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Thursday, January 26, 2017

The Dangers of Gum Pockets

Alta Loma Dental Care’s treatment options include a number of surgeries which can help patients struggling with the effects of periodontal disease. Most of these focus on restoring teeth, but we also have ways to limit the damage caused by bacteria before teeth need to be replaced. Gum pocket reductions are one of our most common procedures and can prevent the need for more extensive interventions later on.

As plaque accumulates below the gum line, acids stick to it, resulting in the decay of bone and gum tissue in contact with the plaque. The empty spaces the decayed tissues leave behind become a home for bacteria, exacerbating the decay process. These pockets can’t be reached with home hygiene products, which is why our hygienists need to do deep cleanings.

Ridding pockets of plaque and bacteria colonies won’t prevent them from coming back. That’s why our doctors will want to reduce the pockets or eliminate them entirely. This could be as simple as making an incision in a healthy part of the gum, stretching it, and fastening it in its new position with a suture, or it could require a full gum graft. Hopefully, patients will have an easier time maintaining oral hygiene after undergoing pocket reductions, and they may find that their teeth roots are less sensitive and visible.

Drs. Michael and Jessica Kim operate Alta Loma Dental Care at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit AltaLomaDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

Take Care of Your Toothbrush

Brushing your teeth plays an important everyday role for personal oral hygiene and effective plaque removal. You may not give much thought to cleaning your toothbrush; however appropriate toothbrush care and maintenance are important considerations for oral hygiene. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we want you to know how and when to replace, clean, and store your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush approximately every three to four months or sooner if bristles are frayed. However, toothbrushes will wear out more rapidly depending on factors unique to each patient. It is also important to never share a toothbrush because this practice could be a concern for people with compromised immune systems or existing infectious diseases. If your toothbrush comes in contact with another, thoroughly rinse the brush with warm tap water to remove any remaining toothbrush and debris. When you are done using the toothbrush, store it in an upright position and allow the toothbrush to air-dry until used again.

If you have further questions regarding toothbrush care, give us a call. To learn 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.

Friday, January 13, 2017

What Happens When Wisdom Teeth Have Cavities?

As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster.  However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care to discuss extraction.

If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, one of our doctors may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.

If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn 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.

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

Night Guards for Grinding and Clenching

Grinding and clenching teeth at night is a common problem. Unfortunately, it can create serious dental issues like worn down teeth, sensitivity, and damage. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer night guards to protect our patients who grind and clench their teeth at night.

Grinding your teeth wears down your enamel, causing sensitivity and making teeth prone to cavities. It can also cause fillings to come loose and cause damage like fractures to teeth. The clenching can eventually lead to TMJ problems. In addition, the grinding can be awful for any sleeping partners to listen to at night.

In our Alta Loma, CA office, we create custom night guards for our patients. These are mouth guards that create a barrier between your upper and lower teeth. They stop damage from grinding and lessen the consequences of clenching. They may even stop your grinding and clenching altogether.

If you suspect you grind and clench your teeth at night, pay us a visit so we can examine your teeth. To set up an appointment with us and learn more about night guards, call Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.