Stanford Women's Volleyball 2009 Season

On August 8th, 2010 we took our oldest daughter, Hayley, off to college for her sophomore year… we can’t believe how fast her freshman year went by!  Hayley is all grown up at 6′6″ and is very fortunate to be attending Stanford University on a volleyball scholarship.  She has one year of academics + volleyball under her belt and although it was tough, she feels it was the best year of her life!  And now she is more than ready to start the next one.  

If anyone is interested, some of the Stanford volleyball matches are televised so I have posted the link to their schedule here.   Hayley is #21.  Go Cards! 

2010 Schedule link:  http://www.gostanford.com/sports/w-volley/sched/stan-w-volley-sched.html 

You can also follow the Stanford Women’s Volleyball team on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/StanfordWVB?ref=ts

2010 Stanford Volleyball Team

No one ever told you that your jaw could help you perform better.
That’s because no one knew. Hundreds of years ago, a few people were on to something: Ancient Greek athletes who bit down on leather straps for an edge during competition; Viking and Roman warriors who clamped down on leather bits for focus on the battlefield. They knew something here worked, but the concept itself never evolved. Until now.

Under Armour Performance MouthwearTM has been engineered to unlock your power and potential.
It’s all in you, but blocked by one of the human body’s instinctive reflex systems – teeth-clenching. With safe, custom-built UA Performance Mouthwear, athletes in any sport — from football to golf to hockey — can capitalize on innovation that makes you stronger, faster and better. Whether you need protection in contact sports or you just want to improve your game, Under Armour Performance MouthwearTM, with ArmourBiteTM Technology, gives every athlete an edge.

JAW-DROPPING PERFORMANCE.
Powered by ArmourBite™ Mouthwear Technology

Increases Strength
With improved airflow and less stress from clenching, UA Performance Mouthwear has been proven to increase strength by an average of 17% with the UA Performance Mouthpiece and 12% with the UA Performance Mouthguard.

Increases Endurance
UA Performance Mouthwear enlarges airway openings, resulting in 25% less lactic acid build-up after 30 minutes of intense exercise.

Speeds Up Reaction Time
Athletes may respond faster when wearing UA Performance Mouthwear. Clinical trials show an improvement in responding to auditory cues and potential improvement in response to visual cues.

Reduces Athletic Stress
Excess cortisol causes stress, fatigue and distraction. UA Performance Mouthwear decreases cortisol production, which means you feel & play better.

Reduces Impact
When the jaw suffers an impact, energy can be transmitted to the head, which can cause concussion. UA Performance Mouthguards have been shown to reduce the G-Force impact of blows to the jaw by up to 20%.

Q & A

HOW DOES UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR DIFFER FROM MOUTHGUARDS?
Mouthguards provide protection. UA Performance Mouthwear, which includes mouthpieces and mouthguards powered by ArmourBiteTM Technology, does more: It enhances performance. It is not only backed by some of the biggest names in pro sports, it’s also recommended by dentists, pro trainers, strength coaches and wellness experts.

WHO SHOULD USE UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Hundreds of professional athletes are currently relying on the superior performance and protection benefits of UA Performance Mouthwear. But it isn’t just for pros– UA Performance Mouthwear is for all athletes who want to excel in their sport or activity.

HOW DO I CHOOSE THE RIGHT PRODUCT?
The UA Performance Mouthguard offers superior protection in addition to its performance benefits and should be used in contact sports such as football, hockey and lacrosse. The UA Performance Mouthpieces are appropriate for non-contact and limited- contact sports such as running, soccer, baseball, golf, tennis and training.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A CUSTOM PIECE OF UA PERFORMANCE MOUTHWEAR?
Once fitted, the orders typically take 10 days for delivery. Talk to your dentist about shipping options to receive your product sooner.

If you have any further questions, or would like to be fitted for a mouthpiece please Contact Us.

SECURING DENTURES
Implants can anchor removable dentures securely, using special snaps, bars and clips, or magnets which hold the dentures to the implant.  Using implants this way gives you the option of removing your dentures for cleaning, while letting you enjoy a safe, confident fit. I have many patients who have opted for this route as it reduces anxiety while eating and speaking. There is probably nothing worse than speaking with someone and your denture falls out. Or trying to eat a steak at a restaurant and having to chew ever so carefully so as not to dislodge your denture. Two well placed dental implants will secure your denture so that you never have to deal with those kind of embarrassments again.

