Dr. Gary Sigafoos

Monday, March 18, 2013

The Bizarre Psychophysical Effects of Bad Breath: Why It Can Make People Think You Are Literally Going To Kill Them!

According to researchers, the smell of bad breath activates an ancient brain system that actually makes people subconsciously think you're trying to kill them! It even happens to people who may love you dearly, but they can't help it - once they get a whiff of your breath, their brain freaks out, and literally forces them to recoil, and feel sickened and disgusted by you.

By Tomas Caomhanach

British soul singer Joss Stone has been widely quoted in newspapers and online media as saying that bad breath is her biggest turn-off in a man.

That's not surprising. In fact, it is a perfectly natural way to feel. And she's not alone either: An extensive survey carried out by the British Dental Association in London some years back found that bad breath was rated the #1 turn-off for everybody, no matter what their age or gender. It was even rated as being worse than stale body odor!

Stone, 24, said: "There is nothing worse than bad breath. I have kissed people with bad breath... and it made me feel sick." And, in all probability, that was not a figure of speech - it really did make her feel physically sick.

That's because of disgust, which is one of the 6 primary human emotions. Normally, we think of emotions as being a purely 'mental' thing but, according to researchers, disgust is quite different: it is often purely physical, involving a sequence of involuntary movements that originally evolved as a way to protect us from sources of disease or infection.

Because the nose is so close to (and well connected with) the brain, the sense of smell is the primary driver of disgust. The chemical compounds given off by things that can cause disease or infection often have a very distinctive smell, which the human brain recognizes instantly. When it does so, it switches to survival mode right away, and literally forces your body to isolate itself from the source of possible infection.

It does that by making you recoil (which moves you away), scrunching up your nose (which constricts your nasal passages, and stops you breathing in any more noxious smells), and by making you gag (which stops you swallowing anything through your mouth). If you do inhale or swallow too much of those chemicals, you then feel nauseated, and may even vomit (to eject everything you have swallowed from your body).

As it happens, bad breath contains a number of specific chemical compounds that happen to be the SAME as those given off by rotting food, feces, and, believe it or not, dead bodies - all sources of possible infection, and all causes of (sometimes extreme) disgust in every single human being on the planet. If you have bad breath, THAT'S why people recoil, turn away, and step back when you are near them.

That's why it's so sickening. It doesn't matter if the people around you like you - they may even be you own loved ones - their brain still thinks you could literally kill them, and is trying to protect them by making them feel sick and disgusted by you.

And that's why Stone is right: There really is nothing worse than bad breath.

The Bad Breath Report
Scientifically-Proven Method To
Cure Bad Breath At Home
www.TheBadBreathReport.com

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics
http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Follow @GarySigafoos on Twitter and do a “Like” at LajollaGumDiseaseCare Fanpage. If you're looking for an experienced periodontist to care for gingivitis and periodontial disease in La Jolla, contact Dr. Sigafoos,(858) 568-8941.

Friday, March 15, 2013

Laser Dentistry

I'm proud to offer you laser dentistry for the treatment of many types of cavities. The laser works by emitting a specialized light that targets and destroys dental decay.

Drills are very powerful, and the vibration and the large hole produced can cause discomfort, making some type of anesthesia almost always necessary. With a laser, the light works to destroy and remove decay with no uncomfortable tooth vibration and resulting discomfort. Because the laser is so precise, the decayed part of the tooth often can be selectively removed, leaving a more healthy part of the tooth. Rather than that loud drilling sound, you hear only a gentle tapping.

More Benefits of Laser Dentistry:

Clinical studies show that 96% of all patients-both adults and children-required no anesthesia when the laser was used to remove dental decay.

No time is spent waiting for Novocaine to take effect or wear off.

Multiple teeth and sections of your mouth can be worked on in ONE sitting instead of having to return multiple times to have a cavity filled.

Laser treatment has proven to be appropriate and safe in over tens of thousands of applications throughout the world, and works well for young children as well as adults. Laser of technology allows us to take the fear out of going to the dentist and gets the patient actively involved in their own dental care.

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics

http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Follow @GarySigafoos on Twitter and do a “Like” at LajollaGumDiseaseCare Fanpage. If you're looking for an experienced periodontist to care for gingivitis and periodontial disease in La Jolla, contact Dr. Sigafoos,(858) 568-8941.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

The New Dentistry and Medicine - A Partnership for Your Oral Health

A world of opportunities for dental health awaits us in the new dentistry. Using the old dentistry, dentalcare professionals did their best to provide a high quality of service given the state of knowledge and technology at that time.

