Be Careful Who You Kiss | Clairemont Dentist

Couple hugging and smiling San Diego Dentist

When you are close to someone you can often be overly comfortable in sharing everything. This reigns especially true with kissing. In one kiss, more than 500 germs can be shared between two people. Sharing a simple kiss can have an impact on your oral and overall health. We’ve listed some of the ways that kissing can be hazardous to your health.

Colds and Flus

When you feel like you might be coming down with a cold or flu, it is best to avoid kissing. You certainly don’t want to transmit any illnesses, especially in today’s world. Colds and flus are easily passed on through saliva and nasal fluids.

Cold Sores

If you see a cold sore near your mouth and lip or are starting to feel one coming on, you should avoid kissing someone. Cold sores will look like small, clear blisters usually close to your lips. Cold sores are a viral infection, but are extremely contagious. Cold sores that are leaking fluids are especially contagious, however even a sore without any fluid can spread to others in contact. Avoid contact if you see cold sores! The virus can also be spread to the eyes and other parts of the body. 

Mono–The Kissing Disease

Mononucleosis, or mono, is spread very rapidly through kissing. The disease can also be spread by sharing behaviors such as sharing a cup, food, or straw. We recommend avoiding sharing your food and drink with others. 

Periodontal Disease 

The bacteria that cause periodontal (gum) disease can be spread through kissing and especially through sharing a toothbrush. Don’t ever share a toothbrush with your partner or child.

Tips for Fresh Breath

It makes sense to want to have clean, fresh breath when kissing. It is best to avoid foods that contain strong spices and flavors, such as garlic or onion. Long after they have been consumed, it is still possible to smell these foods on someone’s breath. Make sure you follow a regular daily oral hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth twice daily, as well as brushing your tongue, roof of the mouth, and inside of your cheeks. We suggest using a mouthwash or sugar-free gum after eating to help diffuse strong odors. Sometimes bad breath can be caused by other factors, so if you feel these solutions are not working, contact us for a dental evaluation. 

Hundreds of germs can be shared when kissing. Watch out for cold sores as well as cold or flu symptoms. For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy, or to schedule your next visit, contact our Dentist in San Diego, CA office.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
Url: http://dz5.6c7.myftpupload.com/
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92117

The Effect of Tobacco on Your Oral Health | Advanced Dentist San Diego

Dentist in San Diego

Chewing and smoking tobacco are known to cause severe health problems, particularly in the lungs. Quitting the use of tobacco is one of the most positive changes that you can make for your body. What you may not realize is that the risk to your mouth and teeth can be just as extensive and alarming as the risk to your body. Here’s what tobacco can do to your oral health.

Chewing Tobacco

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), tobacco chewers increase their risk of developing gum and cheek cancers by 50 times. Tobacco also causes the gums to recede, which can lead to sensitivity from exposed roots. This makes for an ideal location for bacteria to grow, leading to tooth and root decay. Ask our experienced Dentist San Diego oral health team about what you can do to keep your mouth healthy. We can help assist you in quitting when you are ready. 

Smoking

According to a report by the Academy of General Dentistry, smoking one pack a day can lead to the loss of two teeth for each decade of your life. Smoking increases your risk for periodontal disease. It destroys the tissue fiber support around your teeth, eventually leading to bone and tooth loss. Cigarettes and cigars are both damaging to your oral health. Smoking can cause dark staining on the teeth as well, leading to an unattractive smile.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer can develop in several places in your mouth including on your tongue, lips, mouth floor, and gums. Those over 50, especially men,  are at an increased risk of developing oral cancer. However, oral cancer has been on the rise, especially for people under 30. Smoking and chewing tobacco greatly increase your risk for oral cancer. 

Schedule an appointment with us to receive a thorough oral health examination, and ask us about an oral cancer screening, particularly if you are a tobacco user. Oral cancer screenings are often very quick as our San Diego Dentist checks your mouth, teeth, and cheeks for signs of irregularities. If caught early, oral cancer can be treated.