ANCHORING REPLACEMENT TEETH
With nearly 40 million Americans having lost some or all of their teeth, dental implants are a popular option for replacing those lost teeth. New replacement teeth can be “locked” to the implant so that only your dentist can remove them. This is a wonderful option for those of you who really want to restore your smile with beautiful permanent teeth that look natural and are stronger than your original tooth was! But there are more reasons than asthetic ones to use implants: The use of implants keeps your jaw bone and the bone around your teeth from receeding helping to prevent bone loss, stabilizes your bite, restores proper chewing ability and eliminates tooth shifting. Tooth shifting due to missing teeth can eventually cause your smile to change and, more importantly, your bite to change which opens a big can of worms with potential for chronic jaw soreness.

ANCHORING A PERMANENT BRIDGE
In this instance, implants can secure one end of a bridge, while the other end attaches to your natural tooth. Or implants can be used to anchor both ends.

Please feel free to email me any questions you may have regarding implants and how they may serve your own situation.

CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.  CEREC crowns are crowns that are made from digital pictures (optical impressions) of your teeth that are input into a highly specialized computer.  The computer then directs a machine to mill the crown according to the specifications of the dentist and the digital photo.  These crowns are fabricated from quality ceramic material that offers high strength for longevity and beautiful esthetics for a natural look.

    According to a May 2009 survey by Dental Products Report only 12% of GP’s currently own/use a chairside CAD/CAM restoration fabrication system.  Why?  Because it is expensive equipment and requires special training to use. I invested in this equipment and technology because I can fabricate well fitting crowns without waiting two weeks for the lab to send them to me. This translates into greater efficiency and more control over the end product.

What does this mean to my patients? It means our patients who choose CEREC crowns over traditional lab crowns spend less time in the chair (one visit instead of two), receive fewer shots and walk out the same day with a precision made, beautiful, long lasting crown.  I think most of them love not having to come back for that second visit to put the crown on!

For more information on CEREC crowns and if they are right for your situtation, call my office at 702-871-6044.

Doc Steve, Hayley, Sammie & Janet

Every summer ever since I was a little boy I have spent my summer vacation in Sveadal.  Sveadal is a swedish themed resort (I use this term loosely) which was established in the early 1920’s up in the hills behind Morgan Hill, CA.  My mother’s mother or Mormor, was Swedish and became a member of Sveadal in the 1940’s.  There are cabins for rent and some cabins that are owned, a club house, two tennis courts, a pool and snack bar, a softball field and two outdoor dance floors.   I’ve included our family photo from this year’s trip.  It was taken on the deck of my sister Kelly’s cabin in August, the day before we dropped Hayley off to Stanford.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

•Isn’t tooth loss inevitable in the later years?
•At my age, why should I bother with oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing?
•Should adults be concerned about cavities?
•I understand that periodontal (gum) disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but is there anything I can do about it?
•My dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they once did. Should I try some different products myself to try to improve them?
•Now that I have full dentures, do I really need to see the dentist as often as before?
•I find that some foods have become difficult to chew and swallow. Do I really need to eat the same amount or variety of food that I did when I was younger?
•I am anxious about dental visits. I know I should go, but I can’t. What can I do?
•I am currently taking medication that my physician prescribed for me. Can this affect my dental treatment?
•I’ve heard about implants as an alternative to dentures. What should I know about implants?
•I’ve heard of some new cosmetic techniques that can improve smiles. Are they appropriate for older adults?
•I’m on a limited, fixed income and can’t really afford regular dental treatment. Are there any resources available to help me?
•What is dentistry doing to better serve older adults?
•Why do my teeth seem darker?
•Why does my mouth feel dry?
•Why am I losing my sense of taste?
Isn’t tooth loss inevitable in the later years?

No! Today, older adults are keeping their natural teeth longer because of scientific developments and the preventive emphasis in dentistry. This improvement was seen in the results of a survey released by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. They showed that among persons aged 55 to 64, the rate of toothlessness dropped 60 percent since 1960.

Good oral hygiene and regular dental care are important throughout your life, whatever your age. By practicing good oral hygiene at home and visiting your dentist regularly, you will prevent dental problems and save time and money as well. In the process, you can save your teeth and gums.

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At my age, why should I bother with oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing?

