Holiday Treats to Avoid at Parties

During the holidays, it is vital that you steer clear of the sweets table for the sake of your teeth and gums. When you munch on healthy party food, you will be more likely to get a green light the next time you see your dentist. However, it is easy to be tempted when it comes to holiday treats to avoid.

Keeping your teeth and gums healthy throughout the year is easy, but once those holiday parties start rolling around, it may be tough to stick to good oral hygiene. If you love the dried fruit that your grandmother sends you every year, be sure to rinse after you enjoy. That sticky fig will stay around much longer and can be hard to budge, even after you brush.

Try to avoid starchy foods as much as you can. Christmas cookies and cakes, and especially those fruitcakes that are both starchy and filled with the sticky fruit mentioned above. It’s double trouble when it comes to your Aunt Betty’s prized Brandied Fruit Cake.

Your dentist in Corona recommends sipping on water between those holiday drinks. That champagne punch may be delicious, but it can cause problems with your teeth. The sugar in the punch and the fizz in the bubbly can cause acid erosion on your teeth.

Good oral hygiene, including regular checkups with your dentist and enjoying a good healthy diet will go a long way in protecting your teeth and gums and your overall long-term oral health.

Pay attention to your teeth and gums. If you notice anything different, feel any pain, or have swollen or bleeding gums, it is essential that you see your dentist as quickly as possible. You may want to ignore that toothache until after the New Year, but skipping a dental checkup could cause further damage. If a dental emergency should occur, it is vital that you head to the dentist as quickly as possible.

What You May Not Know about Your Toothbrush

If you are like most people, you brush your teeth twice a day with a manual or electric toothbrush that you purchased from your grocery store or pharmacy. However, today’s toothbrush wasn’t even invented until the later part of the 15^th century.

Below are a few more fun facts that you may not know about the tool that you use to brush your teeth.

That first attempt at a, “Toothbrush,” was made from wild boar hair that the Chinese attached to a bamboo stick. Variations of this original brush were used right up to the 20^th century.

When nylon was invented, the modern toothbrush became a mainstay for families all over the globe back in 1938.

Apparently, oral hygiene has been important to all cultures with archeologists uncovering toothbrushes from all over the world. The toothbrushes were made from feathers, animal bones, and porcupine quills.

The first variation of that crude Chinese toothbrush made back in the 15^th century resurfaced after an Englishman invented his version while he was in prison back in 1780. Once he was released, he started mass-producing what would become the Wisdom Toothbrush. Wisdom is still around today, but has certainly changed from the original horsehair and bone toothbrush.

The first chew sticks where unearthed by archaeologists in Babylonia. These chewing sticks were removed from an Egyptian tomb believed to be from 3000 BC. Chewing sticks were also removed from a Chinese Tomb that archaeologists believe to be dated in 1600 BC.

The first patent was granted to HN Wadsworth in 1857, but the mass production of the bore and bone toothbrush didn’t start until 1885. Unfortunately, the animal bristles held on to the bacteria, took too long to dry, and would often fall out.

Believe it or not, brushing twice a day didn’t really take off in America until after WWII when soldiers were ordered to brush every day.

Brushing and flossing are part of daily life, as should regular dental checkups. Call or click and make your dental appointment today. 

How to Prevent Tooth Trauma

Teeth and mouth injuries are responsible for 80 percent of dental injuries that affect your teeth, inner cheeks, lips, tongue, and your gums.

In young children, baby teeth injuries usually result from a baby learning how to walk. There could also be damage from permanent teeth that have not yet erupted. However, sports injuries are the leading cause of 40 percent of dental and mouth injuries in older children and adults. According to your dentist in Corona, there are some things you can do to help prevent mouth injuries.

Mouth Protectors-If you or any member of your family plays any type of sports, your dentist in Corona recommends a custom-made mouthguard to help prevent mouth injuries.

Facecage-Facecages help protect your face from trauma, especially if you play certain sports such as baseball or hockey. If you or someone you know is a hockey goalie or baseball catcher, a Facecage is an essential piece of equipment.

Helmets-Wear a helmet for most sporting activities. Although wearing a helmet will not protect your mouth or your teeth, it will protect your head, and your brain from concussion.

Can Knocked Out Teeth Be Fixed?

A knocked out tooth can be repaired, but it is important that you get to your Corona dentist as quickly as possible. If you have a knocked out tooth you have a higher chance of saving the tooth as it can be placed back in the socket within 60 minutes of the knock out.

If you have just had a tooth knocked out, gently rinse debris from the root of your tooth and try to place it into the socket. If that isn’t possible, hold the tooth between your teeth and gums on your way to the dentist’s office. If this doesn’t work, keep your tooth in milk before your dental appointment.

