dental health

HAVE YOU EVER had a sip of ice water and experienced a sudden, sharp pain in your teeth? You’re not alone. One in eight people experiences tooth sensitivity—the kind of sensitivity that isn’t due to a problem such as a cavity, and has nothing to do with braces. So what’s causing it? Surprisingly, one of the most common causes of tooth sensitivity is brushing with too much force.

While you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, it’s more important than ever to brush! However, don’t interpret that as a recommendation to brush more aggressively. There’s a better way to be effective.

How Could Brushing Hurt?

Over-brushing is problematic because it wears down the protective layers of your tooth enamel. It can also push back your gums, exposing the dentin layer under the enamel even more. This dentin layer has microscopic tubes or canals that lead to your tooth’s nerves. If these tubes are exposed to hot, cold, or even acidic foods it can lead to discomfort and tooth sensitivity.

Brushing too hard, especially at the corners of your dental arch, with a back and forth “saw action” may lead to gingival recession (gum recession, or receding gum height) especially over the canine tooth roots. This is one dental health problem we would like to avoid.

Tips For Better Brushing:

• Watch which direction bristles face when you brush. They should be perpendicular, not parallel.
• Hold your toothbrush loosely, like a pencil.
• Use soft, round motions to brush. Don’t saw back and forth.
• Use soft or extra-soft bristled brushes. Brush softly! Apply just enough pressure to feel the bristles against your gums.
• Braces may be hard on your toothbrush—replace it when you notice frayed and bent bristles.

Put In The Time

When it comes to cleaning teeth, elbow grease doesn’t do the trick. Consider this mantra: brush smarter, not harder. When regularly brushing, the plaque you’re trying to get rid of is fairly soft and can easily be brushed away with a soft brush.

During the two minutes you’re brushing it’s good to be thorough, but there’s no need to scrub the same areas over and over again.

Questions?

Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity? Over-brushing isn’t the only possible cause. Some orthodontic patients may have exposed roots due to shifting teeth, not over brushing. If you are experiencing discomfort, ask us about it at your next appointment.

You can also leave a question below, or you can ask a private question on our Facebook page.

We look forward to you. Your smile is our inspiration.

DURING YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT, you probably don’t think very often about your spit (and frankly, we’d be a little worried about you if you did). And yes, both baby drool and the occasional drooling you may experience from having braces are a nuisance!

But did you know that saliva is a critical component for healthy teeth and great oral health — regardless of your age? Here at our practice, we’re not only concerned with your orthodontic treatment, but also with your teeth and complete oral health. We thought you may find it interesting to learn how saliva helps keep your mouth protected and healthy, even when your teeth are partially covered by braces.

Four Reasons Your Saliva Is Awesome

1. Your saliva slowly and continually builds your teeth into tiny fortresses. It carries minerals like calcium and phosphate ions which reinforce your enamel.
2. Saliva is an important part of your immune system. It contains immunoproteins that police your mouth, fighting bacteria and coating teeth in a protective layer.
3. It’s a lubricant. Thanks to saliva, your mouth and tongue are flexible. Talking and eating would be seriously difficult without it.
4. Saliva keeps your mouth clean. It washes away food particles and rebalances the pH level in your mouth every time you eat.

Xerostomia (a.k.a. Dry Mouth) Can Be A Problem

Now that you understand how much your saliva does for you, you probably see what a problem it could be if it weren’t there. When your body isn’t producing enough saliva, it’s called dry mouth, or xerostomia (pronounced “zeer-uh-stoh-mee-uh”). It’s often caused by common medications like antihistamines or antidepressants. It can also be a side effect of dehydration or diseases like Parkinson’s and cystic fibrosis. Sometimes it’s simply a result of aging.

