4 Summer Dental Must-Dos!

The summer, especially in Santa Clarita, is a time to enjoy the heat (and maybe the air conditioner). It’s a time to forget about school, and instead think of your next barbeque or weekend camping trip. The late-night family gatherings, or mornings your sleep in till noon may lead to you, and the kids, forgetting about your dental care. Just because you’ve fallen out of a daily schedule where brushing your teeth is a habit, doesn’t change the fact that your teeth still need just as much care.

This summer, don’t let your oral health fall by the wayside. Here are some easy must-dos for this summer.

Making Oral Care Fun

Isn’t summer all about having fun? Why not have fun while brushing your teeth? Aside from getting a new fun-colored toothbrush (or maybe one that sings to you), there are plenty of accessories you can add to your dental routine. Fun Flossers are a great way to encourage the kids to incorporate flossing on a daily basis. They are great for little hands, and travel easily.

Limit Your Summer Sugar

While candy may not be what you’re reaching for, be careful with your natural sugar intake. A refreshing piece of fruit, or a quick swig of that sugary pink lemonade, is part of almost every barbeque or picnic over the summer. While most fruits have great overall health benefits, many fruits are fairly high in natural sugar and acid. If you’re wanting to nibble on a piece of fruit grab a pear, or grapes. Erythritol is the naturally-occurring sugar in these fruits which doesn’t harm the teeth. Sticky or seeded fruits will get stuck in the crevices of your teeth, possibly causing cavities.

Change up Your Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or when you notice that your bristles are frayed. The start of summer marks the perfect mid-year time to replace your toothbrush. Also, check your kid’s toothbrush. This also makes a great opportunity to make sure they are using the best size and coarseness. If you need help finding the right toothbrush for you, or your children, asking your Valencia dental professionals at GoDental.

Schedule a Visit to a Dentist in Valencia

Ahhh summer… a time to sleep in, lay by the pool all day, and go to the dentist? Ok, maybe that doesn’t show up on everyone’s summer list, but why not? Over the summer, you don’t have to stress about fitting in your dentist appointment between school and soccer practice. Use the extra time in your calendar to book a visit to your dentist in Valencia. We can get you taken care of quickly, and get you right back out in the sun to enjoy the rest of your summer. These visits also make for a good reminder to kids to take care of their teeth over summer.

So, this summer, don’t forget about your teeth! They want to enjoy this time off just as much as you do, but they still need to be taken care. Make brushing a twice-a-day part of your summer break, mixed with fun flossers and a quick dental visit and you’ll be ready to full enjoy this summer - heat and all!

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Everything You Need to Know About Veneers

Don’t we all want that perfect pearly-white smile? Like many of the celebrities you see with super white teeth, many people lean on dental veneers for the perfect smile. While veneers might be a great option for many, they aren’t for everyone. Here are some pros and cons you should weigh before you ask about veneers. Of course, next time you’re in for a visit to your Dentist in Valencia, ask us!

What Are Veneers, And What Are My Options?

Veneers are super-thin shells that are bonded to the front of the tooth. They can help improve the shape, size and color of the tooth. Veneers are usually made from porcelain but may also be constructed of a resin composite material. The porcelain is less likely to stain and is better at reflecting light similarly to natural teeth. While most veneers you may be familiar with are custom made to fill your dental needs, there are also instant veneers which are premade and don’t include the size and color customization.

None of the materials will color naturally. When a veneer is implemented, the color of the veneer will not change over the years, like your natural teeth. This may lead to discolored implants in the far future.

Why Would I Need Veneers?

Veneers are can fill a multitude of needs including:

• Discolored teeth- the discoloring could be a result of eating and brushing habits, excessive fluoride use, or the natural presence of resin fillings
• Misshaped or misaligned teeth- teeth that may be worn down, chipped, broken, or irregularly shaped which may have resulted in gaps

What Is the Veneer Process?

Before most dental work is completed, X-rays and impressions are completed. This helps us identify exactly where the veneer is going to be placed as well as the shape of the veneer. Veneers need to be ordered from a laboratory which takes about three (3) weeks.

Once the veneer is ready to be adhered, a small amount of enamel is removed from the tooth. This prepares the surface of the tooth to adhere properly to the veneer. Using a combination of cement adhesive and special lighting, the veneer is gently placed in its desired location.

If you are considering veneers as an option for your dental needs, ask your dentists in Valencia and we can help answer any questions you may have. Veneers could be the option you’ve been looking for!

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Dentists, Dental Hygienists, and Orthodontists… Oh My!

There are major differences in the care you will receive from a dentist, a dental hygienist, and an orthodontist. Sometimes it can be a bit confusing, but we are going to specifically clarify which services you would visit each of these dental care providers for. Each of these dental care providers are specialists in their own perspective area of care. Just as in a hospital you have doctors and nurses, in your Valencia dental office here at Go Dental, you have dentists and dental hygienists. We work closely with only the best to bring a complete dental care package to you and your family.

Dental Hygienist

The dental hygienist is usually the first person you see during your dental appointment. Their care focuses on the prevention of disease or infection. The dental hygienist performs the routine care and cleanings that maintain your dental health. Routine cleanings include plaque and tartar removal, X-rays, and review of your at-home dental care habits. Your dental hygienist may review your eating habits as well as recommend any tools or routines that might better your dental health. The handoff from dental hygienist to dentist usually happens after the hygienist has a complete understanding of your dental health and will allow the dentist to diagnose and treat any issue you may have.

Dentist

The dentist will spend more time with you if you have a problem or need extensive treatment. Dentists have not only completed the training of a dental hygienist, but have also completed dental school and are licensed by the state to practice performing corrective surgery on bones, gums, and possibly nerves.

Orthodontist

An orthodontist is a specialist who is highly trained to treat crooked or crowded teeth and misaligned bites. This is the specialist you might think of, or go to, when you need braces, spacers, or headgear.

Of course, there are other specialists who can assist in providing a well-rounded dental health care plan, including but not limited to periodontists, endodontists, and maxillofacial surgeons. Usually, these health care specialists aren’t seen unless recommended by your dentist. They specialize in very specific care and procedures that are not required for all patients. Your Valencia dental specialists want to see your dental hygiene be the best it can be, which requires all the dental professionals to work together.

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com