Overall and Oral Health are Connected

Taking care of your teeth should be at the top of the list when it comes to your overall health. According to your Corona dentist, oral health could affect your teeth and gums.

 The Link Between Overall and Oral Health

Your dentist in Corona explains that gum disease is the connection. Gum disease is an inflammation of the mouth caused by bacteria. If bacteria are allowed to float into your blood stream, you could be in for some serious problems including heart failure and stroke.

 Good Oral Hygiene is the Key

During a comprehensive dental examination in Corona, your dentist will examine your entire mouth including your tissues, throat, neck, and tongue checking for anything out of the ordinary. If any lumps, bumps or patches are discovered a biopsy may be recommended for further examination.

Because problems are detected in your mouth, your dentist could be the first to discover anything. In fact, early detection leads to a higher survival rate.

 Good Oral Hygiene Tips

Your dentist in Corona explains that good oral hygiene means brushing twice and flossing once each day. You should also use a good antibacterial mouthwash. Good oral hygiene also includes following a healthy diet that is full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to include calcium as this helps build strong bones and teeth. Probably the most important oral hygiene tip is regular visits with your Corona dentist.

Your dentist can detect any problems and be able to help you deal with tooth decay and gum disease preventing problems that are more serious in the future. Cavities and gingivitis won’t go away on their own and could result in root canal therapy or root scaling and planing.

If you would like to learn more about the oral and overall health connection, call and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Corona today.

Holiday Treats that are Bad for Teeth

The holidays have arrived and that means lots of holiday goodies. However, those sweet and savory treats that are not so good for your waistline are not good for your teeth either. In fact, some foods can cause serious damage to your teeth.

According to your family dentist in Corona, some foods you can skip will keep you out of the dentist’s chair before your regularly scheduled dental appointment.

 Starchy Foods that are Bad for Teeth

Pretzels, Christmas cakes, cookies and your grandmothers favorite gingerbread men may be delicious, but they are bad for teeth. Because starchy foods convert to bacteria and acid and stick to the backs of your teeth, they can wear down the enamel on your teeth. If you must indulge, make sure to rinse and brush afterwards.

Sticky Foods that are Bad for Teeth

Most sticky foods are bad for teeth. From sweet and gooey caramels to your favorite dried apricots, figs, dates and pineapple, sticky foods stick between your teeth eating away at the enamel on your teeth. Sticky foods can also cause problems for your dental restorations. Try enjoying along with a meal or avoid sticky foods completely.

Citrus Fruits in Moderation

Heading to the fruit basket instead of the sweets table at your work Christmas party is good for your waistline, but best to enjoy in moderation. Citrus fruits are bad for teeth as they are highly acidic and loaded with natural sugar. Your Corona family dentist recommends that you enjoy fruit as part of a meal. If you do snack on a tangerine during a break make sure to chase it with a glass of water.

Regular Dental Checkups for Healthy Teeth and Gums

If you want to keep your teeth and gums healthy over the holidays, try to avoid damaging foods and don’t forget to schedule your annual comprehensive dental examination with your dentist in Corona today.

CEREC® for a New Smile in a Day

CEREC® is the amazing restoration process that takes place in a single dental appointment depending on how many teeth you are having restored. CEREC®, known as Chairside Economic Restorations of Esthetic Ceramics, is a remarkable treatment that repairs chips, cracks, and old dental restorations. If you were considering porcelain veneers but have badly damaged teeth, your Corona Dentist may recommend CEREC® instead.

What Is CEREC® Used For?

Your cosmetic dentist in Corona uses CEREC® for large cavities and to repair teeth that are require a crown. If you have teeth that are badly damaged, have large cavities or not enough tooth to hold up to an onlay or inlay, CEREC® may be the answer.

Is CEREC® Strong?

CEREC® can last for a decade or more as long as you practice good oral hygiene. CEREC® has improved over the years and is now just as strong as ceramic crowns and metal to porcelain crowns. It’s also much safer for your teeth as less of the natural tooth needs to be removed.

Traditional dental crowns require enamel removal for a good fit and some may require additional enamel removal from your abutment or connecting teeth. This makes CEREC® the perfect alternative if you are less than comfortable with enamel removal.

Are All Dentists CEREC® Approved?

