003-07:00

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If you are one to grind your teeth while you sleep, or chew on ice, nuts , or hard candy, then you are more likely to experience a cracked tooth. Often the only symptoms that you will experience are similar to a cavity, such as: sensitivy to hot/cold, or pain around the tooth when you chew. The tooth may hurt because the pressure of the biting causes the crack to open exposing the inside of the tooth. Then the nerve inside the tooth emits a pain signal to your brain that something is wrong with your tooth. When you stop biting, the pressure is released and the sharp pain subsides as the crack quickly closes. Dr. McCargar says that often the diagnosis of a cracked tooth is made with the aid of an X-ray, and treatment depends on the severity of the crack.

Creating Custom Smiles

2009-12-15T18:19:00.005-07:00

Dr. Jason McCargar is featured in this Fall's Edition of New Beauty. Look for the magazines on newstands now. Below is the article about Dr. McCargar and his dental office called Scottsdale Dental Arts.

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Our Latest Work of Dental Art

2009-12-08T18:06:00.004-07:00

At Scottsdale Dental Arts we pride ourselves on our smile makeovers. We just wanted to present to you Victoria's new smile! It is also featured in the November edition of Scottsdale Health Magazine!

What is an inlay?

2009-12-01T18:01:00.002-07:00

An inlay is a restoration that fits within the cusps of a tooth. It is made outside of the mouth as opposed to a filling which is made inside the mouth. It may be made of metal or porcelain; in a lab or on a CEREC machine. It is usually cemented or bonded into the tooth. An inlay restores portions of a tooth that might also be fixed with smalgam (silver) or tooth-colored filling material.

I have a toothache why did my dentist prescribe clindamycin?

2009-11-17T17:35:00.002-07:00

A toothache is most likely caused from an infection within the tooth. Decay on the tooth gets worse when sugary substances are ingested because bacteria living within the cavity feed on the sugar. As the infection gets deeper and deeper inside the body of the tooth it eventually strikes the nerve which is why you have that pulsating, throbbing pain that radiates across your jaw. The infection is now in an area that air does not reach easily. The bacteria causing this particular infection is called anaerobic bacteria. (Aerobic means only in the presence of oxygen; therefore anaerobic means without oxygen.) Anaerobic bacteria only respond to certain antibiotics and one of these antibiotics is clindamycin. Clindamycin will help to get rid of some of the anaerobic bacteria that is causing the infection and therefore help with the pain. Dr. McCargar says that "It is imperative however, that a patient in this particular case follow-up with the dentist because the infection will continue to come back until the decay or the cavity is properly removed and treated."

Make Over Your Smile

2009-11-17T16:56:00.003-07:00

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At Scottsdale Dental Arts, Dr. Jason McCargar prides himself on making sure that you are comfortable with your smile. Fixing crowding of the teeth or fixing gaps can help you to look younger. Dr. McCargar says "Whether having a full mouth makeover with veneers are moving teeth with Invisalign, your smile is custom-made to fit only you." What this means is that your smile will be unique to you and that the teeth will not look too big or too small in proportion to the features of your face. Dr. McCargar has done many smile makeovers this year using porcelain veneers. Above is a great article from Health Magazine talking about how porcelain veneers can easily correct crowding or gapping of teeth.

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

2009-11-10T15:12:00.003-07:00

Do you know someone who dips their child's pacifier in honey, sugar, or syrup? What about that parent who gives their child a baby bottle full of juice right before bed? These are examples of ways to cause Baby Bottle Tooth Decay in your child's first teeth and it is not recommended by your dentist.

Tooth decay in infants and small children is generally due to what the baby is consuming in the baby bottle. Liquids containing sugars such as milk, formula, soda, and sweetened juices swish around the child's teeth and gums feeding decay. It is often more pronounced in children still receiving a bottle because the feeding often takes longer (resulting in the sugary drink surrounding and sitting on the teeth producing decay) and then the child is often put to sleep immediately after (allowing the sugar to seep into bacteria on the teeth over night resulting in plaque and ultimately decay and cavities). If the decay and cavities are left untreated pain and infection may result leading to extraction of the baby teeth. This is extremely serious because if the baby teeth are lost too early your child may develop speech problems, crooked teeth, or damaged adult teeth.

To prevent baby bottle tooth decay Dr. McCargar recommends never allowing the child to fall asleep with a bottle containing juice, or other sweetened liquids. Dr. McCargar says the American Dental Association recommends gently massaging the baby's gums and gingival tissue using your finger wrapped in moistened gauze or a washcloth after each feeding. Brushing with a soft toothbrush and water is recommended at the first sign of a baby tooth; however, fluoride containing toothpaste should not be used until after the child's second birthday (unless your dentist advises you otherwise based on evaluation).

Looking for Whiter Teeth in Just Two Weeks?

