Healthy Teeth from the Inside Out

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California has a reputation for gorgeous coastlines, plenty of sunshine, and Hollywood good looks. Part of what makes any person attractive (no matter where they live) is their smile. In fact, studies show that when it comes to first impressions, smile and eyes are at the top of the list. Beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder, but you’d be hard pressed to find someone who thinks that tooth decay, missing teeth, red, swollen gums, or any major smile flaws are attractive. For that reason, keeping your smile in good health, from the inside out, is important.

Outside: Enamel

You’ve heard of a “hard head” or “hard bones,” but your teeth (small as they are) are also amazingly (more…)

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Services

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In an independent study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, participants were questioned about their image. The majority stated that their number one cosmetic desire in terms of dentistry was a whiter smile. This remains one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services we provide at Riverside Dental Group. There are certainly many others.

Straightening Your Smile

Another popular choice for improving your smile is orthodontic treatment. In the same AACD study, when asked, “What is the first thing you notice about a person’s smile?” most participants answered “straightness.” Straight teeth enhance your image, but will also help you maintain better oral health. Orthodontics of various types correct harmful malocclusion and embarrassing crooked teeth. For image-conscious adults, Invisalign clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal brackets and wires. The clear alignment trays move your teeth gradually to the correct position to give you a healthier, more beautiful smile. Additionally, Invisalign clear braces are removable for cleaning and eating. The treatment also takes a relatively short time – generally about a year in the majority of cases. (more…)

Choosing the Right Corona Dentist

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Finding the right general dentist can be a challenge. Informing yourself on the quality and reputation of local dental office teams is very important, but there are other factors involved which you might not even think about considering. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona will suggest some of the best ways for narrowing down your search.

Know the Services a Dentist Provides

The term “general dentist” can incorporate a number of aspects of dentistry. Nearly all general dentists will offer regular with cleanings. Many will also offer endodontic services, including placing crowns and performing root canals. Some general dentists also perform cosmetic dentistry procedures, including such services as teeth whitening, veneers, and bonding. Others might offer sedation dentistry or pediatric dentistry.  Do you want a dentist who can treat your entire family, including the kids? Are you scared of dentist visits and open to the idea of sleeping through dental work?  Before you start your search, it is important to know exactly what services you want your dentist to provide.

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What are Teeth For?

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at Riverside Dental Group will tell you more about dental fractures.

Don’t Crack your Teeth Up

Cracked tooth syndrome is most treatable when identified early. If a fracture is serious and not tended to, you could end up with severe decay and potentially irreparable tooth damage leading to the need for extraction and replacement. When oral bacteria have the opportunity to sneak through the cracks, the germs will infiltrate your dental pulp. This means cavities, gum disease, gum recession, root canal treatments, and/or the aforementioned extraction. Once bacteria reaches the pulp chamber and attacks the roots of your teeth, you are likely to have inflammation and infection. When nerves in your tooth die, this is clinically referred to as pulpal necrosis. You are also at risk for a tooth abscess if you let a bad fracture go unattended.

Jawbone Fractures

Dental fractures aren’t simply defined as cracks in your teeth. Jawbone fractures are also one of the more common dental injuries we see in our office.  There are numerous ways that your jaw can end up becoming fractured. High impact sports, car accidents, running into an immovable object, or getting punched (accidentally or otherwise) are all examples of ways to end up with a jawbone fracture. If your jaw is injured in a way which gives you intense pain, swelling, bruising, or numbness, seek immediate dental attention.

Visit your Riverside Dentists

If you have dental health concerns such as a fracture, crack, or chip, we can help. We are happy to offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. If you are due for a dental checkup or cleaning, or you have any concerns, contact our 92506 dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients throughout Riverside County.

 

Teeth Grinding Driving you Mad?

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Stress can cause, contribute to, and exacerbate many health conditions. So if you’re wondering what bruxism has to do with stress and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD), wonder no more. Stress isn’t proven to directly cause bruxism, but it certainly doesn’t help. In today’s fast-paced society, stressors are everywhere. Whether you’re fighting traffic on your way to and from work, getting chewed out by your boss, arguing with your spouse, yelling at your kids, or simply keeping a very hectic schedule, you might find yourself clenching and grinding most when you are feeling tense. Bruxism should be brought to the attention of the Temecula dentists at Oasis Dental Group. Together you can discuss your treatment options, and prevent stress from damaging your teeth.

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Porcelain Veneers to Makeover your Smile

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Veneers are comprised of thin porcelain shells fabricated either in the dentist’s office or in a ceramist’s lab. Each shell is meticulously designed to cover a specific tooth imperfection. Porcelain dental veneers are carefully placed individually on the front of each tooth.

What Do Porcelain Veneers Correct?

  • Chipped teeth
  • Gapped smiles
  • Poorly shaped teeth
  • Deep staining or discoloration which doesn’t respond to whitening
  • Unusually small teeth
  • Jagged edges on your smile
  • Slightly crooked teeth

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers?