Not all dentists are CEREC® approved. As the entire process takes place in the dental office, a dental practice would have to invest in the CEREC® technology. That technology includes the CEREC® computer system and the CEREC® milling machine.

All of this technology takes continued education. Your cosmetic dentistry team in Corona are preferred CEREC® providers and can give you the smile of your dreams in just one dental appointment.

If you would like more information regarding CEREC®, call and schedule an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Corona today.

Professional Tooth Whitening for Better Results

Professional tooth whitening will lighten your teeth up to 10 shades, which is much whiter than over the counter pastes, gels, and polishes. With professional tooth whitening in Corona, your smile will be white, bright, and safe. People who have overused tooth-whitening products have reported damage to their teeth.

Unlike non-prescription tooth whitening products, professional tooth whitening products are prescribed for use. People who love to whiten their teeth will often use too much product too often. Your Corona dentist has seen quite a few patients who have over whitened their teeth.

What is Tooth Whitening Used For?

People who have badly stained teeth from red wine and other foods and older people with yellow teeth will see an improvement with professional tooth whitening. Ask your dentist if your interior staining can be helped with tooth whitening as not all products work for intrinsic stains.

How Can Over Whitening Damage My Teeth?

When you over whiten your teeth, you could be damaging the enamel. Some problems that can occur from over whitening include gum irritation, weak enamel, chalky teeth and teeth that are see through. Over whitening can even damage the roots of your teeth.

If you over use tooth whitening strips, pastes, gums, gels and DIY whitening trays your teeth won’t be as lustrous.

Over the counter products, contain less hydrogen peroxide, which is the agent that bleaches your teeth. The products used by your dentist in Corona contain more.

Because your teeth will reach a plateau with the peroxide, they will not get any whiter. What will happen is that the proteins in your enamel will begin to break down altering the structure.

Professional Tooth Whitening

Because the tooth whitening process is monitored, your risk of overuse is minimal provided you follow your dentist’s instructions. Dentists also use a shade guide to make sure that your teeth are not over bleached.

If you are considering tooth whitening, talk to your dentist in Corona. A beautiful smile happens when it’s a professional one. Call for a professional tooth whitening consultation in Corona today.

Good Oral Hygiene for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Healthy teeth and gums start with good oral hygiene habits. One of those habits is a good healthy diet for everyone in the family. Watching what you eat is easy, but being diligent about what your partner and your kids put in their mouths on a daily basis can be tough.

According to your Corona Dentist, there are some things you can do to create healthy dietary habits even when the family isn’t home.

Start with a Good Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Start your family off with some hot cereal or a plate of bacon and eggs. Skip the sugary cereals and opt for pancakes, waffles, or French toast. Although they do contain sugar, it’s not the processed stuff you’ll find in packaged breakfast cereals.

Snack time is the Right Time

If your kid’s friends are used to bags of chips and Doritos at snack time your children don’t have to be part of the mix. Pack after school snacks or fill the fridge with fruits and veggies, chunks of cheese and some salami or lunchmeat. Pack a tuna salad and you can bet your kids will be the most popular in the neighborhood.

Dinnertime means Healthy Eating

One of the best times the dinner table. It’s a chance where everyone gets to sit down, enjoy each other’s company, and talk about their day.

Make sure that you prepare healthy meals, skip the urge for fast food, and enjoy the time with your family. Encourage your kids and your partner to slow down, chew their food, and wait until everyone is finished before excusing themselves from the table.

When it comes to healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene don’t forget your diet and your dental checkups. Call your Corona Dentist and schedule everyone’s dental checkup today.

Eating Disorders and Teeth and Gums

Billions of people all over the planet suffer from anorexia nervosa, bulimia, binging and purging or a combination of the two. Men, women, and even children starve themselves or binge and purge to become the person they think they should be. A lack of low self-esteem and the constant push by the media to stay thin has people striving to become a person that they never will be.

What is Anorexia Nervosa?

Anorexia is an eating disorder that causes a person to lose interest in food. Through constant dieting and exercise, people with this eating disorder starve themselves surviving on 100 calories a day. Anorexia causes problems for teeth and gums, as the person who suffers isn’t getting proper nutrition. People with malnutrition will deal with tooth decay and gum disease.

What is Bulimia?

