Baby Teeth

Draper Family Dentistry Thinks YOU Should Know...

Should I start cleaning my babies gums even before their teeth come in? 

Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.

Bacteria in the mouth usually can't harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you'll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of his daily routine should make it easier to transition into toothbrushing later on.

Check it out!

Every Six Months!

Did you know? It's important to have your teeth checked every 6 months to avoid plaque build up, and prevent more serious damage to your teeth. Because it is so important, most insurances cover biannual check ups! Call our dental office in Draper, Utah and schedule your check up today!


Draper Family Dentistry

Gum Disease Prevention Article

Draper Dentist Don Rubisch, owner of Draper Family Dentistry can help you in preventing gum disease! Call to schedule an appointment today!


Periodontal Disease

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. In its early stage, called gingivitis, the gums can become swollen and red, and they may bleed. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. Periodontal disease is mostly seen in adults. Periodontal disease and tooth decay are the two biggest threats to dental health.

Causes

Bacteria in the mouth infect tissue surrounding the tooth, causing inflammation around the tooth leading to periodontal disease. When bacteria stay on the teeth long enough, they form a film called plaque, which eventually hardens to tartar, also called calculus. Tartar build-up can spread below the gum line, which makes the teeth harder to clean. Then, only a dental health professional can remove the tartar and stop the periodontal disease process.

Warning signs

The following are warning signs of periodontal disease:

Bad breath or bad taste that won't go away
Red or swollen gums
Tender or bleeding gums
Painful chewing
Loose teeth
Sensitive teeth
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
Any change in the fit of partial dentures
Risk factors

Certain factors increase the risk for periodontal disease:

Smoking
Diabetes
Poor oral hygiene
Stress
Heredity
Crooked teeth
Underlying immuno-deficiencies—e.g., AIDS
Fillings that have become defective
Taking medications that cause dry mouth
Bridges that no longer fit properly
Female hormonal changes, such as with pregnancy or the use of oral contraceptives
Prevention and treatment

Gingivitis can be controlled and treated with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning. More severe forms of periodontal disease can also be treated successfully but may require more extensive treatment. Such treatment might include deep cleaning of the tooth root surfaces below the gums, medications prescribed to take by mouth or placed directly under the gums, and sometimes corrective surgery.

Our Dental Office In Draper Can Help You Understand Tooth Sensitivity!

Brush your teeth!

Draper Family Dentistry reminds you to brush AND floss everyday to prevent tooth decay!

Draper Family Dentistry Tip Of The Day

Are You Looking For A Dentist In Draper?

With so many dentists in Draper, Utah it's important to have one you can trust. Dr. Rubisch has over 23 years of experience, and makes it his top priority to provide his patients with the highest quality work using the very newest technology! Dr. Rubisch graduated with honors from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985. Prior to attending Dental School, he graduated cum laude from the University of Utah in 1981. Dr. Rubisch has been practicing for over 24 years. After graduating from dental school, he completed a General Practice Residency at the Veterans Administration in Salt Lake City. There he developed many specialty skills to help him serve his patients. He has been serving Draper, Bluffdale, Sandy, and the surrounding areas from his office in Draper Utah for over 15 years. Since he began practicing dentistry, Dr. Rubisch has kept up to date with continuing education and uses new high tech equipment to obtain the best results as painlessly as possible. This ensures that his patients receive the most comprehensive and advanced dental care possible. 

Dr. Oz Comments on Dental Health

With 75 percent of Americans over the age of 35 suffering from some form of gum disease, it's time to take a closer look at our dental health. 

Dr. Oz talks to Dr. Jonathan Levine, dentist to the stars and author of Smile! The Ultimate Guide to Achieving Smile Beauty, about some toothy topics:


Whitening

• If you decide on tooth whitening, it's best done under the guidelines of a dentist who can help you determine the best method for you, Dr. Levine says. Over-the-counter whiteners are effective, but make sure to use a strip or paint-on system and read the directions carefully.
• Some tooth stains are intrinsic—they are created internally by genetics, Dr. Levine says. These stains need a true whitener, done in a dentist's office. Extrinsic tooth stains, which can be created by smoking and consuming things like coffee, red wine and soy sauce, benefit from a good cleaning and an over-the-counter whitener. Good brushing and flossing habits will prevent most of these stains.

Oral Health

• Finding the right dentist can be a challenge. Dr. Levine suggests calling the dental program at a local university and asking who they recommend in the area. Periodontists are another good source for recommendations.
• If possible, interview the dentist on the phone to see if he or she is a good fit. A visit to the office can provide information about the courtesy of the staff, the appearance of the space and the quality of the technology.
• According to Dr. Levine, your diet can affect the health of your mouth. If the pH balance of your saliva is too acidic, it can hurt the tissue and demineralize the teeth. Eating fruits, vegetables and other healthy, colorful foods will help the balance. Eating a lot of sugar and processed sugar, along with improper brushing and flossing, can cause a lot of acid, leading to tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.
• Sensitivity to cold, heat or sweetness is usually an indicator that there is some decay in the teeth or some root exposure—it's time to check with a dentist.

Dental Care 101

• Most of us are brushing incorrectly—following these steps will keep you and your dentist happy, Dr. Levine says:
  • Use a rounded-end, soft-bristle brush
  • Brush twice a day for 30 seconds in each quadrant, or a total of two minutes
  • Angle the brush 45 degrees to the gumline—you want the bristles to get under the gum, gently

• Replace your toothbrush every 30-45 days, because toothbrush heads harbor bacteria. Use a toothbrush sanitizer, and make sure to let the toothbrush air-dry, rather than storing it in a damp environment or in a drawer.
• The type of toothpaste you use isn't that important, as long as it's something you like and will use, and you are brushing and flossing for an adequate amount of time, Dr. Levine says. However, if you're prone to getting cavities, you need a high-fluoride toothpaste. If you're prone to gum disease, make sure you're seeing a dentist twice a year.
• According to Dr. Levine, only 10 percent of Americans are flossing regularly, a very low number considering it's one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Proper flossing contributes to good gum health and lowers the risk of heart attacks, among other problems.
• Check the alcohol content of mouthwash. Alcohol can dry out the mouth, lowering the pH balance and killing the protective mechanisms in saliva. Newer mouthwashes are trending toward alcohol-free formulations.
• Chewing gum acts as an exfoliant, taking off plaque and stains, exercising muscles and increasing saliva flow. Make sure you're chewing sugar-free gum—sugarless gum can still contain some amount of sugar.