The Importance of Cleaning Your Pet’s Teeth

Like people your dog can also develop periodontal disease and they too need regular preventive dental maintenance to keep this from occurring. I have owned dogs for many years and have managed to clean their teeth two to three times a year and have avoided the cost of having a veterinarian do it. Cleaning a cat's teeth is a much more difficult task than cleaning dog's teeth as they are usually less compliant. The cost of having a veterinarian clean your dog’s teeth is substantial and there are associated risks to your pet because of the need for sedation. The following article provides tips on how best to maintain your dog’s dental health.

1. Practice the routine. The first step in the process is conditioning your pet to lie in your lap and allow you to touch the inside of his mouth. This is a gradual process of rewarding your pet for letting you touch his mouth, lift his lips, touch the teeth, massage the gums…and it takes time and patience.
For example, the first week you may just have your dog or cat sit in your lap and lift a lip and offer a treat. Once your pet starts to like this game, you up the ante a little and probe in their mouth a little more, always giving plenty of praise and positive reinforcement. It is important to be cautious when working with your pet’s mouth as you can be bitten even if by accident. 

If you have any concern about being bitten, you should not attempt this process. 
Some pets will like this game more than others, and it is important to take your time each day to teach your pet to trust you to touch his teeth. Eventually, you will be able to open your dog’s mouth and brush his teeth on the inside and outside surfaces and in between the teeth.

2. Acquire dental instruments. If you can make it to this stage and your dog or is excellent at being still, then you can buy a set of dental instruments and try scaling tartar and cleaning below the gum line.
It’s not as easy as it looks and if you try it one time, you will have a great appreciation for dental hygienists.
As in most things, if you are highly skilled, you can make it look easy. Before using dental instruments to clean your pets’ teeth, it is advisable to get some formal training first as you can damage the teeth and gums if you are not using them appropriately.

3. Consider anesthesia. The easiest and best way to thoroughly clean and polish your pet’s teeth is with him under anesthesia. Remember that periodontal disease is our number one concern in pets and the only way to effectively evaluate periodontal disease is with dental x-rays, which must be done with the patient under anesthesia. Your pet needs to see your veterinarian once yearly for a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment.

Ask your vet about these best practices in veterinary dental care when your pet goes in for a cleaning.
•    X-rays of each tooth in the mouth
•    Comprehensive anesthetic monitoring for safety
•    Periodontal probing and charting of teeth in the medical record
•    Proper treatment of deep gingival pockets
•    Nerve blocks and pain meds when extractions are needed
•    Sterilization of dental cleaning tools and drills
•    Fluoride treatment
•    Home care instructions

Your pet’s dental health is one place where you can make a positive impact at home. Over 70% of pets have periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old, making it one of the biggest problems veterinarians battle. We can say for certain that your pet will suffer from periodontal disease at some point in his life, so why not start early with prevention?

There are multitudes of options for home dental care. Brushing is best, and if you can get in the habit of brushing your pet’s teeth each night, you will make a huge difference in your pet’s health.
If your pet goes to bed each night with clean teeth, he is spending 12 hour per day with clean teeth. Half days added together can become half a lifetime of clean teeth.

Alternatives to Brushing. If brushing is not an option for you, we have rawhide chews with the same enzyme treatment that is in the doggie toothpaste. There are many other treats and chews available.  For a list of chews proven to work, check out the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC)website.

About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997-2014.

43% of Pregnant Women Skip Dental Checkups

When a woman is pregnant, the baby’s health and the ob-gyn always come first. But that often means other appointments are overlooked. In fact, one recent study by Cigna found that 43% of women don’t go for dental checkups while they’re expecting, even though 76% of them admit to problems such as bleeding gums and toothaches.

Hormonal changes during pregnancy will often worsen oral issues such as gingivitis and more serious gum disease. While 63% of women before pregnancy say their oral health is very good or excellent, that number drops to 55% during pregnancy.

 “Dental checkups are so important that most dental benefit plans cover preventative care visits every 6 months with no or low out-of-pocket costs. Some dental benefit plans even have special maternity programs with additional services like extra cleanings or discounts on oral health prescriptions,” said Dr. Miles Hall, Cigna’s chief clinical dental director.

Expecting and new mothers who took advantage of dental maternity programs through their benefits plan had better oral health habits than those who did not participate or did not have a program available to them. These improvements in dental hygiene habits may be why 74% of women who are participating or who have participated in a dental benefit plan maternity program rate their oral health as very good or excellent compared to 55% of pregnant women overall, Cigna says.

Despite the links between oral health and overall wellness, many medical professionals fail to discuss dental care with their patients. While 97% of women saw their general doctor or obstetrician during pregnancy as frequently as directed, only 44% said oral health was mentioned during those visits.

And while only 43% of new mothers have had a dental checkup since giving birth, that rises to 63% for women whose doctors discussed oral health during maternity visits. Postpartum dental visits also are key since dental hygiene habits may slip once the baby arrives, as 36% of new mothers say they brush and floss less frequently than before the baby was born mainly due to a lack of time.

