What is Bruxism? Bruxism is the clenching or grinding of teeth. It’s a fairly common habit with about 1 in 3 exhibiting the behavior, yet most don’t even realize they’re affected. That’s partly because bruxism can occur while sleeping at night, but also because the habit develops subconsciously, usually due to stress or anxiety. Recognizing […]
About Dr. William J. Black
William Black earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Chemistry from the University of California, Davis in 1988. He then went on to the UCLA School of Dentistry where he graduated in 1992. Following dental school, Dr. Black served in the U.S. Navy for 3 years as a dentist. He then settled in the Sacramento area where he opened his practice in 1996. Dr. Black is a member of the American Dental Association (ADA), California Dental Association (CDA), Sacramento District Dental Society (SDDS), Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). He is currently pursuing Mastership with the Academy of General Dentistry and accreditation with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Black has 8 children, works actively with the Boy Scouts of America, and enjoys gardening.Author Archive | Dr. William J. Black
Tooth Health: Cut out the Carbonation
Soda, Coke, Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks—whatever you call them, they’re bad for teeth. You probably know that soft drinks aren’t good for you. They are high in sugar and provide little nutrition other than some “empty calories.” Even if you enjoy the diet/zero calorie versions, the acid content can be a problem. That’s because the […]
Do You Have Dry Mouth?
Dehydration and Dry Mouth can Affect Oral Health If you only occasionally find yourself with a dry mouth, then it’s probably nothing to worry about. It’s just a natural sign of being thirsty. However, if the lack of saliva flow becomes a chronic condition, then it can become a dental issue. That’s because saliva has […]
Bad Habits for Teeth
Everyday Habits can Impact Oral Health Most of us have a bad habit or two that we’d like to change. Here are some common habits that are especially hard on teeth: Biting or Chewing Non-Foods Items Maybe you’ve done it for years with no harm, but each time you bite a non-food object is unnecessary […]
Inlays, Onlays, & Crowns
What is the difference between Inlays, Onlays, and Crowns? They all strengthen and repair a damaged tooth, but generally, the type of restoration we use is determined by the extent of the damage. Inlays – Inlays are used when a cavity has grown too big to be treated with a traditional filling. Made of porcelain […]
One-Visit Whitening
Get Yours Today! Teeth whitening is a simple and safe way to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. You’re probably familiar with over-the-counter products such as strips, toothpastes, or rinses. Well, these products may lighten your teeth over time with extended use, but they can never achieve the instant results as provided by a […]
Oral Exams: Checking out the Tongue
Have you ever wondered why doctors and dentists ask you to open wide and say, “Ahhhh?” It’s true that dentists are looking for cavities and tooth-related problems, but the tongue and other soft tissues can also be an important indicator of a patient’s overall health. Diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, scarlet fever, and different vitamin […]
Avoiding the Dentist?
Break the Cycle! Have you been avoiding the dentist due to fear or anxiety? Or has it been so long that you’re embarrassed or ashamed? At our practice, we promise to never “guilt-trip” or scold you about your teeth. Instead, we simply focus on positive change to our patients’ health, and you’ll find that our […]
Baby Teeth—Take Them Seriously
You probably know that it’s important to take care of a child’s baby teeth, but do you understand why? It’s a common question that patients have. “Why worry about a baby tooth if it’s eventually going to fall out?” Well, for starters, baby teeth are around a little longer than you might think. Incisors (front […]
Look for Changes in Your Mouth
Whenever you find yourself brushing or flossing in front of a mirror, take the opportunity to really look inside your mouth. Self-Examination is the first line of defense in detecting potential problems… and the earlier, the better! Open wide and look at all the soft tissues, watching for any unusual changes such as unexplained white […]