Here Are A Few Suggestions That May Help You

If you’re having trouble with xerostomia, ask us about it! We’ll be sure it’s not part of a bigger problem. In addition to the simple suggestions below, there may be other things our team can suggest that will help:

• Rinse your mouth regularly with water.
• Chew ortho-approved sugarless gum or suck on a sugarless candy to help stimulate saliva flow.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, which can both be dry mouth contributing factors.

Remember that if you ever have questions, you can call us or send us a direct message on our Facebook page. Visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a free orthodontic evaluation. Visit our website at www.clubbraces.com and call us at 925-757-9000 to schedule your appointment.

Your smile is our inspiration.

THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON brings about a most important need for excellent dental hygiene, brushing and flossing, and dental health: kissing under the mistletoe! You may be wondering how this holiday oral hygiene tradition got started.

Ancient Mistletoe Beliefs

Dating back to ancient times, mistletoe has been revered for its perceived health properties. The ancient Greeks believed mistletoe cured ailments while the Romans used mistletoe as a balm against ulcers.

The Celtic Druids admired mistletoe’s ability to blossom even during the frozen winter. In the 1st century, Druids considered mistletoe a symbol of vivacity and administered mistletoe berries to restore fertility.

However, it was Frigg from Norse mythology who first declared mistletoe a symbol of love. Frigg vowed to plant a kiss on all who deigned to pass beneath the mistletoe. This tradition of mistletoe kissing made mistletoe a symbol of vitality and fertility. This tradition continued to live on through the middle ages.

The Tradition As We Know It

In the 18th Century, mistletoe became incorporated into Christmas celebrations. The tradition of mistletoe as a Christmas kissing station became popular among servants in England. From there, the popularity of this Christmas decoration spread among people throughout the world. The tradition of mistletoe kissing allows a man to steal a kiss from a woman standing under the mistletoe. Refusing this kiss is a sign of bad luck.

Today in Northern California, Contra Costa County, and Mt. Diablo State Park, mistletoe grows as a hemiparasitic plant on the boughs of the barren winter oaks. It appears as giant green balls, like a giant Christmas tree ornament growing on the giant California Oaks, and waits there as a beckon of eternal fertility for special visitors on an afternoon stroll. The mistletoe can be picked and brought home for a special holiday celebration.

Have A Merry Christmas!

This Christmas holiday season, brush and floss your teeth twice a day, maintain excellent oral hygiene and dental health, smile big, and if your heart gives you the opportunity, take a moment to kiss someone special under the mistletoe.

We wish you good luck under the mistletoe this holiday season. Thank you for your support of Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, in Antioch, California now and through the year. From all of us at Gorczyca Orthodontics, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

YOU MAY NOT THINK of gelatin as a health food. Yet, homemade natural jello is one of the best things you can eat for healthy gums.

Gelatin And Gum Tissue

Gelatin is made of collagen. The collagen of natural jello gives your body the amino acids glycine and proline, which are important for new collagen synthesis in your gums. New collagen produced in your gums helps make your periodontal tissue firm and strong. Some components of the collagen in gelatin have been shown to help repair gum tissue and can also be beneficial in your body’s wound healing.

Gelatin’s Other Benefits

Not only is natural gelatin good for your gums, it is also good for your bones, teeth, cartilage, joints, and digestive tract. Gelatin can help reduce wrinkles. How great is that? Gelatin can also give you healthier skin and hair. It can even reduce cellulite! In addition, gelatin has been found to improve sleep and relieve stress.

Homemade Gelatin

To make your own healthy gelatin at home that is low in sugar and free of artificial coloring, try the recipe below:

• 4 Tbs gelatin power
• 1/2 cup boiling water
• 3 1/2 cups fruit juice
• fruit
• shredded coconut

Mix ingredients together, then chill in refrigerator.

Enjoy Your Gum-Healthy Gelatin Treats!

With all these health benefits, why wouldn't we all eat gelatin? Make some gelatin for your gums. Gelatin can be acquired either in a powdered form for your recipes or from bone broth.

Here’s to your dental health!

