7 Fast Facts from Your Valencia Dentist

1. What is plaque, anyway? Plaque is a clear, sticky film that sticks to your teeth. When you consume sugar, the plaque reacts by producing acid, which eats away at a tooth’s enamel. Over time, this acid erodes holes into the teeth, known as cavities or dental caries.
   
2. Does my mouth defend against tooth decay? Yes, but your mouth needs all the help it can get! Saliva constantly provides your teeth with minerals, protecting them from acids and preventing tooth decay, but plaque builds up quickly and needs to be brushed and flossed away. Make sure to give your keep the care they need and the saliva will take care of the rest.
   
3. Sugar-free doesn’t mean tooth-decay free. Although reducing your intake of sugar certainly does make life easier for your enamel, the acidic substitutes found in many of the sweet “sugar-free” products can often be just as harmful. A tip from your Valencia dentist: Just because it says “sugar free” doesn’t mean it’s safe for your teeth!
   
   
   


4. Chew on this! There is one notable exception to the “sugar-free” rule: Chewing sugar-free gum after meals results in a significant reduction in the formation of dental cavities. This is because chewing gum promotes the generation of saliva, which helps wash harmful sugars and acids from your teeth!
   
5. What is a cavity anyway? A cavity is decay that has progressed to the point it forms a hole in the tooth. Your Valencia dentist will check for cavities regularly because, when left unaddressed, cavities get larger and larger, and eventually become big problems.
   
6. Dental visits aren’t audits. As much about getting your teeth cleaned as it is about preventing bigger issues. Your Valencia dentist isn’t out to catch bad habits; they’re here to heal, clean, and educate you on ways to lead a healthy lifestyle.
   
7. Oral hygiene is about more than pearly whites. Oral hygiene involves much more than regular brushing to maintain a set of pearly whites. Keeping your mouth clean is in part about keeping your gums healthy. And, not to scare you, but unhealthy gums have been linked to heart disease. A healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.

Dentistry is a huge field and there’s a lot to learn. All the family dentists here at Go Dental hope that these few fast facts keep your smile bright and your gums happy!

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!

Believe it or Not: National Toothache Day

If you look at a comprehensive calendar, you’ll find that every day marks a celebration of something or someone. Perhaps one of the oddest things to celebrate on the calendar is February 9th, National Toothache Day. Although nobody is quite sure of the origins of this oddly specific and dubious holiday, we can assure you it’s a real thing! In celebration (if that’s the right word) of National Toothache Day, we’re going to talk about what you should do if you start to feel the pain of a toothache.

1. Make an Appointment with Your Valencia Dentist
   Experiencing any pain in your mouth should prompt a quick call to your dentist. Toothaches have a tendency to escalate and oftentimes are a symptom of a larger problem. Pain in the mouth can indicate microfractures, severe cavities, and bacterial infection, so don’t ignore it.
   
   
2. Soothe the Pain Naturally
   Once the appointment is made, you may have a few hours to wait; and you shouldn’t wait in pain! Try the following natural, simply remedies to dull toothache pain.
• Clove Oil – Apply a few drops of natural clove oil to a cotton swab and lightly dab the irritated tooth. Clove oil contains a chemical compound called eugenol, a natural anesthetic, which will help dull pain. Additionally, clove oil has antiseptic properties, which can help keep a bacterial infection under control. Be careful to only apply the oil directly the tooth and do not consume it directly.
• Peppermint Tea – Similar to clove oil, peppermint tea also has a number of medicinal properties. When consumed in the form of a hot tea, peppermint acts as an anti-inflammatory. This soothing herb can quell pain from a toothache and is less volatile than clove oil, which must be used with care.
• Salt Water – Swishing warm salt water is a great way to reduce swelling and safely cleanse your mouth. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in boiling water and allow the water to cool until safe to touch. Swish for 30 seconds and spit. This should help reduce the pain!
3. Take Preventative Measures
   Of course, the best way to avoid mouth pain is to make regular visits your family dentist in Valencia. Trained professionals can give you the advice you need to keep your mouth and teeth happy and healthy. We’ll help you spot little issues before they become big problems.

