Gum Disease: A True-Or-False Quiz

. The more you know, the better chance you will have of recognizing symptoms and knowing it is time to pick up the phone and schedule your next dental visit.

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3 Reasons To Ask About TMJ Treatment

Have you noticed that you reach up to massage your jaw occasionally because it feels tired or sore? Do you suffer from headaches or neck aches but have trouble identifying the cause? TMJ disorder (TMD) is a problem that occurs when your TMJs (temporomandibular joints) – or jaw joints – function poorly. Unfortunately, patients often have trouble attributing the symptoms to the underlying cause. Consider three significant reasons to speak with us about TMD and you might find that TMJ treatment can offer you the relief you seek.

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A Few Good Reasons To Choose Veneers

Have you put off discussing cosmetic dentistry at the dental office because you are afraid your teeth require too many treatments? Some patients find that to address all of their aesthetic concerns, a variety of cosmetic treatments may become essential. Fortunately, we offer porcelain veneers at Dental Associates of Corona for the dramatic smile transformation you desire. Consider a few compelling reasons to say, “yes” to veneers.

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Why Tooth Decay is Worrisome

Everything you (hopefully) learned as a child about preventing cavities still holds true. However, by the time they become adults, many people forget some of those lessons, like not snacking too often, and cavities remain the most common dental health issue. The reason they’re worrisome is because, when left untreated, a cavity (or hole) can grow large enough to consume your entire tooth. By treating tooth decay, you can stop it from destroying your tooth, but the structure you do lose won’t grow back. Therefore, preventing them from occurring in the first place is the best way to protect your teeth from infectious cavities.

How a Tooth Defends Itself

Your teeth aren’t completely defenseless against tooth decay. In fact, the enamel (outer layer) that’s designed to protect them is the most resilient substance in your body. Underneath enamel lies the bulk of your tooth, known as dentin, which is slightly sensitive and less resilient. Made mostly of mineral crystals, enamel shields dentin from infectious bacteria, and is the first line of defense against decay.

How Bacteria Attack

Before tooth decay occurs, the bacteria in your mouth attack tooth enamel by producing acids from sugars and carbs. Once enamel is weak enough, bacteria can slip past it and infect the dentin, causing a hole in the structure commonly referred to as a cavity. Severe tooth infection can reach the tooth’s center pulp chamber and infect the nerves and blood vessels housed there, and root canal therapy may be the best option for restoring the tooth.

What to Do When a Cavity Strikes

For the most part, you can keep your enamel strong and resilient against bacteria by brushing and flossing the plaque off your teeth at least twice a day, and attending regular dental cleanings. If decay does strike, however, then we advise seeking treatment immediately. If caught early enough, your tooth may be restored with a minor, tooth-colored dental filling before the need for root canal therapy arises.

ABOUT YOUR RIVERSIDE DENTISTS:

With offices throughout Riverside Country, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley, Riverside Dental Group is happy to provide advanced general, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry services to patients of all ages. To learn more, or to schedule a consultation, call our office today at (951) 689-5031.