If you are a tobacco user, we strongly advise you to quit. You can work with our professional Dentist San Diego CA dental team, as well as your doctor, to overcome tobacco use. For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next visit to our San Diego Dentist office, please give us a call. 

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
Url: http://dz5.6c7.myftpupload.com/
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92117

Using The Proper Toothbrush Method | Dental Implants San Diego CA

Dentist San Diego

Many people are surprised to learn that, for years, they have actually been brushing their teeth the wrong way. Brushing your teeth incorrectly may cause oral health problems including gum tissue recession and tooth decay. Using the proper toothbrush method will help you better protect your teeth and gum tissue, and ultimately save you a great deal of money.

The common way that people brush their teeth is the back and forth motion, similar to sawing back and forth. Many people will brush until they feel like their teeth are clean and slippery. Unfortunately, this is not the correct way to brush your teeth. This motion causes you to scrub away tooth enamel, which will make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold liquids and food much sooner than they normally would be. This sawing motion is also very abrasive to your gums. 

Brushing too hard can increase your chances of developing tooth decay and receding gums. This method also does not clean effectively. Since the bristles are moving back and forth, they are essentially bouncing from one tooth to the next, which causes you to miss the spaces in between the teeth to remove plaque and other tiny particles of food.

So what is the proper way to brush your teeth? Start by placing your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to where the teeth meet the gums. Then gently move your toothbrush back and forth and make sure the bristles cover each tooth and work their way around the sides of the tooth. This method allows you to find all of the food particles and plaque in the spaces between your teeth. Our Dentist San Diego dental team can help demonstrate this method for you at your next appointment. 

The importance of brushing teeth properly is often overlooked, but it is a critical part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Using the right method to brush your teeth will prevent plaque build-up that is harmful and can lead to many oral health problems. Brushing properly will help to prevent:

  • Gingivitis: an inflammatory gum disease that develops from improper plaque removal along the gumline (and in between teeth) 
  • Tooth decay: damage that occurs when bacteria (located in dental plaque) in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth

It’s not easy to relearn brushing after you’ve been using one method. Switching over will take some getting used to, but the results will speak for themselves. If you have any questions regarding the correct method of brushing your teeth or would like a demonstration, please contact our Dentist in San Diego office.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
Url: http://dz5.6c7.myftpupload.com/
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego, CA 92117

The Link Between Periodontal Disease and Alzheimer’s | Cosmetic Dentist In San Diego CA

Dentist 92117

Your gum health may be having an impact on your cognitive function. Recent studies found a correlation between periodontal (gum) disease and increased cognitive decline for people living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. These studies found by our dentist in 92117 illustrate the importance of continuing the conversation about oral health and its impact on your entire body.

Periodontal (gum) disease results from certain oral bacteria that lead to infection of the gum tissues. If not treated properly, this can lead to destruction of the tissues and the surrounding fibers and bone. The bacteria can travel from the mouth, through the bloodstream, and into the brain. This is one of the mechanisms that can lead to dementia. 

One of the biggest studies was administered by King’s College London and the University of Southampton. It observed 59 patients with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood tests were utilized to examine inflammatory markers present in the bloodstream, while patients’ dental health was examined by dental hygienists.

The study found that patients with periodontal disease experienced cognitive decline at a rate 6 times faster than those without periodontal disease. It suggested that the body’s reaction to inflammation may be responsible for causing the rapid decrease in brain function.

Previous studies have determined that periodontal disease can increase your risk of developing complications such as heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to staying healthy overall. You can keep your gums healthy by following the correct daily oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice each day for two minutes, as well as flossing regularly.

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, it is imperative to maintain optimal oral health. If you are a caregiver of someone with the disease, make sure they are following an effective daily oral hygiene routine, as well as visiting our office for regular examinations. 

Keeping your gums healthy may be one key to keeping your body and brain healthy throughout your lifetime.For more information about gum health, or to schedule your next visit to our San Diego, CA dental office, please contact us.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

Do You Wear Dentures? Here Are Some Tips | 92117 Dentist

Dentist 92117

Keeping up with taking care of your dentures can be a daunting task. But don’t worry, with a little extra effort you can keep your dentures squeaky clean.

