Laser Dentistry|Drill-less fillings|Inland Empire|High Tech| Dental Wellness Office
By admin | August 30, 2010
Laser Dentistry| Drill-less fillings| Inland Empire| High Tech| Dental Wellness Office
Recent research has shown that lasers treat and heal various health conditions, minimizing patient discomfort and downtime. Dental lasers are precise and are extremely safe and comfortable. Dental lasers are truly innovative and are extremely beneficial in treating many issues relating to teeth and gums. Dental lasers also quicken recovery time leaving patients with minimal discomfort after a procedure is done.
One of my favorite lasers to use is the DIAGNOdent. My dental hygiene team and myself use this laser in order to determine the density of your tooth enamel. The fluorescent laser makes an acoustic sound and numerical reading as it recognizes a cavity. The exam is quick and pain-free and detects cavities at their earliest stages. When cavities are detected early, they can be treated painlessly and without the use of a drill.
Once early cavities are detected, I remove the decay with Waterlase technology. The Waterlase laser utilizes precise laser energy along with a spray of water to remove tooth decay. I also use the Waterlase technology to “numb” the tooth if needed, thus no shots are required! For example: last week I detected early decay using the Diagnodent laser and used the Waterlase laser to remove the decay in one of my youngest patients who is an active 3 year-old little boy. Whether young or old, the Waterlase laser makes sitting in the dental chair enjoyable and efficient.
Here at my Inland Empire Dental Wellness office, our dental team is committed in providing excellent dental care while utilizing the latest in dental technology. Please contact us at (951) 686-3666.
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Bad Breath Treatment| Halitosis| Inland Empire Biological Dentist
By admin | August 26, 2010
Bad Breath Treatment| Halitosis| Inland Empire Biological Dentist:
Let’s face it; having “dragon breath” on a regular occurrence is embarrassing. Most people do not even realize they have bad breath until a friend or close co-worker decides to enlighten them. Therefore, today I am going to discuss how to treat bad breath (halitosis) from a biological dental perspective. In simple terms, I am going to share with you natural ways to treat halitosis.
First and foremost, thorough brushing and flossing along with routine dental hygiene visits are essential in keeping breath malodors to a minimum. In addition, a proper diet and healthy lifestyle is also beneficial to maintaining a healthy oral environment.
My Inland Empire Biological Dental Office will determine if the following is causing your halitosis:
- Gum Disease
- Tooth Decay
- Leaking Restorations
- Overhanging fillings
Once our Inland Empire Biological Dental office has determined that your oral condition and diet are stable and not a cause of the halitosis, we will the recommend the following to treat bad breath:
- 1.Keep saliva production elevated. SALIVA IS THE MOUTH’S NATURAL MOUTHRINSE. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your body hydrated and mouth moist. Swishing regularly with water and holding in your mouth for 20 seconds will help loosen food particles and neutralize the pH.
- Chew sugarless gum and/or suck on sugar-free lozenges, preferably containing Xylitol. This will stimulate saliva to flow more frequently. Ideally, Xylitol gum should be in the mouth for at least 20 minutes after meals.
- Brushing your teeth and tongue with baking soda will help neutralize excess acid production in the saliva.
- Snack on apples, carrots, and celery to help reduce daily plaque formation.
- VITAMIN C deficiency has been linked to halitosis. Smokers should take regular supplements of vitamin C due to nicotine destroying vitamin C in the body. Stopping smoking will not only improve bad breath it will also improve your health.
- Rinse with a 50/50 hydrogen peroxide/water solution. Hydrogen peroxide releases oxygen, which destroys many of the odor causing bacteria. Swish solution for about a minute.
If you are concerned about having bad breath please contact my Inland Empire Biological Dental office located in Riverside, Ca. (951) 686-3666. Our dental team would be honored to help you with your dental needs.
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College Students| Preventing Tooth Decay| Inland Empire Biological Dentist
By admin | August 21, 2010
College is a time for self-discovery, independence, and developing life-long good habits. However, with all of the studying and late-night paper writing, college students neglect their oral hygiene. Thus, I hope this blog will help encourage college students to maintain their oral hygiene and healthy diet in order to prevent tooth decay. Here are my top 5 ways to help prevent tooth decay in college students.
