What to Know About Gingivitis

What Is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. 

Who Can Get Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options.

Gingivitis Symptoms
Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis.

To read the entire article visit OralB.com.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Fun Facts from the Doc: Do Dental Fillings Last Forever?

YOU MAY BE SURPRISED TO LEARN that dental fillings and crowns don’t last forever! While they are extremely durable and can last years, there will come a time when they will have to be replaced.

We Check Your Fillings At Your Regular Visits

You may be wondering, “If fillings don’t last a lifetime, then how long DO they last?” That depends on a number of factors, such as the type of procedure performed, the size or area being treated or replaced, the kind of materials used for the filling and the patient’s level of oral hygiene and care.

At your check-up appointment, we will examine your fillings and make sure they are still intact. We will look for early signs of wear and tear so we can replace a dental restoration before it breaks, loses its effectiveness or falls out on its own. We also take x-rays to make sure there is no decay under or around a filling, which can cause it to come loose.

We’re Here For You In An Emergency

Despite your best efforts, a filling may crack or fall out unexpectedly. This is unlikely to occur if you visit your dentist regularly, however accidents can happen. Over time, dental fillings can be weakened by:

• Tooth decay
• Frequent jaw clenching and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Chewing on hard items or foods
• Injury or trauma, such as those sustained during sports activities
• Time; no filling lasts forever no matter how well kept

Although the following video discusses tooth loss, the same principals apply for a lost filling!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iI99sY538aE

If you ever have a filling fall out just remember, don’t panic and don’t wait. Even if it falls out after hours, call us immediately–we’re here for you in an emergency! We will get you in as quickly as we can. In the meantime, keep your filling if you can but don’t try to push it back into place. Make sure to keep the affected area clean and debris-free.

If you don’t experience any pain after losing a filling, it’s still important to come in as soon as possible to have it treated. Not seeking immediate care could result in pain, discomfort and even tooth loss.

Call Us Anytime!

Regular dental visits are imperative to maintaining a healthy smile. With that being said, we know not every dental emergency happens during normal business hours. That’s why we strive to make ourselves available to our patients as often as possible. If you need us, call us! Your health and comfort is our number one priority.

Thank you for reading our blog and supporting our practice!

Dental Plaque

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about dental plaque.

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

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Custom Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening – Dazzling Results!

It's natural to want brighter teeth! Whiter teeth appear healthier and are easier to accomplish than most people think. The only way to get your teeth their whitest is by using a professionally supervised bleaching process. Dr. Ha offers custom whitening trays made in his own lab. After the initial in-office treatment, with our supplies and instructions you will safely and effectively complete the procedure at home. Results occur within 1 - 14 days.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS  
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303
Honolulu, HI 96814  
(808) 941-2088  
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Parts of the Tooth

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about about what makes up the tooth.

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

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Dental Intra-Oral Cameras

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team

Dr. Ha believes in a team approach to dental care. One of the ways he accomplishes this is through the use of a high-tech intra-oral camera. This remarkable technology is a miniature video camera that presents a close-up picture of the inside of your mouth. Now you can see what work needs to be done and which teeth are doing fine, making you an active participant in each dental decision. You'll love how this works!

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

What is Tooth Sensitivity?

What is Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is a common name for dentin hypersensitivity or root sensitivity. If hot, cold, sweet or very acidic foods and drinks, or breathing in cold air, makes your teeth or a tooth sensitive or painful then you have sensitive teeth.

Is Tooth Sensitivity Common? 
Tooth sensitivity is very common and it has been estimated that approximately half the population experiences tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can come and go over time.

Why does Tooth Sensitivity (Dentin Hypersensitivity) Happen? 
Tooth sensitivity is usually caused by dentin on root areas exposed due to receded gums or periodontal disease. Receded gums are very common and up to four fifths of people have gum recession by the time they are 65.  

When the root of a tooth becomes exposed it does not have a layer of enamel like the crowns of your teeth. Instead the roots have a very soft covering called cementum, which once lost leaves the dentin of the root exposed.  Overzealous brushing or using a very abrasive toothpaste can also cause abrasion of the tooth's enamel surface and expose dentin. A very acidic diet - for example a diet with a lot of citrus food, pickles or sodapop - can cause tooth erosion and dissolve the tooth surface, exposing the dentin. Bulimia and GERD can also result in dental erosion and sensitivity due to acid in the mouth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays - continued

#5: Watch out for starchy foods 
These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up. 

