As we delight in all summer has to offer including ice cream and ice-cold drinks, there are many of us who despite the warm weather cannot enjoy an ice cream cone or ice-cold drink due to sensitive teeth! Sensitive teeth can be absolutely miserable which is why I am devoting this blog to explain how we can treat your sensitive teeth so that you can enjoy ice cream and cold drinks along side your friends and family.
Sensitive teeth occur when the root of the tooth is exposed in the mouth from gum recession as a result of brushing too hard, teeth grinding, plaque build-up, and tooth decay. Once our Riverside cosmetic dental office has determined the cause of your sensitivity we will be able to guide you in making a decision on treating your condition. We currently offer laser therapies, topical medicaments, and professional toothpastes. We have researched and tested all of our therapies and products and believe that our laser is one of the best options to be used in conjunction with one of our prescription toothpastes, to help eliminate tooth sensitivity over time. Tooth sensitivity can be stubborn at times and our Riverside cosmetic dental office prides itself in problem solving and finding solutions to treat any dental condition. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office’s tooth sensitivity treatments are only a phone call away at (951)686-3666.
I am always amazed at how science and technology continue to revolutionize the medical and dental world. With that said, I want to share with you some information I have come across regarding teeth and stem cells. First off, let me briefly explain how stem cells are used when treating certain diseases and injuries. A stem cell is a cell that is undifferentiated, meaning with science we can alter that cell and grow it into tissue, bone, nerves, muscles etc.
The majority of research to date has been on umbilical cord stem cells which are derived from the blood in the umbilical cord. Until recently, the stem cells from the umbilical cord have proven themselves to be superior to other stem cells found in the body. The reason for this is that “adult stem cells” have only the ability to transform into the tissue from which they came from. So now for the reason why I am so excited; recent research has shown that extracted teeth contain “adult stem cells” which seem to have a much better ability to transform into other cells/tissue than any other “adult stem cell!”
Dental stem cells are found in the part of the tooth called the “pulp,” which most of us call the “root” of the tooth. Dental stem cells can be taken from deciduous “baby” or permanent “adult” teeth and stored for a later date. Of course, there is criteria to follow when examining if an extracted tooth is a candidate for dental stem cell retrieval. It is exciting to me as a parent that I will be able to harvest dental stem cells from my children’s wisdom teeth and deciduous teeth to protect their health for the future. As more information surfaces regarding dental stem cells, I will post it on my blog. Please call our Riverside cosmetic dental office for further questions you may have (951)686-3666.
Toothaches and breaks always seem to occur at the most inopportune time which is why today’s blog is going to help determine what type of action one should take when a dental emergency arrives. It is extremely important to troubleshoot the area in question to be able to answer the following questions:
1. Where in the mouth is the toothache/break?
2. When did the toothache/break occur (while eating or playing sports)?
3. What were you eating/drinking etc. when toothache/break occurred?
4. What type of discomfort is present? (sharp pain or throbbing pain? Sensitivity to hot, cold, sweets? Pain when eating?
Gum pain with bleeding present?)
5. Is there swelling present around the tooth or visible on your face?
6. Is the tooth chipped, partially broken, or broken all the way to the gumline?
7. Is the pain manageable when taking Tylenol?
After gathering the answers to the above questions, it is important to call our Riverside cosmetic dental office. During your phone conversation, our dental team will help you determine when to come into to the office for an evaluation. Persistent pain, swelling, and/or bleeding are all reasons for an immediate visit to our office. However, not all dental traumas indicate an immediate office visit which is why as a patient it is critical to describe your dental emergency. For example, let’s say you were eating an apple and broke off half of your front tooth however you were not in pain; our office would guide you to come in immediately due to the break being in your smile view. Another example would be, while eating lunch you discover that a piece of your molar has broken off but there is no discomfort present; our dental team would recommend that you visit our Riverside cosmetic dental office for treatment of the tooth at your convenience. Our Riverside Cosmetic dental office emergency visits are available 24/7 for acute pain, swelling, and bleeding as well as cosmetic traumas. Please contact our office if you are experiencing any dental trauma at (951)686-3666.
Natural teeth whitening remedies using fruits like strawberries and lemons, baking soda, extra virgin olive oil, and hydrogen peroxide have been around for quite some time. As someone who appreciates holistic medicine and natural products, I thought it would be great to blog on how these common household items work to brighten your smile. First off, I would like to say that the natural home remedies for teeth whitening may or may not work for everyone. Also, please be aware that fruit contains sugar and acid which both can cause decay and enamel erosion if used in excess. I also do not recommend using lemon juice to whiten teeth as it is extremely acidic and will cause damage to the enamel. For further questions on whitening or information on our safe and effective in-office teeth whitening procedures, please call our Riverside cosmetic dental office at (951)686-3666.
Teeth Whitening using Baking Soda: mix water with baking soda to make a thick paste (brush for 2-3 minutes and rinse)
Teeth Whitening using Strawberries and Baking Soda: mix 1 ripe (mashed) strawberry with ½ teaspoon baking soda (use a soft toothbrush to spread mixture over teeth and leave on for 5 minutes, remove mixture with toothpaste and soft brush and rinse)
Teeth Whitening using Hydrogen Peroxide: mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide (brush or swish mixture on teeth for 5 minutes then rinse really well)
Teeth Whitening using Extra Virgin Olive Oil: place E.V.O.O. on a clean white wash cloth (after brushing teeth rub E.V.O.O. onto teeth for a few minutes then brush teeth with toothpaste and rinse)Brush up on what will get you a brighter smile. Learn the difference between white lies and what works, what foods to eat and which ones to avoid….
Many patients are not guided properly in the maintenance of their porcelain veneers. Yes, porcelain veneers are strong however they are not permanent. An individual’s diet and bite directly determine how long their porcelain dental veneers will last, which is typically anywhere from 10-20 years. Our Riverside cosmetic dental office understands the commitment that patients make when investing in porcelain dental veneers; which is why we recommend frequent dental hygiene visits for maintenance. Our dental hygiene team is well versed in the maintenance of porcelain veneers, thus guiding patients in their diets and use of dental products to assist in maximizing their investment.
Here are a few tips to maximize porcelain dental veneers:
- Brushing and flossing frequently
- Frequent dental hygiene visits (quarterly cleanings are recommended)
- Non-abrasive toothpaste
- Avoid frequent snaking (frequent snaking increases risk for tooth decay)
- Limit drinks that contain sugar and citric acid (these drinks increase risk for tooth decay)
- Avoid using teeth as tools (biting plastics etc.)
- Be sure your dental hygienist is aware you have porcelain veneers
- Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages (the alcohol can breakdown the resin)
If you are interested in our Riverside cosmetic dental office porcelain veneers, please contact us at (951)686-3666.