1. Limit Consumption of acidic foods/drinks:
The acid from drinks like soda, coffee, Gatorade, energy drinks etc. or from candies like lemonheads, sour gummies etc. are extremely harsh on tooth enamel. In a short amount of time, consuming these items will lead to tooth decay.
2. Brush Twice a Day:
Brushing is the best way to remove plaque from the tooth surface. I recommend brushing with an electric toothbrush (the Sonicare is my favorite) for at least 3 minutes twice a day. An easy routine for college students follow is brush after breakfast and before bed.
3. Floss Daily:
Floss assists in plaque removal under the gum line. Flossing helps reduce gum inflammation as well as removes food particles in between the teeth.
4. Visit the Dentist/Dental Hygienist Every 6 Months:
Even if you have a good oral hygiene routine, it is extremely important to have your teeth professionally cleaned/examined twice a year. An easy way for college students to schedule their dental cleanings is on their Winter and Summer breaks.
5. Use Xylitol Containing Toothpaste, Mouth Rinse, and Chewing Gum:
Xylitol is an naturally occurring substance that stimulates a healthy saliva flow and decreases the level of acid found on the teeth and saliva. Using Xylitol containing products throughout the day will greatly decrease your risk of tooth decay.
My Inland Empire Cosmetic and Biological Dental office located in Riverside, California offers a variety of Xylitol products to help reduce tooth decay. Please call my office and one of my friendly dental team members will assist you in making an appointment (951)686-3666.
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Drill-Free Inland Empire Biological Dentist; Fixing Cavities without a Drill:
By admin | August 15, 2010
As technology in the dental world progresses when it comes to pain-free and drill-less dentistry, patients here at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office are happier and healthier than ever before. I have dental lasers to treat cavities without using the conventional drill/fill method, however I am dedicating this blog to a new product that actually STOPS tooth decay.
Traditionally, when an early cavity was found I would prescribe fluoride toothpaste and hope that fluoride would help heal the tooth over time. In most cases, the fluoride was just not able to reach the damaged tooth enamel and the cavity would increase in size. Thus, removing the cavity as well as healthy tooth structure with a drill was needed.
The technology that I am now using at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office is called ICON. I am truly impressed with its performance in arresting tooth decay and white-spot lesions. The ICON system is used when a cavity is detected at a very early stage; when the bacteria have weakened the tooth enamel. It also treats and minimizes the appearance of white-spot lesions, which are typically found in patients who have worn braces or who have a diet/saliva that is highly acidic.
How ICON works:
A really easy analogy that I like to use is that the ICON material fills the damaged enamel the same way spackle fills in a hole in the wall. First the affected area is pre-treated with a special gel formula, then a drying agent is applied, finally the ICON material penetrates and seals the early cavity. Once the material has filled in the early cavity or white-spot lesion, it is stable and no further treatment is needed.
Please visit my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office located off of Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, where our dental team will keep you smiling (951)686-3666,
Drill-Free Inland Empire Biological Dentist; Fixing Cavities without a Drill:
As technology in the dental world progresses when it comes to pain-free and drill-less dentistry, patients here at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office are happier and healthier than ever before. I have dental lasers to treat cavities without using the conventional drill/fill method, however I am dedicating this blog to a new product that actually STOPS tooth decay.
Traditionally, when an early cavity was found I would prescribe fluoride toothpaste and hope that fluoride would help heal the tooth over time. In most cases, the fluoride was just not able to reach the damaged tooth enamel and the cavity would increase in size. Thus, removing the cavity as well as healthy tooth structure with a drill was needed.
The technology that I am now using at my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office is called ICON. I am truly impressed with its performance in arresting tooth decay and white-spot lesions. The ICON system is used when a cavity is detected at a very early stage; when the bacteria have weakened the tooth enamel. It also treats and minimizes the appearance of white-spot lesions, which are typically found in patients who have worn braces or who have a diet/saliva that is highly acidic.
How ICON works:
A really easy analogy that I like to use is that the ICON material fills the damaged enamel the same way spackle fills in a hole in the wall. First the affected area is pre-treated with a special gel formula, then a drying agent is applied, finally the ICON material penetrates and seals the early cavity. Once the material has filled in the early cavity or white-spot lesion, it is stable and no further treatment is needed.
