There have been many studies which have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent tooth decay. Your dentist in Walnut Creek can provide what you need to know below.

How Does Sugarless Gum Help Prevent Tooth Decay?

Sugarless gum increases the flow of saliva in the mouth. This helps to wash away debris and other food particles. It also helps to neutralize the acids that are produced by bacteria in the mouth. Saliva provides disease-fighting substances inside the mouth to prevent disease. It also carries more calcium and phosphate with it to strengthen tooth enamel.

How to Pick a Sugarless Gum

Start by looking for a chewing gum that has the ADA seal of approval on it. All of these gum brands are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as xylitol, aspartame, mannitol or sorbitol.

What’s Wrong with Gum that Contains Sugar?

Chewing gum with sugar will also increase the saliva flow, but it contains sugar which is damaging to the teeth. Sugar can cause a growth of plaque bacteria that will turn into decay-causing acids.

Chewing Gum as Part of Your Oral Care Routine

When you aren’t able to brush or floss after a meal, chewing sugarless gum is a great option, but don’t ever let it completely replace your oral care routine. It is still important to maintain good practices that will keep your teeth clean and healthy.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each
• Floss your teeth once per day
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol
• Eat a healthy diet
• Visit your dentist twice a year for checkups and professional cleaning

Swallowing gum can cause health issues. That’s why it is important that you supervise your children while they chew gum. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children be at least 4 years old before chewing gum.

If you are unsure which sugarless gum would be best for you, be sure to speak with your dentist in Walnut Creek. They will be able to offer recommendations as well as offer you a comprehensive checkup to look for any issues you aren’t aware of.

Soft drinks are one of the major sources of tooth decay. It affects people of all ages regardless of how well they perform oral hygiene. The acids and sugar found in the drinks soften the tooth enamel which allows for cavities to form. In extreme cases, the soft enamel is combined with other factors such as improper hygiene or grinding of teeth which lead to tooth loss.

Sugar-free drinks might seem like a good solution but they still offer a good amount of acidic properties that can cause problems

Statistics about Soft Drinks

• At least one in two children drink a soft drink daily.
• One in five children drink a minimum of four soft drinks a day.
• Teenagers drink as many as 12 soft drinks a day.
• In the 50s, a large soft drink was 6.5 ounces. Now the large is 20 ounces or more.

What Should We Do?

The first thing that we must do is lower the consumption of soft drinks we consume. Start by substituting other drinks. Pick beverages that contain less sugar and acid. Healthy choices would include water, 100-percent fruit juices and milk. To get your children to drink them, you need to drink them as well and set a good example.

When you do drink a soft drink, rinse your mouth with water to remove residual acids and sugars from the tooth enamel. You can also brush with your fluoride toothpaste and use a rinse. Fluoride has been shown to reduce cavities and strengthen the enamel.

While attending the bi-annual checkups with your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist, you can have the dental hygienist apply fluoride treatments in the form of a gel, rinse or foam. This will further strengthen the enamel.

If you can cut out soft drinks altogether, that is the best option. It is better for your health and your mouth.

Conclusion

There is no question that soft drinks are tough on your teeth. By cutting back on your consumption and practicing good oral hygiene, you significantly lower the chance of cavities. Be sure to visit your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist twice a year and discuss other techniques to counteract any damage being done by soft drinks.

Choosing a toothbrush is an important part of proper dental hygiene. There are many selections available on the market today, so it can be confusing which one to buy. Here’s a simple guide to help you find the right brush.

Main Things Your Dentist in Walnut Creek Suggests to Look for

We all know that brushing twice a day is essential, but you must have the right toothbrush to do that. While there are many aspects to the toothbrush that you want to look for, it can be broken down into a few that are very important.

• Pick a brush with a small head so it can move around easier inside your mouth.
• Use a toothbrush that has soft bristles to avoid any gum damage.
• Pick a brush that is comfortable to hold as this will help you brush longer.

What About Special Needs?

Some people experience trouble controlling hand, shoulder or arm movements. If you face similar issues, there are other options available to you to adapt your toothbrush.

