Afraid of going to the dentist? Don’t be ashamed. More than 10% of the U.S. population has dental phobia, that’s over 31,000,000 people! While many dentists will do their best to make your visit as pain-free and fearless as possible, sometimes you just can’t get over the initial phobia. Irvine Dental Dr. Neda Khodai is an expert on helping her patients overcome dental phobia, with proven results. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a few tips and some basic information on this common problem.

Dental Phobia?

Most people think of phobia as just being afraid of something, but it is actually more severe. Phobias are an irrational fear, meaning they cause distress and impact your life in a negative way. Someone with dental phobia isn’t just anxious at the idea of going to the dentist, it causes them severe discomfort. They even worry about the dentist when it isn’t even relevant. If you have a shiver go down your spine when you see a mouthwash commercial, you may have dental phobia.

Causes

Dental phobias are developed in the same way as other phobias, typically through negative experiences. Maybe a dentist hurt you when you were young, or you were embarrassed at a dental office. There are many reasons for dental phobias to develop, and sometimes they aren’t even related to dentists. It has been shown that people who were bullied in school or had fearful parents sometimes develop phobias.

Impacts

Dental phobia is slightly beneficial in a few very rare cases. Some people who suffer dental phobia are so afraid of the dental chair that they take every effort to keep their dental health perfect. For the rest of us, it can lead to tooth damage, self-esteem issues, and long term health problems. Regular teeth cleanings can fight off strokes and heart attacks, and the dentist’s office is the best place to screen for oral cancer. Without regular dental care by a dental professional, gum diseases and infections can develop and cause serious bodily harm.

Fighting Dental Phobia

Many dentists want you to stay healthy and will do everything they can to help with your dental phobia. The first step is letting the office know when you set up your appointment. Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai has found that sedation dentistry is a great stepping stone to help fight dental phobia. Meditation, calming music, and television are great distractions from the dental chair and are used by millions of sufferers of dental phobia.

Find The Right Dentist

If you are afraid of the dentist’s office, make sure your dentist knows and appreciates the situation. If your dentist isn’t willing to work with you and help you overcome this problem, it’s time to find a new office. Going to a dentist and having a bad experience will only negatively reinforce your phobia, and can set back your progress and health by years. If you are in the Irvine or Orange County areas of California, contact Barranca Dental to set up an appointment that will help you overcome dental phobia.

Other Resources

Dental fear central is a great website with a lot of resources and support forums for dental phobia. If you have read through our article and still can’t seem to make the call to set up an appointment, try giving their site a read.

Contact Us! Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to talk about your dental phobia, or to just schedule a regular cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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Your tooth enamel is one of the most important substances in your mouth. Tooth enamel, dentin, cementum, and dental pulp are the four main components of your teeth. Your enamel acts as a protective shield for the rest of your tooth, and is the surface exposed to all the food and drink you consume. Enamel is also the most visible component of your teeth, and is the reason your smile is a brilliant shine. Cavities and staining are the main enemies of your enamel, but certain foods and drinks have been scientifically proven to help boost your enamel. Strong enamel reduces the risk of needing non-regular dental procedures, and improves your overall health. This week we’ve compiled a list of some of the best foods and drinks for keeping your enamel strong and healthy.

1) Milk and Dairy Products

A classic example of teeth strengthening foods, dairy products are high in calcium and rich in phosphorous. These two key components help to protect your enamel and even rebuild it. Dairy products will help your mouth to fight against bacteria and maintain the pH level. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are all great foods to help your enamel. If you are lactose intolerant, consider alternative products such as vitamin enriched soymilk.

2) Tea

We told you that tea is one of the top teeth staining foods, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good for your enamel. High in antioxidants and fluoride, tea is an ancient benefit to your dental health. Tea can help fight of plaque, gum diseases, and even bad breath.

3) Strawberries

Like tea, strawberries are high in antioxidants. They also contain large amounts of beneficial vitamins, such as vitamin C. When eaten as part of a proper diet, strawberries have the added benefit of helping to keep your teeth white due to their natural acids.

4) Celery

Celery has a high water and high fiber content, both of which are beneficial to your teeth. Chewing celery will help clean and protect your teeth as it rubs against the surface of your teeth and gums. The high water content helps to rinse your teeth clean, reducing their exposure to dangerous sugars or other substances.

5) Meat (and Tofu)

Beef and chicken contain a lot of beneficial substances, especially phosphorus. Phosphorus is part of the cycle of building bones and enamel. While Tofu isn’t the same as having a steak, it does contain a fairly large amount of protein and other beneficial vitamins.

6) Parsley

This small herb has been used for centuries to help dental health, and for good reason. It has strong anti-bacterial properties, which helps fight off cavities, bad breath, gum diseases, and other dental problems. Consider chewing on parsley after your next meal for a natural cleaner and enamel builder.