The baby’s oral health should be minded as well. Half of new mothers clean their baby’s gums daily, but that increases to 65% for mothers whose pediatricians discussed the baby’s oral health. Good dental hygiene habits with infants cn prevent conditions such as nursing nursing bottle caries or decay.


About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997-2014. 

Smokers Have a Higher Risk of Tooth Loss than Non-Smokers

It has been common knowledge for many years that the body’s ability to heal itself and recover from surgery is significantly hindered by the use of tobacco. It is for this reason that surgeons often require patients who need to undergo major surgery quit smoking 6 months prior to their surgery date. But did you know that recent studies have confirmed that regular smokers also have a significantly increased risk of tooth loss too?

According to the Journal of Dental Research the association between smoking and the incidence of tooth loss was stronger in men than women, and also stronger in younger versus older individuals. Researchers found female smokers were 2.5 times more likely to lose their teeth than a nonsmoker, while males smokers were 3.6 times more likely to lose their teeth. These findings were independent of other risk factors such as diabetes, and were based on 23,376 participants in three different age groups.

Most teeth are lost as a result of either severe tooth decay or periodontal disease. It has been common knowledge for many years that smoking is a strong risk factor for periodontal disease, so that may go a long way toward explaining the higher rate of tooth loss in smokers.

The good news is that researchers also found that smoking cessation was consistently associated with a reduction in tooth loss risk, with the risk of tooth loss approaching that of people who have never smoked after 10-20 years of cessation.



About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997-2014.  

Dailley Dental Care Has New Team Member

We are very pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Deborah Chau to our dental team. Dr. Chau grew up in the Bay Area and after receiving her bachelor's degree from the University of the Pacific in Stockton California she attended the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry in San Francisco, which happens to be the same university Dr. Dailley attended and taught at. After graduating from dental school with honors Dr. Chau completed a General Practice Residency program at the University of Minnesota where she obtained extensive training in the care of medically complex and special needs patients. Dr. Dailley has taken great effort to find the right candidate who will be able to uphold the high quality of service that patients in his practice have grown to expect. Dr. Chau possesses the highest qualifications and is extremely well skilled in all phases of dentistry.

One of our goals is to make it as easy as possible for our patients to obtain their dental care by providing early morning and evening hour appointments. This tradition will continue but we will be able to provide even more convenient appointment times for our patients with the addition of Dr. Chau.  Dr. Chau will have office hours on Friday and Saturdays, which in the past have not been available for our patients. We hope this makes it easier for our patients, their families, and their friends to have their dental needs cared for without having to take time off work or school.

Why Do I Need a Deep Cleaning, and How Does it Differ From a Regular Dental Prophylaxis?

Educating patients and getting them to understand the importance of treating their periodontal disease has always been a challenge for dentists simply because patients can neither see nor feel the condition. In a healthy mouth the gums fit snuggly around each tooth, and the distance between the top of the gum and the area where the gums attach to the tooth should be 1-3mm in depth. This space is often referred to as the gum pocket. Pocket depths of 4 mm are marginal, and pockets that are 5mm or greater are considered to have periodontal disease with accompanying bone loss. Once pockets reach 5 mm bone loss has started to occur. Once the bone is lost it will not re-grow.

For a typical prophylaxis (regular cleaning) patients will get their teeth cleaned every 6 months on average, and exhibit the following characteristics:

• Good home-care habits that include regular flossing
• Healthy gums that don’t bleed
• Pockets under 4mm

 When a patient has periodontal disease (gum disease) the supporting bone and tissue around the teeth are destroyed by bacteria and the toxins the bacteria produce. Tartar also adheres to the root surfaces deep under the gums and causes bacteria to accumulate. As bone loss continues the teeth eventually become loose and will require extraction. It is impossible to treat gum disease with a regular prophylaxis because the infected areas are found below the levels at which a regular cleaning can reach. Signs of Periodontal Disease include: Bleeding gums, bad breath, red/swollen gums, gums pulling away from the teeth, 5+mm pockets, puss, and bone loss.

Treatment Options for Treating Periodontal Disease

•  Scaling and Root Planing  (i.e. deep cleaning). This non-surgical procedure is designed to remove bacteria, calculus (tartar), and their accompanying toxins from below the gum line. Typically local anesthesia is used for patient comfort.

•  Sometimes laser treatment may be used to detoxify and kill bacteria deep in the pockets. This is done with a local anesthetic and has no post-operative pain associated with it.

•  Gum surgery. This procedure includes flapping the gums back, removing and re-shaping the bone, bone grafting, and tissue regeneration.

Most patients can avoid gum surgery, which costs thousands of dollars, if they follow our deep cleaning and periodontal maintenance programs. If left untreated gum disease will progress to the point where teeth will be lost. The number one cause of tooth loss today is from gum disease.

 As dental care providers, one of our roles is to educate our patients about their dental conditions, but the difficulty is that some conditions such as gum disease have little to no obvious signs or symptoms that the patient can recognize. Don’t wait until you have symptoms because by then it is often too late.

