Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 












When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 












For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 












Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Stress & Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your Oral Health!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

To Floss or Not to Floss..

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.

Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth.

If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Sugar-Free Trinkets
• Story-A-Day

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.”

Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth. 

• Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
• Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
• Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Dental Air Abrasion

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

Dental Sterilization and Cleanliness

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

General Dentistry

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

Early Detection of Dental Cavities

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

Dental Care for Seniors

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

Dental Technology

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

Dental Care for Diabetics

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

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 1 : 4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

The above article is from: WebMD.com

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from 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

General Dentistry

Professional Cleanings for Overall Good Health

Having your teeth cleaned by our hygienist is for a greater reason than just having your teeth feel clean. It helps to maintain overall good health. Medical research has proven that once plaque builds up and hardens into tartar, bacterial infection below the gumline will start to form. Regular brushing and flossing will no longer remove it. Chronic gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. We recommend having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis and hope you take our recommendation seriously!

Dr. Rick Kava's Sioux City Dental 
2930 Hamilton Blvd., Upper F Suite 101 
Sioux City, IA 51104 
(712) 258-6169 
DrKava.com

What is a Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a flexible appliance that is worn in athletic and recreational activities to protect teeth from trauma. The dental profession unanimously supports the use of mouthguards in a variety of sports activities.

Why should I wear a mouthguard?

A mouthguard can prevent serious injuries such as broken teeth, jaw fractures, cerebral hemorrhage and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw. Mouthguards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances. They may also reduce the severity and incidence of concussions.

In what sports should I wear a mouthguard?

Anytime there is a strong chance for contact with other participants or hard surfaces, it is advisable to wear a mouthguard. Players who participate in basketball, softball, football, wrestling, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, in-line skating and martial arts, as well as recreational sports such as skateboarding and bicycling, should wear mouthguards while competing.

Why don't kids wear mouthguards?

Parents are sometimes uninformed about the level of contact and potential for serious dental injuries involved with sports in which the child participates. Some, though not all, schools reinforce the health advantage of mouthguards for their contact sports. Cost may be another consideration, although mouthguards come in a variety of price ranges.

What are the different types of mouthguards?

Stock mouthguard: The lowest cost option is a ready-made, stock item, which offers the least protection because the fit adjustment is limited. It may interfere with speech and breathing because this mouthguard requires that the jaw be closed to hold it in place. A stock mouthguard is not considered acceptable as a facial protective device.

Mouth-formed mouthguard: There are two types of mouth-formed mouthguards. The first is a shell-liner mouthguard that is made with an acrylic material that is poured into an outer shell, where it forms a lining. When placed in an athlete's mouth, the protector's lining material molds to the teeth and is allowed to set. Another type is a thermoplastic, or "boil-and-bite," mouthguard. This mouthguard is softened in hot water and then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth by using finger, tongue and sometimes biting pressure.

Custom-made mouthguard: The best choice is a mouthguard custom-made by your dentist. It offers the best protection, fit and comfort level because it is made from a cast to fit your teeth.

How should I care for a mouthguard?

• Clean your mouthguard by washing it with soap and cool (not hot) water. 
•  Before storing, soak your mouthguard in mouthwash. 
• Keep your mouthguard in a well-ventilated, plastic storage box when not in use. Make sure the box has several holes so the mouthguard will dry. 
• Heat is bad for a mouthguard, so don't leave it in direct sunlight or in a closed automobile. 
• Don't bend your mouthguard when storing. 
• Don't handle or wear someone else's mouthguard. 
• Call your dentist if there are any problems.

Above article by: 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