Diamons

Patient Education

Photography by Dr. Padval

Our Infection Control Program

Visitors to our practice have probably noticed the efforts we put into making the office open and comfortable. Well, it's not just cosmetic. We're doing something about protecting your health. We consulted with experts in the field of asepsis—sterilization. Our aim was to find the best that technology has to offer to keep the practice safe for our patients. And we did. Today we meet—and exceed—the infection control standards of the American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control. Often these rigid protocols are [...]

All About Antibiotics

Because we’re concerned about more than your teeth… If you’re a woman taking oral contraceptives, it’s understandable that you might not wish to mention this prior to a dental procedure. But it’s truly important that we know, and here’s why: Your dental procedure may include an antibiotic prescription to fight bacterial infection. It’s known that some broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of a birth control pill, increasing the chance of pregnancy. Antibiotics are wonderful weapons against infection, but they have their limitations. A [...]

When Heartburn Comes with the Check

It might be a big Italian meal—meatballs, lasagna, red wine— or a serious encounter with stuffed jalapenos. Whatever your preference, if you suffer heartburn, you’re going to pay for it. Every month, 40% of the population suffer heartburn. An unlucky 10% reach for the antacids or acid blockers daily. Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, the escape of acids from the stomach back into the esophagus. There is a burning sensation behind the breastbone, maybe a sour taste in the mouth. Mild- to-moderate [...]

Energy—Not!

"Meal Replacement" alternatives...How much of the hype is science—and how much is fiction? Like personal aircraft, elixirs offering all the necessary nutrients in a single dose have been a staple of science fiction. For good reason. Athletes seek a power surge. Seniors dream of a healthy dinner which needs no cooking before and no clean-up after. We all hope to control our weight. With the introduction of MR "meal replacement" alternatives and energy supplements (bars, drinks, and powders), we stepped into the future. But [...]

Test Your Toothbrush I.Q.

Did you know the toothbrush was invented by the Chinese in the 15th century? These first toothbrushes were made of hog bristles. Today, most toothbrushes are made from nylon monofilaments which dry quickly and resist breakage. Did you know a worn-out toothbrush is dangerous? Bent bristles can injure soft tissues. Worn, frayed bristles won’t be effective plaque fighters, either. Did you know soft bristles are generally preferred to hard bristles? Soft bristles bend easily and clean better below the gum line. Hard bristles can [...]

Tired? Do You Sleep Soundly?

Live your dream of a good night's sleep Good sleepers have a routine that doesn't change, even on weekends: lights out at the same time, alarm buzzing at the same time. They don't use caffeine late in the day or rely on alcohol or sleeping pills at bedtime. They exercise daily, and start relaxing two hours before bedtime. About half of all people over 65 report that they used to experience a well night's rest, but now they do not. It could be lack of [...]

Give Your Teeth a Fighting Chance

Against Acidity If you eat a lot of citrus fruits, drink carbonated soft drinks, suffer the eating disorder of bulimia, or experience the decline of saliva that often accompanies advancing age, you may be at risk of tooth erosion. What can cause your teeth to erode so badly you wind up having to see a dentist: Nightly tooth grinding? Too many soft drinks? Aggressive brushing? Dry mouth? The scraping of a hygienist's probe at a routine tooth cleaning? Well, you can rule out the [...]

Fear…It’s All in Your Head

Fear is a learned response, and what can be learned can also be unlearned. We still have a lot to learn about fear, but certain things we do know. Dental fear, for example, is often the result of vicarious learning. Take you, for instance. Even though you've never had a tooth removed, you've maybe heard some pretty scary stuff about extractions, and the result is that the whole idea makes you nervous. That's vicarious learning. Vicarious wrong learning, too, since having a tooth out [...]

3 Tips to Protect Your Teeth

Tips on teeth you may not know! Think Calcium! You've heard it before: calcium does a body good. You probably didn't know that much of that good goes straight to the mouth. It’s essential for tooth and bone development. A calcium-deficient diet means less jawbone mass—which can lead to painful fractures and permanent tooth loss. Dairy products, tofu, and green, leafy vegetables are great sources of calcium. Tastes great! Less fillings! Guess what? Kids who chew gum have fewer cavities. It’s true! Studies show that [...]

Too Much of a Good Thing

You can overdo anything. Even brushing your teeth. Take a stiff-bristled brush. Scrub back and forth compulsively for five minutes, as though you were trying to get tar off the sidewalk. It’s possible you’ll end up with “toothbrush abrasion.” According to the ADA (American Dental Association), the condition is associated with factors beyond brushing: a mouth used to lots of acidic foods, citrus fruit drinks, carbonated beverages. We recommend gentle brushing, plus a toothbrush with soft, polished bristles.