#6: You can still have fun 
So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Treatment Options for Tooth Sensitivity

The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease - these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.

What Can Be Done?
If the sensitivity is due to a cavity, a restoration can be placed. If gum disease is the cause, the dental professional can perform a thorough cleaning of the area.

However, if the cause is from dentin being exposed, then there are a number of professional and at home treatments that can be used to reduce the sensitivity.

In Office Procedures:

• Fluoride varnish can be applied to exposed areas, strengthening the enamel and dentin
• Fluoride foam or gel can be placed into a mouth tray; you then sit with this in your mouth for 3-5 minutes, providing the teeth with a high concentration of fluoride to strengthen the areas
• Bonding agent, the material used to stick tooth colored restorations to teeth, can be used to seal the dentin surface and provide a barrier to the stimuli that cause sensitivity

At Home:

• Use a very soft bristle tooth brush, with low abrasive tooth paste
• Brush correctly and do not over brush
• Use a tooth paste specially formulated to soothe the nerve endings in the tooth
• Use a high concentration fluoride toothpaste (given to you by the dental professional) to strengthen the tooth surface

There are a number of treatments available, and your dental professional can help you find those that will work best, depending on your situation. Always seek a dental professional's help - do not try to diagnose this problem yourself. It may be the sign of something more serious, and only a dental professional can tell you what it really is.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays - continued

#3: Limit your alcohol intake 
’Tis the season for egg nog, Brandy Alexanders and glog! If you choose to imbibe, try to drink water alongside your drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth. 

#4: Take it easy on the hard candies 
Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!) 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

6 Tips for Cavity-Free Holidays

#1: Timing matters 
Timing matters. While everything is fine in moderation, it helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.  

#2: Be picky if it's sticky
When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Comfortable Root Canal Treatments

Saving Hopeless Teeth

Missing teeth can create big issues for your dental health. A root canal can save teeth with roots that have been damaged or infected, a situation that used to require extraction. A root canal is a procedure that fixes a tooth by removing the pulp chamber and filling the space with a filling material. This is often required when dental decay reaches the nerve of the tooth (or the tooth has become infected), and beyond the scope of a simple filling. At Honolulu Smile Design, we are skilled in advanced root canal therapy. The root canal has earned an undeserved reputation as something to be avoided. However, with modern anesthetics and technology, root canals are actually a manageable form of treatment.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Water

Water Rules
Water, especially fluoridated water, is the best beverage for maintaining your oral health. That's because fluoride helps to make teeth more resistant to the acid attacks that can cause cavities. As of 2012, nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population had access to fluoridated water, so drinking water from your own kitchen sink can help prevent dental problems. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Fruits & Veggies

Fruits and Veggies Pack an Extra Punch
Fruits and veggies are an important part of any balanced diet, and they are also good for your teeth. Since they are high in water and fiber, they help to balance the sugars they contain and help to clean your teeth. Chewing also helps to stimulate saliva production, which washes harmful acids and food particles away from your teeth. 

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Gum Disease & Your Overall Health

Gum Disease Can Contribute to Heart Disease and Even Stroke

Do you know that doctors have studied recent medical research and reached an astonishing conclusion – that gum disease, stroke, and heart disease are connected? Since heart disease is usually deadly, it is quickly apparent that gum disease is no laughing matter. The American Dental Association estimates that 8 out of 10 Americans have periodontal (gum) disease. These types of numbers would indicate an epidemic if this were any other affliction. Most dentists think it is just that! They also realize that because "no one ever dies from it" gum disease will likely never be labeled an "epidemic." The worst is that you lose your teeth. Not pleasant – but certainly not life threatening. But that's all changed.

The American Academy of Periodontology reports that "Studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases." In short, the bacteria that infects your gums can move into your bloodstream and straight to your heart.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Good Food for Dental Health: Nuts

Nourishing Nuts
Nuts contain protein which help strengthen and protect your teeth. Also, chewing helps to stimulate saliva production, which naturally cleans your mouth. Remember: Not only is a balanced, nutritious diet essential to healthy living, your eating patterns and food choices play an important role in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. You may eat with your eyes first, but your mouth, teeth, and gums are more than just tools for eating.