Please visit my Inland Empire Biological and Cosmetic Dental Office located off of Magnolia Avenue in Riverside, where our dental team will keep you smiling (951)686-3666.
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Xylitol Sugar Substitute Preventing Cavities:
By admin | August 8, 2010
Healthy teeth are important to our everyday life and overall body health. Recent news and research has perked my interest as a dentist regarding a sugar substitute called Xylitol. Xylitol was first discovered in the late 19th century by German scientists, however it was not until the 1970’s that its benefit for teeth was discovered. When Xylitol is introduced into the oral environment, it inhibits the bacteria in the mouth from producing acid. It is this harmful acid that is now the known cause for enamel destruction in the form of tooth decay. The bacteria that reside in the mouth, in plaque, and on the tooth surface are constantly being “fed” each time food and drink are ingested. After eating sugar, it takes 30 minutes for the mouth’s pH to return to a neutral pH. If sugar is eaten many times during the day, an “acid bath” will occur causing damage to the enamel thus causing tooth decay.
Adding Xylitol to your daily diet insures that harmful bacteria like lactobacillus and streptococcus mutans are reduced by as much as 90%, as well as, stimulating a healthy flow of saliva. The combination of reducing bacteria and increasing salivary flow drastically decreases one’s risk for dental cavities. The dental community including myself believe that 5-10g rather 3-8 pieces of Xylitol chewing gum is sufficient for caries prevention. Xylitol chewing gum should be used after meals or snacks for approximately 20 minutes or until the flavor is gone. Saliva tests and Xylitol containing products can be purchased at my Riverside Dental Wellness Office located off of Magnolia Avenue (951)686-3666.
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Cosmetic Dentistry on a Budget, Financing, and Payment Plans in the Inland Empire
By admin | August 7, 2010
Cosmetic Dentistry on a Budget, Financing, and Payment Plans:
With the economy in dire straights, many of us are cutting back spending whether it be from job loss or preparing for better financial stability. Unfortunately, we cannot always rely on our dental insurance to cover all dental procedure expenses. Financing issues are the main reason why men and women delay their dental treatment. Forgoing dental procedures over time leads to problems worsening and in many cases causes added expense to the patient. Due to our economy, many of my patients are turning to the various financing options that I offer.
All members of my Riverside Cosmetic Dental office team are knowledgeable about the financing options that our office offers. In-office payment plans, all major credit cards, and the Care Credit financing company are our office’s main financing options. During your visit, our dental team will help support you in making a financial decision that is in your best interest and is most comfortable for you. In addition, my Riverside Cosmetic Dentistry office accepts most PPO insurance plans, which allows patients more financial flexibility. My dental team and I understand that budgeting is extremely important, which is why our office offers various choices to meet your dental needs.
If you have a dental concern and are unsure if you can afford treatment, please call my Riverside Cosmetic Dental office located off of Magnolia Avenue (951)686-3666. A member of my dental team will assist you through the financing process and schedule your appointment.
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What Causes Tartar Build-up and How to Keep it Away?
By admin | July 30, 2010
Dental calculus or tartar accumulates overtime depending upon how much plaque is on one’s teeth. Plaque forms on the teeth in layers and if not removed frequently it hardens and becomes dental calculus. Dental calculus /tartar is composed of mineral salts, food, and other debris. Dental calculus is a hard (calcified) substance that appears on the tooth surface as a yellowish-white color or yellowish-brown color.
Dental calculus can form either above or below the gum-line. When the tartar forms beneath the gum tissue or at the gum-line it can be very dangerous. This accumulation of dental calculus/tartar is a resting place for bacteria that is harmful to the gum tissue and underlying bone tissue surrounding the teeth. If this tartar build-up resides at or below the gum tissue for an extended length of time it causes infection and bleeding. Over time, this leads to periodontal disease which is a disease that causes bone and tissue loss surrounding the teeth. Dental calculus/tartar forms in layers above the gum-line and if left for an extended amount of time can lead to cavities. The areas where dental calculus/tartar form quickly are; the tongue side of the lower front teeth and the cheek side of the upper back teeth. Tartar/calculus build-up occurs in these locations frequently because they are adjacent to 2 major salivary glands.
