Facts on Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth’s crust and widely distributed in nature and is often added to water to help reduce tooth decay. Research has shown that fluoride not only reduces cavities in children and adults, but it also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay, even before the decay is visible. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, our doctors can discuss professional fluoride treatments with you to see if you are a prime candidate.

When fluoride reaches your teeth, it is absorbed into the enamel. Fluoride helps to repair the enamel by replenishing the lost calcium and phosphorus to keep your teeth hard through a process called remineralization. When fluoride is present during this process, the minerals deposited into the tooth enamel help strengthen your teeth and prevent dissolution during the next demineralization phase. The results are stronger tooth enamel and a cavity-free grin.

If you think you may benefit from fluoride treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Selecting a Mouthwash to Meet Your Needs

Mouthwash or rinses are used for a variety of reasons: to freshen breath, to help prevent or control tooth decay, to reduce plaque, to prevent or reduce gingivitis, to reduce the speed that tartar forms on the teeth, or to produce a combination of these effects. Mouthwash has a few beneficial properties and our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care would like to explain some of them.

• Antimicrobial agents act directly on oral bacteria to help reduce plaque, decrease the severity of gingivitis and control bad breath.


• Fluoride helps reduce tiny lesions (tooth decay) on tooth enamel and make teeth more resistant to decay.


• Astringent salts can serve as temporary deodorizers that mask bad breath.


• Odor neutralizers act by chemically inactivating odor causing compounds.

If you desire a brighter smile, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn more about services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

What Causes Worn Down Teeth?

Worn down teeth can lead to sensitivity, gum irritation, and it can even make you prone to cavities. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we want our patients to be educated on how to keep a healthy smile. Read on to learn what can lead to worn down teeth. Also, visit our Alta Loma, CA office for your routine examination and more dental advice.

 

Brushing Too Hard

The purpose of brushing teeth is to remove plaque and other debris. Plaque is a thin, sticky film that covers teeth, but it is very soft and easily removed. All it takes is some light scrubbing with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Using excessive force or stiff bristles can actually harm your teeth by wearing down your enamel.

 

Home Whitening

Many patients have seen these at-home whitening kits while scrolling through Pinterest. It promises bright, white teeth while using something that you probably already have in your pantry; however, baking soda is very abrasive. If used too much, it can lead to very worn down enamel, making your teeth prone to cavities. In addition, worn down enamel tends to darken teeth, the opposite of what you were trying to accomplish! For safe, professional whitening, contact us!

 

Acidic Drinks

Another way that patients can damage their tooth enamel is by drinking large amounts of acidic drinks like pop. The acid in your favorite cola can gradually eat through enamel. Stick to keeping pop and other acidic beverages as treats for now and then, not daily drinks. In addition, wait at least thirty minutes after drinking an acidic drink to brush your teeth. The acid softens our enamel which can then be brushed away. Waiting at least thirty minutes will allow the enamel to re-harden.

Remember to keep a great at-home oral hygiene routine and visit us for your checkups! To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.