Question From Our Member

Question from our member:

“My doctor said I can have a better smile if I had a crown lengthening procedure.  I don't even have a crown in my mouth so what is it and will it really help?”

Savon's answer:

You probably have what is commonly called a “gummy smile”.  This means that while your teeth may appear to be very short they are actually be the proper length, but they're covered with too much gum tissue.  To correct this, your dentist can perform a dental crown lengthening procedure.

During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue removed or reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.  This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a bigger smile and you don't need to have a crown to have this procedure.


*Original post from our September 2019 Newsletter*

Fact: You Don't Really Need Toothpaste to Get Your Teeth Clean

It's true!  The fact is, we really don't need toothpaste!  Here's why.
Some toothpastes contain polishing compounds (abrasives), some contain undesirable chemicals (such as sodium lauryl sulfate, a key ingredient in soap...yuk!) fluoride (we've all heard about the controversy there).  Still others contain a healthy balance of all of that and a desensitizing agent as well. Then there's peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen etc. for flavoring.
Trust me, you can do just as well with a drop of peppermint essential oil for a fresh mouth. Or even a dab of baking soda. 
When you consider all the unnecessary additives in a tube of toothpaste, one might conclude that it's better to do without.... but the fact is it really doesn't matter what you use, only how often you brush. All you need is a good toothbrush. You can brush with plain water after a meal, then floss and effectively get the germs off of your teeth!

The more natural things you can use the better, including baking soda, coconut oil and peppermint essential oil.  They're easier on the checkbook, and on the smile!

Keep on smiling!

Alignment Problems To Watch For In Children

When your children are between the ages of six and eight you will want to pay close attention to the alignment of their teeth.

If you notice any of the following problems, you will want to talk to an orthodontist about orthodontic treatment.

• Excessive spacing: Usually happens with abnormal growth of the jawbone.
• Crowding: This is when the jaw is too small to accommodate permanent teeth.
• Under-bite: When the lower jaw grows larger than the upper jaw.
• Over-bite: When the upper jaw grows larger than the lower jaw.
• Open-bite: When the teeth are  unable to make physical contact for a proper bite.
• Cross-bite: When the upper teeth close inside the lower teeth.
• Over-jet (protruding): Teeth that are too far forward commonly known as "buck teeth".

If these problems are left untreated they can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and earaches, as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems.

Swollen Gums Around One Tooth?

Yes, it's possible. I have experienced it myself a few years ago from eating an everything bagel. One of the seeds somehow got below the gum line and I didn't notice it until my gum became swollen around my front tooth.

There are many different reasons why gums can swell around just one tooth, these can include poor oral hygiene, gum disease, abscess or as I mentioned above, trapped food debris.

Although swollen gums may not be painful if it's not treated it can cause major problems down the road such as periodontal disease (gum disease).

Below are some home remedies that may help reduce the gum swelling:

• Antiseptic mouthwash
• Warm salt water rinse
• Essential oil and warm water rinse (Tea tree oil)
• Tumeric gel application
• Brush and floss after every meal/snack

If swelling hasn't subsided after a few days, it's time to see your dentist!

What Is Gingivostomatitis?

Have you ever heard of Gingivostomatitis?

Gingivostomatitis is a highly contagious mouth infection which causes painful sores, irritated gums, blisters, fever, bad breath and swelling in and around the mouth.

This infection can affect anyone but is seen more in children under the age of six.

There are many different factors that can cause gingivostomatitis:

• Herpes Virus
• Coxsackievirus (a virus that is transmitted by touching a contaminated surface)
• Poor oral hygiene
• bacteria
• allergies
• exposure to chemicals
• radiation and chemotherapy

You can do some treatment on your own at home by:

• Rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater
• Avoiding spicy, salty or sour foods
• Eat soft foods until the mouth is healed
• Brush your teeth and gums with a periodontal toothbrush (super soft bristles) 
• Take over the counter pain medications

If the symptoms are not starting to healing after a week or two it's time to seek medical attention!

Your dentist or doctor may take a culture or perform a biopsy to see if you have gingivostomatitis. If that is what you have, they may prescribe an antibiotic and clean the infected area to help promote faster healing!

MYTH'S BUSTED: CAVITIES

Cavities are no fun at all. No joke about that! However, there are a lot of myths out there about cavities. Let's see if we can play myth busters on a few of them.

MYTH: Only Sugar Can Cause Cavities:
FALSE:  Sorry mothers, I hate to take away your reason for your kid to have that candy car. Yes, sugar does cause cavities, but that is not the only culprit. If you want your kiddo to stay cavity free then you should steer them clear of bread and pasta, too. They contain starch, which is another cavity culprit.

MYTH: Extra Brushing Will Heal or Slow Down The Progression Of A Cavity
FALSE: Tooth enamel does not grow back. When you have a cavity, you need to get it filled. If you don't, you will eventually need a root canal and/or a crown. Brushing will not heal it or slow it down. Now, on the positive side, brushing will reduce the risk of obtaining more cavities and it will also keep the cavity clean and reduce the risk of infection.

MYTH: If I Have A Cavity, I Would Feel It
FALSE: Well, mostly false. If you feel the cavity and are experiencing pain, then you are probably dealing with a serious cavity that is much more advanced. When a cavity is starting chances are really good that you will not be able to feel it. Which is all the more the reason why regular dental checkups are so important.

So, it appears we have busted a few of the myths! I am sure there are many more. Do you have any that you would like to know about? Comment on this blog and we will try to find out if it is Myth or Fact!

Effects Of Nitrous Oxide

You may have heard the term "laughing gas" but did you know the correct term is nitrous oxide?

Nitrous oxide is an orderless, colorless and safe sedative that is inhaled through a mask. Many people think they will be asleep during their procedure but this is not true. The patient will be alert and be able to respond to directions.


 Many dentists and doctors use "laughing gas" to make their anxious patients comfortable and help manage any pain they may experience.

 People react to certain things differently so some people may not experience any side effects, while some people may experience short term side effcts after the removal of the mask.

Short term side effects may include:

• Dizziness
• Sluggish
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Excessive sweating
• Shivering 

The most common reason for these side effects is usually caused by inhaling the gas too quickly or by inhaling too much.

If a person is still experiencing these symptoms after a few days they should seek medical attention right away.