2009-11-03T16:39:00.003-07:00

Looking for a whiter smile, but don't want to break the bank? Try whitening with Crest White Strips, in just two weeks you can have a brighter smile! Dr. Jason McCargar at Scottsdale Dental Arts says that the active ingredient is similar to the bleaching agents that he uses at his dental office; however, the ingredient in the Crest White Strips is just lesser in strength. So, the results occur a little more slowly, but it is still a very effective means of whitening nonetheless! (Priced $25-$45 depending on size of package) Dr. McCargar also said that brushing twice daily and flossing daily can help remove plaque and lift stains also making your teeth appear whiter.

The importance of mouthguards

2009-10-28T11:49:00.004-07:00

(click photo for enlarged print)

Sugar content

2009-10-20T16:58:00.006-07:00

Below is a picture of a pepsi bottle. It is exactly 12 fluid ounces, which is the same size as a can of pepsi.

The label clearly states that there is 41 grams of sugar in the product.

This is what 41 grams of sugar looks like in comparison to the bottle. If that still does not gross you out - it is roughly equivalent to 1/4 cup or 6 & 1/2 teaspoonfuls.

And just to compare other commonly consumed sodas...
Minute Maid Orange soda has 48grams of sugar.
Dr. Pepper has 40 grams of sugar.
Coca-cola has 39 grams of sugar.
Monster energy drinks have on average about 27 grams of sugar.
7-up has 39 grams of sugar.
Sprite has 38 grams of sugar.
Mountain Dew has 46 grams of sugar.

Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD at Scottsdale Dental Arts specializes not only in cosmetic dentistry, but in family & general dentistry as well. He says that the sugar is not the only culprit that causes cavities when soda is consumed. Soda also contains acids ( as seen on the label - phosphoric acid) which strip the teeth of their enamel. This in turn causes the teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. Once bacteria settles into the cracks and crevices of the teeth at the site of the cavity it further feeds off sugary products such as soda. Then, a small cavity that is easily fixed with a filling can turn into a large cavity that could potentially require more painful and more difficult treatment such as a root canal. Dr. McCargar stresses that water is best, but sometimes we all like the flavor of a soda. He recommends drinking the soda through a straw, so that it does not wash over the surfaces of the teeth as badly. He also recommends diet soda instead of regular soda to reduce the sugar content.

Thanks Trent Oeltjen!

2009-10-13T19:21:00.001-07:00

Batting For Smiles

2009-10-13T16:10:00.004-07:00

Difficult economic conditions have had a negative impact on the health of Arizona's children at a time when they are undergoing the most dynamic changes in their physical and mental development. Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry's Food Stores are committed to working together to help raise healthy children by emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene, preventive dentistry, exercise, and good nutrition to control the onset of disease. This community involvement, called "Batting for Smiles" was a huge success this year.

The winner of the 2009 season of Batting for Smiles, was registered by his parents when they used their Fry's V.I.P card between August 4 and September 11 at any Fry's Food Store's valley location. Dr. McCargar organized to have the winner greeted at his school by Trent Oeltjen - outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks - and Baxter - the Arizona Diamondback's Mascot. While Trent was signing autographs and Baxter was having pictures taken, Dr. McCargar spoke with the rest of the class about healthy smiles. Dr. McCargar said that as a family and cosmetic dentist he thinks it is fun and important to be involved with the local community and really enjoyed working with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's for this year's event.

Osteoporosis and your Dentist (part 2)

2009-10-06T21:41:00.001-07:00

There are many commercials right now on tv by lawyers warning people about bisphosphonates. Lots of people are worried, but you shouldn't be. The lawyers are trying to say that bisphosphonates (this is a class of medications that includes: Fosamax(alendronate), Actonel, Boniva & is used in treating osteoporosis) can cause osteonecrosis after a dental procedure. This is not true. In fact, the incidence for oral Fosamax, Actonel, or Boniva causing osteonecrosis occurs less than 1 case per 100,000 patients per year. About 94% of the cases of osteonecrosis are in cancer patient who are receiving intravenous (not oral) Zometa or Aredia. These specific IV medications are usually used in treating cancers that have spread to the bone.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw is bone damage that is extremely rare and occurs due to bone injury. The bone does not heal properly after the injury (for example a tooth extraction), and causes severe pain and swelling, then bone death. It is thought that bisphosphonates may increase the incidence of osteonecrosis because they might slow healing and suppress bone turnover after a dental procedure. Clinical trials do not support this with oral bisphosphonates only intravenous. Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD said according to the ADA it is advised that patients notify their dentist if they are taking these medications. He recommends that patients have routine dental exams before starting therapy and again within 3 months after starting therapy, then every 6 months thereafter. Dr. McCargar also stresses that good dental hygiene can decrease the risk of osteonecrosis. He says that brushing and flossing your teeth at least once per day (preferrably twice) can keep your gums and teeth healthy and prevent many dental procedures such as extractions. Dr. McCargar also says that bisphosphonates are very safe medications and the benefits of using them far outweigh the risks. Bisphosphonates can help to make your bones stronger and prevent them from breaking.

