The Marin Center for Restorative & Cosmetic Dentistry

Oral Cancer Screenings

marincenter01 — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:09:55 +0000

ORAL CANCER SCREENING

Oral cancers have been found in people that have never used tobacco products. Because oral cancer has become more prevalent in the adult population, many Dental and Hygiene Professionals perform simple oral cancer screenings at your hygiene appointments.

For more information about oral cancer, visit www.OralCancerFoundation.org.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: cosmeticdentistrymarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Dental Care for Chemotherapy Patients

marincenter01 — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:20:25 +0000

We all know someone who has had to take on the trying and brutal battle against cancer. That person may have been your mother, father, sister, wife, or even yourself.

The effects of chemotherapy and radiation on our hair, eyebrows, and digestive system are widely known. But, what most of us don’t know is that chemotherapy wreaks havoc on our teeth and gums, as well.
Click here to view the ADA official statement on cancer and oral health.

Dr. McConnell works with chemotherapy patients to ensure the mouth remains healthy while patients go through cancer treatments.

We hope you will take this opportunity to educate yourself about this important and serious, but little known side effect of a difficult treatment, and how patients going through the battle against cancer can decrease the effects on their mouths, while the focus on getting well.

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

FLUORIDE TREATMENTS

marincenter01 — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:35:41 +0000

Community water fluoridation is an effective, safe, and inexpensive way to prevent tooth decay. Fluoridation benefits people of all ages.

However, if you don’t ingest enough fluoride, your teeth may be more at risk for developing cavities. To counteract this, you can have professional fluoride treatments at your dental office, or your Dentist may recommend prescription strength fluoride products for you to use at home.

If you are interested in more fluoride facts, please visit www.adha.org/oralhealth/fluoride_facts.htm

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Tooth Whitening

marincenter01 — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:11:54 +0000

Are you tired of stained, yellowing teeth? Have you tried over-the-counter products for tooth whitening, but with little or no result? Our professional products provide a higher level of whitening in a safe environment.. Zoom! Power Whitening System:The Zoom! System is a safe, easy and effective bleaching process that lightens the discoloration of your enamel and dentin. The procedure takes about two hours in-office, during which you can relax with a heated neck roll and your favorite music. Home Whitening: For patients who prefer a home whitening system or who need additional whitening after their Zoom! treatment, we offer a home whitening system. Home whitening can take from one to six weeks.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on whitening, or how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: cosmeticdentistrymarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

How Healthy Teeth Can Prevent Flu

marincenter01 — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:41:32 +0000

Dr. McConnell appeared on ABC’s “The View from the Bay” on Thursday, December 17th. He discussed the importance of maintaining healthy teeth and gums, and how doing so can decrease susceptibility to illness. In case you missed it, below is a link to the segment, which can also be found on our website.

Click here to view the video!

We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season and New Year!

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS

WSJ Article – “A New Front in War on Cavities”

marincenter01 — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 22:44:55 +0000

This article published today by the Wall Street Journal gives clinical and editorial insight into the link between bacteria, cavities and periodontal disease.

Click here to read the article.

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Dr. McConnell to Appear on ABC’s View From The Bay!

marincenter01 — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 17:51:41 +0000

Dr. McConnell will be interviewed LIVE on ABC 7’s The View from the Bay on Thursday, December 17th at 3:00pm! We would like to extend a special invitation to our friends, patients, family and colleagues to be in the studio audience the day that Dr. McConnell will be appearing on the show. We are very excited for this wonderful opportunity!

Tickets for the show must be reserved in advance. Audience doors open at 2:15pm with a cut-off time of 2:30pm, the show is live from 3-4pm.

To reserve your seats please call the ticket request line at (415)-954-7733 or visit www.viewfromthebay.com and click on “be in our audience” and fill out a ticket request form. Or click on the link below to go to the online ticket request form.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/feature?section=view_from_the_bay&id=6337461

Please be sure to note under “comments” that you are requesting tickets for December 17th to support someone scheduled to be on the show.

