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Can Kissing Cause Cavities?

Sorry to say, it can. In fact, anything involving contact with saliva—a kiss, parents tasting their babies’ food, sharing of tableware and toothbrushes—can transmit decay-causing bacteria. Soon after birth, infants start to get those bacteria that inhabit the mouth and cause cavities. These germs are usually transferred by the babies’ mothers or other family members. When one so innocent can be SO susceptible, we need to provide our mouths with [...]

Can Kissing Cause Cavities?2015-04-07T00:00:23-07:00

Manual or Mechanical?

Back and forth goes the argument—what toothbrush is best? Gadgeteers can spend $150 for an electric brush designed to rotate and oscillate, with angled neck, sure-grip handle, dual speed control, and even a timer. Researchers say that rotation-oscillation electric brushes remove plaque and reduce gingivitis better than any other kind—but only slightly better. Do-it-yourselfers can pick up a manual toothbrush for under $3 at the pharmacy. Replace it every three [...]

Manual or Mechanical?2015-03-24T00:00:40-07:00

You and the Tube

Start reading labels to choose the right toothpaste for you and your family. All toothpastes have certain ingredients in common. They’ll contain mild abrasives for scrubbing, foaming detergents to help float away debris, fluoride to protect tooth enamel, thickening agents for stability, humectants for moisture retention, and flavors to make the mixture palatable. Gum Protection Given what we know about the relationship between gum disease and your overall health, finding [...]

You and the Tube2015-03-17T00:00:07-07:00

Scaling and Root Planing

When Elbow Grease Counts Most periodontal patients in our practice become very familiar with the two primary therapies we rely on to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. Sounds a little disagreeable, yes. But scaling and root planing are the beginning of the end of periodontal problems. The treatment is tried and true, with a simple goal—get the “junk” out of there. It’s a certainty. Plaque, calculus, and bacteria, [...]

Scaling and Root Planing2015-03-10T00:00:31-07:00

Waiting to Exhale

It’s not the best way to deal with bad breath... Do you have bad breath, aka halitosis? If so, what are you doing about it, besides turning your face away from anyone who comes near? Finding the cure means first finding the cause. In many cases, food particles and bacterial plaque accumulate toward the back of your tongue and go bad there. But you might also be suffering inflamed gums, [...]

Waiting to Exhale2015-03-03T00:00:48-08:00

EMERGENCY! Save that Tooth!

Dental emergencies happen. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, don’t delay. Call us immediately for an emergency visit. Re-implanting a tooth works best when done within 30 minutes. After two hours, the procedure is unlikely to be successful. Call us after any blow to the mouth. A chipped tooth can be repaired, and any blow hard enough to chip a tooth is hard enough to move teeth out of [...]

EMERGENCY! Save that Tooth!2015-02-24T00:00:36-08:00

Fast Facts About Dry Mouth

Here are some facts about dry mouth, which can be a frustrating condition... We call it xerostomia—and it can be a serious problem. It tends to happen as we age—but it doesn't have to. Besides being uncomfortable, dry mouth makes teeth more cavity-prone. It can be the side effect of some medications or radiation therapy for cancer. Fight dry mouth by drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily. Also, try sugarless [...]

Fast Facts About Dry Mouth2015-02-17T00:00:33-08:00

Periodontal Disease—It’s More Than Just Sore Gums

And periodontal health is more than a dazzling smile. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums has become more important than ever. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the gums that not only can lead to tooth loss but can even interfere with other systems of the body. Periodontitis, aka gum disease, has been associated with such other chronic inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. You can [...]

Periodontal Disease—It’s More Than Just Sore Gums2015-02-10T00:00:59-08:00

Crowns—Dental Workhorses

Most dentists will agree that crown restorations are at the heart of general dentistry. We've all studied crowns in dental school, and some of us have done our best work replacing missing teeth and saving the rest. Research has given us the wherewithal to achieve virtually ideal restorations. They are natural looking, comfortable and stable in the moist environment of the mouth. We’re better equipped than ever to build strong, [...]

Crowns—Dental Workhorses2015-02-03T04:16:26-08:00

What Your Mouth “Tells” Us…

About Your Overall Health Recent studies, including the Surgeon General’s Report on Oral Health, confirm what our team has known for a long time: There are so many connections between oral health and overall health that your next dental visit can be the next best thing to a physical examination! Your mouth is both an early warning system and a window to the health of your heart, your circulation, and [...]

What Your Mouth “Tells” Us…2015-01-27T00:00:46-08:00
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