7) Water

Water is one of the most basic building blocks of your body, and regular consumption of plain water has numerous health benefits. It is also one of the best dental tools available. Water cleans your teeth and helps remove harmful bacteria, before they have a chance to damage your enamel. Drinking water after your meals or after consuming sugary drinks will help keep your smile intact and bright.

8) Broccoli

Like celery, broccoli is great for its high water content and fibrous nature. Its natural brush shape will help clean teeth while you chew, fighting off bacteria and sugars. More importantly, broccoli is high in vitamin K, which will help your body build bones and tooth enamel.

9) Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds have been cultivated for over 5,000 years. Their high content of furofuran lignans gives sesame seeds and oil great antioxidant properties, keeping your body and mouth healthy. They are also extremely high in calcium, an extremely beneficial element, especially for your enamel.

10) Eggs

Eggs are high in vitamins D and K, both components in bone and enamel building. Vitamin D is especially critical, as it helps the body regulate the production of tooth enamel. Eggs have been shown to have a number of other health benefits, and a healthy body helps a healthy smile!

Contact Us! Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to talk about your smile, diet, or just schedule a regular cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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Zoom! Teeth Whitening is great for restoring your smile, but what can you do between visits? Whitening toothpastes are a good first step, and so is your diet. A lot of people know that coffee and cigarettes can stain your teeth, but so can regular foods (even healthy ones). In no particular order, we’ve put together a list of some common foods that can stain your teeth. While you can avoid these foods, in general their damaging effects can be avoided. We’ve also included some tips in each entry on how to avoid their staining powers.

1) Grape and Pomegranate Juice

Both of these drinks are very healthy for you. Pomegranate juice has even been associated with reducing heart disease! Unfortunately, they can also stain your teeth, so try to use a straw or follow-up with some water.

2) Licorice and Hard Candies

Hard candies don’t just chip your teeth, they can also stain them. This is due to having them in your mouth for extended periods of time, letting their dyes soak in. The best tip for these is to avoid them in general.

3) Raspberries, Cranberries, Blueberries, etc.

Fruits are great to eat. They extend your life, keep you fit, and taste delicious! Sadly, their natural goodness can also stain your teeth. Try drinking water or having an apple afterwards when eating fruits to keep your teeth shining.

4) Soda, Coke, Pop, etc.

We have talked a lot about soda in the past. It’s bad for you and bad for your teeth. Soda doesn’t just lead to cavities, it can lead to stained teeth. If you are indulging, try using a straw or rinsing with water.

5) Mushrooms

Another very healthy entry. Lots of people love mushrooms, but due to several natural pigments they can stain your teeth. Just make sure to brush your teeth and you should be fine. If you are planning a meal around mushrooms, include some celery or lettuce. These vegetables can help clean your teeth with their high water content.

6) Coffee and Dark Teas

Coffee is one of the leading culprits in the world for teeth staining. It is also one of the most consumed beverages! Straws are an option and so is rinsing with room temperature water. Do not use cold water, it can cause your teeth to crack!

Teas can be quite healthy for you, especially the teeth staining green and black tea. Again, follow up with some room temperature water a few minutes after you finish.

7) Red/Dark Wines

Red wine may be able to extend your life and save your heart, but it will definitely stain your teeth. Eating cheese while drinking red wine will help fight the stains, and also taste great. If cheese is not an option, some water or brushing afterwards will work well.

8) Dark Sauces

Sauces make food taste great, but their sticky nature and (often) high sugar content can be a nightmare for your teeth. For Asian sauces, keep some white rice to the side to clean your teeth with. European sauces can be dealt with some carrots, celery, or lettuce/spinach. A tortilla can help with anything of a Latin variety.

9) Red Meat

Red meat can stain your teeth due to a variety of factors. Worst of all, it is frequently paired with mushrooms and red wine. The vegetables mentioned earlier can help, and so does having a glass of water.

10) Fruit Roll-Ups/Fruit Leathers

These popular snacks can sometimes be healthy for you, but their sticky nature can discolor your teeth. Water, tooth brushing, sugarless gum, or an apple are all great ways to clean up afterwards.

Contact Us! Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to talk about your smile, or just schedule a regular cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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Happy Fourth of July from Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai and the staff at Barranca Dental! To help keep your celebrations as joyful as possible, we’ve put together a few dental tips that will keep your smile as bright as the fireworks.

Stay Away From Hard Foods

Ice and Pretzels are common at Fourth of July BBQs. Try to avoid chewing on ice, and if the pretzels are a bit stale try dunking them in some water before you chow down. If you do chip your tooth, read our article for some tips to keep the pain down until you can visit the office the next day.

