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Photography by Dr. Padval

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|

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|

Dental Sealants to Block Out Decay!

A simple, preventative procedure that can save you the trouble of future cavities. It's the dreaded news that nobody wants to hear after a routine dental cleaning, you have some cavities that will need to be filled. And who could blame us for feeling a bit apprehensive? The dental drill has always carried negative associations, and furthermore, the presence of cavities means your teeth are not getting the protection they need. One simple, preventative procedure that can save you the trouble of future cavities [...]

By |2023-09-26T08:00:21-07:00September 26, 2023|Preventative Dentistry|

How Do Cavities Start?

You do your best to brush and floss. You make sure that you get your dental checkups. But then, you get the dreaded news; you have cavities. How can this happen?!? Well, the first thing to remember is don't panic, and don't beat yourself up over a minor setback. These things can happen, even to those with the best at-home oral hygiene. What's important is that we discovered the cavity early, before it has gotten bigger and before more severe complications arise. Why Do [...]

By |2021-11-09T08:00:06-08:00November 9, 2021|Preventative Dentistry|

Fluoride Treatments for Kids

Children's Fluoride Treatments available in Sacramento, CA Fluoride plays an important role in the development of children's teeth. Fluoride is often found naturally in water, soil, air, and many foods. It is absorbed easily into tooth enamel, especially in the growing teeth of children from 6 months to 16 years old. Once teeth are fully developed, fluoride makes them more resistant to decay by promoting remineralization. This process replaces the lost tooth structure before the damage is even visible! Many cities add fluoride to [...]

By |2021-01-05T08:00:37-08:00January 5, 2021|Children's Dentistry|

Adult Fluoride Treatments

Topical Fluoride Treatments in Sacramento, CA No matter your age, fluoride helps prevent cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease. Fluoride helps create healthy teeth, and it's not just for kids—adults need fluoride too! Every day, acidic foods and drinks threaten to erode tooth enamel. Bacteria as well, can produce acid and dissolve the enamel on a microscopic level. (A process that is known as Demineralization.) Fortunately, our body fights back by constantly rebuilding enamel with the help of minerals like calcium and fluoride. Fluoride [...]

By |2020-11-03T08:00:04-08:00November 3, 2020|Patient Education|

Developing Good Habits

To Protect Children's Teeth Food & Drink Eating and drinking habits are the biggest factors in preventing childhood cavities. But, just as important as what children eat, is when they eat it. To encourage positive eating habits and prevent cavities, limit eating time to 4 or 5 periods during the day (rather than continuous snacking). By reducing the amount of time that food directly contacts teeth, you help reduce the formation of bacteria and plaque. Additionally, avoid meals and snacks that have a large [...]

By |2020-06-02T08:00:39-07:00June 2, 2020|Children's Dentistry|

Root Surface Caries

We are Growing Older... As the population ages—more gracefully than ever, of course— we're keeping more teeth. Along with wisdom and experience, however, come different health problems. Among them, cavities on the surface of the tooth root, what we call root caries. Growing up, most decay is found on the surface of teeth, usually the crown. But gum tissue has a way of receding as the years go by, and this exposes the root to bacteria that cause decay. Periodontal (gum) disease worsens the [...]

By |2017-03-28T00:00:59-07:00March 28, 2017|Restorative Dentistry|

Fluoride, it’s for Life

If your goal is healthy teeth for life, then you need fluoride. It ensures newly formed teeth are strong; prevents plaque, caries, and gum disease; and protects roots that get exposed as gums recede over time. This essential mineral is present in what we eat and drink, but a healthy diet doesn't supply enough for a gleaming smile. Instead, it's important to apply it topically and drink fluoride-rich water. In toothpaste, it boosts the cavity resistance of existing teeth. Systemic fluoride, in water, creates healthy tooth structure [...]

By |2016-07-19T00:00:06-07:00July 19, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|

Fluoride—You Never Outgrow Your Need

You grew up with fluoride. Your teeth show it in the very fact that you still have them. Before 1945, by the time your nest was empty, your mouth was often empty as well. But when cities began adding it to water supplies, tooth decay took a nose dive. Most of us never gave it a second thought, just turned on the tap and downed the cure. Fluoride reverses the demineralization of your teeth. It strengthens them, prevents plaque and caries, wards off gum disease [...]

By |2015-05-19T00:00:26-07:00May 19, 2015|Preventative Dentistry|