bacteria Archives | Diamond Dental of Sacramento

Can Kissing Cause Cavities?
Can Kissing Cause Cavities?

Patient Education

Can Kissing Cause Cavities?

Sorry to say, it can. In fact, anything involving contact with saliva—a kiss, parents tasting their babies’ food, sharing of tableware and toothbrushes—can transmit decay-causing bacteria. Soon after birth, infants start to get those bacteria that inhabit the mouth and cause cavities. These germs are usually transferred by the babies’ mothers or other family members. When one so innocent can be SO susceptible, we need to provide our mouths with the best defense against the enemy. Brushing and flossing are a good beginning, as they [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2024-09-03T14:36:32-07:00April 22, 2025|Patient Education|

Scaling and Root Planing

When Elbow Grease Counts Most periodontal patients in our practice become very familiar with the two primary therapies we rely on to treat gum disease: scaling and root planing. Sounds a little disagreeable, yes. But scaling and root planing are the beginning of the end of periodontal problems. The treatment is tried and true, with a simple goal—get the “junk” out of there. It’s a certainty. Plaque, calculus, and bacteria, left to accumulate, will form pockets around teeth beneath the gumline. As pockets deepen [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2024-09-03T14:34:57-07:00April 1, 2025|Periodontal Dentistry|

Can You Catch a Cavity?
Can You Catch a Cavity?

Patient Education

Can You Catch a Cavity?

When you have a cold, we all know to cover your mouth before you sneeze and not to drink out of the same glass. We do this because we know that a cold is contagious. Now we know that, chances are, so is tooth decay. Recent research suggests that the germs responsible for cavities may be "catchy." Likewise, scientists suspect that bacteria associated with gum disease may be transferable from husband to wife, or mother to child. Infants get the bacteria that come to [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2024-09-03T10:02:25-07:00December 10, 2024|Patient Education|

The Basics of Flossing
The Basics of Flossing

Preventative Dentistry

The Basics of Flossing

One of the simplest preventive hygiene exercises you can do for yourself is something you've heard of before. It bears repeating: floss. Every 24 hours, bacteria contribute to a new batch of plaque. Brushing, no matter how well or how long, won’t get all the “bugs,” especially between teeth and where your teeth meet gum tissue. Flossing before or after brushing should be a part of everyone’s home care program. The kind of floss—waxed, unwaxed or tape—doesn't matter. Just choose what you’re comfortable with [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2024-09-03T09:58:24-07:00October 1, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

When Should You Brush Your Teeth?
When Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Patient Education

When Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Should you brush your teeth before or after breakfast? It's essential to brush your teeth at least twice a day. At night, you probably know that you should brush right before you go to bed. However, you may be wondering whether you should brush your teeth right when you wake up in the morning or after you eat breakfast. The answer is: You should brush your teeth first thing in the morning as soon as you wake up. The reason is that saliva production [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2023-06-27T08:00:31-07:00June 27, 2023|Patient Education|

Why Tongue Brushing?
Why Tongue Brushing?

Preventative Dentistry

Why Tongue Brushing?

Tongue brushing for better breath and better oral health. You might think tongue brushing is a waste of time. Or perhaps you just never thought of incorporating it into your routine. After all, you can't get cavities or tooth decay on your tongue, so what's the point? Well, actually, tongue brushing can improve your breath and help protect your oral health. Let us discover the ways. Just like your teeth and all surfaces of the mouth, your tongue is a warm wet environment. Furthermore, [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2023-05-09T08:00:17-07:00May 9, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|

Getting An Electric Toothbrush
Getting An Electric Toothbrush

Patient Education

Getting An Electric Toothbrush

Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? Or is my old toothbrush doing the job? For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2023-01-03T08:00:50-08:00January 3, 2023|Patient Education|

Periodontal Pockets
Periodontal Pockets

Periodontal Dentistry

Periodontal Pockets

What Are Periodontal Pockets? Measuring periodontal pockets — depths and implications. Healthy gum tissue fits tightly and firmly against teeth. However, with age and/or declining oral health, this tissue can loosen and sag, forming periodontal pockets around the teeth. When this occurs, it can often become an ever-increasing problem, as it becomes easier and easier for food debris and bacteria to become trapped in the gums. In turn, this leads to even more gum disease, inflammation, and increased pocket depth. Thankfully, our gum tissue [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2022-10-11T08:00:01-07:00October 11, 2022|Periodontal Dentistry|

Bacteria That Cause Cavities
Bacteria That Cause Cavities

Patient Education

Bacteria That Cause Cavities

Which Bacteria Causes Cavities? Looking Inside Your Mouth You probably know that bacteria in your mouth cause cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. And you also probably know that proper at-home care such as brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent cavities and more serious problems. (Combine with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings for best results!) However, most species of bacteria are relatively harmless to our oral health; just one or two strains cause cavities and tooth decay. They are called Streptococcus [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2022-09-06T08:00:37-07:00September 6, 2022|Patient Education|

Cleaning Your Tongue
Cleaning Your Tongue

Patient Education

Cleaning Your Tongue

Tongue, Brushing, Scraping, Etc. Cleaning Your tongue to prevent bad breath & improve oral health. One of the best ways to make sure your breath is fresh and clean is to make sure that your tongue is healthy and clean as well. The tongue may seem like a smooth surface, but nothing could be further from the truth. Upon closer examination, you'll see the tongue has many tiny bumps and divots. This textured surface is perfect for bacteria to grow and thrive. That's why [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|2022-06-07T08:00:04-07:00June 7, 2022|Patient Education|

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