About the Author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997-2014. 

Dental Prophylaxis vs. Periodontal Maintenance. What's the Difference?

Over many years of practice we have frequently found patients getting confused over the difference between a dental prophylaxis and periodontal maintenance. If you have never had periodontal disease before then this article may not be very relevant to you, but if you have then hopefully it will clarify any confusion you may have had.

It is important to understand that a dental prophylaxis (prophy) is intended for a health mouth. The American Dental Association (ADA) defines a prophy as a dental prophylaxis performed on the dentition that includes scaling and polishing procedures designed to remove plaque, calculus, and stain from those surfaces of the tooth above the gum line.

In the strictest sense of the definition a prophy is a procedure performed on a patient that does not have subgingival (below the gumline) deposits or periodontal pocketing. The typical prophy patient gets their teeth cleaned every 6 months, exhibits good home-care habits, has healthy gingival tissues, and has no pockets over 4mm.

Periodontal Scaling, also referred to as Root Planing, or Deep Cleaning is a procedure designed to remove bacteria, calculus, and their accompanying toxins from areas below the gum line. It is indicated for patients with periodontal disease. Periodontal procedures are for the most part subgingival in nature. Periodontal scaling requires more skill, time and expertise than a prophylaxis, and typically requires local anesthetic. Patients with periodontal disease will exhibit bone loss and pocketing around the affected teeth. It is a bacterial proliferation of pathogens that overwhelm the host defenses and spurs the host's own immune system to initiate a breakdown of the supporting tooth structures. We also know that periodontal disease is not a "curable" disease, but it is controllable in most patients. Therefore when a patient has experienced periodontal disease in the past, we must be ever-vigilent to monitor them for signs of active disease long after the disease has been brought under control.

The Periodontal Maintenance procedure is designed to follow active periodontal therapy. This procedure is intended for patients who have completed periodontal treatment whether it be surgical and/or nonsurgical (root planing). It includes the removal of the bacteria from deep pocket areas, scaling and polishing of the teeth, periodontal evaluation, and a review of the patient's ability to control their plaque. Typically an interval of three months between appointments results in an effective treatment schedule. Periodontal maintenance treatment following periodontal therapy is not synonymous with a prophylaxis or regular cleaning.

Periodontal Maintenance is quite different from a regular prophy because it is controlling the disease process, whereas a prophylaxis is preventive in nature and not therapeutic.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Treating Gum Disease to Reduce Prostate Symptoms

You might be asking yourself, how in the world can prostate problems be related to gum disease?
Well according to a study conducted at Case Western Reserve School of Dentistry and the Departments of Urology and Pathology at University Hospitals Case Medical Center, symptoms of prostate inflammation, or what is referred to as prostatitis, were reduced by treating the patients’ gum disease. Studies like the Case Western study have clearly shown that gum disease not only affects the mouth but it is a system-wide condition that can cause inflammation in various parts of the body.

The Case Western study showed there was a very high correlation between men who had prostatitis and those with moderate to severe gum disease. Following a 4-8 week period of gum treatment for a group of men who had moderate periodontal disease and concurring prostatitis, the study showed that 77% of theses men also experienced a decrease in inflammation of their prostate glands and decreased PSA scores without any treatment being directed towards the prostate condition itself.

Prostatitis is just one of many systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease,  diabetes, and kidney disease, that have shown a clear connection with periodontal disease. For these reasons and for the prevention of gum disease itself we always recommend regular dental visits along with twice a day flossing and brushing.



About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

The Risks of Smoking & Your Dental Implants

If you smoke, you are opening your mouth to all kinds of different dangerous oral conditions. And, if you are pursuing treatment with dental implants, your treatment may actually fail because of your habit.

One of the worst possible habits you could have for your teeth is smoking. Not only does smoking have many negative cosmetic effects on your teeth, such as severe tooth discoloration and bad breath, but it can also lead to much more serious problems, which include gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. And, if you are a smoker who is trying to replace any missing teeth with dental implants, your habit could actually prevent your treatment from being a success. Today, Anthony Dailley DDS is blogging from Berkeley, CA to talk about how smoking can affect your dental implant treatment.

Protect Your Dental Implants by Giving Up Smoking

Smoking can actually affect your dental implants ability to heal. During the procedure, an implant fixture is placed in the empty space left behind by your missing tooth. While healing, a process called osseointegration occurs, which works to integrate your implant with the bone in your jaw. This process, however, can be stopped or hindered by inflammation of the tissues around the implant fixture, causing the implant to fail. This is called peri-implantitis and, while it can occur in any dental implant patient, it tends to occur much more frequently in patients who smoke.

It is also much more difficult for dental implants to heal and integrate with the bone in smokers because smoking can slow the circulation of blood in your body, making it much more difficult for your body to naturally heal itself. It is also possible for the nicotine inside of cigarettes to damage the tissues that make up your jaw, teeth, gums, and facial muscles. This damage can result in even more missing teeth for our patients who smoke, further exacerbating their condition. Not only that, but smoking can even increase the rate at which your jawbone deteriorates, which comes with its own threat of missing teeth.