This February, we wish you a National Toothache Day free of toothaches! Remember, if you have any dental concerns, consult with your friendly dentists in Valencia—we’re here to help!

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Exploring Dental Anxiety

If the idea of going to the dentist puts a pit in your stomach, then know that you’re not alone. Dental anxiety is a common ailment that, unfortunately, prevents many people from getting the care they need to enjoy a happy, healthy smile.

                      

Being a little nervous about going to any medical professional’s office is perfectly normal, but at what point does this discomfort become a phobia? Dental anxiety becomes a dental phobia when it has a marked impact on someone’s well-being. If you or someone you know has stopped going to the dentist because of a fear, then it’s time to seek help. Your Valencia dentists understand the anxieties that can come with visiting the dentist, and we have techniques and medications that help patients overcome this obstacle.

By now, you may be asking yourself, "How can I overcome dental anxiety?" We've seen many patients with varying degrees of dental anxiety; here's what we've suggested to them:

1. Speak with a Dentist.
   Your Valencia dentists here at Go Dental are always happy to speak with patients about procedures and the tools used to help show you why going to the dentist isn’t anything to fear! All of our professionals are extremely compassionate and friendly; we take pride in being your neighborhood dentists.
   
2. Dental Anxiety Sedation.
   We understand that phobias aren’t always easily dispelled with discussion. To help patients that suffer from a more advanced fear of dentistry, we have medications and relaxation techniques to help patients get the treatment they need.
   
3. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
   New studies suggest that undergoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can greatly reduce feelings of anxiety and stress that preempt a visit to the dentist. These short-format therapy sessions can help those who endure dental anxiety visit the dentist with much less fear.

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we understand and we want to help! Come see your friendly, family dentist in Valencia! Go Dental is always happy to help you understand why there's no reason to fear the dentist.

Cavities, Fillings, and the Future!

By age 39, the average American has around 7 teeth that have suffered damage from decay and need to be filled. It’s an exceptionally common occurrence that most of us face at some point. Today, we’re going to learn a little more about what causes cavities, how they’re addressed, and the exciting technologies that are just around the corner for treating this common malady.

What Causes Cavities?

Cavities, in short, are caused by plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms in the mouth. When you eat or drink sugary substances, the bacteria in plaque reacts by producing an acid that, over time, wears at the enamel of your teeth. The holes created in the enamel are called cavities and, without treatment, these small holes create more surface area for the acid to wear at your teeth. Without professional help, cavities continue to worsen, which is why regular visits to your Valencia dentist are so important.

What Is a Filling?

In order to prevent plaque from continually eroding the enamel within the tooth, dentists drill into decaying teeth to create a proper landing for an amalgam or a composite resin—both of which are bacteria-resistant substances. Commonly known as a “filling,” these deposits don't erode, preventing further acid damage.

What Does the Future Hold for Fillings?

As is always the case, there is some exciting dental technology on the horizon. According to an article from The Guardian, scientists are well into the development of a high-tech, completely painless solution to cavities. The treatment, called Electrically Accelerated and Enhanced Remineralization (EAER) helps quickly move naturally occurring calcium and phosphate minerals into the decaying tooth. This new technology promises to get cost-efficient and, from the sound it, extremely patient friendly!

What to Do Now

New technologies are exciting and we’re always looking to give our patients the latest and greatest in dental technology, but there’s no substitute for proper, preventive care! To prevent cavities, be sure to brush multiple times per day, avoid sugary foods where possible, and visit your Valencia dentist regularly!

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Dental Insurance Basics - How to See Your Valencia Dentists for Less!

Dental insurance is offered by many employers and most people can get a personal insurance plan outside of their employer’s plan. Despite their low cost and the high level of availability, many people (and their families) don’t have dental insurance and must pay a large amount for unexpected dental procedures.