Even if your knocked out tooth cannot be saved, you will still have something to smile about thanks to the advances in dental technology. Dental implants can be anchored in or on your jawbone with an artificial tooth that will look and feel just like your natural tooth.

If you would like more information regarding tooth trauma or have a dental emergency, call or click and schedule an appointment with your Corona Dentist today.  

Dental Checkups Corona for the Whole Family

Dental checkups are important. It’s impossible to watch your kids 24/7, especially now that school is in session; however, there are some things you can do to help keep your families teeth and gums healthy.

If you haven’t already done so, the first step is to schedule dental checkups for everyone in the family, and that includes you and your partner.

Call or click and schedule an appointment with Dental Care Corona who will thoroughly examine everyone’s teeth and gums. If a problem is detected, the caring and experienced Corona Dental team will discuss the issue before proceeding with a solution.

Dental Care Corona also recommends that you go over everyone’s brushing and flossing habits. Ask the team to show the family how to brush and floss properly. If you and your kids aren’t brushing for two minutes with a soft bristled brush, you may need to, no pun intended, brush up on your oral hygiene skills.

If you have kids, adolescents or teens that may have a bite issue, Dental Care of Corona can help. Dental Care of Corona will assess the situation and recommend orthodontic treatment.

Some signs that one of your kids and teens may need braces include, 

• Late, early, or irregular baby tooth loss
• Problems biting or chewing
• Blocked, misplaced, or crowded teeth
• Jaws that pop shift or make noise
• Cheek biting
• Roof of mouth biting
• Teeth that don’t meet
• Teeth that are misaligned 

Keeping your families teeth healthy should be your main concern. Along with regular physical examinations, you need to schedule dental checkups at least once a year, even more so if you, your kids, or your partner is prone to tooth decay or gum disease.

The holiday season is coming up, and if you are like most people will rarely have time to squeeze in dental checkups.

You still have time, call or click and schedule your dental checkups with Dental Care of Corona today. 

Tooth Whitening May Not Be The Best Option

Tooth whitening may be all you need to give you the smile that you deserve. Tooth whitening really is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure in the world, however, sometimes people go overboard, especially with over the counter whitening products.

According to your Corona Dentist those gels, pastes, strips, and mouth rinses that you purchase from your local pharmacy are not as strong as the prescription whitening products from your dentist. Most whitening agents contain hydrogen peroxide, but the over the counter whiteners don’t have as a high a percentage.

Dental Care of Corona offers both in office tooth whitening and custom made tooth-whitening systems that you take home. Both will give you the confidence you need to flash your pearly whites again. However, tooth whitening doesn’t work for everyone.

If you have interior or intrinsic stains, old restorations, chips, cracks or other issues, your Corona Dentist may recommend other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as cosmetic dental bonding or porcelain veneers.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

This quick and easy treatment can repair chips and cracks, make your teeth longer or shorter, or fill in the small gap between your teeth. Done in a single office visit, dental bonding is not as strong as porcelain veneers, but may be a good option, especially if you do not want any permanent changes.

Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic porcelain veneers are custom made to fit your teeth. They are permanent because a small portion of your natural tooth needs to be removed to make way for the porcelain veneer. During the manufacture of your permanent veneers, your dentist will fit you with temporary veneers if your natural teeth are unsightly.

If you would like more information about tooth whitening, cosmetic dental bonding or porcelain veneers, schedule an appointment with Dental Care of Corona, it really will make a difference to your self-esteem.

Invisalign Instead of Braces for Straight Teeth

Invisalign® is the revolutionary way to straighten teeth, and if you have been reluctant to see a dentist or orthodontist because you don’t want to wear conventional wires, and brackets, talk to Dental Care of Corona who can determine if you are a good fit for Invisalign®.

Old School Braces

Conventional braces can take up to two years to straighten your teeth, but that isn’t the only problem with old school braces. Because you cannot remove the wires and brackets, it is impossible to brush and floss properly. With conventional braces tooth decay and gum disease are both issues. Conventional wires and brackets can also cause pain when adjusted.

Invisalign® Clear Plastic Aligners

Invisalign® consists of a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear between 20 and 22 hours every day. Because you remove your aligners when you eat, brush and floss you are less likely to deal with gum disease or tooth decay.

The Invisalign® Process

Dental Care of Corona will custom make the Invisalign®  trays and give you between 11 and 31 sets of clear plastic trays that you will swap out every week or two depending on your Invisalign® customized tooth straightening plan.