Not only can jawbone deterioration result in even more missing teeth, but it can also have many negative effects on your facial structure. This occurs because our jawbone and teeth play a large part in determining our facial appearance. When your jawbone deteriorates, you are losing the support your face needs to maintain its shape. One symptom of this is that your cheeks may begin to appear hollow, giving your face a “sunken appearance”. It is also common for the skin around your jawline to prematurely wrinkle. As a result of these effects, patients suffering from jawbone deterioration tend to be described as appearing aged or unhealthy.

As you can see, it is very important that you give up smoking before moving forward with your dental implant treatment. While this treatment can be a success for patients who smoke, the rate of failure is simply much higher. For this reason, we highly recommend people who smoke to consider finally putting an end to their smoking days. If you would like to learn more about dental implants and what makes a good candidate for treatment with them, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with Dr. Anthony Dailley, today.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be considered a good candidate for treatment with dental implants? Well, it turns out that there are many different factors that help determine if dental implants are right for your needs.

Do You Qualify for Dental Implants?

What makes dental implants in Berkeley completely unique among teeth restoration treatments is the fact that they are integrated into your jawbone through a biological process called osseointegration. It is this assimilation into your oral anatomy that allows your dental implants to work and feel just like your natural teeth. However, in order for this process to be successful, there are many standards you must meet. In fact, you may require a supplementary procedure before you can move forward with the implant procedure. Today, Dr. Anthony Dailley is blogging from Berkeley, CA to talk about the various factors that determine a patients candidacy for treatment with dental implants.

What Makes a Good Dental Implant Candidate?

There are many aspects of your health we look at before allowing a patient to move forward with the dental implant procedure. For instance, we check to make sure that each patients mouth is free of any dangerous oral conditions, as they can prevent implants from healing properly. It is also important that a patient be in good general health as well, as the procedure can be rather intense. Some patients may also not qualify for implant treatment because of their age. This is because when we are young, our teeth are in a state of change. A patient cannot move forward with the implant procedure until their teeth are finished growing.

A good candidate for treatment with dental implants will also be free of jawbone deterioration and gum recession. It turns out that, when you lose a tooth, both your jawbone and gums will begin to deteriorate because they are no longer able to get the exercise they need to stay healthy and strong. As a result of this deterioration, your jaw structure may be weakened to the point where it will no longer be able to support dental implants.

If you are suffering from either jawbone deterioration or gum recession, you may still be able to move forward with treatment using dental implants. Fortunately, we can perform supplementary procedures that can restore the damage done by these conditions. For instance, if you are suffering from jawbone deterioration, we can perform bone grafting to restore your jawbone back to a healthy state. This procedure takes bone samples from another part of your body, usually the hipbone, and grafts them to the deficient areas of your jawbone. For our patients with gum recession, a similar procedure, called soft tissue augmentation, can be performed.
Call and Schedule a Consultation in Berkeley, CA

In order to determine your candidacy for treatment with dental implants, you will need to call and schedule a no-obligation consultation with dental implant provider, Dr. Anthony Dailley, today. During your consultation, Dr. Dailley will perform a thorough examination to find out whether or not you might be a good candidate for treatment with dental implants. We will also take the time to address any additional questions or concerns you may have regarding the implant process at this time. We encourage you to contact us soon so that we can help you along your way to a restored smile as soon as possible!

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley also holds a fellowship position with the International Congress of Oral Implantologist (ICOI). Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Help Support your Healthy Teeth & Saliva

Essential For Those With Dry Mouth Conditions

A Quantum Leap in the Science of Oral Care

    Developed after 40 years of research on saliva chemistry at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine in New York, BasicBites™ which is a sugar free chocolate flavored soft chew, helps maintain the proper acid-base (pH) levels that are necessary for the prevention of tooth decay and also bad breath conditions. When the oral cavity experiences a reduction in salivary flow the pH in the oral cavity becomes more acidic, thus greatly increasing the risk of gum disease, tooth decay and even halitosis. For more information on how to resolve a halitosis condition see our other web site. This more acidic oral environment results in an overgrowth of the gram (-) anaerobic bacteria (halitosis causing bacteria) in the mouth. This more acidic environment also greatly increases the risk of tooth decay in individuals suffering from xerostomia or dry mouth conditions. Xerostomia is common in older patients whose metabolisms have either slowed or are taking medications that reduce their salivary flow. BasicBites™ acts to neutralize the acidic environment caused by xerostomia, and by "sports" or "power" drinks such as Gatorade®. These drinks are very acidic and are known to produce pitting in the teeth, especially in children.

