Diamons

Preventative Dentistry

Photography by Dr. Padval

Mouthwash FAQs

Whether it's to mask bad breath, fight cavities or prevent the buildup of plaque, the sticky material that contains germs and can lead to oral diseases, mouthwash serves a variety of purposes. Or so we think. Though they may leave your mouth with a clean, fresh taste, some washes can be harmful, concealing bad breath and unpleasant taste that are signs of periodontal diseases which cause inflammation and degeneration of the supporting structures of the teeth and tooth decay. Your dentist will tell you, [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:04:43-08:00June 11, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Facts on Flossing

Flosses and picks Plaque is a sticky layer of material containing germs that accumulates on teeth, including places where toothbrushes can't reach. This can lead to gum disease. The best way to get rid of plaque is to brush and floss your teeth carefully every day. The toothbrush cleans the tops and sides of your teeth. Dental floss cleans in between them. Some people use waterpiks, but floss is the best choice. Should I floss? Yes. Floss removes plaque and debris that adhere to [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:04:36-08:00June 4, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Dental X-ray FAQs

Why do I need X-rays? X-rays, or radiographic examinations, provide us with an important tool that shows the condition of your teeth, its roots, jaw placement, and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help determine the presence or degree of periodontal disease, abscesses, and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted and unerupted teeth. They can pinpoint the location of cavities and other signs of disease that may not be possible [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:04:21-08:00May 28, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Fluoride & Your Health

What is fluoride, and why is it good for my teeth? Fluoride is a compound of the element fluorine, which is found universally throughout nature in water, soil, air, and in most foods. Fluoride is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in the growing teeth of children. Once teeth are developed, fluoride makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage is even visible. "Systemic" fluoride is ingested when added to public [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:02:58-08:00March 19, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Open Your Mouth and Say Ahhh

There’s a lot we can learn from looking into your mouth during a routine oral exam. Not only is the oral cavity a mirror of your overall health—it’s a sort of early warning system that helps diagnose everything from malnutrition to diabetes to cancer. If you’re not getting enough Vitamin C or B complex in your diet, there’s a clue: tiny cracks in the lips. Insufficient iron? A burning sensation in the tongue. A painful red tongue is a tip-off to lack of Vitamin [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:02:49-08:00March 12, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Oral Cancer Facts and Screening

How common and how serious is oral cancer? Oral cancer, the sixth most common cancer, accounts for about 3.6 percent of all cancers diagnosed, with roughly 40,000 new cases of oral cancer reported annually in the United States. The vast majority of these cases occur in people older than 45 years, with men being twice as likely as women to develop the disease. The most frequent oral cancer sites are the tongue, the floor of the mouth, and soft palate tissue areas in back [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:02:12-08:00February 20, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

The Routine Smile Exam

Good For More Than Just Your Teeth! When you visit our office for that routine smile exam, our team does a lot more than just probe for cavities. In addition to caring for your teeth, we’re giving you the next best thing to a complete physical examination. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen your family physician, it just could prove a lifesaver! How’s that possible? Your mouth is a unique meeting place of teeth, skin, muscle, fluids, and germs. It gives us [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:52-08:00February 6, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Putting the Squeeze on Toothpaste

Why is brushing with it important? Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes caries, gum disease, and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, the toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. Third, special [...]

By |2023-12-22T15:01:26-08:00January 9, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Holiday Stocking Stuffers

As you're looking for stocking stuffers this holiday season, the last things you might think to shop for are dental supplies. Although offbeat, many dental home care products make practical, fun Christmas gifts. Here are some ideas: Christmas is a good time to tuck a new toothbrush in everyone’s stocking. We suggest you purchase a soft-tipped brush with curved bristles. Soft bristles won’t scratch tooth surfaces or damage gum tissue. A worn-out brush with frayed bristles just won’t do a good job of cleaning [...]

By |2023-12-12T08:00:10-08:00December 12, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|

Tooth Decay: A Preventable Disease

What is tooth decay, and what causes it? Tooth decay is the disease known as caries or cavities. It is not life threatening and is although it is highly preventable, it will affect most people to some degree during their lifetime. Tooth decay occurs when your teeth are frequently exposed to foods containing carbohydrates (starches and sugars) like soda pop, candy, ice cream, milk, cakes, and even fruits, vegetables and juices. Natural bacteria live in your mouth and forms plaque. The plaque interacts with [...]

By |2023-11-21T08:00:08-08:00November 21, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|