The Connection Between Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

More research comes out every week about the importance of oral health. That’s hardly a surprise to us at Alta Loma Dental Care, but we’re happy to see the effects of gum disease getting more attention. A new study examined the relationship between gingivitis and cirrhosis and found that periodontal therapy can have some unexpected benefits.

When the liver is healthy, it filters toxic substances out of our blood. But when it is chronically inflamed, it can develop scar tissue that prevents it from doing its job. The body will suffer widespread inflammation as a result, including in the brain, which can result in mood swings and a loss of cognitive function. Liver disease and gum disease can both be caused by smoking and excessive alcohol, so it is unsurprising that they would often be present in the same people. But gum disease is also common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, despite their not seeming to share a common etiology.

To study the connection, researchers divided people with both diseases into a group that received gum disease treatment immediately and one that received it later. They found that when the patients were treated, their cirrhosis symptoms also significantly improved compared to the control group. Their cognition was better, and they had higher counts of gut bacteria that prevent inflammation. Scientists are still working out the exact relationship, but they’ve also found bacteria that cause gum disease in the liver. We hope our patients will take this research as evidence of how beneficial regular cleanings can be.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

A Whiter Smile Next Year

Everyone likes to make a make a great impression with a nice bright smile.  Alta Loma Dental Care provides an at-home whitening system to patients that you can use to whiten and brighten your smile gradually at home.  Patients with serious and minor stains can both see great results from this whitening treatment.  A consultation can help you determine how severe your stains are and what kind of results you can expect from a whitening treatment.  Come visit us about teeth whitening and start the New Year with your best smile!

To whiten your teeth at home, we outfit patients with whitening gel and a set of custom trays for application.  A dentist takes an impression of your teeth, and from this impression two custom trays are made for your top and bottom teeth.  The trays are made for you to take home and use by applying gel to the trays and then fitting them over your teeth. The dentist’s recommendation of how often to treat and how long each treatment should last may vary.  When following the dentist’s recommendations, most patients see results of teeth whitening 4-8 shades.

To learn more about teeth whitening and all the 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.

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

The doctors and staff of Alta Loma Dental Care encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.  Schedule a cleaning and ring in the New Year with your best smile!

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays!

To learn more about the services we provide, 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.

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking cigarettes will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should come visit us at Alta Loma Dental Care for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea with a snore guard, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea like a snore guard or CPAP machine, but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

To learn more about sleep apnea and the treatments we provide, 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.

Orthodontics for Adults

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care provide orthodontic care for adolescents and adults.  It is often recommended to start orthodontic treatment on an adolescent patient once all the permanent teeth have come in, but adults can still get great results from orthodontic care.  There are several options for adults beginning orthodontic treatment, and the best one for you will depend on what needs to be corrected.

To correct bite issues and straighten teeth, the traditional braces method includes brackets on the teeth and connecting wires that are tightened over the course of treatment. Clear braces use the same method but the materials are tooth-colored to avoid a metallic look.  Accelerated orthodontics are applied to correct cosmetic issues in about six months. Severe misalignments and bite issues can’t be corrected in such a short time, but if your concerns are purely cosmetic, it’s a great option for a short treatment time that can completely transform your smile.  Invisalign treatment is popular because of its almost invisible appearance.  A treatment plan consists of a series of clear aligners that straighten teeth over time.  Come see us and find out what will be best to correct your smile!

To learn more about orthodontic treatment and all the services provided 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.

Avoiding Tooth Decay during the Holidays

It’s the time of year for feasting, toasting, and sugary treats, so oral hygiene is especially important. We at Alta Loma Dental Care want our patients to be able to enjoy the holidays without getting a toothache later, so we thought it would be a good idea to point out some common sources of decay and how better choices can make for a better holiday season.

Oral bacteria produces acid was a waste product, which is what causes tooth decay. But tooth decay rates are more closely correlated with the amount of time sugar is left on teeth than the amount or type of sugar in food. When people snack on starchy foods such as crackers during family visits, the debris gets lodged in indentations or between teeth and it’s often several hours until they brush it away. The same is true of drinks such as apple cider, hot chocolate, lattes, and spirits, which leave a sugary residue on the teeth and are often drunk slowly. Sugary drinks such as sodas also dry out the mouth, preventing saliva from washing residue away.