Here are five tips for keeping your dentures clean and in good shape:

1.   Thoroughly Rinse.

Before you brush, make sure to rinse your dentures with water to ensure any food or any other small particles are all washed down the drain. Your dentures are fragile, so you must be extra careful when handling them. Do not rinse your dentures with hot or boiling water as it can damage them.

2.   Brush Your Dentures

In addition to your actual teeth, your dentures also need to be brushed. You should carefully brush your dentures with a gentle toothpaste and a soft bristled toothbrush. Our dentist in 92117 advises you not to use whitening toothpaste or harsh cleaning materials on them.

It is important to remember to never use cleaning solutions while your dentures are in your mouth. If you have any questions, be sure to talk to our dentist for advice about the right way to clean your dentures.

3.   Don’t Neglect Your Actual Teeth

Even with dentures, you must still take care of your natural teeth. Make sure to brush them with a soft toothbrush and be extra gentle when brushing your gums. The risks of developing an oral infection are greatly reduced when cleaning your gums.

Talk to your dentist about using gauze if your regular toothbrush is too rough on your gums and be sure to see us for recommendations if you experience any gum pain.

4.   Cover Your Dentures

Right before you go to bed, make sure that you remove your dentures and keep them in a covered container overnight in either a denture-soaking solution or water. This is so your dentures will retain their shape.

5.   Removing Your Dentures

If you are having difficulties removing your dentures with adhesive, try swishing your mouth with warm water or mouthwash. Do not use any household cleaning solutions, tools, or a foreign object to remove your dentures. And pay extra attention to ensure that the grooves of your dentures are clean and adhesive free.

If you take good care of your dentures, they will last longer and provide you with a beautiful smile. Be keen-eyed in keeping up with the cleanliness of your dentures.

For more tips on keeping your dentures in good shape, or to schedule an appointment, contact our dental office in San Diego, CA today. We are always glad to answer any questions you may have and address any concerns about your dentures.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy While Traveling | San Diego Dentist

Dentist 92117

Keeping up with your usual daily routine while traveling can be difficult for many. Finding the time to brush and floss properly can be difficult when there are a million other things on your mind.

It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, these tips shared by our dentist in 92117 are sure to help you keep up with your oral health regimine – no matter how busy or distracted you are with your trip.

Pack Accordingly

Depending on how long you plan to be gone, our San Diego, CA dental team wants yout to make sure you pack enough toothpaste and floss to last your entire trip. If you have limited space, travel sized toothpaste and toothbrushes are a great option and will require less space in your suitcase. These options are a lot better than packing a bulky, full sized toothpaste along with your electric toothbrush.

Protect Your Toothbrush

With travel can come the introduction of different germs along the way. It doesn’t matter whether you’re at a hotel, or visiting family members at their house, as the surfaces you might place your toothbrush on could be questionably clean.

A great solution for this is to purchase a toothbrush cover that will protect the bristles of your toothbrush. This will help keep it from being exposed to any germs that may be on sinks or night stands when you’re not using it.

Stay Hydrated

Along with a vacation often comes the eating of new and exciting foods, and drinking fancy drinks. Nevertheless, eating and drinking rich foods and sugary beverages can damage your teeth if you’re not careful.

How can you mitigate the risk? The answer is to drink water. Water is an excellent way to wash away bacteria and it will help neutralize the acids that can build up and weaken the enamel of your teeth. Water will also help to keep your teeth strong and healthy by stimulating the flow of saliva.

Keep Good Habits

If regularly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing is a part of your everyday routine (which it should be), there is no reason it shouldn’t be while you are traveling. Traveling may make it slightly more difficult to fit into your day, but by doing so you are putting you and your health first.

Travel can be both fun and sometimes stressful. Whatever you do, do not forget to brush and floss.