The saliva-mimicking technology in BasicBites™ consists of two main ingredients – arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate. Arginine is an amino acid found in saliva and naturally present in many foods. When used twice a day, BasicBites™, will support the proper pH levels on the surfaces of the oral cavity. Keeping the pH of the surfaces of the teeth balanced is extremely important in preventing tooth decay. The bacteria responsible for dental decay produce acids that dissolve the enamel and produce what is commonly referred to as a cavity. BasicBites™ will produce a thin alkali coating on the teeth and other surfaces in the mouth and counters the acids being produced by these bacteria. Because of the proclivity to tooth decay we recommend that people who experience dry mouth conditions or are prone to tooth decay chew two BasicBites™ per day. BasicBites™ also provides calcium to the diet, and studies show that many adults today have insufficient levels of calcium in the bodies and need to take calcium supplements, especially post-menopausal women.  Each BasicBites™ contains 20 calories. If you have any questions about BasicBites™ please feel free to ask us about this new product. We do keep it in stock it in our office if you feel you might benefit from it.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Replace that Missing Tooth with a Dental Implant, Tiger!

 Tiger Woods recently made the trip out to Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy in order to surprise his girlfriend, Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn. Vonn was set to compete in the Alpine Skiing World Cup being held there, and was about to race the super-G for what would hopefully be her 63rd career World Cup win. During a rush at the podium after the race, a man with a shoulder mounted video camera stood and turned suddenly, causing his camera to collide with Woods’ face. This impact chipped one of Woods’ teeth and completely knocked out another. Despite the accident, Vonn was pleasantly surprised to see her boyfriend following her big win.

With dental implants, it is possible for Tiger Woods and our many teeth restoration patients to replace their missing teeth with beautiful restorations that function and feel just like natural teeth. Dental implants are titanium stakes that perfectly replicate natural tooth roots. This is possible because a process called osseointegration occurs, which is the acceptance of the implant by the body as a natural part of your oral anatomy. This process is possible because titanium is a metal that isn’t recognized by the body as a foreign material.

Dental implants receive many benefits because of osseointegration. For instance, dental implants are comfortable and reliable because they are held permanently in place by your jaw structure. In fact, dental implants use the same method your natural teeth do to work properly and stay in place. Dental implants also require no additional maintenance in order to stay healthy and strong. You will merely brush and floss your implants regularly, just like you do your natural teeth. So long as you are sure to take care of them, your dental implants can last you a lifetime.

 Call and Schedule a Consultation in Berkeley, CA

Because of how great of a treatment dental implants offer, it’s safe to say that Tiger Woods will be enjoying a new, restored smile very soon. And, since dental implants are carefully matched to each patients remaining natural teeth, chances are high no one will even be able to tell which tooth he had replaced. If you would like to learn more about the dental implant process or find out if you might be a good candidate for dental implant treatment, we encourage you to contact us and schedule a no-obligation consultation with dental implant provider Dr. Anthony Dailley today at 510-848-0114.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Are Runners Ruining Their Teeth?

 In a study conducted by the School of Dental Medicine at the University Hospital in Heidelberg  Germany, researchers analyzed the teeth of triathletes who put in at least 10 hours of training per week, and determined that the harder the triathletes worked, the more acidic their saliva became and - unsurprisingly - the worse their levels of tooth erosion.

Add to this dilemma the carbohydrates and sugars in sports drinks and protein and power bars that athletes often consume before and after working out, and their mouths now become a perfect environment for cavities to develop. The sugars will feed the decay-causing bacteria. Additionally the lower saliva rates will create a dry mouth condition that makes it harder for your mouth to keep itself clean. This in turn decreases the natural defenses our saliva provides against "bad bacteria". As the mouth becomes drier the concentration of bacteria also increases in the mouth due to the lower volume of available saliva, thus increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. This is sometimes referred to as "runner's mouth" Another factor that plays a role in the erosion of the teeth is the high consumption of power drinks by athletes. Power drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade are not known for having high levels of sugar but the drinks are quite acidic, and it is the acidity that has the potential to cause problems with the teeth. We often see the affects of these highly acidic drinks on teeth in the form of deep pitting of the teeth and erosion of the enamel, and it can be evident in adults and children.

So what is the remedy for runners? Most runners tend to run numerous times a week and this can induce mild levels of dehydration. Staying hydrated even when not exercising is an important preventive measure, and if you are a long distance runner, increasing your salt intake will allow your body to retain more water and potentially improve the salivary flow.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Your Diet and the Health of Your Teeth

 You may not know it but your diet can affect the health of your teeth in more ways than you might think. Traditionally we think of foods with high sugar contents as being the only culprits that can affect the health of our teeth but there are others. With the advent of  "power or energy" drinks there has been a marked increase in the number of people's teeth being damaged by these types of drinks. We are seeing it primarily in children because of their frequent consumption of drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade at their sporting events. These drinks do not contain high levels of sugars but instead they are highly acidic, and it is the low pH of the drink that is doing the damage. We often see the affects of these highly acidic drinks on teeth in the form of deep pitting of the teeth and erosion of the enamel. The damage can sometimes be quite extensive. Certain foods if consumed regularly can also affect the enamel of one's teeth. In our office we have seen people's teeth completely destroyed as a result of habits such as sucking on lemons. Lemon's are highly acidic and will erode tooth structure over time if eaten in inappropriate manners. Some people enjoy eating lots of citric fruits or even sucking on them, but the results of these habits can be very devastating to the teeth. We're not recommending you avoid all foods that are acidic but moderation is the key. As for the energy drinks that are so prevalent these days these are best kept to a minimum. Below is chart showing some common foods and their accompanying acidity levels.
Experts believe that consuming as few as four acidic drinks or foods a day can increase the risk of acid erosion to your teeth.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Implants and Their Benefits