Unlike anorexia, bulimics will eat food and force themselves to throw up. Although some believe that all bulimics eat massive amounts of food before purging, some don’t, and will throw up even the smallest meal.

Just like anorexics, bulimics will suffer from tooth decay thanks to the acid in the vomit. Acid causes enamel erosion leading to periodontal disease and dental caries. Without attention enamel, erosion and loose teeth will lead to tooth loss.

Binging and Purging

People who suffer from this eating disorder will eat large quantities of food before throwing up. Some people who binge and purge will visit four or five fast food restaurants consuming a half a dozen hamburgers and three orders or fries, all supersized. Once the food has been eaten, the person will vomit it up only to start all over again.

Eating disorders cause problems for teeth and gums and the rest of your body. If you or someone you know is suffering from an eating disorder, it is important that you seek medical care and schedule an appointment with your dentist for a thorough checkup.

Call for a dental appointment today.

Constant Dieting Can Ruin Teeth and Gums

If you are constantly dieting, your teeth and gums could be affected. People who limit food intake and embark on crazy diets run the risk of damaging tooth enamel and gum tissue.

Before you start any diet, see your primary care physician and your dentist to make sure you are healthy to begin any type of diet.

Keto Diet

This popular diet eliminates carbohydrates from the diet. People who are successful on the diet will go through ketosis. This process causes the body to burn fat, not carbohydrates.

Although there is nothing to indicate tooth or gum damage with the Keto or low carb diet, it will affect your breath. People in ketosis will have breath that smells like old fruit or nail polish remover. Chew on natural herbs such as mint, and, God forbid, eat a carb or two. Adding carbs every occasionally will keep your halitosis at bay.

Diets Low in Fat

Interring with the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, diets that are low in fat deplete the body of much needed nutrients. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are vital for oral health. Vitamin D is very important as it helps calcium absorption. Calcium builds strong teeth.

Diets that are low in fat also can stress as your body lacks essential omega-3 fatty acids. Teeth clenching and grinding is often a result of stress and anxiety.

Low Calorie Diets

You will see better results on the scale if you cut calories. However, doing so can deplete your body of vitamins and minerals, and you guessed it, will lead to malnutrition. People who do not get enough nutrition will have soft enamel and spongy gums. Soft enamel causes cavities and spongy gums cause gingivitis or the more serious periodontal disease.

Ask your doctor about a sensible diet plan that does not cut so many calories.

Before you start any diet talk to you primary care physician. Schedule an appointment with your dentist and make sure to take care of your teeth and gums.

Call for a dental checkup with your dentist in Corona today.

Facial Protection Month Means Custom Made Mouthguards

Spring is here and that means Facial Protection Month is just around the corner! Facial Protection Awareness Month happens every April and is meant to help people become more aware of head, facial and mouth injuries that are related to sports. Many facial and oral injuries could have been prevented had the athlete used safety equipment when participating. However, according to your dentist in Corona, keeping your head safe, especially your teeth and gums, also includes a custom-made mouth protector.

Most contact sports such as soccer, football, and hockey require players to wear mouthguards, but it isn’t just contact sports enthusiasts that need to purchase a custom made mouth protector. According to the American Dental Association and the American association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons Facial Protection Month is meant to encourage people who play all sports to be aware of helmets, safety equipment and custom-made mouthguards. You may think you are safe on the racquetball court, but if your opponent accidentally hits you in the mouth with his racquet, you will wish you had scheduled an appointment with your dentist for a custom-made mouth protector.

Although there are three types of mouth protector’s available, custom-made mouthguards are the best as they are custom made to fit your teeth. Unlike the other types of mouth protectors available, you can be assured of a tight fit that allows you to talk and breathe. Standard and boil and bite mouthguards, which are available at a sports store or pharmacy, may be less expensive, but they won’t be if you end up spending the day in the ER because you left your cumbersome boil and bite mouthguard in your gym bag.

Keep you and your family safe this spring and summer with a custom-made mouthguard from your Corona dentist. After all, wouldn’t you rather be on the field then in the Emergency Room?

Call and schedule your appointment today.

Cosmetic Dentistry Corona for a New You

Cosmetic Dentistry could be the answer, and if you are searching for a good cosmetic dentist in Corona, look no further than Dental Care Corona. Dental Care Corona has the tools and the team to give you the smile you deserve and best of all, in most cases; you won’t have to run all over town to complete your cosmetic dental procedure.