Dr. Ann Marie Gorczyca, Orthodontist, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, California (925) 757-9000

Top image by Flickr user Andrew Mager used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

WE ALL KNOW it’s possible to catch a cold from someone who’s under the weather. Did you know cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from person to person too?

Bacteria Is At The Root Of Cavities

While sugary treats often take the blame for causing cavities, the real culprits for tooth decay are bacteria. Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are bacteria which stick to our teeth and eat food particles left behind from our last meal, producing acids which threaten gum health and cause tooth decay. And just like cold-causing bacteria, these bacteria like to travel.

Bacteria Travels From Person To Person

Whether it’s through sharing a drink or kissing a loved one, cavity-causing bacteria can be passed from person to person the same way many other bacterial infections can. Studies have shown that “catching a cavity” is not only possible, it happens far more often than you might think.

One of the most common transmissions is from parent and child. Cavity-causing bacteria is commonly passed along to a child when a mother or father tastes food to ensure it’s not too hot or when he or she “cleans” a pacifier by sucking on it before handing it over.

Take Simple Steps To Stop The Spread Of Bacteria

What can you do to reduce your risk of transmitting these cavity-causing bacterias to someone else?

• Floss and brush frequently.
• Chew sugar-free gum—this promotes saliva production and washes away plaque and bacteria).
• Be mindful of drinks and eating utensils you’re sharing and the risks that are involved.
• Be aware of other behaviors which may spread these bacteria.

Trust Our Practice For Solutions

Nobody wants to inadvertently “catch a cavity.” Our practice is committed to providing you with the best information possible to help you create a healthy and resilient smile. If you have any questions about this, be sure to ask us! We love visiting about your orthodontic health. You can also comment below and reach out to us on social media.

Visit us at Gorczyca Orthodontics in Antioch California for a free oral exam and orthodontic evaluation. Call us at (925) 757-9000. Find us at the Deer Valley Dental Professional Center, 5201 Deer Valley Road, right behind Deer Valley High School.

Your smile is our inspiration.

Top image by Flickr user bigbirdz used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

MEN: AFTER YOU GET ENGAGED, prepare to say "I Do" to a beautiful new smile.

Get Your Smile Ready For The Big Day

Most men seeking orthodontic treatment, are brought to the orthodontist by a woman. Usually, it is their fiancee wanting to get her future bride groom's smile ready for the big day.

In other cases, it could be a wife, who, after marriage decides that she would like her husband to have a functional bite and beautiful smile. This is what a wife would love to look at across the dinner table each night.

Otherwise, it is a mother who wants her son to look his very best for when he meets the right girl, dates, gets engaged, and for his wedding day.

Beautiful Smiles Help In Many Areas Of Life

Men: no matter which woman brings you to the orthodontist, having straight teeth, a beautiful smile, and great self-esteem, affects how you feel, who you date, getting engaged, your professional success, self-confidence, and getting married.

We Can Help Bring Out Your Best Smile!

If you are a man and you would like to have the beneftis of beautiful straight teeth, call us for a complimentary consultation for braces, Invisalign, or retainers at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000 or www.clubbraces.com.

To find an orthodontist near you, visit the American Association of Orthodontists at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Men: thinking of getting engaged or married? Get ready with a beautiful new smile for life and the big day ahead.

LIFE CAN BE UNPREDICTABLE. When times get tough, it can be tempting to postpone or maybe even neglect your orthodontic treatment. Resist that temptation! Doing so can compromise the health of your teeth and the end result of your treatment. There’s a better way to save money and stay healthy: A Preventative Care Plan.

Part 1: Do Your Part At Home

All you need is a toothbrush, some dental floss, and five minutes of your day. Thorough daily brushing and flossing helps to prevent tooth decay as well as decalcification that can be caused by plaque buildup around your appliance. This is the most important part of your new preventative care plan and only you can do it!

Part 2: Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits

Deep cleanings from your dentist can reach those areas you can’t—such as below the gums—and can help fight plaque and other dental demons. Regular maintenance appointments are less expensive than restorative work.