Osteoporosis and your Dentist (part 1)

2009-09-29T13:45:00.002-07:00

Osteoporosis (reduction in bone mass due to depletion of calcium and bone protein) affects more than 10 million Americans over the age of 50, and more than 34 million are at risk for the disease. One out of every two women will sustain an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. Each year, osteoporisis causes 1.5 million new fractures. Of these fractures, 250,000 are hip fractures resulting in mortality rates exceeding 20 percent in women and 30 percent in men, recurrent hospitalizations, increased office visits and often the need for care at extended treatment facilities. In indiviuals who have hip fractures, less than 25 percent of them regain full function. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be at risk for osteoporosis and ask about the benefits of oral bisphosphonates (like fosamax, actonel, and boniva).

Fluoride and Children

2009-09-23T18:44:00.006-07:00

You only give water to your child that you know is safe, right? Usually this means it is bottled and not from the tap. However, this "designer" water may not have any fluoride at all, which can lead to tooth decay. Too little fluoride can cause teeth to be more susceptible to cavities. Dr. McCargar says he sees a lot of cavities in children and parents don't understand how this can happen when the child takes great care of his or her teeth and gums. But, it can happen and it does happen frequently. Most tap water is fluorinated and most bottled water is not. Double check which water your child is drinking. It may just make your child's next dental visit much more enjoyable.

Who has the better Girl-Next-Door/ Celebrity Smile?

2009-09-15T14:55:00.001-07:00

Leave your comments for who has the best girl-next-door/ celebrity smile! Who will win... Aniston or Diaz? Vote for your favorite today! Dr. McCargar will critique the winner's smile!

Pregnancy

2009-09-08T21:28:00.002-07:00

New York's Bellevue Hospital Center conducted a study that found women who have a lot of bleeding from their gums also have the highest levels of glucose in their blood. Because of this conclusion, scientists decided to try another study. The New York University Dental Researchers confirms the results of the first study... discovering that pregnant women with periodontal disease have an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes - even if they don't smoke or drink.

Free Dental Screenings for kids on September 25, 2009

2009-08-28T17:26:00.002-07:00

Scottsdale Dental Arts, the practice of Jason D. McCargar, DMD, is providing free dental screenings to children in grades 1-6 at his practice on Friday, September 25, 2009, from 9am until 12 noon.

The no cost, no obiligation dental screenings are part of Batting for Smiles, a partnership with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's Food Stores.

Dr. McCargar and his team are reaching out to our valley's youth to educate them about the importance of maintaining good oral health for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

The free dental screenings are limited to the first 50 appointments. You can reach Scottsdale Dental Arts at 480/860-8282 or on our website at www.ScottsdaleDentalArts.com

Growing Children

2009-08-25T18:18:00.000-07:00

Leading researchers believe that children's bodies crave sweets in order to obtain adequate calories for growth. In a recent study children, ages 11 to 15, were given various levels of sweetness in different sugar-water type substances. The children were placed into two groups: high preference or low preference for sweetness. Children who had the highest levls of a biomarker for bone growth in their urine were most likely to be in the group that liked the sweetest drinks!

Free Dental Screenings on Friday, August 28, 2009

2009-08-18T22:08:00.002-07:00

For Immediate Release
August 19, 2009

Scottsdale, AZ -- Scottsdale Dental Arts teams up as an official partner of the AZ Diamondbacks to offer free dental screenings to children in grades 1-6

Located in North Scottsdale just minutes from Scottsdale Health Care Shea Campus, Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD of Scottsdale Dental Arts will provide no cost, no obligation visual pediatric dental screenings at his office on August 28, 2009 from 9am to noon.

The free screenings are limited to the first 50 appointments and each patient will receive a goody bag upon completion of the visual screening.

The free pediatric dental screenings are offered as part of Batting for Smiles, a partnership between Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry’s Food Stores to educate children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and preventative dental care.

A bright smile is an integral part of a strong body, and the value of a beautiful smile goes beyond healthy teeth and gums. When your child establishes a routine of brushing, flossing, and preventative dental care early in life, these good habits will lead to a lifetime of winning smiles.

To schedule your child’s free dental screening, contact Scottsdale Dental Arts at
480-860-8282. www.ScottsdaleDentalArts.com

Who has the better celebrity smile... Cruise or Cruz?

2009-08-12T16:47:00.005-07:00

Vote who you think has the better smile! Then, we will have Dr. McCargar critique the winner!

Canker Sores

2009-08-11T17:20:00.004-07:00

The pain from a canker sore can prevent you from enjoying your favorite foods, and depending on where it is located it may even be preventing you from eating. Canker sores, also called apthous ulcers, while small are extremely painful.