• Enlarge the handle with a sponge foam.
• Attach the brush to your hand with a Velcro strap or elastic.
• Lengthen the brush with a rod or stick.
• Bend your toothbrush handle.
• Try using an electric toothbrush if you have trouble with fine movements.

Proper Care of the Toothbrush

Once you’ve picked the toothbrush you wamt to use, be sure to follow these steps to properly care for it.

• Never share your toothbrush with someone else.
• Rinse your brush thoroughly after every use and allow to air-dry.
• Store your toothbrush upright and don’t allow it to touch any others.
• Never store in a closed container.
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or whenever the bristles begin to look bent and worn.

Having the right toothbrush is key to good dental hygiene. Taking proper care of it is just as important. If you have questions or concerns about the toothbrush you are using, be sure to speak with your dentist in Walnut Creek. They are sure to have some recommendations on what is best for you. They can also offer other tips on how to care for your toothbrush. Remember to brush twice a day for best results.

Everyone has oral health concerns they would rather not discuss with others. These issues can range from bad breath to mouth sores. No matter how uncomfortable these issues make you, remember your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist can help! We will help you weed through these ailments and find solutions to your most embarrassing conditions.

Bad Breath

Often referred to as halitosis, bad breath is often the result of poor dental hygiene. When you fail to brush and floss properly, bacteria and rotting food will collect in the mouth and create a bad odor.

Sometimes, bad breath is caused by a medical disorder. Respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, diabetes and sinusitis can all result in bad breath as well. If you take medications for dry mouth conditions, you may suffer from bad breath as a side effect.
Another reason for bad breath could be your diet. If you like onions and garlic, you may want to cut back a little. If you are a smoker, you should attempt to quit.

Mouth Sores

Lots of people suffer from canker sores and cold sores. They can be painful, ugly and annoying. Canker sores will appear inside the mouth and typically heal on their own in about a week. You can use topical anesthetics to provide temporary pain relief. Cold sores appear on the outside of the mouth and will also heal in about a week. If you suffer from frequent outbreaks, your dentist could prescribe an antiviral drug to reduce infections.

Tooth Decay

Most of the time tooth decay is caused by poor dental hygiene. You can prevent issues by brushing twice daily and flossing once. Avoid acidic foods as well as they will erode the enamel on the teeth.

Receding Gums

Gum disease can cause the gums to become red and swollen. Over time this will cause the gums that support your teeth to become damaged and start to pull away from your teeth. Your dentist will be needed to help treat gum conditions and enable you to save your teeth.

No matter how embarrassing you may feel your issues are, your dentist has heard them all before. Never be ashamed to talk with your Walnut Creek cosmetic dentist about your oral health. They will be able to ease your fears and help you achieve a healthy oral well-being.

Please give our office a call at 925-937-9017 today to schedule an appointment!

Micro-beads were an exceptional invention when it hit the market. They were bits of plastic that were great as abrasives in things like toothpaste and face scrubs. It wasn’t long before environmental committees noticed that micro-beads didn’t break down at all, which meant big trouble for our ecosystem.

Micro-beads would get washed or rinsed out and end up mostly in filtration systems. However, some would get through and end back in the water system. Fish and animals end up eating them and then they end up on our plates and in our stomachs.

The biggest downside to micro-beads was something product-makers hadn’t considered. Eventually, when plastic breaks down, it becomes toxic on a molecular level. This means that eventually, the microbeads that fish and animals consume will make us sick.

If that isn’t enough convince you to skip the micro-bead toothpaste, here are a few more reasons:

1. The microbeads get stuck in your gums and pores.

Whether you use a micro-bead toothpaste or face scrub, the tiny pieces of plastic will get stuck in your gums or pores. If they get stuck in your pores, you will likely have breakouts due to blocked pores. If they get stuck in your gums, plaque and tartar will form around the plastic beads, causing more gum irritation and potentially pain.

2. The micro-beads are nearly impossible to get out.

If a micro-bead gets jammed in a pore, you simply have to wait until a pimple forms to expel it, or wait until an infection forms (which will seamlessly reject the plastic). For your gums, your cosmetic dentist in Walnut Creek, CA or hygienist will have to meticulously pick out each piece of plastic or free each bead from its tartar prison.