The porcelain used to make veneers is strong, stain resistant, and natural looking. Each porcelain shell is designed with the same aesthetic qualities of a natural tooth. The veneers are color matched, with translucency and light reflection just like tooth enamel. Veneers can last for decades with proper dental care.  You can care for them just like you would natural teeth. (more…)

Want to Feel Happy? Just Smile!

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even when you’re down can make you happy again?

Smiling Research

There have been many studies on the power of smiles to predict the future well-being of individuals. For example, Wayne State University researchers studied baseball cards to find out that longevity related to the qualities in each player’s smile. UC Berkeley scientists instituted a similar study looking at yearbook photos to track the well-being and success of previous students based on their smiles. The more wide and natural a smile was in college, the more success that person was likely to have in career and marriage. One study in Great Britain focused on the therapeutic effects of smiling. The same types of feelings of happiness which came from being told a participant had won $25,000 were also elicited through smiles. Benefits of smiling included lower blood pressure and a reduction of stress hormones.

Cosmetic Dentistry for Confident Smile

The best way to ensure that you are flashing plenty of happy grins is to take care of your teeth and gums. If tooth decay, injuries, or genetics have made it difficult for you to feel comfortable with your smile, consult with the Riverside dentists on possible treatments. Dental implants, porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, and invisible braces (such as Invisalign) are common cosmetic procedures for offering you the smile of your dreams.

Visit your Riverside Cosmetic Dentists

If you feel uncomfortable with the way your smile looks, the Riverside cosmetic dentists can help. We offer a full array of general dental services. We would love to see you at our  Riverside dentist office, call (951) 689-5031. We serve patients from Riverside and nearby communities.

Chewing Gum for Temporary Oral Hygiene

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You know that what you eat affects your dental and overall health. If you eat something acidic, your mouth’s pH balance will be off. If you eat strong foods (such as onions or garlic) then your breath may tell the tale of that meal for many days to come, in the form of halitosis (bad breath). You probably don’t have a toothbrush handy after every meal you eat. The Corona dentists at Dental Associates of Corona will offer you some great advice about using sugarless gum to help cover up bad breath and keep teeth cleaner and healthy.

The Importance of Saliva

You are in constant danger of developing cavities and periodontal disease. Your mouth actually has a few incredible defense mechanisms built in, luckily. Your tooth enamel, for instance, is the hardest substance your body produces. Enamel is transparent, but protects the internal structure of your teeth from bacterial infection and acid attacks. Saliva moistens your mouth and breaks down food for easier digestion. Salivary output also washes away food particles and helps to neutralize oral acidity. When your salivary glands are stimulated by mastication (i.e. chewing) the pH balance inside your mouth is evened out further. Stimulated salivary production also provides additional phosphate, calcium, and fluoride on the surfaces of your teeth. If you find brushing your teeth is not possible for you after every meal, simply chewing on a piece of sugarless gum with Xylitol may be all it takes to maintain healthy teeth and gums. (more…)

What Do Pufferfish have to Do with Dentistry?

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Puffer fish are known for their poisonous bodies. These ocean fish puff up into a spiky ball when approached by threats. Pufferfish have teeth and something resembling a beak. Research shows that, following the fish’s initial tooth development may offer insight into spontaneous tooth replacement. One particular study focused on the pufferfish beak. The development of this part of the fish’s anatomy is dictated by genes which have remained consistent for upwards of 400 million years.

What Researchers Say About the Pufferfish

Dr. Gareth Fraser led research at the University of Sheffield’s Department of Animal and Plant Sciences on the pufferfish’s beak. The scientist noted that the beak is a “model for a simplified tooth replacement system – composed of just four continually replacing teeth that make up the beak structure.” If future research can discern how pufferfish (and other similar aquatic animals) are able to continuously replace lost teeth, they may also determine why humans don’t do the same. Pin-pointing this information may aid in advances in dentistry regarding the replacement of missing teeth. Other animals which have been the subject of similar studies include sharks and crocodiles.

Keep Your Second Set of Teeth for Life

At Riverside Dental Group, we are dedicated to keeping you informed of the latest developments and advances in dentistry. If a time comes in your future when you might be able to spontaneously regenerate lost permanent teeth, this will be great news. However, you want to make sure that you take good care of the teeth you have, and try to avoid tooth loss if at all possible. Over 600 different types of bacteria are swarming around in your  mouth at any given time. Some are responsible for tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping up with good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups is important. So is wearing an athletic mouthguard when you play high contact sports, to avoid traumatic dental injuries.

Visit your Riverside Dentists

To schedule an appointment with one of our Riverside dentists, contact us at (951) 689-5031. We have six dental offices throughout Southern California, including Corona, Temecula, and Moreno Valley.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Link Between Earaches and TMJ Pain

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You have two temporomandibular joints (TMJs) located on either side of your jawbone. TMJs help you to chew, eat, yawn, and speak properly. TMJs are sensitive joints which make it possible to open and close your mouth smoothly. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is an unpleasant condition which involves both the joints and muscles in your jaw. Conditions such as bruxism (teeth grinding) traumatic jaw injuries, and stress all contribute to the unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms of TMD. Beware of aches, pains, a feeling of misalignment, popping, and clicking in your jaw. One TMD symptom which may surprise you is pain in your ear. (more…)