People produce the most saliva when they are eating meals, so it’s best to limit sugar to those times. It’s also a good idea to carry sugar-free gum, which can dislodge some food debris in between meals, and to stick to hard candies that have been flavored with xylitol. If you’re traveling somewhere without fluoridated water, try taking some bottles with you. In between sipping sugary drinks, you can also take sips of water, which will rinse a little sugar away.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How Diabetes and Gum Disease Interact

Bleeding gums are common, but they’re not healthy. We can provide deep cleanings of the gum pockets at Alta Loma Dental Care, but we need our patients to recognize when it’s time to get help. That’s especially important for people with diabetes, who have higher rates of gum disease. It’s not just their oral health that depends on good dental care.

People with diabetes are predisposed to chronic inflammation. When the body detects an infection, such as one in the gum pockets, inflammation is the immune system’s initial response. It helps to isolate pathogens and direct white blood cells to where they need to go. But inflammation is uncomfortable and has damaging effects if it persists long-term, and people with uncontrolled high blood sugar have difficulty fighting infections. So while gingivitis, or gum inflammation, is high in the general population, it’s even more common among people with diabetes. If it progresses, it can cause gum tissue to recede, leaving the teeth less supported. There is also evidence that gum disease makes it harder for the body to regulate blood sugar, resulting in a feedback loop.

Fortunately, gum disease treatments are effective interventions. But to stop gum disease before it starts, people with diabetes need to keep proper protocol when brushing and flossing and to keep regular appointments so we can provide below-the-gum cleanings.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

What Is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD. The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care help patients prevent and recover from negative effects of TMD.

Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw.  Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer with discomfort in your jaw.  Contact us for help today.

To learn more about TMD and the services provided at the 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. 

Makeover Your Smile With Veneers!

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care are always getting questions from patients about the latest trends in cosmetic fixes for unsightly teeth.  Some fixes are recommended just to repair damage or just to whiten, but veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth.  This gives you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural.  Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers.

We can give a patient a brand new smile using veneers in as little as two visits!  First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Then an impression of your teeth is taken in order to custom-fit the final product to the surfaces of your teeth.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be fabricated, which may take up to two weeks.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth for you to wear and enjoy!

To learn more about veneers and all the services provided at the 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.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common type of apnea that is caused by an obstruction of the airway. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when something partly or completely blocks the upper airway during slumber. This causes the diaphragm and chest to work harder to open the airway and pull air into the lungs. If you suspect you have sleep apnea, schedule a consultation with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

If you wake up in the middle of the night gasping for air, this is a serious cause for concern. You should seek treatment if you or your partner experience excessive daytime drowsiness, loud snoring, awakening with a dry mouth or a sore throat, and/or drastic mood changes. People who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea may not be aware that their sleep is being interrupted.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea diagnosis and treatment, 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.

Cosmetic Dental Services

From subtle changes to major repairs, at Alta Loma Dental Care we offer a variety of procedures to improve your smile. While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. At Alta Loma Dental Care our cosmetic services include veneers, whitening, bonding, and more.

Cosmetic treatments can be used to straighten, lighten, reshape, and repair teeth. Tooth whitening has gained popularity in the dental industry because it allows patients to enhance the appearance of their teeth in-office or in the comfort of their own home. Cosmetic dentistry refers to any type of dental work that improves the appearance of teeth, gums or bite. If you desire a smile makeover, schedule a consultation to discuss our cosmetic procedures.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic services, 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.

Why Teeth are Extracted

We promise to provide patients with the all the information they need to make the best decisions at Alta Loma Dental Care. When tooth extractions are on the table, patients will naturally want to know whether they’re the best choice, which is why we wanted to explain some of the reasons why teeth might need to be removed.