Through advancements in treatment, research, and the desire of the dental care profession to do more and do it better, the new dentistry has emerged giving you a better smile. It is based on a foundation with specific characteristics that are of great benefit to us as consumers.

Efficiency: Your time and your resources are valuable to you, and your dentist recognizes this. New dentistry treatment techniques and methods have considerably reduced the amount of time that the dental care now takes. The return on your investment in dental health is excellent.

Comfort: Not only are the dental chairs and the dentistry office environment more comfortable and pleasant, improvements in the use of local anesthetics and new equipment provide more comfort than ever before.

Collaboration: The dental relationship is now based on the value that you can derive from your dentistry team and what you want for your dental future rather than just on the techniques and procedures your dentist can do. Through dental continuing education, your dentist has the skills and knowledge to help you make decisions for your dental health in a positive and informed way.

Predictability: New materials and advances in treatment provide you with opportunities to maintain your dental health throughout your life. With the innovative cosmetic and specialized dentistry approaches to reclaiming teeth that formally would be lost, your dentistry professional can help create and maintain teeth and gums. Predictable treatment, effective prevention methods, and the longevity of treatment are now part of any treatment plan.

Thoroughness: Advances in assessment and diagnosis now enable dentists to make thorough evaluations of your overall dental and oral health. The outcome is a plan for your health that will give you peace of mind, knowing you can have a well-informed dentistry plan in place.

Prevention: This characteristic of the new dentistry has received much publicity in recent years. It has been proven over and over again that there are several measures that you can take as a consumer of dental care to create and maintain your dental health in collaboration with your dental team. It bears repeating again -- flossing and brushing combined with regular dental hygiene checks are your greatest allies in maintaining your teeth and a bright smile.

Precision: The new dentistry utilizes instruments and technologies that are far advanced from what was available even 15 years ago. Both general dentists and specialists have access to technologies that provide precision in diagnosis and treatment. The value for you is higher quality care.

The dental profession has established a strong foundation for a pleasant smile and a healthy dental future for all of us. Dentistry improvements are continuously being made to this foundation. You can choose to avail yourself of these improvements by asking your dentist, "What can help me to maintain my dental health?" They have the knowledge and the desire to help you.

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics

http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Seniors -- Age Brings Changes In Dental Care Treatment

It's an indisputable fact - our bodies change as we get older and so does our need for dentistry. These changes take different forms in different people, depending on our inherited physical traits, our lifestyle and nutritional habits, and our medical conditions.

Age brings changes in oral health and your need for dental care, too. There are some specific areas where seniors need to pay close attention to protect and extend their oral health.

Tooth Color: Plaque is an invisible layer of bacteria that forms on our teeth, and can trap stains at any age. But as we get older, plaque builds up more quickly and is harder to remove. At the same time, the tissue that lies underneath the tooth enamel, called "dentin," is changing, and those changes can make teeth appear darker. Finally, decades of consuming coffee, tea, or tobacco leave stains that build up over time.

Daily brushing and flossing are important, particularly first thing in the morning and just before bed, to combat the plaque that builds up overnight. You may also want to consult your dentist about using commercial rinses that remove plaque.

Dry Mouth: Many seniors experience a reduced flow of saliva, sometimes as a side effect of medications such as painkillers or decongestants. For some, the lack of moisture inside the mouth can lead to sore throats, a burning sensation, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing. In addition, if you leave dry mouth unattended, it can damage teeth, since saliva's natural rinsing keeps bacteria washed away from teeth and gums. Sugar-free chewing gum and hard candy will stimulate natural saliva, and artificial saliva and oral rinses will provide much-needed relief. Ask your dentist which commercial products are the best for you.

Cavities: If your gums begin to recede, the portion of the tooth that used to be below the gum line is now exposed. Roots are softer than tooth surfaces and are susceptible to decay; they are also likely to be sensitive to hot and cold beverages and food. Most people over age 50 suffer from some form of dental care disease. Make sure you take good care of teeth and gums with daily brushing and flossing. A word of caution: your gums may be starting to thin. Brush thoroughly but gently to keep from tearing your gums.

