North Canton Smiles

How Does Tooth Decay Form?

2011-11-29T12:37:00.000-08:00

Tooth decay is caused by acids which are produced by the bacteria that live in your mouth. The bacteria digest starches and sugars in the food we eat. Some notorious examples are milk, crackers, chips, cereal, sugary drinks, candy, bread and other baked goods. The acids the bacteria produces can weaken your tooth enamel which causes cavities. Its a slow process but remeber the bacteria eat everytime we do, so brush & floss your teeth as soon as you can after eating foods in the above examples. Regular dental cleanings and exams can prevent complications such as pain, infection & tooth loss.

Migraine Relief at the Dental Office?

2011-05-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

If you are one of the 29 million migraine sufferers in America, you know the pain of a migraine headache can be moderate to severe. A migraine typically lasts 4-72 hours and can be incapacitating for many. Many migraine sufferers manage their pain with medication and end up spending outrageous sums of money and have no cure, just temporary relief. Since migraines are recurring, we know that at best, pain medication does not solve the problem, only masks the root cause.
The vast majority of sufferers are not aware that there is a cost-effective
migraine preventative available through their dentist. There is a dental appliance called the NTI which is FDA approved for the prevention of migraine headaches.

In clinical trials, reviewed by the FDA, 82% of medically diagnosed migraine
sufferers using the NTI device had a 77% average reduction of migraine pain
attacks within the first eight weeks of use.

Unlike migraine medications, there are no side effects and the device is safe for
pregnant women. The cost of the NTI varies by case, but compared to the
money spent on repeatedly purchasing prescription drugs to combat migraines, the price is relatively minimal. Some insurance plan will even cover the expense.

How Does This Device Work?
Dr. Bertolini has utilized the NTI in his practice for many years. The NTI
works by reducing jaw clenching during sleep. It fits over the central teeth on
the arch and keeps the molars and canines from touching. Many patients unconsciously clench and grind their teeth at night. For some, clenching serves as a catalyst for migraine inducing strain on the muscles in the head and face.

To demonstrate how the NTI works, touch the muscles of the temples while biting down on a pencil with the back teeth as hard as possible. The temporal muscles will bulge and intensely contract. When one bites down on a pencil with only the front teeth, the temporal muscles remain relaxed. The NTI also works for patients who grind their teeth at night and need a bite guard. It is much smaller and less obtrusive than a full coverage guard, and works just as well at preventing damage to teeth from bruxing (unconscious grinding of teeth).
For more information call our office and end migraine pain without drugs!
330-494-6305

Cavity Prevention

2011-05-01T11:32:00.000-07:00

If you are like most parents, preventing your children from ever getting a cavity is a priority. The best way to protect teeth is by forming a barrier covering the depressions and grooves of the chewing surface. This barrier is known as a sealant. This material can only be applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. Adults can
also have sealants placed on teeth that do not already have fillings or decay. Sealants are preventative restorations, which means they delay or prevent tooth decay on areas of the teeth where decay often starts.

How are sealants applied?
At our office, all sealant sites are prepared with a special decay detecting bur. Along with high powered magnification, Dr. Bertolini is able to see if the decay has progressed further into the tooth to warrant a small filling called a preventative resin restoration (PPR) or sealant. This whole process may sound scary but it is
quick and painless!

How long do sealants last?
Despite the incredible pressures effected on teeth during chewing each day, dental sealants often remain effective for five years or longer, although some do wear more because of chewing patterns. These should be checked at your regular hygiene appointments.

Here are some snack alternatives which can reduce decay when combined with sealants and flouride:
Peanut butter, popcorn, fresh vegetables, fruit, yogurt, dry (unsweetened) cereal or granola, cheese, xylitol products (mints, gum)

What does the FAGD stand for after Dr. Bertolini's name?

2011-02-22T11:38:00.000-08:00

Dr. Bertolini is a member of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD),
an organization of general dentists who are dedicated to professional
development and continuing education. All AGD members must remain current with advances in the profession to provide quality patient treatment.

A general dentist who is a “Fellow” in the Academy of General Dentistry (FAGD) has been recognized by other general dentists as a leader and an example to other dentists of the importance of quality continuing dental education to patient care. Dr. Bertolini has accepted the charge to keep abreast of advances in dentistry for the benefit of patients and the betterment of dentistry. He serves as a mentor and
leader to other dentists pursuing continuing dental education. He has
set examples in his community with his hard work, concern and involvement.

To earn a Fellowship Award, Dr. Bertolini had to earn a minimum of
500 approved continuing dental education credits and pass a comprehensive 400-question examination. He also had to be a member of the Academy of General Dentistry for five consecutive years.

