Diamons

plaque

Photography by Dr. Padval

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Vital Periodontal Treatment Scaling and root planing improves the health of teeth and gums. When teeth become inundated with plaque or tartar, they may need to undergo scaling or root planing to remove the harmful substance. Without doing so, tartar along the gumline is a known contributor to developing periodontal disease. This condition consists of red, swollen, and irritated gums. Eventually, this can lead to bad breath, cavities, gum recession, and even tooth loss, so don't wait for the situation to worsen! If you [...]

Dental Calculus

We're Not Talking About Math! Dental Calculus Is Damaging To Teeth. Dental calculus is simply another name for tartar—a solid, harmful substance that builds up on teeth. Without removing this hardened plaque, teeth become more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, calculus along the gum line will contribute to periodontal disease, which in turn causes gum recession and eventually, tooth loss. How Does It Form? Our mouths are full of bacteria. All the foods we eat, the bacteria eat as well, and they [...]

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 [...]

Dental Checkup: Schedule Yours Today

Protect Your Health with a Dental Checkup Don't put it off any longer. Have you been neglecting your dental care? Is it past time for a dental checkup? If so, consider choosing Diamond Dental of Sacramento in Sacramento, CA. We don't play blame games or shame you for your dental health. On the contrary, we're here to help make you feel good about your smile! Call us today at (916) 483-5900. When you come to our office, we'll discuss your dental care and essential [...]

What is a Deep Cleaning?

Deep Cleaning Dental Appointments in Sacramento If it's been a while since your last check-up, we may recommend a deep cleaning. Even if you brush and floss regularly—tartar, plaque, and/or calculus accumulates on teeth in those hard-to-reach places. If this harmful material isn't removed, then it can cause cavities, tooth decay, and periodontal disease Professional dental cleanings are recommended every 6 months, however, if it's been a while since your last check-up, we may recommend a deep cleaning. A typical deep cleaning consists of [...]

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 [...]

Preventing Periodontal Disease

Early Diagnosis is the Most Effective Means of Control Periodontal (gum) disease is more common than heart disease or even cancer, but because it's not categorized as "life-threatening," few people know much about the condition. The tragedy of this disease is that it can totally devastate your appearance. Left untreated, it will erode your jawbone, ultimately resulting in the loss of teeth. Germs from periodontal disease can even enter the bloodstream, where they have the potential to cause debilitating effects on your general health. [...]

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

Overwhelmed by your choices? Here's how to choose the right toothpaste for you. While your toothbrush does most of the plaque removal, abrasive agents in toothpaste will scour food particles and plaque from your teeth. Fluoride is the best-known ingredient, added to make the outer tooth structure more decay-resistant. Fluorides work best when teamed with surfactants (detergents), which help in remineralization. Lauryl sulfates, the most common surfactants, can dissolve plaque and fight bacteria. They also provide a foam that helps to carry away debris. [...]

Get your Smile Check-Up!

Barring injury, your sturdy white teeth should remain healthy and intact for the rest of your life. But just like your car's engine, which needs its regular oil & lube to keep purring smoothly, your mouth needs a thorough once-over as well. We'll review your dental history, clean your teeth, evaluate gum tissue, and screen for oral cancer. This will ensure that teeth and gum problems are discovered early and nipped in the bud. Some people naturally create more plaque and develop more cavities [...]

Kids Can Get Gum Disease Too

It would be comforting to think that gum disease afflicted only adults. But adolescents and even pre-adolescents are especially at risk for what is often called Localized Juvenile Periodontitis (LJP). We usually think of periodontal disease as a result of plaque and calculus build-up. But the real culprit is bacteria that can spread from site to site in the mouth and even from person to person. You can even "catch" it yourself. What are the Symptoms? Symptoms can range from sore, bleeding gums to [...]