In the Dentist's Tool Bag

Dentistry technology continues to expand and evolve into great technology that makes your visits to your family dentist in Valencia easier, shorter, and even more pleasant. Even with advancing technology, some of the most basic tools continue to be highly effective and common practice. Let’s reviews some of the basic tools you might encounter at your next scheduled cleaning.

Some of the most basic tools include: the mirror, the pliers, the saliva ejector, and the probe. These instruments are mostly used to help us navigate your mouth and maintain your comfort, whether you’re there for a root canal or a cleaning. The mirror and probe allow your dentist to see into the crevices of your mouth and help identify what type of care you might need. The saliva ejector and pliers are usually used to extract extra saliva, blood, or debris that may have accumulated during your care.

For the most basic cleaning, the primary tool used is an ultrasonic instrument that uses small motions to do a basic cleanse of larger tarter pieces. This tool may also use small bursts of water to help loosen any debris. Depending on the dental care you need, you may have an x-ray. This will help your friendly family dentist identify issues such as tooth decay, cysts, impacted teeth, and cavities. The x-ray may be able to catch cautionary problems before they become harder to treat.

You may have experienced a blue light with an orange screen over it. These are called dental curing lights. These are used to complete the secure processing of fillings and other resin based materials your care may have required.  

No matter what you are visiting us for, you will probably see at least one of the tools from the above list. Don’t know what something is? Don’t be afraid to ask us! Your family dentist in Valencia is always happy to answer any questions you may have!   

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Boomers & Dental Care

After the age of 65, most retirees opt out of dental insurance. Not having routine checkups and continued maintained on previous work can lead to a number of problems, including gum disease and tooth decay. Simply due to the wear and tear that accumulates over the years,, boomers are at high risk for gum disease and periodontitis. Periodontitis is a disease that attacks the tissue around the teeth. Not only are your routine dental visits preventative, but your Valencia dentist could help identify other health risks.

Dental insurance is offered to boomers, but many think they don’t need it. Everyone should have dental insurance, but due to the years of damage done to their teeth, boomers specifically should have insurance. In order to maintain previous dental work such as crowns and root canals, routine dental check-ups are required. Call your Valencia dentist today to make sure your previous dental implants and procedures aren’t at risk.

Poor dental hygiene, specifically in people aged 50-70, can lead to poor overall health. “63% of boomers with oral symptoms indicating a more serious health issue were unaware of the symptom’s link to the condition.” ⁽¹⁾ Many people are unaware of  the connection between oral hygiene and overall health. Symptoms of diseases such as diabetes and osteoporosis are often first apparent through mouth exams. Dry mouth, bone loss, and bleeding gums are yellow flags that your Valencia dentist could identify as onset symptoms for bigger problems. Jaw pain could be one of the first identifiers for a potential looming heart attack ⁽²⁾ The more aware of your dental health you are, the more aware of your overall health you are.

Don’t let your lack of insurance be a problem. Your family dentist in Valencia can assist you with finding the insurance you need and help you jump start both your dental and overall health. 

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Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Pick the Best Mouthwash

Using mouthwash in your daily life is a great way to prevent a number of dental issues, such as: 

• tooth decay
• gingivitis
• plaque
• cavities
• other gum diseases

But did you know there are different types of mouthwashes that are meant to prevent specific conditions? Depending on the dental condition you’re looking to prevent, you’ll want to pick between a few different types of mouthwashes to find the right one for you. The various types of mouthwash each contain a combination of alcohols, fluoride, or antibacterial properties and each mixture of mouthwash helps prevent a specific dental issue. 

Antibacterial Mouthwashes
Antibacterial mouthwashes, as the name implies, are made to fight against bacterial diseases, including most forms of gum disease. Antibacterial mouthwashes are recommended for combatting plaque and gingivitis. While the vast majority of mouthwash products have trace amounts of antibacterial properties, there are some made specifically to battle bacterial infections. Antibacterial mouthwashes also slow down the production of sulfur compounds in your mouth, which can help eliminate bad breath. 

Alcohol Mouthwashes
Alcohol mouthwashes, also known as antiseptic mouthwashes, also work to kill germs that cause plaque and gingivitis in the mouth. Alcohol mouthwashes clean around your gum line to decrease your probability of developing gingivitis. Alcohol mouthwashes are also known for aiding in the fight against cavities. However, alcohol can be extremely drying and worsen bad breath for some people. 

Fluoride Rinses 
Fluoride mouthwashes are used, primarily, to prevent tooth decay and cavities. It does not remove existing plaque, so regular brushing remains essential! Fluoride is used to strengthen your enamel and protect against cavities, making teeth more durable when plaque takes hold. Many mouthwashes do not contain fluoride, so don’t assume you’re getting fluoride unless the label specifically says so! Many therapeutic mouth rinses contain fluoride to assist in preventing tooth decay. 

Using a mouthwash that is suited to your health needs is a great way to take care of your mouth in between dental visits. When shopping for mouthwash, be sure to pick one that has earned the Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). If you’re unsure which type of mouthwash is best for your dental health, please consult Go Dental, your family dentist in Valencia!


Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Finding The Right Toothbrush

Most of us don’t give much thought to the seemingly simple utensil you use (at least) two times a day—the toothbrush. Whether you’re using an electric, rechargeable toothbrush or a simple, low-tech toothbrush, there many factors that contribute to a making the right choice for your teeth. 

Electric vs. Manual

The single most significant difference between toothbrushes is the difference between electric and manual. Electric toothbrushes offer unidirectional, rotational, and ultrasonic motions. These automated motions can help remove the plaque and gingivitis. Manual toothbrushes, however, are much more affordable. Come see your Valencia Dentist before purchasing an electric toothbrush, and we’ll make sure to recommend the right one for you. 