Frequent visits to the Dental Hygiene department at my Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness office will help keep dental calculus at bay. My Dental Hygiene team has years of experience with dental calculus removal techniques as well as trained eyes to spot any beginning tissue inflammation. My team of Dental Hygienists’ will also provide you with education and tools to use at home to better assist you with your daily oral health. Please contact our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness to visit our Dental Hygiene team at (951)686-3666.
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Dental Laser Cleanings at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Wellness Office:
By admin | July 25, 2010
Lasers are becoming increasingly popular in assisting dental hygienists with dental cleaning appointments. My dental hygiene team has extensive training in the prevention of periodontal disease using the periodontal laser. If gingival (gum) inflammation and bleeding is present during your routine cleaning, the periodontal laser is used to detoxify the infected areas. If periodontal pocketing is also detected with bleeding present, the periodontal laser is used to heal the infected area. Our dental hygiene team uses the periodontal laser to detoxify and heal the infected areas and in some cases use the laser to remove diseased tissue. Removing diseased gum tissue will allow your body to heal itself more efficiently. When the gum tissue is detoxified there is less bacteria present thus keeping the tissue healthy and free from infection. Our dental team believes in using non-invasive procedures to prevent and treat periodontal disease. Many other offices still use antibiotics as their first line of defense in treating gum disease. In most cases, treating periodontal disease with antibiotics is providing only a “band-aid” to the condition. Therefore, the periodontal laser is superior for its tissue removal and detoxifying abilities. Please contact our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness office for further information on treating gum inflammation and periodontal disease (951)686-3666.
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Common Places for Oral Cancer Important Information from Our Riverside Dental Wellness Office:
By admin | July 21, 2010
Oral cancer is considered the sixth most common cancer in the world. Tobacco and alcohol use are considered well known risk factors in developing oral cancer. Recently, human papillomavirus better known as HPV is Typically, oral cancer manifests itself painless however by the time an individual feels pain, it is typically too late to treat. Our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness office is dedicated to oral cancer prevention. Our dental team highly recommends all patients be screened once a year for oral cancer. Velscope technology is used along with a clinical examination to detect the early stages of cancer. The Velscope oral cancer screening is non-invasive and only takes a few minutes. Please contact our Riverside Cosmetic and Dental Wellness office for a complete oral cancer screening at (951)686-3666. Below are the most common areas where oral cancer manifests itself in the mouth.
- Tongue: The sides of the tongue are the most common locations when finding oral cancer. Typically, cancer on the tongue is found on the left side. Examine both sides of the tongue on a regular basis for red or white lesions.
- Floor of the mouth: This is the second most common area in the mouth for cancer. Cancerous lesions on the floor of the mouth look like a red-white patch or ulcer.
- Buccal mucosa: The cheek tissue can also get cancerous lesions that appear as a red-white patch.
- Gingiva: Cancer also can manifest itself along the gumline as a red-white thickening of the tissue.
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Can Acid Reflux Cause Cavities?
By admin | July 18, 2010
YES….acid reflux is extremely harmful to tooth enamel. Acid reflux, GERD, and heartburn causes stomach acid to flow up from the esophagus into the mouth. Once the acid enters the mouth it mixes with saliva and creates an “acid bath” on the teeth. Although enamel is very strong, it cannot withstand the constant acid attack thus the breakdown of enamel occurs. GERD commonly causes dry mouth which causes an added risk of tooth decay because the acid does not rinse off of the tooth surface efficiently. One’s diet also affects acid rising in the stomach. A diet with excessive wine, spicy foods, and coffee can cause high levels of acid in the stomach which in turn causes high acid levels in the mouth. Acid reflux and GERD are often undetected by physicians because in many cases no symptoms occur. Our Riverside Dental Wellness Office often discovers undiagnosed cases of acid reflux and GERD with our clinical examination and Carifree acid level test. Depending on the level of acid in your saliva we may recommend that you visit your primary care physician for an evaluation. If it is determined that you have acid reflux or GERD your physician will place you on a medication to decrease the level of acid in the stomach. Using acid reducer medication along with acid neutralizing mouth rinse and toothpaste will help to protect your enamel. If you suspect that you may have tooth erosion or cavities from acid reflux or GERD please contact our Riverside Dental Wellness office at (951)686-3666.
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