Fillings: Your fillings are getting older, too. They can weaken or crack, or your tooth may decay around the edges of the filling. As a result, bacteria can seep into your tooth, causing more decay. Regular check-ups will give your dentist the chance to keep an eye on your existing fillings.

Gum Disease: Daily cleaning and good nutrition are critical for healthy gums. When gums become infected and diseased, they set off a chain reaction that can result in losing teeth or weakening the jawbone. Either condition creates more problems for your health and increases your medical costs. Contact your dentist if your gums become red or begin to bleed.

Good Nutrition: What you put into your mouth has a direct impact on the health of your mouth -- and the health of the rest of your body. As you age and your lifestyle changes, keep your nutritional goals in mind. Balanced meals are one the best ways you can contribute to your own good health.

Regular Exams: The dentist will check your mouth, teeth, and jaw for any problems. You should also mention any sores, swelling, or pain you might be experiencing. Regular checkups enable the dentist to spot problems early. Early resolution of problems will help you keep your natural teeth.

Good dental care, regular check-ups, and good nutrition are the keys to really keep you smiling in your golden years!

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics

http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Dental Patient Financing

Your dentist's biggest concern is your dental health. Teeth are a priceless possession. Maintaining them should never have to take a back seat to details like dental costs or insurance coverage.

Your dentist's patient financing policy is probably pretty basic: somehow, they'll find a way that lets them perform the work you need now, rather than put it off for money reasons. Simply put, they're there to help.

As a patient, you should receive a proposed treatment plan that's right for you. You should also receive a complete description of what's needed and a dental fees estimate - so you know what, when, and how much - right from the start.

If you're covered by dental insurance, your dentist's staff will work to obtain the maximum benefit your plan allows. They may even elect to spread your treatment over two "insurance years" to expand your coverage. Every plan and patient, of course, is different.

If you're not covered by insurance your dentist can still find a way to get you the dental work you need done. Credit cards, a dental loan, and monthly payments are all options you can explore in tailoring a program that fits your dental needs.

Your dentist realizes that dental costs will always play a part in the decisions you make together. But cost alone should never prevent you from seeking the help you need early on, before the problem gets worse - and more expensive.

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics

http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Monday, March 11, 2013

A Most Unlikely (But Scientifically-Proven) Weapon Against Tooth Decay: SUGAR!

By Tomas Caomhanach

It's a most unlikely weapon in the battle against tooth decay: Tests have shown that a fruit-flavored sugary syrup - made from a natural sweetener called Xylitol - can protect teeth against corrosion.

Xylitol comes from the silver birch tree and is used in many products such as chewing-gum. Studies have shown it reduces levels of a harmful bacteria called streptococcus mutans.

Researchers at the University of Washington have studied the effects of the syrup on children in the Pacific Marshall Islands, which has one of the highest rates of tooth decay in the world, as a result of a sugary diet.

Presented at the International Association for Dental Research conference in Toronto, the results have shown that 76% of those given the syrup were free of tooth decay, compared with 48% of those who did not get it.

The Bad Breath Report
Scientifically-Proven Method To
Cure Bad Breath At Home
www.TheBadBreathReport.com

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics
http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/

Friday, March 8, 2013

Managed Dental Plans

"Managed" dental care is a great idea.

However, many dentists strongly feel that it should be "managed" by their patients, for their benefit - instead of by a dental insurance company for its benefit.

If you are covered by a dental insurance plan, and if your employer offers you a range of different programs, the time you spend investigating benefits will be time well spent. Doing so puts your family in control of the quality of dental care you can demand and receive from your dental plans.

Words can have very different meanings, depending on an individual's point of view. Some low cost dental insurance plans restrict patients to "preferred providers" of dental care. That sounds impressive until you recognize that providers are "preferred" by the insurer, not necessarily by you. And in many cases they're preferred, frankly, because they agree to sell their services at a discounted rate.

Review your own insurance options carefully: some dental plans allow participants to continue receiving optimum care from their current physicians and dentists. Some don't. It's your choice.

The idea of solving dental health problems "at no (or minimal) cost to you" is understandably appealing. But recognize the tradeoff. Simply put, it's "little cost and less choice."

DR. GARY SIGAFOOS

LaJolla Periodontics

http://www.lajollaperiodontics.com/