Interesting Oral Hygiene History from your Riverside Dentist

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Practices in oral hygiene and dentistry have made big strides over the years. Advanced technology, precise methods, and increased awareness have allowed us to help our patients keep their teeth healthier for longer. Dentistry in ancient times was not always as comfortable, scientific, and successful as today though. Here are some interesting facts about the history of oral hygiene and dentistry.

  • A “tooth worm” was cited as the cause for cavities in a Sumerian text dating back to 5000 BC. Now, it is common knowledge that tooth decay is a result of a combination of sugar, bacteria, and saliva, to form acid. Enamel erosion from the acid formation leads to an infected tooth. In ancient history, however, the legend of the cavity-causing worm spread throughout India, Egypt, China, and Japan. The tooth worm is even referenced in Homer.
  • In the Middle Ages, barbers and general doctors performed mostly shoddy dentistry services. Today, dentistry has nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association, each with specific qualifications, ranging from pediatric dentistry to oral surgery. Riverside Dental Group has a specialist from almost every field of dentistry.
  • In the 1950’s more than half of Americans over 65 years old had lost all of their permanent teeth. Today, less than a quarter of older people in the United States are toothless.
  • In the late 1800’s, a common wedding present for a young couple was the gift of tooth extractions. Many people from this time period believed removing all of their teeth would solve many oral health problems. Today, we know that optimal oral health depends on keeping as many of your healthy natural teeth as possible.
  • Daily oral hygiene was not a widespread practice in the United States or Britain until after the return of World War I soldiers, who had grown used to required teeth cleanings in the field. Currently, the American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth after every meal, or at least twice a day, including once in the morning and once before bed. Flossing is also an important part of a daily oral hygiene routine. (more…)

What do You Know About Your Tongue?

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When you have routine dental exams at Dental Associates of Riverside, your Riverside dentist focuses primarily on the health of your teeth and gums. We do, however, also check for signs of potential problems on your cheeks, tongue, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Why? Because these parts of your mouth have a large impact on the overall function of your oral health. Today, your Riverside dentist wants to focus on what your tongue does for you.

What is the Tongue?

Most people know that the tongue is a muscle, but most people aren’t aware that the tongue is the strongest and most flexible muscle in the human body.

The tongue also provides us with the ability to taste. Covered in moist pink tissue called mucosa and tiny bumps called papillae, the tongue is home to more than 3,000 taste buds that connect to nerves that run directly to the brain. (more…)

Making Over Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Riverside

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At Riverside Dental Group, we want to help our patients achieve not only healthy smiles, but also beautiful smiles that they’re proud to show off. That’s why dentist Dr. J. Timothy Harris and the entire Riverside Dental Group team offer top-of-the-line cosmetic dental treatments and services to our patients from across the greater Riverside, California area.

What do You want to Change About Your Smile?

Take a look at yourself in the mirror, and think about what you want to change about your smile. Do your teeth appear dull or yellow? Do you wish to say goodbye to unwanted chips, gaps, or crowding?

If so, the dentists at Riverside Dental Group offer a number of cosmetic dental procedures that improve not only the appearance of your smile, but also the functionality of your teeth. (more…)

Gum Disease Quiz from Riverside Dental Group

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Gum disease is a common condition. If you visit the dentist regularly, you have probably been told how important proper oral hygiene and dental cleanings are for preventing gum disease. Although gum disease is common, many people are unaware how gum disease affects your oral health and entire body. In fact, many patients hold common misconceptions about this oral health ailment. Test your periodontal knowledge with the short quiz below.

  1. Gum disease goes away on its own. True/False
  2. Up to 80% of the adult population in the United States will develop some form of gum disease. True/False
  3. Brushing your teeth is more beneficial than flossing. True/False
  4. Gum disease is not a serious condition. True/False
  5. Tooth loss is a natural part of aging. True/False
  6. Gum disease treatment is painful. True/False (more…)

Riverside Dental Group’s Oral Health Quiz

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Your oral health is connected to your entire wellbeing. Riverside Dental Group provides excellent dental care throughout Riverside County. Our group of talented dentists and dental professionals provide cosmetic, general, and restorative dentistry for your entire family. How much do you know about your teeth and oral health? Take the short quiz below to test your dental knowledge!

What’s Your Dentistry IQ?

  1. Teeth are living structures. True/False
  2. Tooth loss is a natural part of the aging process. True/False
  3. Periodontitis is the inflammation and infection of gum tissue. True/False
  4. Incisors and bicuspids are types of teeth. True/False
  5. Flossing your teeth daily is not necessary. True/False
  6. Tartar is hardened plaque. True/False
  7. Tartar buildup can only be removed by handheld dental tools. True/False
  8. Tooth enamel is made of minerals. True/False
  9. Bacteria cannot harm your teeth unless your enamel is damaged. True/False
  10. Sugar damages your tooth enamel. True/False (more…)

Oral Heath FAQs from Your Riverside Dentists

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With the launch of our new blog site, we will provide our patients and readers with helpful, educational information that addresses a wide range of topics related to oral health. Our blog site will allow our team at Riverside Dental Group to interact with patients, raise awareness about dental health, and answer common questions.