 One of the areas of dentistry where some of the greatest technological advances have taken place in the last 10 years has been in the field of implant dentistry. In the past when a tooth was lost there were two options on how to replace it. One was to replace the tooth with a removal partial denture that was both cumbersome and awkward in the mouth. It was also not very cosmetically appealing and often times the metal clasps would show. The second method was to place a bridge that was not removable but did require preparing or shaving down the adjacent teeth on either side of the missing tooth space. A false tooth was attached between the two anchor or abutment teeth. On our web site is a short video demonstrating how a bridge works. The problem with this technique is a two or more perfectly good tooth had to be shaved down, and once the bridge was permanently cemented into place there was no way to floss in between the teeth as you normally would. A special device called floss threader is used to thread the floss in between the false tooth and the anchor teeth.

Implants have been around for decades but in the last 20 years there has been much research and advancements made in the area of the biomechanics and biomaterials of dental implantology. Implants are typically made of special titanium that has a special coating on it that promotes the growth or integration of bone to the implant itself. It is through this mechanism that the bone attaches to the implant. When a tooth is lost there is a natural loss of bone that takes place in the area where the tooth once was. This can result in a poor cosmetic outcome or there may even be insufficient bone available to allow an implant to be placed. These days there are many choices the doctor has to perform bone grafts and provide additional needed bone if necessary. The bone used for bone grafting is typically a freeze-dried bone that has been rendered in such that it can be used on anybody without the worry of rejection or disease. Today when a tooth has to be removed a bone graft is often placed in the socket of the tooth after it has been extracted in order to preserve bone so that an implant can be later placed in the same area. Implants offer many advantages over removable partial dentures and prosthetic bridges, and have a very predictable outcome. They provide a superior cosmetic result, preserve bone where the tooth was lost, provide an easily cleansable area that can be easily flossed, and eliminate the need to unnecessarily prepare adjacent teeth.

The process of replacing a missing tooth with an implant retained prosthetic crown is very straightforward and predictable. Following the removal of the tooth the doctor must allow 3-4 months time to pass to allow for new bone to fill in where the old tooth root once existed. This is true whether a bone graft is placed or not. Sometimes an implant can be placed at the same time the tooth is removed. Once it is deemed that the bone has filled in sufficiently a small hole is drilled into the bone  and an implant is placed within the space and the surrounding  bone is allowed to grow and integrate with the implant. A small healing cap is placed on top of the implant during this healing phase, and this process typically takes 3-4 months. A short video of an implant placementcan be seen on our web site Since bone has no nerve endings in it there is surprisingly very minimal discomfort, if any, following the procedure. Most of our patients will take one ibuprofen when they leave our office and that will be the last pain relieving medication they need to take after that. There is also no swelling. After the 3-4 month period of bone growth has passed the healing cap that was covering the top of the implant is removed and an implant abutment is screwed into the implant and a crown is placed permanently over the abutment. This process can be seen on a short animated video on our web site. Once completed an implant will function and look just like a natural tooth. In order to maintain them properly implants do require very good oral hygiene and regular check ups.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Bad Breath and Why People Get It

 Bad Breath, otherwise known as halitosis, is experienced by millions of people every day. Halitosis can be a minor transitory embarrassment or it can be a constant severe problem that never goes away and consumes one’s life and is a constant source of embarrassment.  There are numerous reasons a person might experience bad breath, but at the same time there are a lot of myths surrounding the causes and treatments for halitosis. I will touch on some of the more common causes and also some common myths surrounding this condition. Let’s address some common causes of bad breath first.

Probably the most common cause of halitosis is simply poor oral hygiene. This is usually the main cause of minor transitory bad breath issues and is easily resolved with proper oral hygiene. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, can produce mild to severe chronic halitosis. The gram (-) anaerobic bacteria that are responsible for causing gum disease produce volatile sulfur compounds (VSC), and these are what people notice when they are near someone with bad breath. Once the gum disease is treated the bad breath usually resolves rather quickly. The most common reason people suffer from long term chronic halitosis is due to an imbalance in the oral bacteria in their mouth. This does not mean they have poor oral hygiene. It merely means they have more anaerobic bacteria in the mouth than they normally should. There are numerous reason why this imbalance may occur but some common causes are due to dryness of the mouth (xerostomia), excessively long taste buds that allows excessive anaerobic bacteria and mucous to accumulate in and on the tongue, and post-nasal drainage which results in the buildup of a biofilm or mucous on the tongue. I have been treating patients with the chronic forms of halitosis for over 18 years and many of our patients travel great distances to seek a resolution to their condition. In fact the majority of our patients travel from outside of the state or even the country to seek our help. It may be hard to understand why someone would travel such distances for help with this problem but unless you have experienced such a condition is it hard to relate to it, or understand how much it can affect a person’s life. Over the years I have studied the causes or etiologies of chronic halitosis and this has provided me an insight as to how to help patients suffering from this problem.