Dr. Bertolini follows a lifelong pursuit of continuing education to provide the highest quality of dental care to his patients.

Besides the AGD, Dr. Bertolini is also a member of the:

American Dental Association
Ohio Dental Association
Stark County Dental Society
American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
International Association for Orthodontics
Canton-Akron-Cleveland Ortho Study Club

2010-11-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

Like Free Stuff?

2010-11-02T13:08:00.000-07:00

Share a Smile & get a $20 gift card!!

Print this patient referral card or pick one up at the front desk & give it to a friend. Have them fill it out and bring it to their 1st appointment. Then we'll mail you both a $20 gift card! And, you get
to choose -- Borders® or Starbucks™!

Current Patient's (Referrer) Name & Phone No:_______________________________________

I would like $20 to...Borders® or Starbucks™ (circle one)

New Patient's (Referral) Name & Phone No:___________________________________________

I would like $20 to...Borders® or Starbucks™ (circle one)
To receive your gift card, the referral (new patient of Dr. Bertolini's office) must present this completed card at the time of
first appointment. Referral card must be filled out entirely. Both gift cards will be mailed after the referral's first appointment. (A complimentary consultation is not a valid first appointment). This program is subject to change or can be
discontinued at any time. Not valid with any other promotion. Some limitations may apply. Offer ends 3/31/11.

How to Eat With Braces

2010-07-20T07:58:00.000-07:00

Eating habits will need to change once you start orthodontics, if you want it to go smoothly and quickly that is! To get the best smile possible for you, YOU have to care for your teeth as well as your braces! A good rule of thumb is if the item you want to eat is hard, sticky, or chewy...you should probably avoid it!
During the first few days of braces, your teeth may be sore, so eating softer foods like yogurt, fruits (cut into bite sized pieces) or soup, slowly and gently until the soreness subsides, is the best way to minimize further pain. Also, a softer diet with less acidic beverages help keep brackets from coming off and wires
from breaking so treatment progresses smoothly.

Cleaning after eating:
There are many nooks and crannies where food can catch-so, you must be especially careful. Pay particular attention to the area next to the gum. This is a DANGER ZONE. Brush your teeth carefully and thoroughly. Vigorously rinse out any food that has been loosened. Poor brushing may result in permanent stains on your teeth.
Brush your teeth with the toothbrush Dr. Bertolini recommended. Start at the back and use a rotation movement. Brush your teeth as they grow, top teeth downward and bottom ones upward. Now, repeat the same procedures on the inner surfaces (the tongue side)of your teeth...downward for uppers and upward for lowers.

Next, run the brush along your arch wires carefully and slowly. Pay particular attention to the tooth surfaces between your gums and the bands. Rinse your mouth and check your teeth, gums and appliances in the mirror. Does your whole mouth look clean and do your bands sparkle? If your teeth are not completely clean - brush them again!

REMEMBER!

Clean bands are less noticeable than dirty bands. Only you can give your teeth and appliances proper care. Teeth move faster in a clean, healthy mouth!

Dental Fun Facts

2010-07-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Americans spend $1.8 billion every year on toothpaste. But they spend $2 billion on Easter candy and $2.3 billion on Halloween candy!!

One in every 2000 babies is born with a tooth.

33% of Americans have untreated tooth decay.

Cats have 30 teeth and dogs have 42.

If you're right handed, you will tend to chew your food on your right side.

The second most common disease in the US is tooth decay. (First is the common cold).

Every person has a unique tongue print.

It takes 17 muscles to smile.

It takes 43 muscles to frown.

An elephant tooth can weigh more than six pounds.

80% of people are not happy with their smile.

Every persons teeth have their own unique dentition or fingerprint - no two are alike.

A blue whale is the largest mammal in the world and has no teeth.

The Tooth Fairy currently pays about $2.00/tooth.

The major causes of tooth loss in people under 35 are sports, accidents and fights.

How to Brush Your Teeth

2010-07-06T10:42:00.000-07:00

It seems like an innate thing, knowing how to brush your teeth properly, right? Most people don't realize that they don't brush long enough, they brush too hard or they are in need of a change of toothbrush. Dr. Bertolini recommends changing your brush every 3 months or less (and always change it right after you get over a cold.)
Start by placing the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, move the brush back and forth with short gentle strokes. Brush your teeth as they grow, top teeth downward and lower teeth upward - then repeat the same procedures on the inner surfaces of your teeth (the tongue side). Brush your tongue to remove bacteria. Last, rinse your mouth and look at your teeth and gums in the mirror. Does your whole mouth look clean? If they do, you can reach for the floss!

