Friday, June 1, 2018 11:24:24 PM
Do you brush and floss regularly, but your gums still bleed every time you get your teeth cleaned? Dr. Jessica Goldenberg explains that your toothbrush and floss are only getting about 1mm below the gum tissue, leaving a lot of the periodontal pocket not cleaned in between dental visits. Perio Protect® is a great option for many patients who need help controlling their gum disease.
At Goldenberg Family Dentistry we know that for many patients with periodontal disease regular dental visits and home care with brushing and flossing never seem to be enough to maintain good oral health. Some patients even undergo periodontal surgery to help combat the disease. At Goldenberg Dentistry we offer a long-term, minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment option with Perio Protect®
Dr. Joel Goldenberg and Dr. Jessica Goldenberg feel that it is important to take a comprehensive approach when treating gum disease. At Goldenberg dentistry we feel that utilizing the comfortable Perio Tray® in conjunction with regular cleanings helps to achieve and maintain a healthy mouth, and in turn, a more healthy body overall. A custom Perio Tray® is made for each patient that is utilized at home between dental visits. It is similar to a mouth-guard, comfortable to wear, and has a special sealing system that effectively delivers medication below the gums. A medication is placed in the tray and it is worn for a few minutes each day to help fight the bacterial infection.
“Bacteria that cause inflammation and disease are hidden deep below the gums and are extremely difficult to manage at home with toothbrushes, rinses and floss. The Perio Tray is able to reach deep into the pockets between the teeth and gums, applying medication to infected gum tissue that cannot be reached using toothbrushes, dental floss, or mouthwashes.* In fact, the Perio Protect Tray was created to help patients fight periodontal diseases in the most minimally invasive way possible.”
-From PerioProtect.com
If you are wondering if Perio Protect is for you, give us a call to make a consultation appointment! (805) 642-4541
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 6/1/2018 4:24:24 PM
Saturday, February 3, 2018 9:32:35 AM
There are always new products or recommendations coming out to improve our health or appearance, but are they safe? Do they work? At Goldenberg Family Dentistry it is important to us that our patients are educated and informed about the products they are using for their oral health.
Charcoal Tooth Whitening
The new fad in teeth whitening is activated charcoal. It comes as a toothpaste or in a tub or capsule. They claim that they will whiten your teeth simply by brushing on the abrasive charcoal. However, it is just that- abrasive!
For starters, there is no evidence that shows these products are safe or effective as reported in the Journal of the American Dental Association. Dr. Jessica Goldenberg explains that using any abrasive material on your teeth, including baking soda, can remove some surface stains caused by coffee, tea or other dark foods. However, it can also remove some of the outer enamel layer of your teeth. The enamel is the part of your teeth you want to whiten and by removing it exposes the second, yellow later called dentin. This can actually make your teeth look more yellow and cause sensitivity.
Charcoal is also very messy! It can stain your sink and tile grout, but more importantly, it can stain composite fillings, veneers and crowns.
Both Dr. Joel Goldenberg and Dr. Jessica Goldenberg recommend trying a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. With the ADA seal you know the product you have chosen is safe and effective. If whitening toothpaste is no longer giving you a bright white smile, call our office to set up an appointment to discuss your professional whitening options.
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 2/3/2018 1:32:35 AM
Saturday, December 2, 2017 12:00:21 AM
Does a bite of ice cream or sip of hot coffee cause you to wince in pain? Is brushing or flossing painful? Often times we have a tooth or teeth that become sensitive. The doctors at Goldenberg Dentistry explain this may be caused by a cavity, but there are a lot of other potential sources of your pain.
Common causes include:
- Tooth decay (cavities)
- Gum disease
- Fractured/ broken teeth
- Worn fillings
- Worn tooth enamel from clenching or grinding
- Exposed tooth root from recession
Dr. Jessica Goldenberg describes that our teeth are made up of three different layers. The outermost layer than is above the gum line is enamel. It is very strong and once it is gone it will not grow back. Under the gums, on the root surface of your tooth, is a layer called cementum. The third layer that is underneath both the enamel and the cementum is called dentin.
The dentin layer is less dense than enamel and cementum. There are microscopic tubules, small canals, within the dentin. When the protective covering of enamel or cementum is lost, these tubules allow temperatures to transmit to the nerve of your tooth. Hypersensitivity can be caused when dentin is exposed on root surfaces due to gum recession.
