Tag: San Diego Dentist

Maintaining a healthy smile starts with brushing your teeth twice a day. However, excessively harsh brushing can sometimes damage your teeth and gums. In order to alleviate future gum problems, our dental office advises patients on proper brushing techniques. Let’s take a look at how brushing too hard can affect your gums.

What are the effects of brushing your teeth too hard on your gums?

If you brush your teeth too vigorously, you may cause your gums to recede or shrink back. Symptoms of gum recession include exposed tooth roots or teeth that appear longer than usual, which can negatively affect the appearance of your smile. A receding gum line may increase your risk of tooth decay and make you more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as many other external factors.

Gum recession isn’t the only problem caused by vigorous brushing. Tooth enamel can also be worn down as a result. While tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body, brushing too hard can slowly erode it, resulting in irreparable damage. The result is usually dark or yellowish-looking teeth, increased tooth sensitivity, and a higher risk of tooth decay.

What Are the Signs That You Are Brushing Too Hard?

You can determine whether you are brushing your teeth too hard by examining your toothbrush. You may be brushing too hard if your bristles are flat and frayed while still new. Harsh brushing can result in sore or bleeding gums; a receding gum line that exposes more of your teeth when you smile; and dull teeth as a result of enamel wear.

What is the best way to brush your teeth?

For safe and effective tooth brushing, follow these tips:

• Make sure you use a soft-bristled, high-quality toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association.
• You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes, thoroughly but gently.
• Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle against your gum line in a circular, up-and-down motion.
• Don’t forget to brush your tongue and your gum line. 
• In order to prevent mold and germs from growing on your toothbrush, store it in an open container.
• Replace your toothbrush every three months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed, flat, or damaged.

Our dental office can teach you how to brush your teeth properly for a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Don’t forget to schedule your regular dental exams and cleanings. We’ll make sure your teeth and gums stay healthy together. Get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment!

Alcohol consumption is known to be harmful to your health. Sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, all of which are present in a lot of popular drinks, have been proven to be harmful to the body. You may not be aware, however, that these beverages can also damage your teeth. The following are a few suggestions for consuming these beverages responsibly.

Energy drinks, juices, and sodas.

The high sugar content of these drinks can negatively affect your health. Their effects on your teeth, however, are less obvious. Prolonged exposure can damage your enamel as well as cause cavities and other dental issues.

Coffee

Many coffee drinks contain the same amount of sugar as sodas and juices. However, even people who drink their coffee black run the risk of damaging their teeth if they continue to consume it over time. Having too much coffee every day can stain your teeth, although the degree of staining varies from person to person.

Beer, wine, and liquor

While red wine may seem to stain your teeth, there is no difference between all wines and the risk they pose to your teeth. Additionally, darker beers can subsequently stain your teeth over some time depending on how often you consume them. Even though hard liquor itself is generally not a threat to your enamel, the mixers that go along with it can cause serious damage to it.

The Best Way to Protect Your Teeth

The first thing that may come to mind if you drink one of these beverages is to brush your teeth as soon as possible. Unfortunately, brushing your teeth too soon can have the opposite effect. Several of the beverages previously mentioned have a high acid content. Acid can have the effect of softening your enamel, and the pressure you apply when brushing can further contribute to this process. After drinking sugary or acidic drinks, it is recommended that you drink water and wait 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. Additionally, swishing the water around as you drink it will help to gently rinse off the enamel and allow it to harden before brushing.

A healthy diet is just as important for your teeth as it is for the rest of your body. You should follow a routine that includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional cleanings twice a year, so moderate consumption of any of these beverages will not negatively impact your oral health. For an appointment at our dental office, please contact us today!

Is sensitivity a common problem for you? Usually, tooth sensitivity can be treated with a wide range of treatment options that can provide some relief. Unfortunately, tooth sensitivity is often misunderstood. Here are some common questions regarding tooth sensitivity:

When eating cold or hot foods, are people’s teeth supposed to hurt?

The problem is unlikely to be serious if the discomfort or pain lasts only for a few seconds after drinking a hot or cold beverage. The cause of tooth sensitivity in these cases is likely to be mild decay (cavities), a loose or lost filling, or minor gum recession. Although it makes sense to schedule a visit to your dentist as soon as possible, it does not require emergency dental care.

If the sensitivity lasts 30 seconds or more, the internal structure (pulp) of your tooth has likely been permanently damaged in these cases. This may be due to deep dental decay, a tooth fracture, an accident or trauma, or it may be the consequence of an infection. In any of these cases, it is best to schedule a dental appointment as soon as possible so that a thorough evaluation can be performed before the pain becomes unbearable.

Does sensitivity toothpaste work?

Desensitizing toothpaste contains compounds such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. These products work by preventing pain signals from traveling between the surface of your teeth and your inner nerves. It may take several uses of the toothpaste before you see a difference. For those with more severe and prolonged sensitivities, prescription-strength toothpaste may be helpful. Our dental team is happy to suggest products that may be helpful to you.

If you have sensitive teeth, should you refrain from drinking coffee or eating ice cream?

You are not restricted from eating and drinking your favorite foods. If you are experiencing pain, you should consult with your dentist to determine the cause. Depending on your condition, they may recommend a specific toothpaste or suggest other possible treatment options. Maintaining proper oral hygiene will help in the prevention of tooth sensitivity.