Part 3: Fix Problems Early

If something is wrong or doesn’t feel right with your appliance, contact us immediately. To stay on track with your treatment, it’s important that we catch and fix any problems while they’re still minor.

One thing is for sure, crowded teeth will continue to get worse over time. Crowded teeth can compromise dental and periodontal health. An unhealthy bite can also lead to excessive tooth wear, tooth sensitivity, and jaw discomfort. The sooner you can receive an orthodontic examination and treatment with either braces, Invisalign, or retainers to correct your orthodontic problem the better. Your oral health goal is to keep your teeth healthy for life.

Your Preventative Plan May Be A Life Saver

By following this plan you can better protect yourself from major issues down the road. Some studies even indicate that neglecting your oral health may lead to other health issues including cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Faithfully following your “Preventative Dental Care Plan” helps keep you healthy.

Questions?

Let us know if you have any questions about your at-home oral care techniques. 

Call us today at Gorczyca Orthodontics for a complimentary orthodontic consultation at (925) 757-9000 or find us at www.clubbraces.com.

We see children as early at seven years of age. There are many orthodontic problems that can be prevented by early orthodontic treatment with braces, expansion appliances, or retainers.

Thank you for being our patients and friends!

THE CDC REPORTS THAT 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, it should be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes: Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.
2. Set reminders to brush twice a day: Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.
3. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful: Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.
4. Be persistent: Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.
5. Set their first dental appointment before age 1: Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

We Love Helping Young Smiles

At Gorczyca Orthodontics, we see young patients as early as age 4. Functional shifts in bites may cause asymmetric growth patterns and need to be treated early.

Our initial orthodontic exams are complimentary at no charge. If parents are in need of a pediatric dentist for their child or a family dentist for the whole family, we are happy to refer you to an excellent dentist in our East County dental community.

The American Association of Orthodontists and all orthodontists recommend that every child have an orthodontic examination with an orthodontist by age 7. To find an orthodontist near you, visit www.mylifemysmile.org.

Find us Gorczyca Orthodontics, 5201 Deer Valley Road, Suite 1A, Antioch, California (925) 757-9000. www.clubbraces.com

Here's to your child's happy life and health smile.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

THE CDC REPORTS THAT 1 in 5 children (between ages 5 and 11) in the US have untreated tooth decay. Not only should tooth decay be treated in regular dental appointments, it should be prevented! Tooth decay is 100 percent preventable with effective personal care and regular dental cleanings.

In honor of Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re spreading the word about children’s dental health.

YOU Can Help Little Ones Have Healthier Smiles!

1. Encourage them to brush for two full minutes: Pick a song about two minutes long and sing it to them during brushing time.
2. Set reminders to brush twice a day: Brushing after breakfast and just before bed are the best times for preventing bacteria growth from food.
3. Show them flossing is fun, not harmful: Be gentle at first when doing it for them. A bad experience can stop them from flossing on their own.
4. Be persistent: Don’t let fussy children off the hook. Be motivating! Kids may gladly brush for a sticker or star if you make it an activity.
5. Set their first dental appointment before age 1: Having positive dental experiences early will make dental visits easier and less frightening when older.

We Can Help Too!

If you have a child under the age of seven who has not yet had a dental examination, we are happy to see him or her for a fun welcome to the dental office examination at Gorczyca Orthodontics. Dr. Gorczyca will introduce your child to the dentistry, review brushing and flossing, make your child's first dental visit fun, and refer your child to a pediatric dentist for future specialty dental care.

To find a pediatric dentist in your area, visit the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry at www.mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic examination by age seven. To find an orthodontist in your area, visit the AAO at www.mylifemysmile.org.

Help Us Spread The Word!

Share this message with your friends and family, and especially with the children in your life. If you have any questions about children’s dental health, don’t hesitate to ask us!

