Drool Away: The Importance of Saliva

is secreted from several different glands which are located throughout the mouth. This bodily fluid may seem impolite culturally, but saliva contributes to a wide range of bodily functions. (more…)

Filling you in with a Cavity Quiz

Since you are examined for cavities at each of your six month dental checkups, you probably figure you know all there is to know about tooth decay. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona would like to challenge you, however, and see if you really are an expert on the dental infection better known as cavities.

Questions

Q1. True or False – Sugar is the leading cause of cavities.

Q2. True or False – The first sign of a tooth decay is severe pain.

Q3. True or False – Untreated cavities require tooth extraction. (more…)

Try this Smile Makeover Quiz

If you envy the straight, white smiles of celebrities, friends, or family, perhaps you wish to emulate them. Are you curious about how cosmetic dentistry can enhance your smile for the better? Cosmetic dentistry is not just for the rich and famous. All types of people improve their smiles with cosmetic dental procedures. The Riverside dentists at Riverside Dental Group offer a wide range of cosmetic dental services to all of our patients. Have you wondered if cosmetic dentistry is the right choice for you?  A smile makover is a combination of just the right dental procedures to fit your needs.Try this true-or-false quiz and find out more about smile makeovers.

Questions

Q1. True or false – Professional teeth whitening involves clinical strength bleach. (more…)

Oral-Systemic Health Evidence for the Elderly

The concept of oral-systemic health (an oral and overall health connection) has barely been uncovered by scientists. All over the world, time and money have been dedicated to scientific research which shows compelling evidence that the various germs in our mouths responsible for periodontal disease and cavities could very well contribute to life-threatening health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and strokes. New York University (NYU) scientists have uncovered more compelling data implicating periodontal disease in Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)

Bad Dental Habits to Avoid

You probably know how important it is to keep your smile strong and healthy. Even with the most dedicated dental hygiene routine, every day factors sometimes work against your efforts toward maintaining your oral health. People tend to be creatures of habit. Some of your bad habits may prove detrimental to the integrity of your teeth without you even realizing it. The Moreno Valley dentists at Moreno Valley Dentistry want to make sure you are aware of some of the habits most damaging to your oral health. (more…)

A Lollipop to Stop Cavities

Kids love lollipops. Unfortunately, with a normal hard candy, pure sugar sits on teeth as the confection is sucked on and consumed over a longer period of time. By feeding the bacteria which create acid, tooth enamel weakens and teeth can become easily infected with decay. Imagine if there were a candy you could give to the children in your life without concern that you were promoting cavities. One amazing discovery called Keep 32 is working on a candy which might actually stop cavities. (more…)

Do You Need to Visit a Periodontist?

Has your general dentist recommended that you see a periodontist? Are you concerned that you might have severe periodontal disease (periodontitis)? Fortunately, the Riverside dentists at Riverside Dental Group include experienced specialists for all your periodontal needs. For patients harboring periodontal disease of any level, there is a high risk for developing periodontitis without the help of a proactive dental team such as Riverside Dental Group. We provide attentive and thorough care to patients of all levels, with all sorts of dental needs. Our specialists can help with orthodontics, endodontics (root canals) and periodontics.

What is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a specialist who has embarked upon additional education for treating severe periodontal infections. Periodontists diagnose and treat all forms of gum disease. Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental conditions we see in our office. Periodontitis is the leading cause of adult tooth loss.

Which Patients Require a Periodontist?

General dentists are trained to diagnose and address periodontal disease. However, patients with periodontitis usually require additional treatments in order to maintain their oral health and reduce the discomfort which often accompanies periodontitis. If your case is severe enough, your general dentist may recommend visiting a periodontist who will have the specialized skills to treat your case. This may also be prudent if you have certain medical conditions or higher risks factors for developing severe gum disease. For example, if you are a patient with diabetes or a heavy tobacco user, visiting a periodontist may help prevent the development or advancement of gum disease to a point where you have tooth loss or permanent jaw damage.

Managing Periodontitis

Periodontitis is an aggressive infection of your gingival tissues (gums). Periodontal infections can destroy bone mass in your jawbone and cause permanent tooth loss. To manage severe gum disease, professional treatments relieve discomfort. Scaling and root planing (sometimes referred to as a deep cleaning) will include thoroughly cleaning the deep pockets which develop between gum tissues and jawbone when you have severe gum disease. That said, a good periodontist always keeps patient comfort in mind. Our specialists apply state of the art technology and a gentle nature to help improve your oral health.

Visit your Riverside Dentist

If you are in need of a periodontist, contact our Riverside dentist office at (951) 369-1001 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.

Is it Time to Visit the Orthodontist?

According to the American Association of Orthodontics, one in five patients seek some form of teeth straightening treatment as an adult. Dealing with orthodontic issues in adulthood is increasingly common thanks to the abundance of discreet options now available. The Temecula dentists at the Oasis Family Dental will share a few reasons to make an appointment for an evaluation.

Your Initial Orthodontic Appointment

Although the number of orthodontic patients over 18 has grown over the years, orthodontists ideally aim to catch problems early on.Children should have an appointment with an orthodontist by the age of seven, says the American Dental Association. Treating malocclusion (also known as a misaligned bite) early in life aids in the prevention of cavities. Crooked, twisted, or misaligned teeth provide areas for food debris to become trapped since toothbrushes and floss can’t reach the overlaps.This causes a greater risk for plaque development and the infections which go along with them. (more…)

Invisalign or Porcelain Veneers?

Traditional bracket-and-wire metal braces have long been standard in orthodontics. There is still a place for them. Metal braces are a fine option for adolescents all the way to adults who have certain bite issues or particular orthodontic quandaries. Complaints have spanned time just as much as metal braces: discomfort, mouth sores, tooth decay underneath the brackets, discoloration, tooth breaks, persistently caught food debris, and limitations in eating. The advantages of alternative treatments such as Invisalign may seem fairly obvious, but is one of the most current and innovative possibilities for straightening a misaligned or crooked smile everything it’s cracked up to be? Most dentists think so.

Invisalign Basics

Invisalign is a system comprised of a series of customized clear alignment trays meant to be (more…)

Root Canal Therapy Truths and Myths

Although root canal therapy is the most commonly performed endodontic procedure, some people may still feel a bit apprehensive about seeking treatment for their diseased tooth. Unfortunately, the longer you wait, the worse the infection can become and the greater the risk of losing the tooth altogether. To help raise awareness of the dangers of neglecting serious dental treatment, your Corona dentists explain the reasons for, and importance of, root canal therapy.

Why Do I Need Root Canal Therapy?

In mild cases of tooth decay that only affect the enamel and dentin of a tooth, a dental filling will usually suffice to repair the damage and restore the tooth. When decay reaches far enough inward to reach the pulp, however, a root canal procedure is necessary to remove the infection and save the tooth. You may also need root canal treatment if trauma cracks or fractures your tooth far enough to expose the pulp to bacteria and food debris. Common symptoms that can indicate the need for treatment include: (more…)