Thorough daily brushing and flossing of your natural teeth are essential to keep them in good condition—especially as you age. Plaque, the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria that causes tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease, can build up quickly on the teeth of older adults, particularly when they neglect oral hygiene. This can increase your risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease.

A few simple steps can help you maintain good oral health throughout your life. Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaners. Choose products that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance, your assurance that the products have met the ADA’s standards for safety and effectiveness. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for exams and professional teeth cleaning.

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Should adults be concerned about cavities?

Tooth decay is not just a child’s problem. Adults of all ages can have cavities, too. The causes for tooth decay are the same for everyone, regardless of age. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feed on the carbohydrates (sugar) in our diet to produce acids that can cause cavities.

Yet, the nature of the decay problem does change somewhat as people grow older. Adults are more likely to have decay around older fillings, and because many adults grew up without the benefits of fluoride, they may have many more fillings. Decay of the tooth root is also common among older adults. Root caries (decay) occur when the gums recede, exposing the softer root surface, which decays more easily than tooth enamel.

Tooth decay is also promoted by dry mouth. This condition—called xerostomia—occurs when the supply of saliva is greatly reduced. It can be caused by many types of medications (such as anti-histamines, anti-hypertensives, and anti-depressants) or radiation therapy to the head or neck. Saliva is needed to lubricate the mouth, wash foods away and neutralize the acids produced by plaque. Allowed to continue, dry mouth can lead to rampant tooth decay. If you think you have this problem, be sure to discuss it with your dentist or physician. They may recommend an artificial saliva and fluoride products to help prevent decay.

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I understand that periodontal disease is a major cause of tooth loss in adults, but is there anything I can do about it?

Gum disease—periodontal disease—often progresses slowly, without pain, over a long period of time. This is one reason why it is common among older adults. The longer the disease goes undetected and uncontrolled, the more damage it causes to gums and other supporting tissues. Although periodontal disease is caused by plaque, other factors can increase the risk or severity of the condition. These include food left between the teeth, smoking, smokeless (spit) tobacco use, badly aligned teeth, ill-fitting bridges or partial dentures, poor diets and systemic diseases such as anemia.

Although periodontal disease is common, it can be controlled or arrested. In its early stages, it can be reversed. Treatment of advanced cases may require surgery. Look for these warning signs and see your dentist if you notice any of them: bleeding gums when you brush; red, tender or swollen gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are pressed; loose teeth or teeth that are moving apart; any change in your bite; any change in the fit of your partial dentures; constant bad breath or bad taste.

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My dentures don’t feel as comfortable as they once did. Before I see the dentist, should I try some different products myself to try to improve them?

Your dentures were made to fit precisely. If they are cared for properly, they do not change shape. They can become loose due to natural changes in the gums and bone supporting them. As the jawbone begins to shrink, so do the gums. When your dentures do not fit properly, see your dentist as soon as possible so adjustments can be made. Do not try to change the fit of your dentures yourself. This can damage them and make them unrepairable. This could be a costly experiment! Ill-fitting dentures repaired at home can irritate the gums, tongue and cheeks. In emergencies, denture adhesives can be used to keep the dentures stable until you see the dentist. If your denture is loose, have your dentist check it.

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Now that I have full dentures, do I really need to see the dentist as often as before?

Even if you no longer have your natural teeth, you should see your dentist regularly for an oral examination. The dentist will examine your mouth to check for any problem with the gum ridges, the tongue and the joints of the jaw, as well as screen for oral cancer. For a variety of reasons, many older adults are more susceptible to oral diseases, including oral cancer. About 95 percent of all cancers are found in people over age 40. However, many of these cancers are treatable if detected early. Oral tissues are also checked for signs of other diseases that can first manifest themselves in the mouth.

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I find that some foods have become difficult to chew and swallow. Do I really need to eat the same amount or variety of food that I did when I was younger?

Maintaining proper nutrition is important for everyone, young or old. Many older adults do not eat balanced diets and avoid meats, raw vegetables and fresh fruits because they have trouble chewing or swallowing. These problems can be caused by painful teeth, ill-fitting dentures, dry mouth or changes in facial muscles. Others find their sense of taste has changed, sometimes due to a disease or certain medications. Because of these and other factors, the diets of older adults are often lacking in calcium, protein and other nutrients essential to dental and overall health. You need a balanced diet based on the five food groups—milk and dairy products; breads and cereals; meats and dried beans; fruits; vegetables. You may need a multi-vitamin or mineral supplement, but do not be your own doctor. Use these supplements only after discussion with your physician.

