Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation. In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.” Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer. Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly. To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start. Toothbrush Tips Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle. Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method. Sports and Dental Injuries Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it. To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make. Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health. To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes? Well, a lot of us. Twenty-seven percent of adults lie to their dentists about how often they floss their teeth, a survey released Tuesday found. Not only that, but more than a third of people surveyed would rather be doing unpleasant chores than flossing their teeth daily. Fourteen percent would rather clean the toilet. Nine percent would rather sit in gridlock traffic for an hour. And 7 percent would rather listen to small children crying on a plane. Actually, that 27 percent sounds awfully low. When we called up Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, a periodontist and president of the American Academy of Periodontology, which conducted the survey, she said: "Is that all?" More than a third of Americans would rather do an unpleasant activity than floss. American Academy of Periodontology She's not the only oral health professional who thinks many patients are fibbing when they say they're flossing. "I am shocked," says Dr. Sally Cram, a periodontist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, via email. "Given my experience with patients in my practice I thought it would be higher!" To read the entire article written by Jessie Rack, please visit NPR.org
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong. Multitasking while you brush Every minute in the morning feels precious, so it's tempting to brush your teeth in the shower or while scrolling through your Twitter feed. "To each his own," says Dr. Newgard, "but I prefer patients to be in front of a mirror, over the sink; you can be sure to hit all the surfaces of your teeth, and you'll do a more thorough job when you're not distracted." Better to leave the bathroom a few minutes later having given proper attention to each step of your prep. Overcleaning your toothbrush Thinking about running your brush through the dishwasher or zapping it in the microwave to disinfect it? Think again: While we've all seen those stories about toothbrushes harboring gross bacteria, the CDC says there's no evidence that anyone has ever gotten sick from their own toothbrush. Just give your brush a good rinse with regular old tap water, let it air-dry, and store it upright where it's not touching anyone else's brush. More drastic cleaning measures may damage your brush, the CDC notes, which defeats its purpose. Using social media as your dentist The web is full of weird and (seemingly) wonderful DIY dental tips that can hurt much more than they'll help. Read our lips: Don't even go there. "I've heard of patients who go on Pinterest and find ways to whiten their teeth there--by swishing with straight peroxide, for example--which are not good for their teeth," Dr. Newgard says. "Use ADA-approved products that have been tested." (Another online tip to skip: trying to close up a gap in your teeth with DIY rubber band braces.) To read the entire article written by Lauren Oster, please visit HuffingtonPost.com Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Let's just say, it might be time to get your pearly whites checked. It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well. And if that's not motivation enough to take a seat in the dental chair, 91% have one tooth (or more) that has been treated for tooth decay or needs to be. To read the entire article written by Samantha Toscano, please visit GoodHouseKeeping.com
Treatments without Shots or Drilling – No Kidding! Most patients’ fears of visiting a dentist center around having to have a shot in the gums or drilling of a tooth. This fear can be relieved with anesthetics, but now also they can be calmed by perhaps the most amazing advancement in dental technology. With air abrasion, a stream of tiny particles and air will mist away decay! It is virtually pain free, and a shot or drilling is usually not necessary. You will be very impressed with this advancement that makes treatment remarkably easy for you! Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
State-of-the-Art Sterilization and Cleanliness Protecting our patients is one of our top priorities, so we use the A-dec® Preference ICC Sterilization System for safe, efficient sterilization. Instruments are sterilized after every use with a special unit called an autoclave, which is regularly monitored by an independent lab to ensure the highest level of safety and cleanliness. Where needed, disposable tools or items may be used and immediately discarded.
Because dental water lines can be contaminated with bacteria, we have implemented the use of Dentapure®purifcation cartidges in all of our treatment areas. Originally designed by NASA and used for 20 years to purify water consumed on all space flights, this technology reduces bacteria to safe drinking levels. Your health is too important to us to take even the slightest risk. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. "Of course, dentists do not advocate that children eat large amounts of sugary treats, but it is that time of year, so we want to clarify for parents which treats are better for their kids' teeth and which ones may increase the risk of developing cavities," says AGD spokesperson Cynthia Sherwood, DDS, FAGD. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
As Clean as It Gets It is very important to have plaque and calculus (tartar) removed from your teeth on a regular basis. We use the Piezo Scaler™, a high-tech tool that removes these deposits with high-frequency vibrations. It works faster, with little or no discomfort, and leaves your teeth feeling cleaner than you have ever experienced. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com
Early Detection of the Beginning of Cavities Have you ever lived through this surprise scenario? You just went to the dentist six months earlier with a clean bill of dental health and now at your next appointment, the dentist shows you a rather large cavity on an X-ray. You sit in the dental chair and wonder how a cavity grew that big in such a short time. The answer is that the cavity was there, but it was not detectable with X-rays or other examination methods. At our practice, we use the laser scanner to find even the smallest cavity and take care of it before it becomes large. This type of laser also allows our dentist to accurately diagnose pain and sensitivity and follow up with the correct treatment, relieving any discomfort and maintaining your dental health. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). To read the entire article, visit:KnowYourTeeth.com
How We Care for our Seniors As we age, our bodies change and have different needs from when we were younger. The same is true for our teeth and gums. We pay special attention to problems seniors often face.