2010-06-08T13:56:00.000-07:00

Food Choices & Oral Health
Plaque is the sticky film of food and bacteria that is continuously forming on your teeth. It contributes to the formation of cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease and bad breath! This is hazardous not only to your oral health but to your overall health as well. If plaque isn't removed with a thorough cleaning between teeth it will eventually harden into calculus or tarter. As tartar collects above the gum line, brushing becomes more difficult. So, it is vital to minimize the plaque that exists in your mouth. To do this, you need to think about not only what you eat but how you eat!

How often you eat: Carbohydrate-containing foods cause acids to be released in your mouth. The more often carbs are eaten, the more chances the acid has to damage your teeth.

Type of food: Some foods stick to grooves in the teeth and between teeth. Examples of these are - crackers, potato chips, raisins, fruit gummies and most other chewy sweets.

Time food remains in mouth: Foods that dissolve slowly, like cookies and granola bars, give acids more time to work on destroying tooth enamel.

Whether food consumed is part of a meal: Sticky or high-carbohydrate foods create less acid when they are eaten as part of a meal. Why? Because saliva
production increases at mealtime which not only rinses away food particles, but also neutralizes acid and helps remineralize teeth.

AFTER YOU EAT GET RID OF FOOD DEBRIS!

After having a snack or meal, it’s really important to clean food debris off your teeth as best as you can. Dr. Bertolini prefers cleaning them by brushing or flossing. But since this not always possible, try one of these temporary tooth -cleaners (until you can get to a toothbrush):

~ Chew a piece xylitol containing gum. Xylitol inhibits bacteria and the chewing
will increase saliva production (which helps to rinse food away).

~ Rinse with mouthwash for about one minute.

~ Rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

What's Xylitol?

2010-06-01T13:25:00.000-07:00

Xylitol is safe for everyone (including diabetics) and is a healthy natural sweetener. Xylitol has proven to fight & reduce plauqe and cavities! It is found naturally in foods we already eat like fruits, berries, mushrooms and lettuce. Because these foods contain only small amounts of xylitol, Dr. Bertolini recommends using xylitol containing gums, mints, mouth rinse and toothpaste to fight cavities. If used regularly, 3-5 times per day, xylitol can reduce tooth decay up to 80%. HOW?! When you use xylitol after a meal, the bacteria that cause tooth decay are unable to produce acid, so the amount of plaque decreses.
To keep your smile its healthy, beatiful best, brush and floss daily and visit Dr. Bertolini twice a year!

Get More Confidence in Your Smile

2010-06-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

Would you like to have a whiter, brighter SMILE? Nearly half of all adults want to make improvements in their smiles. An appealing smile is important to the overall impression a person makes.
Tooth whitening is an affordable AND effective way to brighten your smile while boosting your self-confidence and improving your appearance. Dr. Bertolini can customize a whitening plan to fit you and your budget. Our office offers prescription strength Opalescence products to get you the results you want. Every smile is as unique as the person who wears it. Don't wait, let's get started today!

Your Periodontal Health & Your Cardiovascular Health

2010-05-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

Periodontal disease is a serious bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and the bone that holds your teeth in place. When this occurs, the gums separate from the teeth forming pockets that fill with plaque and more infection. If left untreated, the pockets deepen and the teeth become loose & will eventually fall out.
Having this bacterial infection leads to higher levels of toxic bacterial components into the blood stream which may lead to a future stroke and cardiovascular disease.
Important Facts:
Approximately 15% of adults ages 21-50 and 30% of those 50 and older have periodontal disease.
Along with your oral health, all risk factors for cardiovascular disease must be managed (smoking, weight, and diabetes).
Eliminating periodontal disease saves teeth and, as evidence shoes, even your heart!

The importance of regular checkups ensures a healthy, disease-free mouth!!
To safeguard your family...Call 330-494-6305 today!

2010-04-20T08:48:00.001-07:00

HEY--No Cavity Club Members...
As incentive to keep your smiles cavity free we will now be automatically entering our "No Cavity Club Members" into a monthly prize drawing!!
Please update your email & phone, so we can notify you if your name is drawn!

Quick, Painless Decay Prevention?

2010-04-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

If you 're like most parents, preventing your children from ever getting a cavity is a priority. Having sealants applied to the teeth, as a preventative measure, is the best option. At our office, Dr. Bertolini uses high powered magnification and prepares all sealant sites with a special decay detecting bur before applying the sealant to the teeth. The sealant forms a protective barrier on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth and usually remain effective for five years or longer (depending on your chewing pattern)! These areas should be checked at your regular hygiene appointments!!
Here are some snack alternatives which Dr. Bertolini recommends to help reduce decay when combined with sealants and fluoride:
Peanut butter, popcorn, fresh vegetables, fruit, yogurt, dry (unsweetened) cereal or granola, cheese, and xylitol containing gum/ mints.