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I am anxious about dental visits. I know I should go, but I can’t. What can I do?

Anxiety over dental treatment is not unusual. People of any age can experience it. Older patients may be less able to cope with the stress due to certain physical conditions such as vision or hearing loss. Communication between you and your dentist is an important aspect of a comfortable dental visit. You should share your feelings with your dentist and the staff. Let them know that you are anxious so that they can adjust their treatment and their pace to meet your needs. Advances in pain and anxiety control, including many behavioral therapy techniques borrowed from psychology, have made dental visits relatively anxiety- and pain-free.

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I am currently taking medication that my physician prescribed for me. Can this affect my dental treatment?

When your dentist asks for your medical history, be sure to provide complete, up-to-date information on your health. Inform your dentist if you have experienced recent hospitalization or surgery, or if you have recently been ill. Also tell the dentist the names, doses and frequency of any medications you are taking—whether prescription or over-the-counter products—and the name of your physician. Inform the dentist of any changes in your health or medications. This information will help the dentist to select the most safe and effective method of treatment for you.

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I’ve heard about implants as an alternative to dentures. What should I know about implants?

Dental implants may offer solutions for patients who cannot function adequately with conventional dentures. However, not every patient is a candidate for implants. The decision can be made only after a careful examination by your dentist and discussion of the relative benefits and risks and what the procedure involves. Ask your dentist if implants may be an option for you.

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I’ve heard of some new cosmetic techniques that can improve smiles. Are they appropriate for older adults?

Older adults can benefit from many of the options available today for improving the look of a smile. Your dentist can describe and discuss with you the range of treatments that would be right for you. Part of older adulthood is the acceptance of aging and the development of realistic expectations for appearance. In that context, dental treatment for older adults can be a healthy and adaptive way of maintaining dental health and emotional well-being. Our teeth and mouth play a critical role in psychological development and well-being throughout our lives. Modern dentistry has expanded esthetic options for people of all ages. Coupled with good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, cosmetic techniques can help improve the appearance of your smile.

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I’m on a limited, fixed income and can’t really afford regular dental treatment. Are there any resources available to help me?

Even if you cannot pay for dental care, you don’t need to live without it. Thousands of dentists across the country assist the elderly on fixed incomes by offering their services at reduced fees through dental society-sponsored assistance programs. The availability of such aid varies from one community to another, so call your local dental society for information about where you can find the nearest assistance programs and low-cost dental care locations, such as public health and dental school clinics. Other sources of such information are local social service organizations.

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What is dentistry doing to better serve older adults?

Dentists are experiencing a quiet revolution in their offices as the number of older patients increases steadily and their treatment centers more on natural teeth. The profession knows that this burgeoning population group is wearing fewer dentures and is keeping natural teeth longer. Also, we know that some patients in this group require special consideration because reduced mobility and dexterity may make daily oral hygiene difficult. In addition, medical conditions and impairment are factors that dentists take into account for certain patients. Sometimes, lack of awareness about available treatments and techniques leads older patients to make false assumptions about their dental health and tolerate conditions such as toothaches, bleeding gums and clicking dentures. Dentists are gaining practical information on how to effectively manage the treatment needs of older patients. Many dental societies have set up access programs to assist older adults, individuals with physical or mental disabilities or indigent persons to receive care.

Dentists are increasingly sensitive to the special needs of and the importance of dental health in the older patient. Older adults are more health conscious as a group than ever before. Their oral health is an important part of their overall health and the dental profession is committed to providing the treatment and guidance older adults need to maintain it.

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Why do my teeth seem darker?

One of the changes you may notice as you grow older is that it’s harder to keep your teeth clean and white. This is because the sticky, colorless layer of bacteria, called plaque, can build up faster and in greater amounts as we age. Changes in dentin, the bone-like tissue that is under your enamel, may also cause your teeth to appear slightly darker.

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Why does my mouth feel dry?

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults. It is caused by certain medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. Some of the common problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive cavities can form.

Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses.

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Why am I losing my sense of taste?

You may find that you are losing your appetite due to a change in your sense of taste. Several factors can cause this change. Besides an age-related decrease in the sense of taste and smell, certain diseases, medications and dentures can contribute to a decrease in your sense of taste.

