Kenneth J. Canzoneri Blog
Healthy Ageless Smile
February 15, 2010
Aging is a concern even I ponder periodically, Yes even doctors are concerned about what can be done to stay healthy and active. Teeth and the ability to eat and maintain a nutritious diet is essential to ones overall health.
Proper oral care can keep you smiling well into retirement. Brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, soft bristle brush and daily flossing is essential to keeping teeth and gums resistant to aging. A poor bite can cause your teeth to not only look older but can lessen your ability to attain a nutritious diet.
Oral cancer occurs most often in people over 40 years old. If you notice any red or white patches on your gums or tongue that do not heal with two weeks ask a dentist to check the spot.
Dry mouth (Xerostomia) can occur due to medications, disease, cancer treatment and age. Dry mouth can lead to complications in the mouth such as gum disease, decay and bad breath.
My favorite age reversal dental procedure is teeth whitening. A bright smile alone can take years off a person’s appearance.
We are all striving to maintain our health and youthful appearance, by treating your teeth with the same care a personcan maintain a healthy ageless smile.
Jaw Position and Mouthguards Improve Performance
January 15, 2010
An article in the sports section of the Los Angeles Times, from Friday November 6th has attracted a great deal of interest and questions among patients.
The article titled “Money were mouth is” discusses how custom-fitted mouthguards give athletes “increased strength, flexibility and endurance by optimizing their bite” Forty of the then undefeated New Orleans Saints Pro Football team are now wearing the special mouthguards. The Makkar PPM (Pure Power Mouthguard) is designed not only to protect the teeth but also to “align the lower jaw in an optimal position.”
As most of you who read my articles know, I am a big fan of a “balanced bite.” That is when the teeth, jaw joints and muscles work in harmony with each other. It is a known clinical fact that a bad bite can cause multitude of problems such as sore jaw joints, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, headaches, neck and back pain and the list can go on. According to PPM “a misaligned jaw puts pressure on cranial nerves and tenses jaw muscles. An aligned jaw opens the breathing airway and relieves pressure on the articular disc.”
So if I am asked if a mouthguard can improve performance, my answer is possibly. Is a mouth guard a necessity for anyone playing a sport – absolutely!
Deep Scaling or Regular Cleaning?
October 23, 2009
My hygienist, receptionists and I are asked this question everyday. There is some confusion between a prophy (regular cleaning) and periodontal scaling (deep cleaning) A prophylaxis is when stain, plaque and calculus is removed from the surface of the tooth. A deep cleaning or scaling is the process where plaque (bacteria and food mixture) and calculus (mineralized plaque deposits) are removed from both above and below the gumline. The root surface just under the gum is also cleaned of any plaque or calculus, resulting in a smooth, sleek surface.
In my dental office a patient is usually numb for a root planning procedure so that the appointment is completely comfortable. This may require the use of a topical anesthetic such as Oraquix or Cetacaine spray or a small injection at the gum.
Deep Scaling is one of the best treatments to fight gum disease. Sadly, gum disease often has no major symptoms but can do significant damage the supporting structures of the teeth which ultimately can cause bone and tooth loss!
Dexis Digital X-Rays
September 17, 2009
The future of dental x-rays is now. One month ago the new Dexis Platinum dental x-ray sensor began to be delivered to selected dentists. Computerized or digital x-rays use less radiation than traditional x-ray film. Instead of a piece of film, the digital sensor is placed in the mouth to take an x-ray. The Dexis Platinum sensor has rounded corners and a smooth covering that can help make x-rays more comfortable for patients.
An additional benefit of digital x-rays is that there is less waiting time for the doctor and patient to see the x-ray. As soon as the x-ray is taken, it immediately appears on the computer screen. Personally, I love digital x-rays because the software program allows me to make various enhancements to the x-rays which improve my ability to diagnose and treat dental conditions. The on screen enhancements also give me a unique opportunity to show patients their x-ray up on the computer screen, allowing them to see exactly what I see so that each patient can better understand the problem and the treatment options. Digital x-rays reduce exposure to radiation, lessen the waiting time, improve diagnosis and patient understanding. The future is now!
Published Health Beat Magazine Sept 17, 2009
Welcome to Dr Canzoneri’s Blog
August 20, 2009
Welcome to Kenneth J. Canzoneri’s Blog!
Consider this blog your news resource for information about oral health, dental procedures and technology, and what’s happening at your dentist’s office. We believe communication is key to building great doctor-patient relationships, and this dental blog is intended to keep us in touch with you. The best part is, you can simply bookmark this page in your browser, then visit whenever you like! Stay tuned for regular posts that will keep you informed.
If you need to schedule an appointment or are “interviewing” us as your potential new dental provider, call today! You may also want to review information about us here.