Whatever your needs, the best cosmetic dentist in Corona can help you take care of them whether you have crooked teeth, or would just like a brighter smile. Dental Care Corona are the experts when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Corona.

Crooked Teeth can affect the Health of Teeth and Gums

Having a beautiful smile is not only good for your self-esteem, but can also be good for your overall oral health. Having chipped or cracked teeth or teeth that are tipped or rotated makes it tough to brush and floss. Cosmetic dentistry is good for your smile and good for the health of your teeth and gums.

Some of the cosmetic dental procedures that your Corona Dentist may recommend include:

• Dental Implants
• Porcelain Veneers
• Cosmetic Dental Bonding
• Inlays or Onlays
• Natural Tooth Colored Fillings
• Dental Crowns
• Clear Braces
• Tooth Whitening
• Dental Bridges

How Long will My New Smile Take?

Some of these procedures, such as in office tooth whitening and cosmetic dental bonding can be completed in a single dental visit while porcelain veneers require three dental appointments. If your Corona Dentist recommends dental implants, the entire procedure could take up to a year to complete.

If your smile leaves a bad taste in your mouth schedule an appointment with Dental Care Corona. Dental Care Corona can give you a reason to grin in as little as one dental appointment.

So what are you waiting for? Call or click today. 

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. 

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.

Sweet Treats You Should Avoid

Sweet treats announce the arrival of the holiday season, and if you and your family like to indulge in sweet treats there are some that you should try to avoid, or at least enjoy on occasion.

Sticky Candy

Gummy bears and those delicious caramels that your Aunt Dottie always likes to send for Christmas may be yummy, but they have a tendency to stick into the cracks and fissure on your back teeth and between your teeth, and unfortunately that sticky candy can’t be moved by your saliva. If you do enjoy, brush and rinse with water as soon as you can.

Dried Fruit

Just like gooey candy, dried fruit can stick to your teeth as well, and what’s worse, it will stay there much longer after you have eaten that fig, dried apricot or dried prune. Dried fruit may be good for your diet, but it doesn’t do much good for your teeth. Brush after eating and if you must indulge, include your dried fruit with the rest of a meal.

Hard Candy

Sourballs, butterscotch, and those never-ending candy canes are great to suck on, but are literally coating your teeth in a sugar bath. Hard candy can also chip and even break a tooth. Keep hard candy to a minimum and if you must, don’t bite down.

Fruit Cake

Starchy foods are bad enough for your teeth as the doughy goodness from that piece of bread or scrumptious soft pretzel will stay with you. Add sticky fruit from your Grandmothers favorite cranberry and fig bread to the mix and your teeth will pay the price. Eat fruitcake and bread with a meal and rinse with water after you enjoy.  

Citrus

Oranges, limes, grapefruit and lemons are abundant during the winter months, but that doesn’t mean you should over-indulge. Citrus fruits are loaded with sugar and acid that eat away at the enamel on your teeth. Try eating fruit as part of a meal and never suck on a lemon.

If you are trying to stay healthy by watching your weight over the holidays, make sure and pay attention to your diet and your teeth and gums, and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your dentist for your regular dental checkup. 

Signs You Need to See your Dentist

If you haven’t scheduled a checkup with your dentist for some time, you may want to pick up the phone and make an appointment. Below are some indications that could mean a trip to the dentist’s office.

Pain

Any kind of pain in your mouth is an indication that something is not right. If you have a toothache, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist. Ignoring that nagging pain could make things worse. Cavities do not go away and if left alone could get so bad that a root canal is necessary.

Gum Issues

If your gums are red, swollen and/or bleed when you brush and floss, you may have gum disease. Seeing your dentist as quickly as possible can solve your problem, however, if you ignore it, your gingivitis could develop into the more serious periodontal disease that could lead to tooth loss.

Hidden Grin

Hiding your smile is a sure sign that you are not happy with what you see in the mirror. A chipped or missing tooth or stained teeth can all be helped with a trip to your dentist’s office.

Previous Dental Work

If you have crowns, dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental bonding, fillings or any other type of restorative or cosmetic dentistry it is important to see your dentist regularly to make sure that your mouth stays in good shape.