No need to worry! Sensitive teeth can be treated! During an examination by either Dr. Joel Goldenberg or Dr. Jessica Goldenberg, the cause of the sensitivity will be determined and then a treatment can be offered. some of the most common treatments include:
- Anti-sensitivity toothpaste: Common brands include Sensodyne or Colgate Sensitive. They both contain an ingredient potassium nitrate, that helps to block the dentinal tubules. Sometimes a prescription toothpaste called Prevident will be recommended. This may take a few days to take effect and usually needs to continue to be used.
- In-Office desensitizer: a special paste may be applied directly to sensitive areas to give immediate relief
- Fluoride varnish: A varnish may be applied in-office to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- A crown, inlay or bonding: A restoration may be placed if decay or a defect if present
- Surgical gum graft. If the root is exposed due to gum recession, a grafting procedure may be performed
- Root canal. If the tooth pain is related to an infected nerve, root canal treatment will be necessary
Another cause of sensitivity is poor oral hygiene. Excess plaque on the tooth or root surface is a common source of sensitivity. It is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms contact Goldenberg Dentistry to set up an appointment. (805) 642-4541
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 12/1/2017 4:00:21 PM
Monday, October 2, 2017 2:23:32 AM
Are you waking up with headaches? Does your jaw get sore or lock? You may be clenching or grinding your teeth and not even know it!
The dentists at Goldenberg Family Dentistry explain that grinding your teeth habitually is known as bruxism and is often done subconsciously or while sleeping.
Signs you may be grinding your teeth include:
- Tight or sore jaw muscles
- Popping or clicking or the tempromandibular joint
- Headaches
- Broken or chipped teeth or restorations
Dr. Jessica Goldenberg educates her patients by explaining that the most common cause of bruxing is anxiety or stress, but may be caused by other factors. Some diseases may cause the nerves or muscles of the face to twitch causing grinding such as Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease. Malocclusion, when the upper and lower teeth do not align properly, may lead to grinding as well. Sometimes it is a side effect of medications used to treat depression such as Zoloft or Prozac.
Sometimes people are aware they are bruxing or are informed by person they sleep next to who can hear it. However, most people are unaware. Both Dr. Joel Goldenberg and Dr. Jessica Goldenberg always evaluate the occlusal/ chewing surfaces of your teeth during each examination. If you are seeing one of the talented dental hygienists at Goldenberg Dentistry they will always evaluate your teeth and bring any changes or abnormalities to the doctor’s attention.
Once bruxism is diagnosed it is important to try to treat it by trying to stop grinding and prevent further damage.
Treatment for clenching/grinding:
- Reduce stress
- Have a bite/night guard fabricated by Goldenberg Family Dentistry
- Correct misaligned teeth with Invisalign or braces
- Avoid caffeine and stimulants- coffee, tea, soda and sugar especially near bedtime
- Avoid alcohol- it can disrupt sleep
- Seek care from an acupuncturist or chiropractor
If you think you might be clenching or grinding, contact Goldenberg Family Dentistry to schedule a consultation!
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 10/1/2017 7:23:32 PM
Tuesday, August 1, 2017 10:00:40 PM
Have you heard the dentist or hygienist saying numbers like this and wondered what it means?
He or she is measuring your periodontal pockets. The periodontal pocket is the pocket formed by your gum tissue that surrounds each tooth. At Goldenberg Dentistry we measure it to aid in diagnosing a patient’s periodontal health: the health of the gums and bone surrounding the teeth.
We use a periodontal probe, an instrument that is inserted into the gum pocket to measure the depth. The measurements are in millimeters and smaller numbers are better.
As seen in the chart 1-3mm is a normal, healthy periodontal probe reading. 4mm means there is some inflammation, known as gingivitis, and there may be some bone loss starting which can be verified with radiographs. A pocket of 5mm means the beginning stages of periodontitis, inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth leading to bone and gum loss. The higher the number, the deeper the pocket, the more bone loss there is.