To schedule your next checkup, please contact our team at our dental office in San Diego, CA.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

Healthier Gums in One Minute | Dental Implants San Diego

92117 dentist

Have you ever wondered what the symptoms of periodontal/gum disease are? They can include:

● Bad breath
● Loose teeth
● Painful, bloody gums

The bad news is that periodontal disease can begin even before any of the obvious symptoms present themselves. You could be at risk of irreparable damage to your teeth and gums if you remain undiagnosed or untreated.

The good news is you can prevent periodontal disease and all it takes is a minute of your time each day.

Time for Floss

An effective and easy tool to prevent periodontal disease is dental floss, which will help get rid of built up plaque and bacteria in between your teeth. If you brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, you should be flossing daily as well.

Even if you think you brush your teeth really well, floss will clean the areas where your toothbrush cannot reach. Food debris as well as sugars and acids from drinks get caught in the small gaps and tight spaces in between your teeth. Floss is essential for cleaning out these gaps and hard to reach spaces.

Flossing Facts

Did you know that only 40 percent of Americans floss every day according to a study by the American Dental Association? This same study showed an obvious link between regular intra-oral care and better oral health.

Many people actually lie about how frequently they floss out of fear of embarrassment and ridicule at the dental office. 27 percent of adults actually lie to their dentist in 92117 about flossing according to a recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology.

Are You Flossing Correctly?

It may be confusing to know the correct and most effective way to use dental floss. The recommended length of your floss should be about 18 inches, wrapping most of it around your middle finger.

You should use about one inch of floss to clean between each pair of teeth. Carefully slide the floss between your teeth using your thumb and index finger. Be very careful when flossing your gum line to avoid cutting your gums. The whole 18 inches of floss should be used, using one inch of clean floss in between each tooth.

It only takes one minute to floss your teeth – just one minute to prevent periodontal disease. Doesn’t it seem worth it to get into a habit that is easy and beneficial to your oral health?

For more information about gum health, proper flossing technique, or to schedule a visit to the dental office in San Diego, CA, please contact our team today.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

Seniors Deserve Healthy Gums | Dentist 92117

cosmetic dentist in San Diego

Gum health should be a top priority for seniors. Your risk of developing periodontal disease (gum disease) increases as you age. By taking charge of your gum heath, you won’t have to worry because periodontal disease is both preventable and in many cases, reversible.

Ending up with bloody or swollen gums, or even losing teeth is a possibility if periodontal disease remains unchecked. In fact, there are multiple studies that connect periodontal disease to other, more serious illnesses.

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

A recent joint study conducted by the University of Southampton and King’s College in London discovered a link between periodontal disease and an increase in the rate of cognitive decline in those suffering from early Alzheimer’s disease. The study found that patients with periodontal disease experienced decline six times faster than in patients who had healthy gums.

Your risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke is also heightened if you have periodontal disease. With age, the risk factors for these serious issues increase and it is crucial to limit the potential risks as much as possible. An easy way to take responsibility for your gum health would be to visit our dentist in 92117 for regular checkups.

Numbers Don’t Lie

Moderate or severe periodontal disease was found in over 14% of seniors ages 65-74, and more than 20% for those ages 75 and older according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research.

It was found that more men than women were diagnosed with the disease, and smoking had a significant impact. According to the same study, 32% of current smokers had the disease, compared to just 14% who didn’t smoke at all.

Steps to Take

In order to avoid periodontal disease you must floss regularly, which is an easy and effective way to get into the gaps of your teeth where plaque and food particles build up. Also, make sure to brush your teeth for a full two minutes, twice a day.

As you age, it is more important than ever to keep up with your gum health. By doing so you will lower your risk factors for heart disease, stroke, and Alzheimer’s disease which have all been linked to periodontal disease.