Medical Issues

If you have eating disorders, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or if you are HIV positive you may be more susceptible to gum disease and other oral issues. See your dentist if you are having chemotherapy, hormone replacement, or radiation as it can affect your oral health.

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should never miss regular checkups. Seeing your dentist is important as women who are expecting may suffer from gum disease. Just make sure that you notify your dentist of your pregnancy. If you are planning a pregnancy, see your dentist beforehand.  

Problems Eating

If you are having problems chewing or swallowing your food, it is not normal. Consume liquids and soft food and get to the dentist as quickly as possible.

Jaw Pain

You could have a problem if your jaw pops when you open and close your mouth. Schedule an appointment with your dentist as you could have a TMJ disorder or an uneven bite.

Sores and Spots

A doctor or dentist should look at white patches, cold sores, canker sores and other problems that last longer than a week, as mouth sores could be an indication of something more serious.

If you have any of the above issues, or can’t remember the last time you saw your dentist, call, or click and schedule an appointment today. 

Womens Oral Health Issues

Women’s Oral Health should be emphasized when it comes to overall well-being as women have hormonal changes that can affect gum health.

During puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause, women’s hormones fluctuate dramatically and according to your dentist can cause gum disease and other issues including dry mouth.

Puberty

When a woman’s progesterone and even estrogen levels increase, the sex hormones cause a woman’s blood circulation to increase to the gums. The gums may become more sensitive, which could lead to a reaction to any type of irritation including food debris and plaque. During puberty gums could become swollen, feel tender and appear red.  

Menstruation

Menstruation gingivitis is a condition that some women have right before a period begins. Once it has started, the menstruation gingivitis usually clears up. If you are having this occur more often, and not when you are menstruation, contact your dentist, as your gum disease could be recurring.

Pregnancy

If you are expecting a baby, you are more susceptible to gum disease from the second or third month through to the eighth month. The severity of symptoms may increase with bleeding, swelling, and redness. If left untreated gum disease in pregnant women could cause low birth weights and premature births.

Menopause and Post Menopause

Menopausal or post-menopausal women can experience mouth changes that include mouth discomfort, pain, and burning in the gum tissue, dry mouth or an altered taste, which could be sour, peppery, or salty. Known as menopausal gingivostomatitis it can make a woman’s gums appear shiny or dry and make them bleed more easily. Ask your doctor about estrogen supplements that can help relieve the symptoms.

Bone loss is also associated with menopause and post menopause. Increase your intake of sodium rich foods such as cheese and yogurt, which can also help your teeth. Calcium supplements may also be recommended for severe bone loss issues.

If you would like more information regarding Women’s Oral Health, schedule an appointment with your dentist today. 

Dental Checkups This Fall

Fall is around the corner, and if you haven’t scheduled dental checkups with the family, it’s time to make those appointments.

School and extracurricular activities can get in the way of dental appointments, and before you know it, the holidays will be here.

Neglecting dental checkups can cause all sorts of problems even if you and your family are meticulous about oral hygiene. Below are just a few of the issues that can occur if you skip those regular dental checkups.

Tooth Decay

You and your family may be proud of your twice-daily brushing habits, but unless you throw dental appointments into the mix, you could be asking for cavities. Your dentist explains that professional cleanings should be conducted during your regular dental checkups to remove the sticky plaque and tartar. Bacteria, plaque, and acid can erode the enamel on your teeth making you more susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Gum Disease

Neglecting much needed dental appointments can cause gum disease. You and your family may floss every day, but you still need checkups for professional dental cleanings. Gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease, is reversible, but only if you catch it in time. Unfortunately, some patients are not even aware that they have gum disease until it progresses to the more serious periodontal disease. Periodontal disease occurs when pockets form between your teeth and gums. Those pockets are full of plaque and tartar that will eat away your gums. If you have swollen, red, or bleeding gums, see your dentist as quickly as possible.

Other Health Issues

Poor oral hygiene has been linked to several other health problems including Alzheimer’s disease, stroke and congenital heart failure and although studies are still being conducted it appears that bacteria enters the blood stream through the gums. People who have hardening of the arteries have a higher percentage of periodontal disease as do people who suffer from diabetes.

If you and your family have been neglecting your dental appointments, schedule one today. Your health really does depend on it.