We wish you a wonderful Holiday Season, and a healthy New Year!
Best in Health,

Steven McConnell, DDS and Staff
cosmeticdentistrymarin.com

Optimum Oral Hygiene Tips for Parents

marincenter01 — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:56:03 +0000

Dr. McConnell insists that good oral hygiene should begin before infants even get their first tooth. Pathogenic, disease-causing bacteria is present in babies’ mouths. Keeping their mouths clean and healthy helps prevent sickness and disease throughout the body. By the time they have all their permanent teeth, the risk of gum disease is even greater.

Here are tips on promoting good oral hygiene from day one:

· Caring for kids starts with caring for yourself, not only because periodontal disease can be contagious but it is always good to lead by example.

· For babies be sure to use dental friendly pacifiers and bottle nipples. The classic is the Nuke design.

· Always avoid putting babies to bed with any bottles as the pooled milk or juice can lead to severe decay.

· On babies, before teeth are present, use single gauze or thin wash cloth to gently displace bacteria-rich film that sticks to gum ridges. As they get teeth, continue to use gauze or wash cloth. Be sure to use dental-friendly pacifiers and bottle nipples. Never put them to bed with a bottle as the pooled milk or juice can lead to severe decay.

· Babies get their first teeth typically by 6 months but it can be even earlier than that. It is difficult to brush a babies teeth so you can use a wash cloth, cotton gauze or special little finger swabs designed for cleaning the mouth. You want to remove the filmy plaque covering the teeth. As they approach toddler years you can start using a brush, you don’t even need to use toothpaste but if you do use the kid-friendly toothpaste they can swallow. As they get older they can graduate to rinsing and spitting.

· Teething is part of being a parent and every baby is different. Be cautious with “herbal” remedies, some contain VERY strong medications, ex Belladona based, while not disapproved by the FDA are actually very strong nerve depressants. A safer alternative is the use of a teething ring, or recommended doses of infant Tylenol or Motrin.

· As baby is comfortable, usually by age one, graduate to a small-head infant-sized brush using water or infant toothpaste. Before they are three, it is safe to use training toothpaste that is not fluoridated.

· When all the teeth are in by ages two to three, use a toothbrush and child toothpaste. When the child is able to spit and doesn’t swallow the toothpaste, use fluoride toothpaste. Don’t allow swallowing of the toothpaste.

· Parents should floss their child’s teeth until the child is able to do so themselves.

· Reinforce good health and good early health habits by bringing your child in for regular dental visits. Their first visit, the happy visit should be about a ride in the chair, counting teeth and just making sure the baby, toddler is comfortable, oftentimes just held in the parent’s arms.

· When bathing your baby you can do your own dental exam. Parents will probably have better luck than most dentists. Simply look for any dark spots on the fronts or backsides of the teeth, if any suspicious areas show, call your dentist.

· Set a good example for your kids by taking great care of your own teeth and gums.

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

MI Paste

marincenter01 — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:40:08 +0000

There are many products available that reduce dental decay and minimize sensitivity. One of our favorites is a product called MI Paste Plus®. MI Paste Plus® is a topical cream with Fluoride and Recaldent® (CPP-ACP), a special milk-derived protein that protects and strengthens enamel. It can be used to remineralize decay and erosion areas, reduce sensitivity, treat white spots and protect your teeth if you experience dry mouth, all while preventing decay.

Learn more about MI Paste Plus or read Testimonials at
www.mi-paste.com.

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff

Homeopathic Remedies and Sonic Toothbrushes and Dental Ultrasonic Scalers

marincenter01 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:45:21 +0000

Recently we have heard patients express concern that ultrasonic scalers and sonic toothbrushes can inactivate homeopathic remedies in the realm of alternative medicine. In our efforts to assist our patients in achieving a higher level of dental and overall health, we have contacted several traditional and alternative healthcare professionals regarding this topic and have found that there is limited research to suggest that instruments that produce sonic or ultrasonic waves decrease the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies.

In theory, if someone undergoing homeopathy had to avoid devices that utilize sonic wave frequency, they would also need to steer clear of several electronic devices, such as microwaves, iPhones and Blackberries.

We strive to provide an optimum wellness formula for you and your family. For more information on how we can support you in achieving excellent oral health, visit our website: CosmeticDentistryMarin.com

Best in Health,

Steven McConnell DDS and Staff