The most common culprit for causing canker sores is your toothpaste. The product in your toothpaste that causes it to foam when you brush your teeth is called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and this can be very abrasive to your oral mucosa even producing apthous ulcers (canker sores). Most toothpastes have SLS in it, but there are several brands that don't have it at all. (Check out Tom's Natural Toothpaste: Sensitive Care SLS-free or Biotin products.)

Other causes can be from weakened immune systems. When our bodies are tired and stressed we are more prone to infections from bacteria and viruses. A small abrasion on the gum from brushing can lead to an infection when our immune systems are weak. The body will send signals to the area to fight the infection and in doing so the area can become red, irritated, and inflammed.

If you never get canker sores and have one for the first time it may also be a viral infection known as a herpetic lesion. These most often occur around the lips, but can also occur inside the nose and on the oral mucosa. These can occur when the immune system is weakened from overexposure to the sun, respiratory illness, stress, or contact with another person who has a herpetic lesion. In this incidence the best course of action is to get an antiviral prescription from your doctor.

For simple apthous ulcers treatment is to help with the pain until the ulcer heals. This usually occurs within 7 days. Some of the prescription medications help to speed healing. One is a prescription medication called "kenalog in orabase" this helps speed healing and helps minimally with the pain. Another medication that Dr. McCargar uses at Scottsdale Dental Arts is called "Debacterol" this medicine when placed on the ulcer temporarily stings, but then the pain is gone & the apthous ulcer heals in a matter of days. Over-the-counter medications that help with the pain are products like "Orajel" that contain benzocaine and help to numb the area. The saliva from the mouth washes these medications off pretty quickly but, they will give temporary relief. Another product to try is "Ulcerease" this is a liquid formulation to help with the pain, swish & spit this one for best efficacy.

White doesn't mean Bright

2009-08-04T11:18:00.002-07:00

White wine may be the lesser of the two evils. In comparison to red wine, white wine can still stain your teeth but maybe not as badly as the red. The acids found in any wine can break down the enamel by creating rough spots and grooves in the teeth, allowing chemicals in stain-causing bevereages (coffee, tea, cola, wine) to penetrate deeper into the tooth. Red wine is still the stronger culprit at staining your pearly-whites because it contains chromogen, a strongly pigmented substance. However, white wine shows it can still stain teeth even though it won't discolor your teeth as badly as red wine.

Acidic erosion is not just a problem caused by wines, it can also be caused by any acidic drink (orange juice, grapefruit juice, lemonade, sports and energy drinks, sodas). Dr. McCargar, DMD, with Scottsdale Dental Arts recommends that patients simply keep wine consumption within moderation, because by cutting back on acidic drinks people can help to maintain their whitest smile.

Sports Drinks: Satisfy your Thirst while Damaging your Teeth

2009-08-01T12:58:00.003-07:00

The next time you reach for that thirst-quenching sports drink, you may want to think again.

A recent New York University College of Dentistry study published in the June 2009 edition of the Academy of General Dentistry finds that highly acidic sports drinks can eat away at a tooth's hard enamel coating. The results of the study are grim for consumers of sports drinks. Scientists found that the bonelike material underneath the enamel becomes soft and weak, therefore more at risk for tooth decay.

The NYU study involved placing teeth from several cows into two groups. The first sample was placed into a popular sports drink while the second sample was placed into plain tap water. The teeth were exposed to the liquids for a period of 90 minutes to simulate the average person's continual sipping throughout a given day. Scientists discovered significant amounts of erosion and softening of the enamel in the teeth that were exposed to the sports drinks while the teeth that were exposed to water showed no changes to their enamel.

What's even worse is that scientists found that brushing immediately after drinking a sports drink can compound the problems of tooth erosion because the softened enamel can be damaged by the abrasive particles found in toothpaste.

So the next time you need to quench your thirst, play it safe and reach instead for a bottle of water. Your teeth will thank you.

Batting for Smiles

2009-07-29T17:18:00.002-07:00

During the months of August and September, Scottsdale Dental Arts, the dental practice of Jason D. McCargar, DMD, is teaming up as an Official Partner of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Fry's Food Stores to sponsor Batting for Smiles, a program designed to help promote healthy smiles for children in grades 1 through 6.

Difficult economic conditions have had a negative impact on the health of Arizona's children at a time when they are undergoing the most dynamic changes in their physical and mental development. Scottsdale Dental Arts, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and Fry's Food Stores are committed to working together to help raise healthy children by emphasizing the importance of good oral hygiene, preventive dentistry, exercise, and good nutrition to control the onset of disease.

To join our Batting for Smiles team, parents can register their children in grades 1 through 6 by using their Fry's V.I.P card between August 4 and September 11 at any Fry's Food Store's valley location. Your children will then be entered into a drawing to win the grand prize, which is the opportunity to welcome an Arizona Diamondbacks' player and Dr. McCargar to their school to teach them how to have a lifetime of winning smiles!