Does sensitivity cause tooth loss?

Sensitivity may be a precursor to tooth loss. A recession of the gum line, which exposes the roots of your teeth, may cause sensitivity in several teeth at the same time. Prolonged gum recession can result in tooth loss. Furthermore, decay can cause sensitive teeth and, in the long run, can lead to an infection in the gums or jaw that can spread to other parts of the head and neck. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

Depending on the cause of your tooth sensitivity, our dentist can treat the condition in various ways. One of the easiest ways to prevent sensitive teeth is to maintain a good oral hygiene routine. For more information, please contact our dental office to schedule an appointment.

An early diagnosis of oral cancer can increase the probability of successful treatment. Most oral cancers can be successfully treated when caught early. Our dental team is trained to detect oral cancer at the earliest stages.

People of all ages are susceptible to the disease, but certain groups of people are at a higher risk than others. Here are the top seven risk factors for oral cancer:

Age

Are you in your forties? As you age, you’re more likely to develop oral cancer. Those over the age of 40 seem to be the most at risk. The Cancer Treatment Centers of America reports that the majority of diagnosed cases occur around the age of 62, but the average age is declining. Human papillomavirus (HPV) related cases are increasing the number of people diagnosed with oral cancer between the ages of 52 and 56. As the average age for oral cancer cases decreases, it is important to receive regular screenings for oral cancer at any age.

Gender

Men are twice as likely to develop oral cancer as women. This may be associated with regular consumption of alcohol and tobacco. The American Cancer Society reports that the gender gap is decreasing since more women use alcohol and tobacco than in previous generations. In recent years, younger men have also been diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancer. Oral health examinations are essential for both men and women to detect oral cancer early.

Tobacco

You can greatly increase your risk of developing oral cancer by smoking or chewing tobacco. Tobacco can cause oral and throat cancer. In addition, oral tobacco products can cause cancers of the lips, cheeks, and gums. These cancers are related to the duration and frequency of tobacco use. Non-smokers are not immune to oral cancer, so everyone needs to have an oral cancer screening. 

Alcohol

Around 70% of people diagnosed with oral cancer are heavy drinkers. Heavy drinking is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as having two or more drinks per day for men and one or more drinks per day for women. Heavy drinkers are more than twice as likely to develop oral cancer as non-drinkers. Even people who have never consumed alcohol can develop oral cancer. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

At least 10,000 cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States as a result of this sexually transmitted disease. Most HPV-related oral cancer patients are younger and do not smoke or drink. In general, people diagnosed with HPV-related oral cancers have a much lower risk of death or recurrence. We recommend maintaining regular visits to our dental office.

Sunlight

The risk of developing lip cancer is higher for people who work outside or are exposed to prolonged sunlight. It is essential to use UV protection when outdoors. Lip balms often contain UV protection. We recommend scheduling an additional examination if you work outdoors frequently.

Diet

You are more likely to develop oral cancer if you have poor nutrition. According to the American Dental Association, diets low in fruits and vegetables are associated with a higher risk of oral cancer. Healthy individuals can also develop oral cancer. Get a comprehensive oral examination from our team regardless of your diet.

There is no discrimination when it comes to oral cancer. While these seven factors have been linked to an increased risk of oral cancer, they do not negate the importance of regular oral examinations regardless of age, gender, or other factors. Our team can detect oral cancer earlier when regular dental examinations are performed. Please contact us to schedule a comprehensive oral examination.

When you are missing one or more teeth, our dental team is here to help you smile again with high-quality removable dentures. Dentures are custom-fitted into each patient’s mouth and are tailored to their specific needs. They offer both cosmetic and functional benefits for patients with tooth loss.

Dentures are made by taking impressions of the patient’s jaw and mouth and creating a model. This model will be used to design custom dentures that fit an individual’s mouth perfectly. To get the perfect color, shape, and fit, it will be designed, tested, and adjusted. The model is then cast into a permanent denture by a professional technician in a dental lab. Sometimes, minor adjustments are required to ensure the denture remains comfortable and secure.

There are two types of dentures: conventional complete dentures and partial dentures. 

Conventional Complete Dentures

If a patient needs to replace all their upper and lower teeth, a conventional complete denture may be required.

Conventional dentures are made after the gums have completely healed and have been remodeled. Your teeth and underlying bone form a framework that provides support to the structures of your face. When teeth are lost, you lose the ability to eat and chew food. Without the support of your teeth, your face may sag and create a look of premature aging. You also lose the ability to speak clearly. A conventional complete denture replaces all of your teeth in the upper and lower jaws.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures, also known as dental bridges, replace one or more missing teeth. Patients may get a bridge for aesthetic reasons, but bridges are often used to prevent teeth from rotating or shifting into empty spaces left by tooth loss. As a standard procedure, the crowns surrounding the area are attached to the replacement teeth, then the bridge is anchored in place. To ensure a consistent look in the patient’s smile, we will match the replacement to their natural teeth.

Regardless of the type of denture, patients should follow up with their dentist. Oftentimes, dentures may need to be adjusted to remain comfortable and fit correctly. Regular brushing with a soft bristle brush and a non-abrasive cleanser is recommended to prevent plaque buildup. The average denture needs to be replaced every five to ten years. You should have your dentures evaluated by a dentist to determine if they should be refitted or replaced.

Please contact our dental office if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.