Bring Sugarless Gum

Daylong snacking is a common event at Independence Day celebrations. To help keep your teeth clean without bringing a toothbrush, try chewing on some sugarless ADA approved gum. It will remove food particles and stimulate saliva production.

Drink Water

Beer and Soda are popular beverages at BBQs, so make sure to alternate drinks with water. This will help keep your teeth clean and the pH normal in your mouth. As an added bonus, water helps avoid hangovers.

Eat These!

Cheese, celery, and onions all help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, and they should be in easy supply at your celebration.

Don’t Open Beer Bottles With Your Teeth

This may sound ridiculous, but it happens more than you might think. When the bottle opener disappears, people resort to crazy tactics, and your teeth are often involved. Beer bottle related tooth injuries actually make up a large percentage of BBQ-related dental problems. Avoid it!

After the Fourth

After you make it home safe and sound, make sure to finish the night with brushing and flossing. The few minutes you spend can fight off unnecessary dental work down the road. Also consider scheduling a cleaning if you are due. Regular dental cleanings help fight off cancer, protect your teeth, and fight off heart attacks/strokes.

Contact Us! Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to help make sure your Independence Day is memorable for the good times, not the bad. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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Preventative care is one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy and your smile great. While we hate to tell you to cut out all the delicious or fun foods and drinks, there are definitely some things to avoid. Instead of just making a list of the top 10 foods to avoid, we’ve made some common categories that are scientifically proven to cause dental problems. These foods aren’t just bad for your smile, they are all associated with gaining weight and health problems. Read on for tips from Irvine Dentist Neda Khodai on foods to avoid for healthier teeth.

Stay Away From Hard Foods

Ice, pretzels, and hard candy are all common culprits of dental problems. Sometimes they can lead to chipped teeth, and frequent consumers can develop jaw problems. Dental repair work such as fillings can also become lose or damaged from chewing overly hard food.

Avoid High/Low Temperatures

Food and drinks that are too hot or too cold can damage your teeth, and sometimes even lead to cracks. The worst scenario is rapid changes in temperature, such as eating ice cream while drinking coffee. The sudden changes in temperature can lead to stress fractures in your teeth, breaking the protective barrier of enamel and exposing your teeth to harmful bacteria. Dental fillings are designed for longevity and durability, but are still vulnerable to extreme temperature swings.

No Soda (Even Diet!)

Soda is so harmful for your teeth that we have an entire article dedicated to avoiding it. The high acid content and high sugar are a disaster for your mouth, and common soda consumption dissolves your enamel over time. Sports and energy drinks aren’t any better, with some energy drinks containing more sugar than the size of a smartphone!

Stay Away From Sugar

For reasons like soda, any overly sugary food should be avoided. Sugar provides fuel for harmful bacteria in your mouth, and this bacteria damage your teeth. If the problem becomes bad enough, cavities are sure to follow. Your teeth aren’t the only thing at risk. Frequent consumption of foods high in sugar will cause you to gain weight, have less energy, and have health problems.

Sticky Foods

Taffy, caramel, and ice cream are some of the stickiest foods around, and also the highest in sugar. Sticky foods will (obviously) stick to your teeth, giving harmful bacteria more time to use them as fuel to reproduce and damage your enamel. Drinking water and regular brushing helps to combat sticky foods, but the best defense is skipping them all-together.

Contact Us!

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to talk nutrition, or to just help with a regularly scheduled cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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We have previously talked about how bad soda can be for your teeth, and now similar research now suggests that sports drinks may be just as unhealthy for your enamel as soda, and not just for their sugar content. The study by the Academy of General Dentistry finds that while sports drinks may help you recover from a hot day, they can act like acid on your teeth. With more than sixty percent of teens drinking a sports drink every day and half saying the same for energy drinks, popularity in these products is skyrocketing. Advertisers would like you to believe that these drinks are a healthier alternative to soda, but are they? Read on to learn more.

The Sugar Problem

Like we discussed in the article on soda, sugar is one of the biggest enemies of a healthy smile. Sugar encourages the production of bacteria which causes tooth decay and gum diseases. Energy drinks are the worst culprit of high sugar content, with some brands having as much as 20 teaspoons of sugar per 20 fl oz (600ml). Despite the recent trend of “sugar-free” energy drinks, artificial sweeteners still provide the necessarily components for bacteria to decay your teeth. While sports drinks may contain less sugar, they still range from 7 teaspoons and up of sugar per serving. You can find less sugar in donuts than in a few sips from a sport or energy drink.

pH Imbalances

The acidic properties of your mouth are carefully maintained by your body to be at optimal levels for eating and tooth care, but a lot of the foods and drinks we consume can change this balance. Research has found that the acid content of energy and sports drinks varies from brand to brand and flavor to flavor, but a vast majority of them are definitely bad for your mouth. The pH problems with sports and energy drinks have been found to erode enamel, and combined with the high sugar content they provide a prime environment for bacteria to grow and cause tooth decay.