The Link Between Dental Care and Diabetes

2009-07-21T12:16:00.003-07:00

According to recent clinical studies a link between periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory conditions such as heart disease and diabetes has been discovered. Inflammation occurs after infection or injury to protect your body and to help it in the healing process. However, inflammation that stays for long periods of time can actually cause disease. Periodontitis is a form of chronic inflammation occuring in the gum tissue and surrounding bone. It is an advanced stage of gum disease that requires aggressive dental treatment because it can lead to tooth loss, and also increased risk of disease. One particular disease that it has been linked to is diabetes. The inflammation from periodontitis can increase blood glucose levels which can lead to diabetes over time. Dr. McCargar, DMD, says "It is important to see a dentist regularly so that you can prevent, detect, and treat gum disease."

Does bad breath "Bug" you?

2009-07-14T18:54:00.004-07:00

The garlic that you ate for lunch is not the only thing that can cause bad breath. People with periodontal disease have a 15% higher chance of having a bacteria inside their mouth that can release an odor causing gas. That bacteria is called H. pylori. Generally, the bacteria is found in your stomach and can cause stomach ulcers and heartburn. However, the stomach ulcer bug can also cause bad breath. If you have persistent heartburn and halitosis ask your doctor or dentist about medications that can help to treat this condition. Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD says that by treating the heartburn with a proton pump inhibitor and also treating the periodontal disease at the same time, patients can drastically decrease the incidence of halitosis (bad breath). To completely irradicate the stomach bacteria, however a series of antibiotics plus proton pump inhibitors must be used for a 14 day period. Ask your primary care physician about your treatment options if you have heart burn more than 2 days per week.

What are sealants?

2009-07-07T22:27:00.002-07:00

The American Dental Association, defines dental sealants as a type of plastic material applied to teeth, to prevent dental cavities. According to Dr. Jason McCargar, DMD, sealants are a highly effective option to help prevent cavities. They are proven safe and are cost-effective for those patients that are prone to cavities. The majority of cavities occur in the small pits and crevices on and in-between teeth where food gets caught. Because the teeth in the back of the mouth (molars and premolars) have the most natural grooves and fissures on their biting surfaces, certain areas of these teeth are often difficult to clean even with vigorous tooth-brushing. Therefore, these are often the teeth that benefit the most from dental sealants. First the affected area of the tooth must be clean and dry, then a thin layer of liquid plastic material is applied and allowed to dry and harden. Dental sealants may remain effective for five years or longer, although sealants do wear naturally with chewing and may become damaged over time. Often an area that would easily become a cavity is saved by simply "sealing-off" the space between the tooth and any future bacteria or future food particles. However, the dental sealants do not protect against gum disease, so regular dental checkups are still important for overall oral health.

Fact of the Week:

2009-06-23T19:27:00.004-07:00

Did you know that nearly 27 percent of patients experience their first adult tooth loss between the ages of 21 and 30?? Nearly everyone in America has a doctor that they refer to as their "primary care physician" but 46 percent of Americans report that they currently do not have a "primary general dentist." Just as people have a primary care physician, it is equally important that people have a "primary care dentist." At Scottsdale Dental Arts it is believed that everyone should have a qualified and professional dentist looking out for their dental care. Dr. McCargar stresses the importance of dental exams and hygiene cleanings every 6 months to maintain a healthy smile. Afterall, overall physical health is directly linked to oral health.

Eating for Two also means Brushing for Two

2009-06-23T18:57:00.002-07:00

Pregnancy can cause unexpected oral health changes. The hormonal changes that occur can exaggerate the way gum tissue reacts to plaque. When plaque isn't removed, it can cause gingivitis - red, swollen, tender gums that are more likely to bleed. If you already have gingivitis and become pregnant the condition is likely to worsen during pregnancy. Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease that includes bone loss. "Pregnancy gingivitis" affects a large number of pregnant women to some degree and general begins to surface as early as the second month of pregnancy. There is a link between gingivitis and pre-term delivery and/or low birth weight babies. The reason is because excessive bacteria from your swollen gums can enter into the bloodstream and travel to the uterus. When bacteria encounters the uterus it releases chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. Dr. McCargar says that "during pregnancy it is especially important to brush with a fluoride toothpaste and floss at least twice daily. More frequent dental cleanings also will help to control plaque and prevent gingivitis." Your overall health is directly linked to your oral health, so it is especially important for you to maintain good oral hygiene throughout your pregnancy and discuss your dental plan for the remainder of your pregnancy with your dentist.

Are sports drinks bad for the teeth?