Thanks for being our valued patients and friends!

Top image by Flickr user Edu Alpendre used under Creative Commons Attribution-Sharealike 4.0 license. Image cropped and modified from original.

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

WHAT IF YOU'RE 13 YEARS OLD AND you still have a baby tooth? A baby tooth at age 13 indicates an orthodontic and dental health problem.

Baby Teeth Shouldn’t Be Present After Age 13

Most children lose their last baby tooth by age 12. Girls can be up to two years earlier than boys and lose their last baby tooth by age 10. Boys could lose their last baby tooth as late as age 13. In either case, boys or girls, baby teeth present after age 13 are cause for concern.

If you or your child are over the age of 13 and still have a baby tooth, it is important to have an orthodontic examination with an orthodontist as soon as possible.

4 Possible Problems of a Baby Tooth at Age 13

#1: Your baby tooth is stuck to the bone (ankylosed).

It will not fall out on it's own. The permanent tooth below is unable to push the baby tooth out. This baby tooth needs to be extracted as soon as possible.

#2: The baby tooth is mechanically blocked from falling out.

It is obstructed by crowded side teeth. It can't make an exit, like being too wide for a doorway. There is crowding and braces are needed to allow the baby tooth to fall out or be extracted.

#3: The permanent tooth below is crooked, malpositioned, or sizeways and can't push the baby tooth out.

The permanent tooth in the bone under the baby tooth is is in a poor position and will never come into the mouth without orthodontic treatment. Even if the baby tooth is extracted the permanent tooth will not come into the mouth. Your orthodontist and oral surgeon can bring this impacted permanent tooth into position by removing the baby tooth, exposing the permanent tooth, and then moving it with braces into the mouth.

#4: A permanent tooth is missing.

Below the baby tooth there is a missing permanent tooth. You have tooth agenesis (congenitally missing tooth). You will need to maintain this baby tooth as long as possible and replace it with a dental implant or bridge in the future.

We're Here To Help!

If your general dentist has told you or your child that there is still a baby tooth at age 13, see an orthodontist as soon as possible. To find an orthodontist in you area, contact the American Association of Orthodontist at www.mylifemysmile.com.

At 13 years old, you're not a baby any longer. Take care of your last baby tooth today to find out how you can restore dental health.

Follow Dr. Gorczyca on Twitter @drgorczyca
Gorczyca Orthodontics, www.clubbraces.com.

THIS YEAR ALONE, 400,000 people throughout the world will be diagnosed with oral cancer. 40% of those diagnosed won’t live another five years. Oral cancer has such a dismal survival rate because it’s usually not detected until very late in its progression. Because April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging everyone to get screened this year during their regularly scheduled checkups.

Early Detection Is SO Important

Early oral cancer detection can boost survival rates to 80–90%! One of the reasons oral cancer goes undetected is because many of the symptoms are not painful. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please let us know right away:

1. A lump or thickening of your cheek
2. A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
3. A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal within two weeks
4. Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
5. Numbness inside your mouth
6. Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
7. Jaw swelling

The Best Offense Is A Good Defense

Keep regularly scheduled cleaning appointments and screenings. Doing so GREATLY increases the likelihood that any problems will be detected early. It’s worth it.

If You Have Any Questions, Let Us Know

Please be aware that smoking, chewing tobacco, and alcohol consumptions have all been linked to an increased incidence of oral cancer.

If you or a family member have any unusual lesions in your mouth, inside your cheek, or on your tongue, which has lasted for more than 10 days, please have it examined by your dental health care professional or physician. We can help at Gorczyca Orthodontics (925) 757-9000. Call us for a complimentary oral exam or visit us at www.clubbraces.com.

Gorczyca Orthodontics serves the great East Contra Costa Community including Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley, Pittsburg, Concord, Discovery Bay, Bethel Island and Rio Vista. Let us be your partner in oral health.

Other Resources:

MouthCancer.org
OralCancerFoundation.org