Size

The average length of a medium-sized toothbrush head is just under an inch. Toothbrushes for infants and children will vary in size. If you need a smaller head to help reach further crevices in your gums, a small head toothbrush might be better for you. The head of the toothbrush should be able to reach all areas and surfaces of your teeth and gums (including the back of those molars!).

Shape

Head Shape

The shape of the head itself is designed to help the brush comfortably navigate your mouth. A diamond shape may help reach the posterior teeth while the conventional rounded rectangle may work just fine for you. Additionally, brands offer a “polishing cup” shape, which includes a rounded bristle clump that helps focus brushing on one specific tooth.

Bristle Shape

The bristles on a brush come in a few varieties. These include block, wavy, multilevel, and crisscross. In many ways, a bristle is a bristle, so don’t let this detail tie up your decision-making process! Look for a toothbrush with a nice variety of bristles, as each is designed to reach between teeth where plaque and tartar build-up can occur. 

Handle Shape

While the shape of the handle doesn’t change the toothbrushes impact too much, it can have an impact on your comfort. Choosing a contra-angle or flexible handle may make your brush more comfortable to use. 

Hardness

You will have the option of soft, medium, or hard nylon bristles. This is the density of bristles on the toothbrush. If you are a heavy brusher, a soft brush may help prevent harm to your gums and enamel. For most, a soft brush is the safest and most efficient. 

Color

Of course the color of your toothbrush doesn’t have an impact on your dental hygiene, but brushing your teeth should be fun! For kids especially, make sure to pick up something colorful and fun to encourage happy and consistent brushing.

Final Thoughts

A comfortable toothbrush will make you more likely to keep brushing and will help you keep up with a complete dental hygiene routine. Along with picking the right toothbrush, making the right decision on toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash will enhance your twice-a-day routine. When picking out a new toothbrush, make sure to look for a toothbrush that has earned the Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association (ADA). If you’re still not sure which toothbrush is right for you, ask your family dentist in Valencia! We’re always happy to help.

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Canker Sores: Identifying, Treating, and Getting Help

Many of us have felt the discomfort of a small, circle sore on the inside of our lips. These irritating blemishes are commonly known as canker sores--scientifically known as recurring aphthous ulcers. They seem to crop up out of nowhere, cause stinging discomfort, and may prompt a trip to your Valencia dentist if they’re large and persistent. Today, we’re going to talk about the causes, remedies, and dangers of canker sores so you know when it’s time to visit your Valencia dentists.

What Causes Canker Sores?

The first question on everyone’s mind when they start feeling the sting of a canker sore is, “Why?” The truth is, we still haven’t pinned down the exact cause of canker sores. However, we do know of a few contributing factors. These include:

• Stress.
• Deficiencies in iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12.
• Certain drugs.
• Hormonal changes.
• Physical trauma to the lips or gums.

What Are the Symptoms of Canker Sores?

It’s easy to recognize when your mouth is in pain, but it’s not always a simple task to investigate and identify the source of the pain. The following are the telltale traits of canker sores:

• These sores are typically no larger than a centimeter across and have a defined circular or ovular shape.
• They typically develop within the front part of the mouth, on the inside of the lip, under the front or sides of the tongue, or (rarely) directly on the gums.
• If you can get a good look with a light source, canker sores are typically white or pale yellow in color and have a red outline.

How Can I Treat a Canker Sore?

Unfortunately, the best medicine for a canker sore is time. Oftentimes, these sores take roughly a week to diminish, and up to two weeks to fully disappear. That being said, there are a few techniques you can employ at home to make the process less painful:

• Do not pick at the sore. Try your best to avoid irritating the sore, as this will cause it to become inflamed, which only promotes more discomfort.
• Try swishing over-the-counter mouthwash or salt water. In either case, do not swallow after swishing.
• Avoid spicy foods, as these can aggravate the canker sore.

When Should I See a Dentist?

If you have a canker sore that is showing no signs of subsiding (or is getting worse) after two weeks, be sure to make an appointment with your local family dentist. Also, if your canker sore is very irregularly shaped or is much larger than a centimeter across, make an appointment with your Valencia dentist. 

As always, we recommend erring on the safe side and, if you’re not sure whether your ailment is serious, take the safe route and visit your dentist anyway. At Go Dental, we’re here to answer questions and love helping our patients understand!

How Your Diet Choices Can Help Your Enamel

Enamel – it’s one of the four major tissues that makes up the tooth in humans and many other animals, and even some species of fish! Enamel is the normally visible part of the tooth, covering the crown.

Your enamel is one of the major parts of your teeth, the main protector against tooth decay.  Protecting your enamel is one of the most crucial steps to maintaining a healthy mouth.  Your diet is one of the ways that you can affect the health of your tooth enamel – for good or bad.

Some of the main foods that help restore, strengthen, and protect enamels are dairy products, foods containing Vitamin D, and foods with high amounts of protein.  The combination of these nutrients not only supports the health of your enamel, but that of the bones throughout your body as well.

However, there are many foods and drinks that can harm and decay your tooth enamel.  These include sour foods, acidic fruits such as citrus, and sugary drinks like soda.  That’s not to say that fruits should be removed from your diet – but try eating fruit with a meal containing other foods to help mitigate the damage to your teeth.

Regardless of the state of your enamel, there's always room for improvement, and Go Dental Valencia can provide an anxiety free visit to help you get started.  We provide trustworthy and gentle dentistry for our patients, and we can help you shape your diet to improve and maintain the health of your mouth – contact us today to find out how!

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia

smile@thedentist.com