2009-06-16T19:46:00.003-07:00

After a workout, many of us like to rehydrate with a sports drink. The advertisements claim it replaces lost electrolytes and quenches thirst, but did you realize that sports drinks can actually cause cavities? That was the evidence according to a recent study by the International Association for Dental Research in Miami. The results show softening of the dentin (the dental tissue that determines the size and shape of the teeth and lies directly beneath the enamel layer) and also damage to the tooth enamel (the protective layer on the outside of the teeth). The study immersed cow teeth in either water or a sports drink for 75 to 90 minutes, then measured the damage. It was concluded that sports drinks can damage the teeth even more than soda because of the acidic components, the sugars, the dyes, and the additives. The high acid content can weaken the enamel and cause bacteria to sneak into cracks and crevices in the teeth, and sugar exacerbates that situation. The scientists conducting the study wanted to stress that the most important factor is exposure, if you are drinking the beverage all day it has a longer time to break down your teeth versus if you just have the beverage occasionally on a limited basis. To decrease exposure you can also use a straw or drink plenty of water afterwards.

Healthy Teeth and Vitamin D

2009-06-08T18:44:00.004-07:00

We have heard over and over that calcium helps to maintain strong teeth and bones, but did you know that Vitamin D is just as important? Vitamin D allows calcium to be absorbed by the body, so without Vitamin D your bones and teeth will be weak and brittle. Most people get adequate amounts of Vitamin D from the sun. 10 to 15 minutes of sensible sun exposure to the arms and legs at midday 2 to 3 times per week may provide an adequate amount of Vitamin D for people not at high risk for skin cancer. But, for most of us (especially in Arizona) we know not to go outside without our sunscreen and this makes it difficult to get adequate amounts of Vitamin D. But, don't worry because you can also get it from plant sources and you can find it in your vitamin aisle. Often it is already paired with the calcium (for example Citracal and Caltrate are great brands--but don't overlook the generic because often it has the same ingredients but for less price). Current FDA guidelines recommend 100IU (international units) per day for kids and 400 to 600 IU/day for adults. (Some newer studies are recommending closer to 1000IU/day for adults). Adequate Vitamin D levels can reduce muslce and bone pain, and decrease the incidence of falls and fractures. It is also showing in some studies to lower the incidence of some cancers and heart disease. Not to mention that you will have a healthier, prettier smile and less painful dental visits!

Dental Crowding or Gapping

2009-06-01T12:38:00.002-07:00

Crowding of teeth or gaps between teeth can affect your self confidence. When you smile if you feel self-conscious about the spacing of your teeth, then there are many dental procedures that can help to fix that. Porcelain veneers can not only realign teeth, but can also conceal chips, cracks, and stains. Procelain veneers are extremely thin "shells" that are affixed to the teeth. Dr. McCargar can do complete mouth makeovers or just a few teeth with porcelain veneers. First the teeth are reshaped, then a mold is taken. The mold is given to a local lab to make the veneers, while this is being done, you will be fitted with a temporary set of veneers. During this time you will evaluate how you like the look and feel of the temporary teeth. At the last visit the permanent veneers will get set into place and you will have a completely new smile!

Make Over Your Smile

2009-05-17T17:30:00.005-07:00

Do you feel comfortable with your smile? When you look in the mirror do you only see old dental work that is causing you to look years older than you actually are? Well, you're not alone. Over time, silver fillings can leach into the enamel of the teeth, causing the teeth to turn a grayish color. Childhood fillings can deteriorate with time due to years of constant force from chewing food. Crowns can crack due to physical pressures from the jaw (ie: grinding, chewing, stress). On average a crown will last for 7 to 10 years, implants can last up to 15, and veneers last about 15 to 20 years. Preventative care such as routine hygiene appointments, healthy diet and no smoking can help in the longevity of these dental procedures. Having fillings, crowns, and veneers replaced when necessary with stronger, more attractive procelain restorations can rejuvenate your look in just a couple of office visits. Some restorations are covered by insurance if they are necessary in saving a tooth, but most likely you will need pre-authorization from your dental insurance carrier.

Have you heard about the New Colgate Wisp ?

2009-05-12T15:44:00.005-07:00

The Colgate Wisp is small enough to fit in a pocket or purse. It has built in bristles that release a colgate product to freshen and clean your teeth and breath as your brush, and the cleaning/freshening product is safe to swallow. After you brush it has a little pick at the other end to help clean in between teeth for those hard to reach areas. It doesn't require water, so after you finish you just throw it away! Give it a try for only about $0.60 a brush!!

According to the makers of the Wisp, "it is still necessary to maintain your regular brushing routine with a full-sized toothbrush and toothpaste to thoroughly remove plaque and bacteria. The Colgate Wisp is designed to give a clean mouth feeling and fresh breath when you are on the go." (http://www.colgatewisp.com/wisp/HomePage)

Isn't my dental office supposed to know my insurance benefits?

2009-04-28T14:34:00.002-07:00

As a person who has insurance with a given insurance company, I receive an explanation of benefits within a booklet of benefits that my employer gives to me when I sign up for a plan. In that booklet it breaks down what company covers my medical insurance, my prescription insurance, my eye insurance, and my dental insurance. Often a different company is used for each type of insurance. I personally have four different companies that handle each division of my insurance. Within each insurance plan is sub-groups that further determine how much the insurance will cover for a certain type of claim.