Schedule a visit with our team at our dental office in San Diego, CA for a complete gum evaluation, and we will work with you to create that ensures your gums are as healthy as possible.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

Is Exercise Taking a Toll On Your Teeth? | Cosmetic Dentist San Diego

San Diego CA Dentist

Can exercise really be damaging to your teeth? Obviously exercise is crucial for good health and your well-being, but studies shared by our San Diego, CA dental team have shown that certain exercise and fitness habits can increase dental decay and tooth erosion.

Read more if you would like to find out how exercise can impact our oral health.

Dry Mouth: During exercise, breathing heavily through the mouth can cause your mouth to dry out due to a reduction of saliva. Saliva is made up of minerals that work to fight off bacteria, prevent tooth decay, and protect tooth enamel.

While you exercise, try to breathe through your nose and hydrate before, during, and after your workout. This will help to prevent the decay caused by a dry mouth.

To reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque you should also brush your teeth right before you exercise.

Clenching Jaw: When lifting weights, athletes often clench their jaw which can result in wearing down and possibly even cracking of the teeth. Consider using a mouth guard in order to protect your teeth from clenching and grinding together.

You can purchase a mouth guard at your local drugstore or sporting goods store. You can also visit our dentist who can make you a custom, personalized mouth guard.

Drinking Sports Drinks: The fact I am about to share with you may be shocking, but studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to teeth than water. That’s right! These drinks contain citric acid that can soften the tooth enamel to the point where even brushing your teeth after can cause damage to your teeth.

If you constantly are taking sips of these sugary liquids, you are putting your teeth at risk for tooth decay. Although these drinks taste great, you are better off drinking water instead which will prevent these negative effects.

If you cannot give up sports drinks, consider rinsing your mouth with water after you drink them, chewing a sugar-free gum, and avoid brushing your teeth immediately after.

Physical fitness is important for overall health as are regular visits to your dentist in 92117. Increased activity can help promote the health of your teeth and gums. Just as you would check with your physician before starting a new exercise regime, you should also include regular dental checkups.

Want to know more about how your teeth are doing? Contact our dental office in San Diego, CA today to schedule your next appointment.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117

How Dental Sealants Can Benefit Adults | Dentist San Diego CA

Dentist in San Diego CA

Even with proper oral care at home — two minutes of brushing twice a day and once-daily flossing — it can be difficult to clean some tooth surfaces thoroughly. Dental sealants can help adult teeth stay cleaner.

A dental sealant is a protective resin that acts as a barrier against tooth decay. It is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (molars) to help smooth over pits and grooves that can be difficult to clean with a toothbrush. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dental sealants prevent 80 percent of cavities in the molars, where the vast majority of tooth decay occurs.

Who Benefits from Dental Sealants?

Although they are most often associated with pediatric dentistry, sealants can also be beneficial for adults. People whose chewing surfaces have deep grooves, who want to stop a mild tooth lesion from developing into decay, or those who simply want an extra level of protection are all good candidates for sealants.

How Does Dental Sealant Work?

It takes just minutes to apply in our office. First the chewing surfaces are prepared to help the sealant adhere properly, then the sealant is brushed on. The liquid resin flows into the uneven surfaces of the teeth to create a smoother surface. The resin bonds to the enamel and hardens.

Sealants are either white or clear. Because of where it is applied, it is not visible when the patient talks or smiles.

How Long Do Dental Sealants Last?

A sealant application can last for years before it needs to be replaced, but it varies. Over time the sealant can become worn or loose and will not protect teeth as effectively. Chewing on hard foods and ice cubes can break down the sealant material, as well.

Having dental sealants applied is a quick procedure that offers substantial benefits for the right adult patients. Our dentist in 92117 can determine whether this treatment is a viable option to give you extra protection from tooth decay. If you have had a sealant treatment in the past, we can check to see if it needs reapplication.

With proper at-home care and regular professional cleanings, a dental sealant can be just as effective for adults as it is for children and teenagers. Call our dental office in San Diego, CA for more information about this treatment and other ways you can achieve a healthy mouth.

Paul Taylor, DMD- Advanced Dentistry
Phone: (858) 496-7521
4320 Genesee Ave., Suite 101
San Diego , CA 92117