Unfortunately there are a lot of myths related to halitosis, it’s causes, and how to resolve it.  Some common myths that we see related to halitosis are:


1.     Halitosis comes from the stomach.
        Only in extremely rare cases does this occur. Cleansing the intestines offers no benefits in
        treating halitosis.

2.     Halitosis comes from the lungs.
        Only rarely does this occur and it can be a manifestation of a serious disease.

3.     Halitosis is a hereditary problem.
        This is absolutely not true. Certain conditions that can contribute to a bad breath condition can
        be hereditary, but there is no halitosis gene that can be passed on to an offspring.

4.     Mouth washes and breath mints can help a breath problem.
        This is not true. They only mask the problem for a few short minutes at best. Alcohol based
        mouthwashes in fact will worsen the problem because they dry out the mouth thus increasing
        the volatilization of breath odors.

5.     Internal breath fresheners can eliminate a chronic halitosis condition.
        Products taken for food-induced odors will have little effect on a chronic halitosis condition.
        There are, however, many food induced odors that can be offensive to others and there are ways
        to resolve those types of problems. The only product we have tested that has been shown to be
        effective against food induced odors such as garlic breath or onion breath is a product called
        Breath Gemz™. This product has the ability to eliminate the odors during or even well after a
        person consumes the foods that will produce strong or offensive breath odors.

6.     Brushing my teeth more will help eliminate my breath condition.
        This is also not true. Excessive brushing can dry one's mouth, thus increasing the halitosis
        problem. Excessive brushing can also damage the teeth and gums over time. It is very difficult
        to remove the specific odor causing bacteria with brushing and flossing alone, and most patients
        we see at our center tend to have very good oral hygiene.

7.     Halitosis is caused by foods.
        Foods such as onions, garlic, or cauliflower can induce certain odors but these are only
        transitory, and can be easily eliminated by avoiding that particular food. The odors they produce
        also are not of the "sulfur" type commonly seen in true halitosis conditions, and generally are
        not as offensive.

8.     There is no treatment for halitosis.
        There is a highly effective treatment for this problem, at the Center For Breath Treatment.

9.     Probiotics can help in eliminating my bad breath.
        There is no scientific evidence to support the benefits of probiotics in the treatment of halitosis.
        The use and benefits of probiotics for treating a bad breath condition is very overstated and over
        simplified. For that reason we do not recommend the use of these products.

10.   I have heard that the bacteria H. Pylori causes halitosis. Is this true?
        This is absolutely false. H. Pylori is a common cause of peptic ulcers and when patients have
        been placed on antibiotics to eliminate the H. Pylori they sometimes find that their chronic
        halitosis condition improves. The reason for the improvement has nothing to do with the
        elimination or reduction of the H. Pylori. I may occur because the antibiotics temporarily reduce
        the amount of the anaerobic bacteria that are contributing to the halitosis condition. Once the
        antibiotic regimen is completed the bad breath always returns.

11.   Rinsing with hydrogen peroxide will help cure my bad breath.
        Hydrogen peroxide has never been shown to be helpful in treating halitosis. It is considered a
        cytotoxic product (toxic to cells) that will damage the tissues in the mouth. An occasional use of
        the product will not cause any significant damage to the oral tissues but any prolonged or regular
        use of hydrogen peroxide will breakdown the tissues and cause ulcerations of the tissues. We
        recommend patients do not use it for oral purposes.

When patients seek help from us in resolving a chronic halitosis condition we take them through a diagnostic process in which we determine what the causes of their halitosis condition are. There are always multiple causes and therefore the treatment usually requires a combination approach to resolving it. Treatment typically is focused on addressing the conditions that are resulting in the bacterial imbalance. For more information on treating this problem please visit the section on halitosis treatment on our web site.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

New Clinical Recommendations: Maintain Oral Health During Pregnancy

New clinical recommendations from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) are urging expectant mothers to be diligent about maintaining their periodontal health as research has indicated that women with periodontal disease may be at increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes such as giving birth to a preterm or low weight baby.

Tenderness, redness, or swollen gums are a few of the indications of periodontal disease. Other symptoms include gums that bleed from toothbrushing, flossing, or eating, or even loose teeth. It is not uncommon for pregnant women to experience what is called “pregnancy gingivitis” during their pregnancy. These symptoms should not be ignored and it is important to see one’s dentist regularly during pregnancy. See Different Types of Gum Disease on our web site and see information about the different types of gum problems and how they differ.