For example, if I pay $4 per month for my dental insurance, my employer might match $4 per month and my monthly premium is then $8 per month. I might be very excited to have this plan because it seems very inexpensive. When I receive my booklet of benefits, I read that due to my low monthly premium, I have a $5,000 deductible to meet before my insurance will cover any dental related procedure. Now, I have a toothache and my plan doesn't sound so good. Because of my low monthly premium, I have a high deductible. When I go to see the dentist I am responsible for the full cost until I reach my $5,000 deductible, at which point, the insurance will then start paying some of the cost of the work.

In another example, say I choose the dental insurance that costs $750 per month. I like this plan because it says that it covers crowns, bridges, veneers, braces, whitening, etc. I just have to go to a certain "in-network" dentist. I call my insurance company to make sure that my dentist is "in-network" to find out that he is!! Now, I have a toothache and I go to the dentist and I don't have any out-of-pocket expenses. But, I decide that I like another dentist better and decide to go to him for another procedure... this dentist is "out-of-network" with my insurance. Now my insurance is saying they will only cover a portion of the expenses & the office is only giving me an estimate. I don't understand why they can't tell me the exact cost that I will owe??

When a dental offices calls insurance companies to determine how much they will cover for your procedures, they often give very vague information. The insurance will tell the office that according to your plan they will cover a yearly maximum, they will say what your deductible is if you have one, they will inform the office of how many cleaning you can have per year and at what frequency. They might say that they may cover 50% of a specific procedure. But as we determined before insurance companies have a fee schedule that determines how much they think a procedure should cost & these are never released. So, for example the insurance may say that they will cover 50% of a filling. (But according to their fee schedule a filling should be amalgam and should only cost $20-for example- so the insurance is actually willing to pay $10. When the filling is done it is actually a tooth-colored filling that cost $50- so now you owe $40). The hard part is that the office doesn't know exactly how much the insurance will cover until the insurance is actually billed for the procedure. And it is illegal (insurance fraud) to bill for a procedure that has not been done, therefore, the office can only call and get an estimate. This is why it is very important for each person to know their individual plan.

My dentist recommended this treatment. Why doesn't my Insurance cover it fully?

2009-04-28T11:50:00.002-07:00

Your dental plan may only allow benefits for the least expensive treatment. For example, you have a tooth that is fractured and cannot be restored. In this case, your dentist may recommend an implant and a crown. Your insurance may only cover a bridge. Or your insurance may only be willing to cover an amalgam (silver-colored)filling. If you choose to have the amalgam filling, then your insurance would cover it fully and you would not have any out-of-pocket expenses. However, you will have a very noticeable silver filling and most likely will opt to have it re-done in the future for cosmetic and health reasons. Not to mention, that it is a temporary fix for a tooth that has a huge fracture. Most likely the filling will not hold very long due to the trauma to the tooth and you will end up having an implant and a crown done down the road anyways. If you choose to have your insurance cover the bridge, then you have to use two perfectly healthy teeth that neighbor the fractured tooth to support it. Overtime, this can cause stress on the neighboring healthy teeth and potentially lead to more dental work down the road. If you choose the implant and crown your insurance may cover a portion of the cost, which leads you with more out-of-pocket costs at this time, but potentially will save you from costly procedures down the road. Ultimately, the dentist recommends a treatment that is best for the patient overall. The insurance recommends a treatment that is less expensive for the insurance company and mainly benefits the insurance company. And the patient is left with the decision of which path to choose. It is very frustrating both for the patient and the health care team because often cost is a deciding factor for treatment. But, it is important to remember long-term costs as well in deciding treatment plans with your dentist.

Why Doesn't My Insurance Pay For This?

2009-04-23T10:13:00.004-07:00

Every insurance is different. When your employer sits down with an insurance carrier, they determine what plan you are going to be on and the benefits. If you have an individual plan that you purchased on your own, most often there are waiting periods with little reimbursement. There is no regulation as to how insurance companies determine reimbursement levels, resulting in wide fluctuation. Insurance companies are not required to disclose how they determine these fees. Subscribers are generally told that the insurance determines their fees by zip code and that the doctor's fees are higher. (this is not true). The American Dental Association (ADA) has actually investigated how often fee schedules are updated. They found that most often they are only done once in every 10 to 20 years. The exception is Delta Dental, they update their fees yearly to determine the maximum amount in which they will pay.

This answer was written by Priscilla, our office manager. She is responsible for insurance billing and is very knowledgeable on this subject. If you have insurance questions for Priscilla, she is very excited to answer them! Please leave your questions in the comment field and Priscilla will respond.

Medications that can cause a sweet or salty taste:

2009-04-21T17:38:00.004-07:00

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

captopril (Capoten), chlorhexadine (Peridex), fluorouracil (Adrucil), lithium (Lithobid, Lithane), nifedipine (Procardia).