Unlike conventional wires and brackets, you will only need to see your Corona Dentist every 6 weeks to make sure that your Invisalign® treatment is going according to plan. Old school wires and brackets require more frequent dental appointments. Although the average for Invisalign®  wearers is between 9 and 18 months, some patients will have a brand new smile in as little as six months.

If you want to boost your self-confidence and repair your rotated, tipped, or crooked teeth, schedule an appointment with Dental Care of Corona who can determine if Invisalign® is right for you. You really can have the smile that you deserve. Call for a no obligation Invisalign® consultation today. 

Chronic Halitosis Could Be Ruining Your Life

If your chronic halitosis is keeping you away from social engagements, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Although there are several reasons for chronic bad breath, gum disease is at the top of the list. If you have gum disease it’s not just your teeth and gums that will suffer.

Periodontal disease, the more serious form of gum disease, has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease.  Although it is imperative that you schedule an appointment for your chronic halitosis, there are some other reasons for your bad breath.

Dry Mouth-Medications, postnasal drip, tobacco use and certain medical problems can cause dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause bad breath and other teeth and gum problems. Dry mouth occurs because your salivary glands aren’t producing enough saliva. Ask your doctor to switch your medication. If you aren’t on any over the counter or prescribed drugs, talk to your dentist.

Tobacco-Cigarettes, cigars, Hookah pipes, and chewing tobacco are equally as bad as each other. If you smoke or chew, you could be suffering from chronic halitosis. Ask your doctor about kicking the habit. Tobacco also affects your sense of taste and smell, can irritate your delicate gums and can stain your teeth. When you quit chewing or smoking, you may see an increase in your social engagement invitations.

Onions and Garlic-You may love garlic and onions, but be aware that the odor will stay in your system up to 72 hours after you have eaten it. Odorous foods are absorbed into your blood stream, through your skin and into your teeth and gums. Brushing, flossing and mouth rinse will not help the smell go away until the onions, garlic and other odorous foods have been absorbed into your body.

If you have chronic bad breath, schedule an appointment with your Corona Dentist who can determine the cause and come up with a solution to your chronic halitosis. Call or click now.

Stay Safe with a Custom Made Mouthguard

It’s Facial Protection Month and that means a trip to your Corona Dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard this April.

According to the American Dental Association that trip to the emergency room last spring thanks to a blow to the head, could have been avoided if your kids had been fitted with a custom-made mouth protector.

Every year thousands of kids spend their Saturday afternoon in the emergency room instead of on the playing field. If your daughter split her lip because of a fall on the balance beam, a custom fitted mouth protector may have lessened the damage.

Spring sees a flood of kids and adults in the ER thanks to outdoor activities. Patients suffering from facial, mouth and head injuries because of a sports related mishap are spending time and money on procedures that may have been avoided.

Although boxing and football are at the top of the list when it comes to mouth protectors, people who play tennis or like to surf should also talk to the dentist about a custom-made mouth protector.

According to the American Dental Association, mouthguards will protect the face by cushioning the blow. This can also help minimize broken teeth and lip, face, jaw and tongue injuries.

The ADA says that kids aged between 7 and 11 are the most vulnerable when it comes to mouth injuries that are sports related. Add the fact that 60 percent of athletes are more apt to suffer mouth, teeth and gum damage if they do not wear a mouthguard and you will want to schedule an appointment with your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard.

All sports enthusiasts should consider custom made mouth protectors, and although custom-made mouthguards are more expensive than stock or boil and bite, you will save in the long run, especially if an unfortunate accident should occur on the playing field.

Call your dentist for a custom fitted mouthguard and stay safe this spring and summer. 

The Hidden Dangers of Oral Piercing

There are plenty of horror stories telling the tale of a pierced tongue gone wrong. Infection, swelling, and tooth damage are just a few of the dangerous side effects of oral piercing.

According to the Mayo Clinic, some serious problems can occur with oral piercings. Of course, some people never have an issue, but do you really want to take that chance?

Although it may seem about as risky as getting your ears pierced, getting a hole in your tongue could have some serious side effects.

Common Problems

Infection, nerve damage, teeth and mouth injuries, swelling, periodontal disease, and irreversible nerve damage are just a few of the problems you can develop if you have your tongue, lip, or mouth pierced.

Those little barbells and studs may make you look cool, but accidentally bite down on one and you may have second thoughts about having your tongue pierced.

Infections: In a survey of college Students in New York, six percent of those who had oral piercings had a problem after the piercing. Some required a visit to the ER to treat infections with antibiotics. In addition, you will be left with a scar after you remove your stud or post. It may heal quickly, but you will be left with scar tissue.

Tooth Chipping: In one study, over half of the people who had long barbell piercings chipped their teeth. Those in the study who wore them for four years or more had chipping on their back teeth as well.