3. Removing micro-beads is a time-consuming process.

If your dentist or hygienist takes the time to pick out the beads, you could be there for a while. This will make your dental visit longer, which is inconvenient for both you and your dentist office.

Thankfully, micro-beads are being phased out by the end of 2017. If you find that you simply cannot go without right away, simply pledge to not try and buy the stuff online. If you have any questions for your cosmetic dentist  in Walnut Creek, CA, please call our office at 925-937-9017.

Moms are some of the busiest people that we have ever seen come into a dental office. Why is this? They are not only helping with the kids, they are concerned about the home, they handle almost everything in the house to make it run smoothly. When this is the case, moms often let their own health, including their dental health, go. They often put off those appointments, or do not care for their teeth as they should.

Busy Moms: The Problems We See

There are several problems that your dentist in Walnut Creek sees with busy moms when they do come into the office for their dental checkups. These problems include:

• Cavities that are not treated
• Improper brushing techniques
• They are not flossing
• Their teeth are often discolored from teas or coffee

These are all problems that can be corrected with the help of a dentist. However, a busy mom can make this easier on herself through taking care of herself. While her main goal may be to care for the family, she must remember that her dental health is just as important.

Tips for Busy Moms and their Teeth

While there are several tips that we can offer moms for their teeth health, there are three main tips to remember. These tips:

1. Always brush your teeth twice a day. Many moms are guilty of not brushing their teeth as much as they should. Why? They are devoting themselves to the care of others.
2. Watch what you eat! It is so easy for moms to have a bad diet as they may simply snack on the leftovers that the kids have left, they may grab some sugar more than they should as they need a little pick me up. Watch you eat is going to dictate your dental health!
3. Always have your teeth cleaned by professionals when this is scheduled. Your dentist can provide a deeper clean to get those things that you may miss, and catch any problems before it goes into even more issues!

Moms, we get it, you have a busy day. However, do not forget that to provide the best care for your family, you too must feel great. Your dentist in Walnut Creek is just one of those people who can help you to be your best! Give us a call today to schedule your visit by reaching us at (925) 937-9017.

When it comes to our teeth there are accidents that happen every day that can lead to issues. One of the most common issues that is seen by your dentist in Walnut Creek are chipped teeth. These can happen for numerous reasons and in many cases, the person simply goes on with their life. However, for other people, a chipped tooth is something that causes embarrassment because their smile is not what it used to be.

Are Chipped Teeth a Big Deal?

Are chipped teeth that big of a deal? This is what many people ask. They often think that as long as the tooth is still present, then chipping this tooth is not that big of a deal. However, a chipped tooth can be a big deal. What makes this chip worse for a person?

• The location of the chip
• The size of the chip
• And the overall health of their teeth

Repairing a Chipped Tooth with Your Dentist in Walnut Creek

For those who do chip a tooth, they should not let this go. Instead, they should make an appointment with their dentist in Walnut Creek as soon as possible. A chipped tooth is not something that you should let go. Why is this?

1. A chip in the tooth can mean cracking later in life, meaning more damage to the tooth as they age.
2. If the tooth is chipped closer to the root, this could result in needing a root canal due to the root being damaged and causing pain.
3. The use of crowns, caps or a veneer may be needed in order to make the tooth look as good as it did before the chip.

One important fact to remember is that when a tooth is chipped, there is no fixing this with the piece that has been broken off the tooth. This is why people should practice safe sports, and avoid using their teeth as a way to pry open things, something that many people do. Chipping a tooth is a bigger deal than what most people think. It can lead to problems later, so be sure to visit your local dentist if you were to suffer with a chipped tooth.

Our professional-grade teeth whitening is the most effective option for keeping your teeth white and can only be found in certain dental offices. Many of the teeth whitening kits you see in the stores do not get the job done and are a waste of money, especially if your favorite foods are highly acidic or contain tannins.

Teeth whitening will also give you a more youthful appearance. Avoiding certain foods, if possible, can aid in slowing down the staining of teeth and reduce the number of teeth whitening sessions you may need over a lifetime with your cosmetic dentist in Walnut Creek.

