Bad breath (Halitosis) is a topic that can be a bit embarrassing for many patients to discuss. No one likes the idea of a malodor coming from their mouth as they speak. So, I thought it would be a great topic to blog about. From a health and dental perspective the most common “normal” bad breath complaint is “morning breath.” The main reason behind bad breath in the morning is that the amount of saliva decreases overnight and the bacteria continues to grow and release sulfur-like bi-products. Another reason for halitosis in the morning is lack of proper tooth brushing, flossing, and brushing of the tongue prior to going to bed.
In addition to “morning breath,” bad breath can occur during the daytime. The two most common reasons behind daytime halitosis are poor oral hygiene and dry mouth (xerostomia.) Luckily, these both can be addressed and treated easily by our dental team. Halitosis that can not be remedied by better oral hygiene or dental products can be a sign of a more serious systemic problem. These more serious problems are: decay, infection in the mouth, respiratory infections, cigarette smoking, coffee drinking, diabetes, lung disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, kidney disease, and GERD. Here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office we are committed to your health, please call our office so that our dental team can assist you in your commitment to your health (951)686-3666.
As our economy has taken a hit, there have been more and more cases of broken and fractured teeth. So, I thought that I would take some time and discuss steps patients should take if they find themselves with a broken or fractured tooth. Although enamel is an extremely strong substance, it can break or fracture under high amounts of stress, a large cavity, trauma from a fall or getting hit in the mouth, and even an uneven bite. The size of break or fracture of the tooth will typically determine if pain occurs.
Pain is the first sign that an immediate call and same day visit to our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office should occur. Another reason for an immediate call and same day visit, is if the broken tooth or fracture is located in your smile line “your front teeth.“ The pain felt in a tooth break or fracture is due to the nerve of the tooth being damaged. Sensations of pain tend to linger with hot and cold drinks or food, breathing through your mouth, and/or when biting down on food. This is the body’s way of letting us know that the tooth needs treatment as soon as possible. If too much time has passed from the initial break or fracture, severe nerve damage can occur and sometimes even tooth loss. If no pain is present, we request that you call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office to schedule an appointment for further evaluation.
It is important during your call to explain all of the symptoms you are feeling as well as the location of the tooth. Also, if it is possible, bring with you the broken part(s) of your tooth. Here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office, our first priority is to get you out of pain. Please call our office at (951) 686-3666 to address any concerns you may have about your broken or fractured tooth.
When you smile do you think that your smile reveals too much gum tissue? Do your teeth seem like they are too short? If I am describing your smile, then you are more than likely a perfect candidate for laser treatment of your “gummy smile.” Here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office, our team believes in providing education regarding all of your treatment options, so that you can make a decision for your smile and chewing system that is best for you. Therefore, I would like to briefly explain how a “gummy smile” is transformed to a more naturally even and broader smile. In order to determine what type of “plastic surgery” for your gums is best, a clinical evaluation and x-rays are taken here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office. In most cases, individuals have too much gum tissue, therefore the laser is used to remove the excess tissue. The laser also contours the tissue with ease and minimal discomfort as compared to the traditional scalpel. This type of treatment is typically called “crown lengthening.” If an individual has a severe case of a “gummy smile” our office will refer he/she to the Periodontist. When a patient is referred to the Periodontist for a “gummy smile,” the Periodontist will remove and reshape the tissue and the bone surrounding the teeth. Either type of treatment will drastically improve the esthetics and confidence of your smile. If you are interested in this type of procedure please call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office at (951)686-3666.
As a Dentist , tooth sensitivity is one issue that is literally a PAIN! Many patients in our family here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office have been and are currently being treated for various forms of tooth sensitivity. It is essential for our dental team to become “curious” regarding the symptoms that each patient experiences to get to the root of the problem (no pun intended). One of the major epidemics affecting dentistry is bite discrepancy. When the bite is not correct in the mouth, injuries from prolonged clenching, grinding, and bruxing can occur. It has been said that approximately 80% of all people have some type of bite discrepancy which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
There are many products and treatment recommendations that alleviate tooth sensitivity. However, I believe that it is extremely important to review the symptoms that can arise in the face, jaw, and mouth so that our office can provide an accurate diagnosis in order to protect your chewing system. Listed below are many of the symptoms associated with tooth sensitivity. Please call our Riverside Cosmetic Dental Office if you think you are at risk for or are experiencing tooth sensitivity (951)686-3666.
Here are some tips for recognizing potential bite discrepancies:
- Hypersensitive teeth
- Headaches more than once a week.
- Enlarged jaw muscles
- Keeping your teeth together for long periods during the day
- Waking up with pain or stiffness in your jaw
- Difficulty sleeping and waking up two or three times during the night
- Mild to moderate wear facets on your teeth (this usually takes a dentist to see)
- Clicking or popping sounds in your TMJ when you open or close
- Grating sounds, called crepitus, in your TMJ when you open or close
- Chronic neck tensions or low back pain
- Unable to hold a chiropractic adjustment or manipulation
- History of trauma to the head or jaw from a car accident or fall
How to Care for Your Infant/Children’s Teeth:
As hours seem so limited as a parent, I thought that it would be a great idea to briefly discuss how to take care of the needs of your Child’s teeth. Some of you might be thinking “I’m lucky if I can even get a few brushes in because my kids fight me on it” and some of you might be thinking “my child loves to chew on his/her brush and embraces the tooth brushing experience.” Regardless of what situation you face as a parent in the “brushing battle,” know you are forming your Child’s dental experience from the moment you rub their gums with a cloth or introduce a toothbrush to their teeth for the first time. It is important for us parents to inspect on a daily basis the development of the erupting teeth as well as look for any discoloration of the teeth. I stress this importance because with children early detection of a cavity will provide a much more positive dental experience for your infant or toddler. The ADA recommends that children be seen for a first visit around their first birthday. Here at our Riverside Cosmetic Dental office we gladly see children of all ages. Our dental hygienists’ pride themselves in letting these very important patients guide their own visit to insure a pleasant experience each time. Recommendations and techniques for conquering the “brushing battle” are also given to parents at these visits as well as fluoride supplementation. We recommend brushing your child’s teeth 2 times a day with fluoride toothpaste (the size of a pea.) Two visits to our Riverside Cosmetic Dental office are recommended to not only establish a healthy habit but to aid in the prevention of childhood caries. We would be honored to establish a relationship with you and your child/children; please call our Cosmetic Dental office if you are in the Riverside, Southern California, Inland Empire, Redlands, or Corona area (951)686-3666.