Overview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Additional Resources

Overview

Whether you call it bad breath or halitosis, it’s an unpleasant condition that’s cause for embarrassment. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware there’s a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see your dentist. He or she can help identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment plan to help eliminate it.

What you eat affects the air you exhale. Certain foods, such as garlic and onions, contribute to objectionable breath odor. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odor temporarily. Odors continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating.

If you don’t brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

Bad breath can also be caused by dry mouth (xerostomia), which occurs when the flow of saliva decreases. Saliva is necessary to cleanse the mouth and remove particles that may cause odor. Dry mouth may be caused by various medications, salivary gland problems or continuously breathing through the mouth. If you suffer from dry mouth, your dentist may prescribe anartificial saliva, or suggest using sugarless candy and increasing your fluid intake.

Tobacco products cause bad breath. If you use tobacco, ask your dentist for tips on kicking the habit.

Bad breath may be the sign of a medical disorder, such as a local infection in the respiratory tract, chronic sinusitis, postnasal drip, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, gastrointestinal disturbance, liver or kidney ailment. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may be referred to your family doctor or a specialist to determine the cause of bad breath.

Maintaining good oral health is essential to reducing bad breath. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup. If you think you have constant bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors. Let your dentist know if you’ve had any surgery or illness since your last appointment.

Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your tongue, too. Once a day, use floss or an interdental cleaner to clean between teeth.

Mouthwashes are generally cosmetic and do not have a long-lasting effect on bad breath. If you must constantly use a breath freshener to hide unpleasant mouth odor, see your dentist. If you need extra help in controlling plaque, your dentist may recommend using a special antimicrobial mouth rinse. A fluoride mouth rinse, used along with brushing and flossing, can help prevent tooth decay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

•What should you ask your dentist?
•What is in-office bleaching?
•What are at-home procedures and products?
•How should I choose a whitening product?
What should you ask your dentist?

You may want to start by speaking with your dentist. He or she can tell you whether whitening procedures would be effective for you. Whiteners may not correct all types of discoloration. For example, yellow-ish hued teeth will probably bleach well, brownish-colored teeth may bleach less well, and grayish-hued teeth may not bleach well at all. Likewise, bleaching may not enhance your smile if you have had bonding or tooth-colored fillings placed in your front teeth. The whitener will not affect the color of these materials, and they will stand out in your newly whitened smile. In these cases, you may want to investigate other options, like porcelain veneers or dental bonding.

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What is in-office bleaching?

If you are a candidate for bleaching, your dentist may suggest a procedure that can be done in his or her office. This procedure is called chairside bleaching and may require more than one office visit. Each visit may take from 30 minutes to one hour.

During chairside bleaching, the dentist will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to the teeth, and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent. Lasers have been used during tooth whitening procedures to enhance the action of the whitening agent.

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What are at-home procedures and products?

There are several types of products available for use at home, which can either be dispensed by your dentist or purchased over-the-counter.

Bleaching solutions. These products contain peroxide(s), which actually bleach the tooth enamel. These products typically rely on percent carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent, carbamide peroxide comes in several different concentrations (10%, 16%, 22%).

Peroxide-containing whiteners typically come in a gel and are placed in a mouthguard. Usage regimens vary. Some products are used for about twice a day for 2 weeks, and others are intended for overnight use for 1-2 weeks. If you obtain the bleaching solution from your dentist, he or she can make a custom-fitted mouthguard for you that will fit your teeth precisely. Currently, only dentist-dispensed home-use 10% carbamide peroxide tray-applied gels carry the ADA Seal.

You also may want to speak with your dentist should any side effects become bothersome. For example, teeth can become sensitive during the period when you are using the bleaching solution. In many cases, this sensitivity is temporary and should lessen once the treatment is finished. Some people also experience soft tissue irritation—either from a tray that doesn’t fit properly or from solution that may come in contact with the tissues. If you have concerns about such side effects, you should discuss them with your dentist.

Toothpastes. All toothpastes help remove surface stain through the action of mild abrasives. “Whitening” toothpastes in the ADA Seal of Acceptance program have special chemical or polishing agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Unlike bleaches, these ADA Accepted products do not alter the intrinsic color of teeth.

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How should I choose a whitening product?

When selecting a whitener or any dental product, be sure to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance—your assurance that they have met ADA standards of safety and effectiveness.