Gum Recession: Dentists are now discovering that your gums in the front of your mouth are twice as likely to recede after tongue piercing. Experts believe this is because the barbell or stud is constantly being forced against your front teeth. If you have gum recession due to oral piercings, your jawbone will reabsorb into your body. Once the bone is gone, there is nothing to hold your teeth. You may love the look of your pierced tongue, but it could eventually cause you to lose your teeth.

Dental Restoration Damage: If you have dental restorations, you are running the risk of damage. Your beautiful porcelain veneers that your insurance didn’t cover could be ruined with that gold barbell that you cannot get enough of.

If you insist on wearing oral jewelry, dentists recommend wearing acrylic barbells or acrylic balls to lessen the chance of tooth and gum damage.

Although lip, tongue and cheek piercing is all the rage, take a moment to consider what it is doing to the rest of your body. If you are thinking about having your tongue pierced, you may want to reconsider. Losing your teeth over a pretty little piece of jewelry really isn’t worth it.

Talk to a dentist who can help you understand the dangers of oral piercings. It just may change your mind. Call today. 

Drinks that Can Eat Teeth

Your teeth are strong, but just like your bones, aren’t indestructible. What you eat, and especially what you drink, can play a huge roll in your overall mouth health. Good oral hygiene habits are essential for strong teeth, but so are the foods that you eat and the beverages that you drink.

Acidic Drink Danger

High pH levels are responsible for many oral health issues, but it all starts with the acids that can destroy the enamel on your teeth. Enamel erosion is a major problem, as it cannot be reversed. The outer layer of your teeth does not have living cells and is unable to heal itself.

When the enamel on your teeth begins to erode, the dentin that is underneath it will become exposed. Dentin is yellow in color, which could explain why your teeth will begin to discolor if you do not take proper care. Dentin exposure can also lead to tooth sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity cause pain when eating or drinking hot, cold, acidic, spicy, or even sweet food and drinks.

Acidic Drinks to Avoid

Soda-Although diet soda may be helping your waistline, it isn’t doing any good for your teeth. Diet soda is just as bad for enamel erosion as regular soda is. Even small amounts of diet or regular soda can damage teeth.

Fruit Juice-Citrus juices may have vitamins and minerals, but can also be loaded with sugar and tooth damaging acids. Your dentist in Corona explains that lime and lemon juice can be compared to battery acid.

Wine-Wine is also damaging and highly acidic. Red wine contains less acid than white does, but both should be enjoyed in moderation. Red wine can also stain your teeth.

Protection

If you want to keep the enamel on your teeth safe, your dentist in Corona recommends that you limit your intake of acidic drinks that contain high pH levels. Opt for tooth friendly low acid alternatives such as: 

• Water
• Milk
• Black Coffee
• Black Tea
• Green Tea 

If you have already damaged the enamel on your teeth from consuming acidic drinks, your dentist can help with restorative dental procedures such as cosmetic bonding, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers.

For more information regarding enamel protection and restoration, schedule a dental checkup with your dentist in Corona today. 

CEREC Crowns in Two Hours

If the thought of spending two appointments for a dental crown keeps you out of the dentist’s chair, call and schedule an appointment with Dental Care Corona for a new crown in just one dental visit. CEREC® Crowns are created, made, and fitted in about two hours and could be the answer if you would like a beautiful new smile in 2017.

With the amazing CAD/CAM CEREC® system, you can take an extended lunch hour and come back to the office with a gorgeous new smile.

The CEREC® process involves 3D images that are sent to the CEREC® computer system. Once the data has been analyzed, your new tooth will be ready to be sent to the milling machine for manufacturing. The ceramic block used is perfectly matched to the rest of your natural teeth so that your new dental crown will look just like the rest of your natural or restored teeth. The entire process takes a couple of hours. During the milling process, you can relax, read, watch television, or surf the net.

CEREC® can be used for other dental treatments as well including tooth colored fillings, onlays an inlays. CEREC® is safe, effective, and proven to last up to ten years or more. CEREC® can be used for: 

• Tooth colored fillings
• Dental crowns
• Inlays
• Onlays
• Bonding
• Veneers
• Dental Implants 

CEREC® can repair chipped teeth or lengthen your eyeteeth. The CEREC® system also works for cosmetic dental veneers.

Some dentists are now using the CEREC® system to create dental implants to place over the titanium screws used for dental implants. The artificial teeth look and act just as strong, if not stronger than your natural teeth.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC® Crowns or CEREC® for any other dental restoration procedure, call and schedule an appointment with a certified CEREC® dentist today.