When a new patient comes in for a comprehensive exam, periodontal probing measurements are recorded in the patient’s chart as a baseline. Each tooth is probed at six different sites; three on the facial (cheek) side of the tooth; another three on the lingual (tongue) side of the tooth. The measurements and radiographs are used to evaluate the overall loss of attachment and help diagnose if a patients needs a routine prophy cleaning or a deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planning. The measurements are checked at recall cleaning appointments to aid in monitoring a patient’s periodontal health
Dr. Joel Goldenberg and Dr. Jessica Goldenberg not only love treating patients, but educating them as well. Call or e-mail Goldenberg Family Dentistry to set up your comprehensive examination today! (805) 642-4541 jagdds@pacbell.net
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 8/1/2017 3:00:40 PM
Thursday, June 1, 2017 10:00:46 PM
We love seeing patients of all ages at Goldenberg Family Dentistry! It is so important that children get regular dental care and that from their very first visit they know the dentist can be a fun place to visit.
Dr. Jessica Goldenberg answers more common pediatric dental questions below:
‘I can hear my child grinding their teeth at night.’
Bruxism is the medical term for grinding teeth. It is very common in children especially in the mixed dentition, both adult and baby teeth present, since the bite is usually not stable. Other causes may be stress or hyperactivity. Most children outgrow it and do not require any intervention. It is always important to inform your dentist at Goldenberg Family Dentistry so that any adverse effects may be monitored. If the grinding continues and causes damage to the adult teeth or pain to the joint, a night guard may be recommended.
‘Will my child need braces?’
There are many reasons your child may benefit from orthodontic care. The fist thing Dr. Jessica Goldenberg will evaluate as the primary teeth are erupting is if they have space between the teeth. If they do not have spaces it is likely that the adult teeth, which are bigger than the baby teeth they are replacing, will be crowded. As a child develops their dentist at Goldenberg Dentistry will continually evaluate how the teeth are erupting. Some orthodontic issues are best treated early on, sometimes called phase I orthodontics, whereas other problems can wait until all of the primary teeth are lost.
Signs your child may benefit from braces:
- Bite is not aligned properly: cross bite, underbite, overbite
- Missing or extra teeth
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Crowding or misplaced teeth
- Jaw and teeth are not proportional to face
Once it is determined by your child’s dentist at Goldenberg Dentistry in Ventura that they need orthodontic care, a referral will be made to a caring and gentle orthodontist. A consultation appointment will be set up to discuss treatment needs and help guide you and your child through the process.
‘When should we start using fluoride toothpaste?’
Baby teeth should be brushed as soon as they begin to erupt into the mouth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry children under 3 years of age should have their teeth brushed twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. From ages 3 to 6, parents and caregivers should brush with no more than a pea sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is extremely important that children’s brushing is supervised. Most children do not have the dexterity to properly brush all surfaces of their teeth until the age of 8. Daily use of a fluoride toothpaste from eruption of the first baby tooth is an effective way to prevent cavities and is recommended by the American Dental Association.
until age 3 age 3-6
If you have any questions regarding your child’s dental health, give us a call today!
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 6/1/2017 3:00:46 PM
Saturday, April 1, 2017 3:00:00 PM
So often I am asked ‘My child’s adult tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth and it isn’t loose yet. They look like a shark. What should we do?’
Goldenberg Family Dentistry is a family dental practice. That means we treat patients of all ages from a child’s first visit to the elderly who need to remain in their wheelchair for treatment. Some parents prefer to bring their child to the same dental office they go to. They find it more convenient for the whole family to be seen at one location and parent and child appointments can be booked at the same time limiting how long the family must stay at the office. Other parents prefer to take their children to a Pediatric Dental office and if that is the case, the team at Goldenberg Dentistry can make a great recommendation.
Dr. Jessica Goldenberg sees the majority of the pediatric patients in the practice and noted a few the most common questions she gets from concerned parents.
‘My child’s adult tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth and it isn’t loose yet. They look like a shark. What should we do?’
Ectopic eruption is when the lower adult teeth erupt when the baby teeth haven’t fallen out yet. It is fairly common and nothing to be alarmed about. Sometimes the adult teeth fail to signal the roots of the baby teeth to resorb so that they don’t become loose and fall out as they should. This can also happen if there is not adequate space for the erupting permanent teeth. Typically ectopic eruption resolves on its own without dental intervention. If you are concerned it is always a good idea to make an appointment with Goldenberg Dentistry so that either Dr. Joel Goldenberg or Dr. Jessica Goldenberg may perform an examination.