The clinical recommendations released by the AAP and EFP state that nonsurgical periodontal therapy is safe for pregnant women. Routine brushing and flossing accompanied by regular trips to the dentist for prophylaxis and a comprehensive periodontal evaluation during pregnancy may decrease the chance of adverse pregnancy complications. By maintaining your periodontal health you are not only supporting your overall health, but also helping ensure a safe pregnancy and a healthy baby.

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

The Link Between Oral Bacteria and Joint Failure

Joint Failures Potentially Linked to Oral Bacteria

 ScienceDaily (Apr. 18, 2012) — The culprit behind a failed hip or knee replacements might be found in the mouth. DNA testing of bacteria from the fluid that lubricates hip and knee joints had bacteria with the same DNA as the plaque from patients with gum disease and in need of a joint replacement.
This study is one of many that came from the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine that have linked oral bacteria to health problems when they escape from the mouth and enter the blood. Working with University Hospitals Case Medical Center researchers, the dental, orthopedic and arthritis researchers suggest it might be the reason why aseptic loosening or prosthetic wear of the artificial joints fail within 10 years when no infection appears to be present. The pilot study's findings were reported in the April issue of the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology.
Dr. Nabil Bissada, chair of the Department of Periodontics at the dental school, said the objective of the study, "Identification of Oral Bacterial DNA in Synovial Fluid of Patients with Arthritis with Native and Failed Prosthetic Joints," was to see if bacteria like Fusobacterium nucleatum and Serratia proteamaculans found in patients with gum disease were present in the fluid. "For a long time, we've suspected that these bacteria were causing problems in arthritis patients, but never had the scientific evidence to support it," Bissada says.

The researchers recruited and studied patients seeking care at the University Hospitals Case Medical Center for osteoarthritis (the wearing of the joints) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease). These study participants had both natural and artificial joints. Researcher extracted samples of their synovial fluid, which is much like oil that keeps a door from squeaking. These patients also had signs of periodontitis or gum disease and undergone exams where dental plaque was obtained for the study.

Plaque build-up from the bacteria, associated with gum disease, breaks down the walls of the pockets around the teeth. The inflammation process from the bacteria acts like a gate that gives bacteria access to the blood stream. Once in the blood, the oral bacteria can induce inflammation in remote sites. These oral bacteria have been linked to heart and kidney diseases, and premature births and fetal deaths. Because these bacteria cannot be found with routine lab tests, DNA sequencing analysis of the oral bacteria and the joint fluids are performed. 

About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.

Periodontal Disease and Your General Health

Welcome to the first article of our new blog. Our dental office, Anthony Dailley DDS www.dailleydds.com regularly sends out similar electronic newsletters to our patients to keep them abreast of the lastest developments in dental health. We hope our blog will provide readers with additional knowledge about their dental health and what modern dentistry has to offer. Below is an article about how gum disease can effect much more than just one's oral health.

Anthony Dailley DDS

The relationship of periodontal disease to disorders elsewhere in the body has attracted a great deal of attention from the dental and medical professions, as well as from the public.  Numerous studies have emphasized that the oral cavity, and the periodontal tissues specifically, can affect other tissues and organs.  In essence, these studies have connected the mouth to the rest of the body and have resulted in physicians and nurses becoming more aware of diseases of the teeth, gums, and other structures in the oral cavity. Many studies recently published in medical and dental literature suggest that the mouth truly is a window to the body.  In fact many systemic diseases can manifest themselves orally well before any other signs or symptoms have become apparent medically.  The oral cavity is affected by inflammation (in particular periodontal disease).  The toxins produced by the oral bacteria that are responsible for periodontal disease can harm wherever they travel to in the body. Scientist have observed a connection between oral health and heart conditions.  In a study published in the International Journal of Cardiology found that patients who had suffered recent heart attacks had noticeably worse oral health compared to those patients with healthy hearts.  Multiple studies, including a recent report in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology show a startling correlation between patients with periodontal disease and those with heart disease.  The more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of the arteries.  This is even true for young adults with no symptoms of heart problems.  There are increasing links between oral health and conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, preterm labor, osteoporosis, and even Alzheimer's disease.  A 2007 report in the New England Journal of Medicine noted that patients who had their periodontal disease treated emerged not only with healthier gums but with healthier endothelial function which is a measure of health or the lining of the blood vessels.  The alarming fact is that more than 80% of adults aged 20-64 in the U.S. have some form of periodontal disease.  Maintaining good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to the dentist to prevent and manage periodontal disease are becoming more important as it relates to one's general health. “We all think that cholesterol is important to heart disease. The health of your gums is a more  important predictor of whether you will have a heart attack or not.” Mehmet C. Oz, M.D. F.A.C.S Director,Cardiovascular Institute Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY   About the author: Dr. Anthony Dailley is a practicing general dentist in Berkeley California. He has been practicing since 1981 and graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Cell & Molecular Biology, and obtained his dental degree from the Pacific School of Dentistry. Dr. Dailley has also been a founder in a biotech company called NovaBay Pharmaceuticals and was a member of their board of directors from 1997 -2014.