If you want to reduce teeth staining, then avoid these foods and drinks

• Tea
• Coffee
• Wine (red and white!)
• Acidic fruits
• Candy
• Soda
• Dark colored fruits and berries
• Pickles
• Tomatoes
• Soy Sauce
• Beets

Keep your teeth whiter for longer period with teeth whitening and with regular cleanings

Cutting out soda and candy is always a good idea for our bodies and teeth, but certain fruits, veggies, and beverages may have great health benefits that would not be worth cutting out of a diet completely. Teeth whitening helps this! After a teeth whitening session, you may need to avoid all of the foods above for a set amount of time to get the maximum benefits.

Don’t forget that teeth cleanings provide whitening benefits as well! Teeth cleanings help to smooth the fine cracks in tooth enamel that leads to yellow tints. To change deep discolorations, dentists will recommend regular teeth whitening until the desired color is achieved.

If you’d like to learn more information or schedule a consultation for a brighter smile, just call your cosmetic dentist in Walnut Creek at (925) 937-9017.

How To Avoid Black Triangles Around Dental Implants

Dental implants restore the missing teeth. Its design is founded on the teeth’s normal structure.  They are artificial teeth roots that are directly placed into the jaw bone for maximum strength. They keep your crowns/teeth intact and function and look like natural teeth. Dental implants can last long when they are properly maintained, but the most challenging part is avoiding black triangles around your dental implants. Learn from your Dentist in Walnut Creek about avoiding black triangle around your Walnut Creek Dental Implants.

Here’s how to avoid them:

• Firm Foundation

The most significant part of your dental implant, which you often overlook, is the bone supporting the implant. A good quality and density of bone volume are needed to guarantee that the implant stays firm in place. The bone holds your gums and the soft tissues. By having a firm foundation of the bone support, black triangles can be avoided.

• Managing Tissue Around The Dental Implants

It’s important to take care and support the gum tissue to avoid black triangles around dental implants. The best time to apply dental implant is right after tooth extraction. In this manner, the implant can fit in at once to support the gums. Extra care is needed in the tooth extraction so that it won’t harm the bones, gums, or adjacent teeth.

• Attractive Crowns

Lastly, it’s very crucial to ensure that the dental crown is formed accurately to fit in the size and form of your gums.  The dental crown has to blend in well with your adjacent teeth. It should fill the void to eliminate spaces and gaps that can cause black triangles around dental implants spaces. The ultimate touch is to have attractive crowns that match your natural teeth.

Conclusion

 Dental implants are a remarkable work of science that lets you replace your lost teeth with wonderful and natural looking new teeth. However, you have a corresponding responsibility in taking care of them. You must be careful in taking supplements and medications as they can affect implant healing, as well as the bone structure and density. A well-balanced diet and enough sun exposure for Vitamin D production are ideal. Contact us, your Walnut Creek Dentist to learn more about Dental Implants.

Smile design: definition and process

A lot of people complain that their teeth don’t look good and that they don’t feel confident enough to flash the smile that they want. A smile design can change all of that. Learn from your Dentist Walnut Creek about what is involved in this process.

What is a Smile Design?

A smile design is a process that literally redesigns your entire smile to give you a perfect smile you’ve always wanted.  Some steps in doing a smile design would be filling up the gaps, straightening out the teeth, and shaping it out properly.

What is the Procedure of a Smile Design?

Step 1: Consultation

The first step in the procedure is the consultation wherein the patient will meet with the dentist and plan for the whole process. It is in this stage where the dentist will work together with the patient to design the desired plan.

Step 2: Preparation

The next step is the preparation of the patient. The preparation would involve cleaning and also prepare the teeth for the process. The preparation includes evaluating the teeth to create the crown and veneers.

Step 3: Making of Crowns and Veneers

After the preparation of the teeth, the third step is to make the crowns and the veneers that can help straighten the teeth. These veneers will have to stay on after the procedure.

Step 4: Teeth Restoration and Replacement

After the preparation of the crowns and the veneers, the dentist will first do a teeth restoration if there are cavities or decays. Teeth replacements may also be done at this stage if there are missing teeth. Implants can be done here to fill in the gaps.

If you are interested in going through a smile design, then these are some of the things that you should know about. By knowing what a smile design is and how it works, you can now go ahead and get the beautiful smile that you’ve always wanted.