‘My child is _____ old and still doesn’t have any teeth.’
Most children’s first tooth erupts around 6 months of age, however, all of the charts used to determine eruption patterns are based on averages. Some children are born with teeth and some do not have their first tooth erupt until after age 1. Most children have a full set of 20 primary teeth by the age of 3.
Chart from mouthhealthy.org
‘Why do we need to fill cavities on baby teeth? They are just going to fall out.’
Baby teeth are very important for more than just chewing. They allow your child to speak properly and smile confidently. The primary teeth also hold the space for the developing permanent teeth. If teeth are lost prematurely, the other teeth can drift in to the space left behind. Then when the adult teeth are ready to erupt they may have a difficult time coming in leading to crowding and years of orthodontic care. Of course, before any treatment is rendered, x-rays will be taken and Dr. Goldenberg will evaluate when the decayed tooth will fall out to determine if treatment is necessary.
We love seeing your little loved ones at Goldenberg Family Dentistry! Call today to set up an appointment!
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 4/1/2017 8:00:00 AM
Thursday, February 2, 2017 4:16:17 AM
Do you feel like no matter how much you brush or swish with mouthwash you are always self-conscious of your breath? Halitosis, also known as bad breath, can be caused by a variety of things and figuring out the cause will help you find a solution. According to American Breath Specialists it is estimated that over 60 million people in the US will suffer from chronic halitosis.
Bad breath can be caused by internal and external factors. External factors would include the types of food you eat such as onions, garlic, fish, etc. The Colgate website has some great tips, including keeping a log of foods you eat to help determine if what you consume may causing your bad breath. According to the doctors at Goldenberg Dentistry, tobacco and alcohol can also lead to bad breath.
The American Dental Association provides information explaining that bacteria in our mouth may be the cause of bad breath. We have hundreds of types of bacteria that reside in our mouths and feed on the food left behind after we eat. They produce a bad smelling waste if not removed by rinsing with water or brushing after a meal.
Do you ever feel your mouth is dry? Dr. Goldenberg explains that medications, mouth breathing or a salivary gland issues may be affecting your ability to produce enough saliva. Saliva helps to wash your mouth of food and bacteria and also has protective factors to prevent cavities. Chewing sugar-free gum after eating or sucking on sugar-free candies can help stimulate more saliva flow. Goldenberg Dentistry offers Ice Chips Xylitol candies which not only help produce more saliva, but prevent cavities too.
An easy way to combat bad breath is to brush twice a day and floss once a day. That will ensure you are removing the plaque that forms on your teeth. Dr. Goldenberg also wants you to remember to regularly clean your tongue. Bad breath bacteria form a white or brown coating at the back of your tongue. This can be removed with a toothbrush or tongue scraper.
If your bad breath or bad taste won’t go away even after brushing and flossing, you may be suffering from gum disease. It is important to visit Goldenberg Dentistry twice a year for an examination and cleaning. At the appointment, your dentist or hygienist will assess your gum health and determine if you have dry mouth. If you suffer from either, they will make recommendations how to treat both before they become more serious.
If your dentist rules out any of the above causes, you may have a medical condition that is causing bad breath. Diabetes, gastric reflux, or sinus conditions are all internal causes of bad breath. If this is the case, it is important to see your medical doctor as soon as possible.
If you feel you have bad breath or want a dental consultation, make your appointment with the team at Goldenberg Dentistry today!
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 2/1/2017 8:16:17 PM
Thursday, December 1, 2016 4:00:00 PM
Tooth Replacement Options
Imagine you break a tooth and get the devastating news that it is not restorable and can’t be saved. Once it is extracted, what are your options for replacing that tooth?
According to the dentists at Goldenberg Family Dentistry there are many reasons a tooth may need to be extracted; severe bone loss from periodontal disease, a large cavity in which there isn’t enough tooth structure remaining to restore, a tooth that breaks from an old filling, a crown that breaks off at the gumline, or even from trauma. Before the tooth is removed it is important to know what your options are and have a plan in place.