Above article from: MouthHealthy.org

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Tooth Cavities

Tooth cavities aren't uncommon - but with the right dental health know-how, you can help prevent them. It all starts with proper brushing, daily flossing, and fluoride. Get the details right here.

What Causes Tooth Cavities?
Cavities are holes in the teeth resulting from acid attack. They generally start in the enamel, but can spread to the softer inner layer of the tooth. Tooth cavities are caused by decay that can occur when foods containing carbohydrates become trapped between teeth, and are not completely removed with brushing and flossing. Bacteria living in the mouth digest these foods, generating acidic byproducts that can eat away at tooth enamel.

Help Prevent Tooth Cavities
Fluoride, which is found in most public drinking supplies, some mouth rinses, and Crest toothpastes, helps prevent tooth cavities by slowing the breakdown of enamel and speeding up the remineralization process. Check with your dental professional to see if your drinking water is fluoridated. If it isn't, he or she may recommend that you use high concentration fluoride treatments.

To help strengthen weak spots in tooth enamel, and help prevent the early stages of tooth decay, brush regularly with a fluoridated toothpaste, floss daily, and visit your dental office regularly for professional cleanings.

Above article from: Crest.com

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Porcelain Dental Veneers

'Smile Makeovers' in as Little as Two Visits!

Our porcelain veneers may offer the smile solution for which you've been looking. Veneers are thin, durable sheets of the most advanced dental ceramic available. They are bonded to natural teeth in a way that makes your teeth appear straight and uniform, creating an attractive smile. In no time, your crooked teeth can look like they've had years of straightening. Veneers can also be applied to a tooth to completely conceal a chip or crack or to reshape a worn or misshapen tooth. The veneer is made to match the color of the surrounding teeth, so your smile looks completely natural. If you have misshapen teeth, unsightly gaps, or deep discoloration, ask us if veneers are right for you.

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Fun Fact from the Doc: Love Pumpkin? Your Smile Does Too!

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR everything pumpkin. Around this time of the year, pumpkin doesn't just star in our autumn decorations, it starts to show up on our menus too. And as far as we're concerned, that's a good thing. Pumpkin is great for your oral and overall health!

Pumpkin: Fall’s Superfood

We’re glad pumpkin has so many health benefits because it sure is delicious! Pumpkins are high in fiber and are a great source of beta-carotene, which are both important for our health in various ways. They’re also full of potassium which can help lower blood pressure. But the reason we dentists love pumpkin is that it’s great for your smile!

Pumpkins benefit your oral health because they are:

• A great source of zinc. Zinc is considered an anti-plaque agent and is often added to toothpaste to prevent buildup. It also strengthens teeth and bones and boosts gum health.
• Rich in vitamins. Vitamin A found in pumpkin aids in the flow of saliva, keeping your teeth clean and protecting them from decay. Pumpkin’s vitamin C contributes to a healthy immune system, helping you to fight off oral infections.
• High in magnesium. In tandem with calcium, magnesium strengthens tooth enamel and prevents decay. Without magnesium, our enamel would be much weaker and more susceptible to cavity-causing bacteria.

Not All Pumpkin Treats Are Good For You

Now before you go running off to Starbucks for that pumpkin spice latte or the bakery for a batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies, there are a few things you should know. Not everything you encounter with pumpkin in it is going to benefit your health.

A lot of the most popular pumpkin snacks–pumpkin pie, bread and cake, in addition to the aforementioned treats–should actually be considered desserts because of their high sugar content. So when it comes to these sugar-filled pumpkin treats, consume them in moderation.

Here are some healthier ways to satisfy your pumpkin cravings this fall:

• Baked pumpkin seeds–a guilt-free, vitamin-filled snack
• Pumpkin smoothie–perfect for breakfast or as a dessert substitute
• Pumpkin soup–a great way to warm up in the colder autumn weather
• Roasted pumpkin–make it the main course, use it as a side dish, or throw it in a salad

Enjoy The Fall Season

Nothing says autumn more than the big orange fruit. When you’re eating all that pumpkin this fall, remember that you’re not only satisfying your tastebuds, but you’re also boosting your oral and overall health! So go ahead, eat more pumpkin.

Wishing a wonderful autumn to all our patients.

What is Plaque?

