Diamons

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Photography by Dr. Padval

Seal the Deal…

...With Dental Sealants! Prevent Cavities & Tooth Decay Molars and premolars have large chewing surfaces where crevices naturally form. Here, bacteria thrive, and cavities occur. Dental sealant is a clear composite resin that is "painted" on back teeth to act as a physical barrier to decay-causing bacteria. For children and adolescents (who may not always practice proper oral hygiene) this helps prevent cavities and preserve dental health during these formative years. Applying this composite resin coating is simple, quick, painless, and yes, inexpensive. And, [...]

By |2020-05-12T08:00:57-07:00May 12, 2020|Children's Dentistry|

Be Careful with Toothpicks

Toothpicks Can Cause Dental Injury and More Toothpicks are quick and convenient when food debris is stuck between teeth, however, they're also a common cause of dental injury. Because they are so sharp, toothpicks can damage the gums and other soft tissue when used carelessly. They are somewhat ineffective, often pushing debris farther between teeth or below the gum line. If you do find yourself using a toothpick, use only minimal pressure and always keep the tip pointed away from your gums. Safe and [...]

By |2020-05-05T08:00:24-07:00May 5, 2020|Patient Education|

Time for a New Toothbrush?

If it's been a while since you replaced your toothbrush, it may be time to look for signs of aging. If it is badly worn or frayed, it may be doing more harm than good. If you are unsure about the state of your toothbrush, just bring it in at your next appointment and we can assess the damage, discuss the variety of options, and/or review proper brushing technique. Old Toothbrush Hazards Less Effective - A worn-out toothbrush is simply less effective at removing [...]

By |2020-04-28T08:00:05-07:00April 28, 2020|Patient Education|

Choosing Breakfast

For Better Nutrition and Dental Health! It's often said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and there's a lot of truth behind it. Though the links between eating, blood sugar levels, and performance aren't fully understood, the evidence suggests that eating breakfast boosts energy and attention span in the morning hours. But the benefits depend on the menu. From the standpoint of nutrition and dental health, the day's first meal can present a dilemma. You probably know that many cereals [...]

By |2020-04-21T08:00:56-07:00April 21, 2020|Nutrition|

Crowns & Bridges: How They Work

A missing tooth is more than just a hindrance to normal chewing, and more than a cosmetic bother. It's a threat to the entire architecture of your mouth. The mouth is dynamic. Where there is a missing tooth, neighboring teeth drift, gum disease may crop up, even the unprotected bone ridge is susceptible to damage. So replacing a missing tooth with a bridge, or repairing a broken down tooth with a crown, is important for your dental health. How They Work A crown (or [...]

By |2020-04-14T08:00:01-07:00April 14, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

“Is it a Cavity?”

Or something else... While most people think a toothache automatically means a cavity (or the need for a root canal), several other conditions can also cause temperature sensitivity, pain during chewing, and other symptoms typically associated with a toothache. Here are some of those causes: Gum Recession. When patients experience gum recession (which can be caused by periodontal disease, genetics, or neglect) the root surfaces of teeth are exposed. This part of the tooth can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, similar [...]

By |2020-04-07T08:00:37-07:00April 7, 2020|Restorative Dentistry|

How to Handle Dental Emergencies

During Any Emergency: Stay Calm You've taken every precaution. You never chew ice or hard candy. You don't use your teeth to open packaging or crack nuts. You always wear a mouthguard for risky recreation. And then it happens—a dental emergency. Common Dental Emergencies: Toothache - While a toothache may be a "common" problem, it's by no means something you can ignore. Fever, swelling, and pain indicate a tooth infection or abscess that needs to be treated as soon as possible. Call us immediately [...]

By |2020-03-24T08:00:27-07:00March 24, 2020|Emergency Dentistry|

Guard Against Snoring…

And Obstructive Sleep Apnea While snoring can be annoying for family members trying to enjoy a night's rest, it's more than just a nuisance. It can also be associated with a more serious condition called sleep apnea. Those with sleep apnea experience irregular breathing during sleep. The most common type (called Obstructive Sleep Apnea) occurs due to snoring when the tongue and soft tissue relaxes and temporarily blocks the air passage. This pause in breathing causes the brain to repeatedly wake from a deep [...]

By |2020-03-17T08:00:48-07:00March 17, 2020|Snoring & Sleep Apnea|

7 Tips to Protect Kids’ Health

Ways to Protect Teeth & Overall Health Take these seven steps to achieve greater safety and fend off some of the most common childhood mishaps! Prevent decay with fluoride. If your family drinks only bottled or filtered water, you may be getting less fluoride than the recommended amount; ask about fluoridation treatments! Mouthguards for athletes. It's important to always wear a mouthguard whenever there's potential for trauma, but a poorly fitting mouthguard can also lead to teeth and jaw problems. The best are custom [...]

By |2020-03-10T08:00:25-07:00March 10, 2020|Children's Dentistry|

Choosing A Musical Instrument

Especially for Children, Musical Instruments Can Impact Teeth! Playing a musical instrument can be a great hobby. It requires discipline and practice to master and can be an endless source of relaxation and joy. (For both the musician and audience as well.) But, especially for growing children, certain musical instruments can leave the whole mouth singing the blues. In particular, playing woodwind instruments like the clarinet or oboe can place increased pressure on teeth and potentially disrupt alignment over time. In other cases, the [...]

By |2020-03-03T08:00:08-08:00March 3, 2020|Children's Dentistry|