The least expensive option is to have a removable partial denture made. Usually a single tooth partial that is made for temporary use is called a flipper. It looks like a plastic retainer with one or more teeth on it and sometimes has metal wire clasps. Impressions for that can be made and the appliance fabricated before the extraction is completed so that it may be delivered the day of the extraction and the patient is never without a tooth. Another type of partial available is a flexible all acrylic partial with pink acrylic clasps that look more natural than the traditional metal clasps. This type of partial can be used on a temporary basis, but can last many years. The most durable type of partial that works best for patients who are missing a lot of teeth, especially in the posterior region and need to regain chewing ability, is a metal framework partial with natural looking teeth and pink acrylic to look like gums.
Another option to replace a missing tooth is to place a fixed partial denture, also referred to as a bridge. The teeth on either side of the missing tooth or teeth are prepared for crowns and the bridge consists of crowns fused together that will cover the natural teeth and replace the missing teeth. This is a great option if you have teeth on either side of the missing tooth. A drawback though is the neighboring teeth need to be prepared for crowns which could mean removing healthy tooth structure. Also, if in the future there is an issue with one of the teeth, the entire bridge may need to be remade.
The most natural looking and easiest option to maintain is a dental implant. Implants can either be placed at the time of the extraction or after 4 months of bone healing. Implants are titanium posts that are drilled into the bone and allowed to integrate for 3-4 months. Then an abutment is screwed into the implant and the crown can either be screwed in or cemented on to the abutment.
If you are not sure what your treatment options are, call or click to make a consultation appointment with Goldenberg Dentistry today.
Partial Denture:
Advantages: low cost, quick fabrication, slight drilling on teeth, no surgical procedure, can replace multiple teeth, very little discomfort, average 10 year life
Disadvantages: must be removed daily, must be cleaned nightly, not secure, uncomfortable for some, does not maintain bone shape, does not look natural
Bridge:
Advantages: quick fabrication, securely cemented, looks good no surgical procedure, 15-25 year life
Disadvantages: cost, requires drilling of teeth, difficult to clean, decay around crowns possible, does not maintain bone shape
Dental Implant:
Advantages: no drilling on adjacent teeth, looks natural, securely cement into place, does not place stress on teeth, maintains bone health, easy to clean and maintain, 25+ years of use
Disadvantages: cost, surgical procedure necessary, longer treatment time from start to finish
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 12/1/2016 8:00:00 AM
Saturday, October 1, 2016 3:00:29 PM
The Pinhole Surgical Technique in Ventura is the revolutionary procedure that can help receding gums without invasive techniques. However, not all dental practitioners are trained and certified to provide patients with the Pinhole Surgical Technique in Ventura.
Invented by John Chao DDS, this amazing technique is scalpel and suture free, is the modern way to correct gum recession and is now available from Goldenberg Family Dentistry in Ventura.
What Causes Gum Recession
Bacterial gum infection from periodontal diseases will destroy your gum tissues right along with the support bone that holds the teeth in place. Periodontal disease, the more severe form of gum disease, is the number one cause of gum recession.
Thirty percent of the population could be predisposed. When it comes to gum disease, research shows that genetics could play a part in gum disease regardless of oral hygiene habits.
Overly aggressive tooth brushing is another cause of gum recession. If you brush too hard, or the wrong way, you could wear away the enamel on your teeth that could lead to gum recession.
Improper brushing, flossing, rinsing and inadequate dental care can also cause gum recession. If you don’t floss or use an antibacterial mouthwash, you could be dealing with tartar, hardened plaque that can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If left to its own devices, tartar can cause gum recession.
Hormones can also play a role in gum disease and gum recession. Fluctuations during puberty, pregnancy, menstruation and menopause could make your gums more sensitive and vulnerable to gum recession.
When it comes to dental care, prevention is the key. Schedule regular checkups with Goldenberg Family Dental, make sure you are brushing properly and don’t forget to swap out your toothbrush every two or three months or when it begins to show wear.
Other ways to prevent gum recession include:
- Quit smoking
- Eat a healthy diet
- Monitor any mouth changes
If you are suffering from gum recession and would like to know more about the Chao Pinhole Surgical technique, call or click and schedule an appointment with the trained and experienced dental team from Goldenberg Family Dentistry today.
Posted by Jessica A. Goldenberg, DDS | 10/1/2016 8:00:29 AM