Plaque is a sticky, colorless deposit of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth surface. Saliva, food and fluids combine to produce these deposits that collect where the teeth and gums meet. Plaque buildup is the primary factor in periodontal (gum) disease, including gingivitis.

How to Get Rid of Plaque

To help prevent plaque buildup, be sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with an anti-plaque toothpaste such as Crest Pro-Health Toothpaste for around the clock protection against plaque buildup, and floss once a day.

Adding a mouth rinse such as Crest Pro-Health Multi-Protection Rinse to your routine can help against plaque buildup, without the burning sensation of alcohol. Eating well-balanced meals and brushing after snacks will reduce the formation of plaque. Visit your dental office regularly for oral exams and cleanings, during which your dental professional will scrape away any accumulated plaque with a special instrument.

Above article from: Crest.com

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Sports Safety: Avoiding Tooth and Mouth Injuries

A few years ago, a dental newsletter published what seemed like an unusual story. A boy snagged his teeth on a basketball net while doing a slam-dunk.
A freakish accident? Not quite. After the article appeared, nearly 40 dentists wrote in with their own stories. They all told of would-be Michael Jordans who sacrificed their front teeth in pursuit of the perfect dunk.
In older children and adults, sports injuries are common. Dentists estimate that between 13% and 39% of dental injuries occur while playing sports.
About 80% of all dental injuries affect at least one of the front teeth. Damage to the tongue or cheek is common, too.
Basic Protection
Even if a tooth has been knocked out, it often can be saved if you get to a dentist quickly enough. Minor chips and cracks can be repaired. Dentists use tooth-colored materials that are nearly as strong as the original tooth. However, even "minor" injuries can cause serious and costly damage. If you enjoy sports or other high-risk activities, protect yourself. The use of mouth guards among football players, for example, is believed to prevent about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Depending on the sport, two types of protection are available:

• Helmets- A helmet is a must for activities that involve speed or impact. These include football, hockey, skating and bike riding. The helmet should fit correctly. It should also be appropriate for the sport you are playing.
• Mouth guards - Wearing a mouth guard is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue and lips. A custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist is recommended. This type of mouth guard usually fits better than a ready-made one (found in sporting-goods stores). That means it may protect your teeth better.

If a custom-fit mouth guard isn't an option, try a "boil-and-bite" mouth guard. You can buy one in a sporting-goods store. You place the mouth guard in boiling water. Once the plastic is soft (but not too hot), you bite down on the mouth guard and mold the softened plastic around your teeth. If the mouth guard doesn't fit comfortably the first time, you can reheat it and do it again.

©2002-2013 Aetna, Inc. All rights reserved.
09/25/2013

The above article is from: Colgate.com

Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com

Tooth Anatomy

What Are the Different Parts of a Tooth?

• Crown- the top part of the tooth, and the only part you can normally see. The shape of the crown determines the tooth's function. For example, front teeth are sharp and chisel-shaped for cutting, while molars have flat surfaces for grinding.
• Gumline- where the tooth and the gums meet. Without proper brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can build up at the gumline, leading to gingivitis and gum disease.
• Root- the part of the tooth that is embedded in bone. The root makes up about two-thirds of the tooth and holds the tooth in place.
• Enamel- the outermost layer of the tooth. Enamel is the hardest, most mineralized tissue in the body - yet it can be damaged by decay if teeth are not cared for properly.
• Dentin- the layer of the tooth under the enamel. If decay is able to progress its way through the enamel, it next attacks the dentin - where millions of tiny tubes lead directly to the dental pulp.
• Pulp- the soft tissue found in the center of all teeth, where the nerve tissue and blood vessels are. If tooth decay reaches the pulp, you usually feel pain.

What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
Every tooth has a specific job or function (use the dental arch in this section to locate and identify each type of tooth):

• Incisors- the sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth (four upper, four lower) used for cutting food.
• Canines- sometimes called cuspids, these teeth are shaped like points (cusps) and are used for tearing food.
• Premolars- these teeth have two pointed cusps on their biting surface and are sometimes referred to as bicuspids. The premolars are for crushing and tearing.
• Molars- used for grinding, these teeth have several cusps on the biting surface

The above article is from: Colgate.com


Honolulu Smile Design   
John Ha, DDS   
1481 S. King Street, Suite 303 
Honolulu, HI 96814   
(808) 941-2088   
HonoluluSmileDesign.com