Medications that can cause altered taste:

2009-04-21T17:27:00.008-07:00

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

amiodarone (Cordarone), Amoxapine (amytal), azathioprine (Imuran), bupropion (Wellbutrin), butorphanol (stadol), cefadroxil (Duracef), cefamandole (mandol), cefpodoxime (vantin), cephalexin (keflex), clompiramine, (anafranil), cyclobenzaprine, (flexeril), desipramine (norpamin), diltiazem (cardizem), didanosine (Videx), dipyridamole (Persantine), Doxazosin (cardura), estazolam(Prosom), Eszopiclone (lunesta), etodolac (lodine), famotidine (pepcid), felbamate (felbatol), flecainide (tambocor), flunisolide (Aerobid), fluphenazine (prolixin), flurazepam (Dalmane), Foscarnet (foscavir), fosinopril (monopril), glipizide (glucotrol), granisteron (kytril), griseofulvin (Fulvicin), Interferon alpha (intron A), Isotretinoin (Accutane) {sour taste}, ketoprofen (orudis), ketorolac (toradol), labetalol (normodyne, trandate), lisinopril (prinivil, zestril), lithium (lithobid, lithane), Loratadine (claritin), metformin (glucophage), minocycline (minocin), misoprostol (cytotec), nifedipine (procardia), oxaprozin (daypro), pergolide (permax), propylthiouracil, pseudoephedrine (sudafed), rimantadine (flumadine), sertraline (zoloft), sumatriptan (imitrex), tolbutamide (tolinase), topiramate (topamax), trazodone (desyrel), triazolam (halcion), trimipramine (surmontil), zidovudine (retrovir), zolpidem (ambien).

Medications that can cause Dry Mouth:

2009-04-14T19:30:00.004-07:00

Medications are listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand names are listed in parenthesis:

Amiloride (Midamor), Amitriptyline (Elavil), Amoxapine (Amytal), Amphetamines (Adderall), Benztropine (cogentin), Bupropion (Wellbutrin), Cetirizine (Zyrtec), Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clemastine (Tavist), Clomipramine (Anafranil), clonidine (Catapres), clozaprine (Clozaril), cyclizine (Marezine), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), Cyproheptadine (Periactin), Desipramine (Norpramin), Diazepam (Valium), Dicycloine (Bentyl), Didanosine (Videx), Doxazosin (Cardura), Doxepin (Sinequan), Duloxetine (Cymbalta), Fluoxetine (Prozac), Fluvoxamine (luvox), Granisetron (Kytril), Guanfacine (tenex), Hyoscyamine (anaspaz), Ibuprofen (Motrin), Imipramine (Tofranil), Interferon alpha (Intron A), Ipratropium (Atrovent), Isotretinoin (Accutane), Ketoprofen (orudis), Ketorolac (toradol), Levodopa (Dopar, Larodopa), Lithium (lithobid, Lithane), Loratadine (Claritin), Methyldopa (Aldomet), Mirtazapine (Remeron), Morphine (MS Contin), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), Olanzapine (Zyprexa), Omeprazole (prilosec), ondansetron (zofran), oxybutynin (ditropan), paroxetine (paxil), pentoxifylline (trental), pphenelzine (nardil), promethazine (phenergan), propafenone (Rythmol), Quetiapine (Seroquel), Risperidone (Risperdal), Rizatriptan (maxalt), Selegiline (Eldepryl), sertraline (zoloft), Sucralfate (Carafate), Terazosin (Hytrin), Tolterodine (Detrol), Topiramate (Topamax), Trazodone (Desyrel), Triazolam (halcion), venlafaxine (effexor)

Medications that can Cause Decreased Taste:

2009-04-14T19:28:00.004-07:00

Listed alphabetically by Generic name - Brand name medications are listed in parenthesis:

Diltiazem (Cardizem), Doxorubicin (Adriamycin), enalapril (vasotec), Ethacrynic acid (Edecrin), Etidronate (didronel), Flunisolide (aerobid, nasalide), Fosinopril (Monopril), Ibuprofen (motrin), Imipramine (tofranil), indomethacin (indocin), ketoprofen (orudis), Levodopa (dopar, larodopa), Lisinopril (zestril, prinivil), Methimazole (tapazole), methotrexate (rheumatrex), nifedipine (procardia), nitroglycerin (nitrostat), oxaprozin (daypro), Oxazepam (serax), penicillamine (cuprimine), Pentamidine (pentam), Piperacillin (pipracil), Pirbuterol (maxair), Piroxicam (Feldene), Promethazine (phenergan), Propylthiouracil, Rimantadine (flumadine), terbinafine (Lamisil), Triamterene (dyrenium), Venlafaxine (Effexor), Vincristine (oncovin), zinc nasal gel (zicam)