Diamons

dry mouth

Photography by Dr. Padval

Should You Use Mouthwash?

The Answer is... Maybe! Mouthwash, or mouth rinses, are primarily used to remove food debris after brushing and flossing. They provide a pleasant taste, freshen the breath, and (depending on the active ingredient) can also protect against plaque & bacteria, periodontal disease, and/or cavities. So should everyone use mouthwash? Not exactly. Some people who use it will see only marginal benefits over brushing and flossing alone. Furthermore, repeated use of alcohol-based mouthwash can irritate soft tissue, damage the mucous membrane, and contribute to dry [...]

By |2020-06-23T08:00:15-07:00June 23, 2020|Preventative Dentistry|

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 an important function in the mouth. It provides lubrication when eating and chewing foods, and its enzymes begin the digestion process by breaking down food. Even when not eating, [...]

By |2020-01-07T08:00:06-08:00January 7, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Oral Health Over 40

Common Problems in Mouths Over 40 Some oral health problems occur more frequently with age. Here, we list some of the most common and what can be done about them: Dry Mouth It's one of the most common problems associated with the older mouth. First, make sure you are staying properly hydrated, especially if exercising or in high temperatures. Also, keep in mind that medications and certain medical disorders can reduce saliva flow. Once the cause is identified, mouth rinses and sugarless candies can [...]

By |2019-10-08T08:00:18-07:00October 8, 2019|Restorative Dentistry|

Other Oral Concerns… Besides Teeth

Common Problems of the Oral Cavity Most people associate dentistry with teeth. But the fact is, our focus is on the continued good health of your entire mouth–the oral cavity, as we dentists call it. The Tongue It's a highly helpful indicator of what may be going right–or wrong–inside the mouth. A smooth, or red tongue might suggest some sort of vitamin or mineral deficiency, while a chronically painful tongue may simply suggest poorly-fitting dentures. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia) Beyond just being uncomfortable, dry mouth [...]

By |2019-05-21T08:00:39-07:00May 21, 2019|Patient Education|

Do You Have Bad Breath?

When Bad Breath is Something to Worry About Morning breath...dragon mouth...onion breath...there are about as many descriptions of halitosis as there are reasons for it occurring. Chronic bad breath is usually not just too much garlic for lunch. Here's a list of common bad breath causes, and what you might consider doing about each: Garlic or other Strong Smelling Foods If your breath overreacts, go easy on these foods. Following them with mints or parsley has little effect, and may make matters worse. From [...]

By |2018-09-18T00:00:09-07:00September 18, 2018|Restorative Dentistry|

Your Teeth Age Too!

Special Concerns for Older Adults Along with those gray hairs and inevitable smile lines, your mouth undergoes natural changes over the years, as well. Among them: Cutting edge of teeth are worn flat by chewing or grinding. Remember to keep regularly scheduled hygiene appointments to check for cavities. Consider dental sealants to prevent decay, or a nighttime mouthguard if you experience grinding (bruxism). Jawbones supporting teeth or dentures can shrink by as much as two-thirds! Loss of bone mass is a fact of aging, [...]

By |2018-05-22T08:00:19-07:00May 22, 2018|Restorative Dentistry|

Older and Healthy…a Natural Match

The words "aging" and "healthy" don't have to be either/or propositions. Fact is, in some ways we grow healthier as we age. We've built up so many antibodies that our resistance to virus increases. Years of brushing with fluoride toothpaste actually strengthens tooth enamel. A little effort on your part now can help insure you'll feel as good as you'll look—years from now. As mouths age, the potential of periodontal disease is ever present. So brushing and flossing become more important than ever—along with [...]

By |2018-02-13T08:00:16-08:00February 13, 2018|Restorative Dentistry|

Frank Talk About Bad Breath

Social embarrassments come in many sizes. But chronic bad breath is near the top of the list. It affects those nearest and dearest to us and may limit the close social contacts we treasure most. Worse yet, a person with bad breath may be unaware he's offensive—we "turn off" our sensitivity to bad odors over time. Bacteria, plain and simple, are the culprit. Bacteria do their work in the mouth, lungs, sinuses and stomach. All the store-bought fresheners on the market won't remedy the cause. [...]

By |2017-12-19T00:00:46-08:00December 19, 2017|Restorative Dentistry|

Your Health History

Keep Us Informed of Any Changes! If it's been a little while since your last appointment, then don't forget to update your health history. Your dental care is part of your total health-care package. Have you: experienced any new allergies or sensitivities? quit smoking (or started)? begun taking new medications, even over-the-counter drugs? had any accidents or injuries? been diagnosed with any illness or other medical condition? experienced dry mouth? had a baby? Your answers help to determine how we treat your mouth. In [...]

By |2017-11-07T00:00:02-08:00November 7, 2017|Patient Education|

Help for Dry Mouth Sufferers

Does your mouth seem uncomfortably dry? Or have you actually been diagnosed with dry mouth (as a side effect of certain types of medication or radiation therapy for cancer)? Either way, here's what you need to know about your condition: A dry mouth is not only uncomfortable, it's a cavity-prone environment. Normal saliva flow is the body's natural way of flushing plaque between brushings. Dry mouth can result from normal aging, some medications, or simply dehydration. All our patients should be drinking at least [...]

By |2017-07-04T00:00:37-07:00July 4, 2017|Restorative Dentistry|