gums Archives | Diamond Dental of Sacramento

Brushing Tips
Brushing Tips

Preventative Dentistry

Brushing Tips

What is the best technique for brushing? There are a number of effective brushing techniques. Patients are advised to ask during an appointment to determine which is the best one for them, since tooth position and gum condition vary. One effective, easy-to-remember technique involves using a circular or elliptical motion to brush a couple of teeth at a time, gradually covering the entire mouth. Place a toothbrush beside your teeth at a 45-degree angle and gently brush teeth in an elliptical motion. Brush the [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|December 17, 2024|Preventative Dentistry|

Take Care of Baby Teeth

Tooth decay is declining everywhere except among preschoolers. Proper care of your child’s first teeth is important to ensure the health of permanent teeth in later years. You won’t see a newborn’s teeth, but enamel and dentin are already forming in the jaw. Teething is just months away. Use a clean dry wash cloth to wipe baby’s gums after every feeding and continue as teeth begin to emerge. Central incisors arrive first, at nine to ten months, with lateral incisors about two months later. [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|August 8, 2023|Children's Dentistry|

Periodontal Maintenance
Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal Dentistry

Periodontal Maintenance

What is periodontal disease? Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums. It typically occurs due to the buildup of plaque or tartar along the gum line, as well as other results of poor oral hygiene. Early stages of the condition (often called gingivitis) may first appear as mild bleeding during brushing or flossing. You might think this is a somewhat normal occurrence, however, no amount of bleeding is considered acceptable. Instead, you may in fact be a candidate for our periodontal maintenance program. [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|February 28, 2023|Periodontal Dentistry|

Be Careful with Toothpicks
Be Careful with Toothpicks

Patient Education

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 Diamond Dental of Sacramento|May 5, 2020|Patient Education|

Time for a New Toothbrush?
Time for a New Toothbrush?

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 Diamond Dental of Sacramento|April 28, 2020|Patient Education|

Do You Use Chewable Vitamin C?
Do You Use Chewable Vitamin C?

Preventative Dentistry

Do You Use Chewable Vitamin C?

Less is More Where would we be without our vitamin C? Everyone agrees it's a crucial nutrient that provides many health benefits. And in dentistry, it plays an important role in the healing process, especially in soft tissue such as gums. But vitamin C, being acidic, can actually do damage if consumed in chewable form. Too many chews and tooth enamel literally dissolves. A single chewable tablet won't hurt, but if you need higher levels of vitamin C, switch to another form or consider [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|August 27, 2019|Preventative Dentistry|

Tool of the Trade
Tool of the Trade

Preventative Dentistry

Tool of the Trade

Sure, everybody knows dental floss when they see it (we hope), and if you're in a periodontal program, you may be using miles of it. But do you recognize this gizmo? It's for "interdental" hygiene, especially useful for people with substantial spaces between their teeth at the gum line. Some studies show that interdental brushing, in combination with regular brushing and flossing, does a real number on plaque. Go gently, though. Any extreme pressure between the teeth, particularly in the presence of gum problems, [...]

By Diamond Dental of Sacramento|January 17, 2017|Preventative Dentistry|