Why is flossing so important?

You have probably heard many times that you must floss every day. Flossing is important because it protects your gums from periodontal disease. When you floss, you remove plaque and debris that collect in the spaces between your teeth and along the gum line. Flossing also disrupts the formation of bacterial colonies near your gum tissue.

What type of toothbrush should I use?

The type of toothbrush you select depends on your personal preference. However, we recommend that you choose a soft-bristled toothbrush with the American Dental Association’s seal of approval. You should brush your teeth in gentle, circular motions twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. (more…)

Answers to Common Dental Questions from Riverside Dental Group

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With six convenient locations throughout Riverside County, Riverside Dental Group strives to help our residents achieve optimal oral health. With the launch of our new blog, we can easily address common questions that our patients ask us. Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions provided by our team of dentists and dental professionals.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

Our team, along with the American Dental Association, recommends that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes. However, some patients brush their teeth more than twice a day—especially after eating.

Why Do I Need to Floss Every Day?

Flossing is one of the best ways to prevent the development of gum disease. When you floss your teeth daily, you disrupt colonies of bacteria that live along your gum line and help prevent tartar accumulation. Flossing also cleans your teeth and gums in places that your toothbrush can’t reach. (more…)

Welcome to Dental Associates of Riverside’s New Blog!

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Dental Associates of Riverside is proud to announce the launch of our new blog site! We want to provide our patients and readers with the information they need to maintain optimal oral health. We cordially invite you to subscribe to our blog by entering your e-mail address in the subscription box on the right-hand side of our web site. When we update our blog with a new post, you will receive a friendly notification.

Dental Associates of Riverside’s Services

  • General Dentistry
  • Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics

From gum disease treatment to improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry, our dental professionals provide the Riverside community with excellent dental and oral care.

Introducing Our Doctors

Dr. Jay Elliot – A graduate of the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry, Dr. Elliot provides general and preventive dental services.

Dr. Ronald Moore – Practicing dentistry since 1989, Dr. Moore received his DDS from Marquette University School of Dentistry. He provides general dental care to our patients.

Dr. Jay Stockdale – A member of the Academy of General Dentistry, he earned his DDS in 1985 from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Dr. Gary D. Lee – A graduate of the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, Dr. Lee is also a specialist in Pediatric Dentistry. He provides our younger patients preventive dental services.

Dr. Robert Stockdale – Providing orthodontic services to adults and children, Dr. Stockdale earned his DDS and Ms in Orthodontics from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Dr. David M. Ludwig – A Periodontist, Dr. Ludwig received his specialty training from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry. He earned his D.D.S from U.C.L.A School of Dentistry. He provides diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.

Dr. Arshia Kasravi – A specialist in Endodontics, Dr. Kasravi provides tooth-saving treatments such as root canal therapy. She earned her DDS from the University of Southern California School of Dentistry and conducted her specialty training at Case Western Reserve University.

For all of your oral health needs, count on Dental Associates of Riverside to provide you with comprehensive care. To ask questions or schedule an appointment, contact our Riverside dentist office at (951) 369-1001. We serve patients from Riverside and the neighboring communities.

 

 

 

 

Welcome to Riverside Dental Group’s New Blog

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Our team at Riverside Dental Group is proud to announce our new blog! For our patients and community, this is a great way to find information on a wide array of topics related to dentistry and facilitate communication between our readers and staff. Feel free to communicate with us by writing your thoughts and questions in the comments section below each post.

Upcoming Dental Blog Topics on our Riverside Dental Group’s Blog

  • Latest Innovations in Dentistry – When we acquire new equipment or want to share new dental innovations with you, we will update our blog with current information so that our patients stay informed.
  • New Dental Research – Scientists are working hard to learn more about the complexities of oral health every day. For our readers who are scientifically minded, these types of posts will provide you with intriguing material to discuss with your friends.
  • Health Awareness – Your oral health as well as your total wellbeing is important to our doctors. These posts will offer information on healthy living as well as helpful tips for improving your oral hygiene routine.
  • Quizzes – From time-to-time we may post fun quizzes to test your dental knowledge.
  • Trivia – Have you ever wondered when the toothbrush was invented? For our readers who love learning random facts, these posts just might help you win a trivia game against your friends.
  • Dental Services – From cosmetic dentistry to preventive procedures, we will explain the wide range of services we offer and how they may improve your smile or your oral health.

If you would like to subscribe to our blog, enter your e-mail address in the subscription box on the right hand side of our blog site. You will receive friendly reminders when we post something new. For questions or to schedule an appointment, contact one of our dentist offices nearest you. We currently have six locations for your convenience.

 

 

Blogging Will Begin!

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Congratulations on your new blog! Feel free to take a look around. Over the next few days it will be stocked with content. Enjoy!