How to Avoid Staining Teeth

Bold and bright teeth are a large part of self-confidence. Whitening teeth has become very popular, but there are steps you can take to avoid staining. Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA wants our patients to know how to avoid staining teeth and how to keep those pearly whites bright!

An important step in avoiding stains is knowing how they happen. There are surface stains and there are stains that penetrate the surface and reach the dentin. The dentin is the main bulk of the tooth, located in the center of the tooth. When surface stains reach the dentin, it discolors the whole tooth.

To avoid keeping surface stains trapped on your teeth, brushing is the most important thing you can do. Plaque is a sticky film that can trap food and drink particles close to your enamel. Brushing two to three times per day will ensure that any stain-causing debris will not be around for long. Flossing daily is also important for removing stain-holding plaque.

Rinsing your mouth after consuming dark foods and liquids will help keep them from clinging to your teeth. Foods like blueberries, soy sauce, and tomato sauce are common stain-causers. Drinks like cola, coffee, and red wine are also stain-causers. Another good way to avoid stains from dark drinks is to drink them through a straw to limit contact.

Along with these tips, our customized teeth whitening trays can give your teeth a kick start to a brighter smile. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

What Causes Tooth Sensitivity and How Can It Be Stopped?

Tooth sensitivity can be painful and can keep you from enjoying the foods and drinks you love. At Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we strive to fight tooth sensitivity, which is why we want to provide information about why it happens how to minimize it.

Tooth sensitivity can be the result of many conditions. The pain you feel happens when your gums expose then dentin. Dentin makes up the inside of a tooth and the roots. It has tubes that lead to the pulp, which is the nerve center of the tooth. Damage to a tooth, from decay, worn enamel, teeth grinding, or fractures can cause sensitive teeth. Whitening products, age, acidic foods, and plaque build-up are all conditions that can cause a sensitive tooth. To reverse this, you must reverse the habit that is causing the irritation.

To keep teeth and gums clean, brushing and flossing every day is a must. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush will also make sure you are not harming gums and will make sure you are not wearing down your enamel. Toothpaste with fluoride in it will help strengthen enamel. Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks. It is also important to remember to wait at least thirty minutes after eating to brush your teeth, as the acid from foods can wear down enamel when brushed right after.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA location for an examination. To schedule, call (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.

Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Walking through the toothbrush aisle, there are so many options. So how do we know which toothbrush is right? Alta Loma Dental Care wants to help our patients in the Alta Loma, CA area pick the best toothbrush for their oral care.

The most noticeable difference between all of these toothbrushes in the aisle is that some of them are electric and some are manual. Studies have shown that manual toothbrushes can do just as good of a job at brushing teeth as an electric toothbrush. However, for electric toothbrushes do most of the work. So for those with difficulty using their hands, an electric toothbrush may allow them to get a better brushing. Toothbrushes with non-slip grips are also a good idea.

Choose a toothbrush with a small head. Smaller heads are easier to maneuver throughout your mouth so you can reach every surface. The bristles on the head should be soft, for the best plaque removal and least irritation to gums. However, do not choose a toothbrush that says soft on the packaging unless directed by your dentist. Instead, choose one that says medium. Bristles that are too stiff can irritate gums and cause bleeding.

For children, toothbrushes that sing or play music are great motivators to get them to brush. These brushes also usually include timers.

For more information about toothbrushes and oral care, call Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Multiple Options for Tooth Replacement at Alta Loma Dental Care

When considering tooth replacement, it is nice to have options. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have several options for our patients in the Alta Loma, CA area looking to replace teeth.

Dental bridges are a popular solution for a missing tooth. They can be affixed for missing teeth anywhere in the mouth and can be made with porcelain to match your natural teeth. A bridge is applied by reshaping the adjacent teeth (or tooth) to fit crowns. The crowns are then cemented into place with the full replacement tooth in the middle, or on the end if there is only one adjacent tooth. With good care, a dental bridge can last for over fifteen years.

Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we also offer our patients full and partial dentures. The dentures are custom made to create the best smile for you. Dentures are a removable option. For full dentures, we can place them immediately or conventionally. Partial dentures are similar to bridges, but are able to be taken out.

Another option for replacement is the dental implant. This is a permanent solution, so with good care, a dental implant can last a lifetime. They are custom made to blend in with the rest of your teeth and they will act just like a natural tooth. Implants are surgically inserted to bond with the jawbone.

If you are in need of a tooth replacement, schedule a consultation at Alta Loma Dental Center of Alta Loma, CA so we can find the best option for you. To schedule, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.