In order to protect yourself and your family from a large and unexpected dental bill, it’s a good idea to subscribe to a dental insurance plan. Dental insurance is similar to health insurance in many ways. There are a range of plans available with different options that affect the monthly insurance premium.

The first choice most patients need to make is whether they want to use a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) or Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) dental plan. These two types of plans offer different options for which doctor a patient can see. HMOs tend to make available fewer dentists in exchange for lower co-pays and deductibles. PPOs, on the other hand, are accepted by most dentists.

The next set of decisions most people need to make is what dental services they would like covered, the amount that’s reimbursed for those services, how high their deductible is, etc. Each of these options affects the monthly premium the subscriber pays.

The primary benefit of dental insurance, regardless of which type of plan you choose, is the ability to have routine dental maintenance performed at a lower cost than what you would have to pay without insurance. Some dental insurance plans also cover less frequent, but more costly procedures, such as root canals, bridges, and dentures.

Regardless of how often you and your family visit the dentist, it’s a good idea to subscribe to a dental insurance plan. If your employer offers dental insurance and you’re not already taking advantage of their plan, it may be a good idea to re-evaluate subscribing to your employer’s plan. If your employer doesn’t offer a dental insurance plan, there’s a wide range of individual dental plans available from major carriers, such as Delta Dental, Aetna, Cigna, and many others. Many carriers offer information on their website to help you determine which plan would be best for you.

Go Dental - Top Valencia Dentist

smile@thedentist.com

Wisdom Teeth: When It’s Time to Have them Removed

When you hear “wisdom teeth,” the next word queued up in your brain is likely “removal,” and for good reason! The wisdom teeth are the four, back-most molars in the mouth and, as you well know, oftentimes they need to be removed for oral hygiene’s sake. Today, we’re going to learn all about these later-in-life teeth and how to know when to visit your Valencia dentist to discuss having your wisdom teeth removed.

Why "Wisdom Teeth?"

Although there are some differing opinions as to why they’re called "wisdom teeth," there’s one universally accepted answer: Wisdom teeth are the last teeth to develop within the mouth and they tend to develop well into adulthood, after we’re (supposedly) wiser than ever! Unfortunately, the typical growth pattern of wisdom teeth doesn’t always seem so wise, and can lead to complications.

What Happens if I Ignore My Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth have a funny way of growing in crookedly. When these teeth bump up against your other molars, their growth pattern gets stunted and they become what’s known as “impacted.” As a result, wisdom teeth often partially erupt from the gums or don’t erupt at all—either one of these results can cause problems:

Partial Eruption - A partially erupted wisdom tooth is prone to developing a bacteria condition called perioncitis. This ailment is the inflammation of soft tissues surrounding the crown of the partially erupted tooth and can lead to extreme sensitivity and pain. These irritated tissues are prone to bacterial infection, which be dangerous to overall health.

Non-Eruption – Wisdom teeth that never erupt from the surface of the gums can promote the growth of cysts, which can cause significant damage to gum tissues and bones.

How Do I Know When to Talk to My Valencia Dentist?

• Pain – The first symptom is soreness or pain in the back of the jaw. Any pain in the mouth or jaw area should be addressed quickly by a Valencia dentist. If you’ve never had your wisdom teeth removed, you’re an adult, and you’re experiencing soreness, then chances are that wisdom teeth are the source.

• Sinus Issues – If you develop sudden sinus pain, pressure, or congestion, this may be the result of impacted wisdom teeth. See your dentist.

• Headaches – Consistent, dull pain in the jaw is known to cause headaches. If you’re feeling a combination of soreness near your molars and more frequent headaches, consult your dentist.

• Bad Breath – Strangely enough, wisdom teeth are partially erupted, the result can be bad breath. The pockets created in the gums by the wisdom teeth are excellent breeding grounds for bacteria, which cause bad breath.

If you have any questions, your Valencia dentist is just a phone call away! Always err on the side of caution and never ignore mouth pain. If you think your wisdom teeth need to be looked at, call us today! 

Go Dental - Top Dentist in Valencia

smile@thedentist.com