While your saliva will work to wash away the acidic sports/energy drink, many consumers will drink a beverage over an extended period of time, restarting the clock with every sip.

What Can You Do?

While the best plan is to skip on sports or energy drinks, some people might need some time to kick the habit. Keep these tips in mind if you find yourself reaching for any kind of sugary drink:

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• Substitute Drinks: Water, milk, and 100% fruit juice are all great alternatives. While studies have shown that sports drinks might give you a quick boost, a balanced diet will help you more.
• Rinse With Water: After drinking a sports or energy drink, flush your mouth out with water to help reduce the acidic effect. It’s not an ideal solution but it helps.
• Use a Straw: Straws help to minimize the contact time of drinks with your teeth.
• Chew Some Sugar-Free ADA Approved Gum: Gum helps stimulate saliva production which can help clean your teeth.
• Chug It: Drinking quickly will reduce your exposure to the acids and sugars in spots or energy drinks and reduce their negative effects.

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Full Disclosure

While we fully believe that sports and energy drinks are bad for your teeth, The American Beverage Association believes that the study is not as effective as it could be in determining the negative impacts of these beverages. The study was conducted by placing enamel samples in samples from these drinks for fifteen minutes, which The American Beverage Association states is not a realistic exposure time. However, with the average length of consumption of these drinks to be found at nearly an hour, fifteen minutes of exposure to a sugary (and sticky) drink does not seem too far-fetched.

Contact Us!

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to answer any questions you may have about sports or energy drinks, or to just help with a regularly scheduled cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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Brushing twice daily and flossing at least once is the first step to a great smile, but what about the toothbrush? There is a lot of hype and media about the latest technological toothbrushes, and when looking at brands and models such as the Philips Sonicare you could be facing an investment of a couple hundred dollars. Is it worth it? Should you really follow your dentist’s (including Dr. Khodai) advice to buy a toothbrush made with the same technology as a race car? Read on to find out.

A Short History Lesson

We have evidence of rudimentary toothbrushes going back about 5,000 years, starting with specific twigs that had a frayed end. The stick would be brushed against teeth, much in the same fashion as modern toothbrushes, to remove debris and food. The design did not improve much until the 1400s when handles of wood or bone were adorned by the bristles of some animals. It wasn’t until 1938 that the world saw the first modern nylon-based toothbrush, and mechanical toothbrushes were invented in 1954.

Manual Toothbrush

A Manual Toothbrush is the type you are probably most familiar with. It is a rubber handle with nylon bristles. Over the past 80 years or so they have advanced substantially, with modern manual brushes having textured bristles, textured grips, anti-bacterial design and material, and multi-level bristles. Toothbrushes which bear the American Dental Association (ADA) seal have been scientifically tested and approved to function properly, be non-toxic, and be safe. The ADA recommends replacing a manual toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, as the bristles become frayed and reduce the effectiveness of the brush.

Mechanical Toothbrush

Newer mechanical brushes have a host of features that set them apart from manual brushes. The most noticeable is the use of rapid vibrations in the bristles to remove plaque and debris from teeth. Many reputable models also feature oscillation (rotation) of the bristles, ensuring that more area of the tooth is cleaned more effectively than with traditional brushes. OralB, a manufacturer of mechanical brushes, states that their products offer sensors to alert if you are brushing too hard, numerous brushing modes for different areas of the mouth, digital timers, and multiple brush head types.

So Which is Better?

Scientific studies have shown that mechanical brushes, such as those offered by Philips or OralB, are more effective at removing plaque and cleaning teeth. However, this does not necessarily mean that they are better. Both a manual and a mechanical toothbrush can be used to clean your teeth effectively when used properly. There are many situations, such as a person with a wrist disability, who may find that using a mechanical toothbrush is easier, and the ADA suggests that children might find a mechanical brush to be more entertaining. The difference in head types that are available with mechanical brushes can also be beneficial to consumers.

In the end, as long as a toothbrush is ADA approved and used following your dentist’s instructions it can be as effective as another. That being said, there are plenty of advantages to using a mechanical toothbrush, so ask your dentist for advice on selection and usage.

Contact Us!

Irvine Dentist Dr. Neda Khodai is ready to answer any questions you may have about toothbrushes, or to just help with a regularly scheduled cleaning. Call us at 949-553-1111 or click below to get in touch with Barranca Dental Excellence in Irvine, Orange County California. Se Habla Español!

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