Diamons

xerostomia

Photography by Dr. Padval

Do You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes and Dentistry What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, this is due to the lack of the hormone insulin, which helps the body cells absorb glucose (sugar). There are two variations of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition preventing the production of insulin. It has a sudden onset, and patients are usually in the normal range of BMI. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic progressive condition where insulin [...]

By |2022-08-16T08:00:06-07:00August 16, 2022|Patient Education|

What’s In Saliva?

Why Do We Have Saliva? And why is it important to teeth? Saliva plays a critical role in the digestive process. While the jaw and teeth do the hard work of chewing, saliva is there to provide moisture, lubrication, and help break down food. Then, of course, it also makes swallowing the food a whole lot easier. Saliva is consists of about 98% of water. The rest is a particular combination of ingredients to help carry out its functions. These include mucus for lubrication [...]

By |2022-04-26T08:00:42-07:00April 26, 2022|Patient Education|

Dry Mouth FAQs

Is Dry Mouth A Minor Annoyance or A Serious Problem? Dry mouth can be either a minor annoyance or a serious problem. Most everyone experiences the sensation at one point or another, and we all know how uncomfortable and awkward it feels. Your tongue may feel trapped or almost sticky, and it can even feel as though it's hard to breathe! But beyond the temporary inconvenience, saliva plays a crucial role in your mouth. By keeping teeth, tongue, and other tissues lubricated, it protects [...]

By |2021-09-07T08:00:55-07:00September 7, 2021|Restorative Dentistry|

Asthma and Your Mouth

If you are one of the millions of Americans who have asthma, make sure you are aware of the implications for your mouth. If it's been a while since your last appointment, consider scheduling an exam, cleaning, and X-rays at Diamond Dental of Sacramento. We'll give you a complete dental checkup and evaluation of your oral health! Call (916) 483-5900. Asthma is a condition that affects the respiratory system. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that results in constriction of the airways and a [...]

By |2021-07-06T08:00:18-07:00July 6, 2021|Patient Education|

Saliva Protects Your Teeth

Dental Benefits of Saliva A healthy flow keeps you good to go! Saliva provides many benefits to teeth, which usually go unnoticed in a healthy mouth. However, the discomfort of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) is impossible to ignore! If you experience this condition, contact our office today at (916) 483-5900. Saliva helps lubricate the teeth to keep food debris from sticking between teeth and gums. This healthy flow, in turn, prevents cavities. It also contains calcium and phosphorous, which works as a topical treatment [...]

By |2021-04-06T08:00:57-07:00April 6, 2021|Patient Education|

Chronic Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry Mouth Can Be Harmful Oral health includes a healthy flow of saliva. Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) is usually just a short term symptom of dehydration. However, if reduced saliva flow becomes a chronic issue, it can lead to more serious dental problems. That's because saliva coats teeth to provide a protective layer against bacteria, so reduced saliva leaves teeth more vulnerable to cavities and tooth decay. Anyone can experience reduced saliva, but it occurs more as we age and tends to affect [...]

By |2020-10-27T08:00:06-07:00October 27, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

Grow Older with Your Teeth

As we grow older, it's natural for changes in our mouths, gums, and jawbone to occur. However (thanks to preventive dentistry) people nowadays are keeping their natural teeth longer and longer. Prevent Tooth Loss as you Grow Older Neglect is the main cause of tooth loss, and most problems can be prevented with a simple regimen of daily home care for your teeth, a healthy diet and lifestyle, and regular dental examinations. Periodontal Disease The main cause of tooth loss in adults is periodontal [...]

By |2020-09-15T08:00:41-07:00September 15, 2020|Preventative Dentistry|

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|

Drug Use During Dental Treatment

Discuss All Drug and Medication Use to Avoid Harmful Reactions Let's face it, some people take anti-depressants, some are prescribed antibiotics. Some smoke marijuana, and fewer, thankfully, use cocaine, methamphetamine or other drugs. But here in the office, the message remains the same for all. Tell us what you're taking, and when. Why? Because the drugs we administer during dental procedures might have unforeseen interactions with the drugs you're already taking, whether they be legal prescriptions or illicit "street" drugs. So let us know [...]

By |2019-06-18T08:00:31-07:00June 18, 2019|Patient Education|