Fillings will often loosen over time and need to be replaced before decay sets in. There are certain medications a patient may be taking that reduce the necessary flow of saliva through the mouth. Consumption of certain foods and drink over the years may have stained teeth, so they are no longer white and detract from the appearance of your smile. Gum infection is the number one problem we watch for in seniors.
With regular check-ups and your continued daily dental care and good nutrition, most problems can be prevented or taken care of before they become big problems. If ever your gums start to bleed during brushing or flossing, please contact us immediately. This is generally an early sign of gum disease. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice. The above article is from: WebMD.com
Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue. The above article is from: WebMD.com
Cleanliness is Always Our Concern We never take any chances with your health. Modern dentistry requires both reusable and one-use tools. We sterilize nondisposable tools in a special unit known as an autoclave. To ensure this process meets the required standards, it is monitored by an outside lab. Your good health is always our main concern in every procedure and on every level. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse. The above article is from:WebMD.com
Technology Lets You Be Part of the Team Dr. Kava strives to create teamwork with each of his patients. With modern technology, you will be able to see for yourself which teeth need work and which are in their best shape. The intra-oral camera provides a crystal-clear, close-up picture of your teeth. It gives you the advantage of making confident decisions about your care. Patients love being a part of this process! Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Special Care for Diabetics It is important to know that a link has been identified between dental health and controlling blood sugar. Not being able to control blood sugar levels can help to create and worsen gum disease. Chronic gum disease will disrupt the control of normal blood sugar. It becomes a vicious cycle that not every dentist is specifically trained to help with.
Dr. Kava has received the advanced training to treat patients with blood sugar problems. He provides a complimentary consultation to provide information and necessary treatment. We are compassionate about helping all our patients with any dental problem, so you never need to worry about being judged for the state of your teeth and gums. Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 Sioux City, IA 51104 (712) 258-6169 DrKava.com
Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.
There's nothing like jamming a waxed piece of string between your tightest molars and sliding it back and forth. And who doesn't do that once a day, just as the dentist prescribes?
Taking care of your pearly whites isn't rocket science, but it's easy to slip into habits that could cause heartache -- er, toothache -- in the long run. We got the latest on giving your teeth the TLC they need from two New York City pros: Alice Lee, DDS, an assistant professor in the Department of Dentistry for Montefiore Health System, and Alison Newgard, DDS, an assistant professor of clinical dentistry at Columbia University College of Dentistry, will clue you in on where you could be going wrong.
It's time for Americans to get over their fear of the dentist. According to new data published from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics, more than 25% of U.S. adults aged 20 to 64 have untreated tooth decay. Additionally, 1 in 5 adults aged 65 and older may have it as well.
Treatments without Shots or Drilling – No Kidding! 
State-of-the-Art Sterilization and Cleanliness
Halloween is just around the corner, and although candy consumption is almost unavoidable this time of year, the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD) wants parents and children to know that there are both good and bad candy options, both of which may find their way into children's trick-or-treat bags this fall. 
As Clean as It Gets
Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. 
Have you ever lived through this surprise scenario? You just went to the dentist six months earlier with a clean bill of dental health and now at your next appointment, the dentist shows you a rather large cavity on an X-ray. You sit in the dental chair and wonder how a cavity grew that big in such a short time. The answer is that the cavity was there, but it was not detectable with X-rays or other examination methods. At our practice, we use the laser scanner to find even the smallest cavity and take care of it before it becomes large. This type of laser also allows our dentist to accurately diagnose pain and sensitivity and follow up with the correct treatment, relieving any discomfort and maintaining your dental health.
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
As we age, our bodies change and have different needs from when we were younger. The same is true for our teeth and gums. We pay special attention to problems seniors often face.
Flossing helps control plaque. It can reach where a toothbrush can't, like between the teeth. Floss daily with floss and interdental cleaners that carry the American Dental Association (ADA) seal. Ask your dentist for tips if you're not sure how to floss. Like everything else, flossing gets easier with practice.
Brushing your teeth twice a day not only keeps your breath sweet, but also helps rid the mouth of bacteria that makes up plaque and can lead to oral infections. To brush properly, point bristles at a 45-degree angle against the gums. Use gentle back-and-forth strokes all over your teeth -- in front, in back, and on chewing surfaces -- for two minutes. If holding a toothbrush is hard for you, try an electric toothbrush. Also brush your gums and tongue.
Cleanliness is Always Our Concern
Sticky plaque -- food, saliva, and bacteria -- starts to form on your teeth after you eat, releasing acids that attack tooth enamel. Untreated plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is hard to remove with flossing. The longer it stays on your teeth, the more harmful it is. Bacteria in plaque causes inflammation and leads to gum disease. Having high blood sugar often makes gum disease worse.
Technology Lets You Be Part of the Team
Special Care for Diabetics 