We provide new crowns to teeth that are badly decayed or cracked, but in the worst cases, there is a limit to what we can do. A tooth that has been broken all the way down to the root will need to be removed so it can be replaced with an implant. This process will allow the jaw bone to retain its mass and avoid the risk of infection. A tooth might also be removed in cases of unusual development, such as if the baby teeth never fall out naturally.

The majority of extractions are done to preserve the shape of a patient’s dental arch. We provide 6-month Smiles orthodontics at our practice, and but fixing significant problems with the patient’s bite may require us to make more room by removing a set of premolars. The wisdom teeth are also frequently removed because there is not enough room for them to fully erupt without displacing teeth that have already undergone orthodontic care.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Dental Bridges Made Fast

When patients at Alta Loma Dental Care need new crowns, they don’t need to make a second appointment. Our CEREC machine allows us to mill prosthetic teeth in-house, often in under an hour. This is particularly useful for people who need multiple crowns replaced in the form of bridges.

A bridge is a dental prosthetic which replaces several teeth in a row. Traditionally, they were made by reshaping two natural teeth and placing new crowns over them, with a third crown suspended in between. This method worked best when the teeth being reshaped were badly decayed and needed to be replaced, anyway. It had the advantage of allowing patients to retain their natural tooth roots, which are more durable, but required a lot of preparation. The link between the crowns also helped prevent the teeth from migrating.

Newer dental bridges can be made with more customization for a patient’s needs. Partial dentures can be designed around healthy teeth, and fixed bridges can be supported by multiple implants. Because we can fabricate bridges at our office, patients need not wear artificial crowns after having their natural teeth reshaped, sparing them time and allowing them to go home with a smile they can be proud of.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

How does Sjogren's Syndrome affect Oral Health?

The dentists at Alta Loma Dental Care are happy to be part of the care teams for people suffering from autoimmune disorders. One disorder which affects oral health is Sjögren’s Syndrome, which can cause dry mouth and which dentists often help to identify.

In people with Sjögren’s Syndrome, the body attacks the tear and saliva glands. It can also impact the joints and is commonly seen in people with lupus, most of whom are older women. Also like lupus, it appears to have a genetic component but be triggered by infections. Sjögren’s Syndrome is painful but especially dangerous for oral health because of the role saliva plays in clearing out food debris and maintaining the right balance of bacteria. People with dry mouth are at high risk for gum disease.

There are medications available that can stimulate saliva production. Throat moisturizers and sucking sugar-free candy can also provide patients with some relief. If a dentist suspects a patient has Sjögren’s Syndrome, the next step will be testing for it from a lower lip biopsy. During this procedure, a few salivary glands are plucked from the patient’s lower lip and sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Do White Spots Form on My Teeth?

As a provider of the Six Month Smiles orthodontic treatment, we at Alta Loma Dental Care are particularly interested in our patients’ oral hygiene. Many patients understand that wearing braces presents new challenges to brushing and flossing, but they may not be aware of the specifics of an incipient, or white spot, lesion.

White spots are the first sign of tooth decay. When teeth are exposed to acid, they take on an unnaturally white, glazed appearance as the enamel begins losing minerals. The acid is secreted by bacteria when they metabolize food debris. It gets stuck in tartar, particularly in areas that patients often skip over while brushing, such as near the gum line and around orthodontic brackets.

Removing the bacteria’s food source by brushing more thoroughly usually is enough to prevent white spots from becoming permanent, but they can form in as few as thirty days. During monthly orthodontic appointments, we’ll assess whether patients are experiencing decay. Should the worst happen and a white spot becomes permanent, it can be covered with a veneer once the infection is killed. But we would rather patients ask to be shown how to improve their brushing technique before it’s too late.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we provide pediatric services to patients who are old enough to visit the dentist. A child should have his or her first dental appointment by the age of one-year-old, to aid in periodontal health and set a strong foundation for permanent teeth to come. We understand that some children may fear the dentist, but we promise to make your child as comfortable as possible during their visit.

Children are prone to tooth decay, partly because young children’s teeth are difficult to clean. Because our pediatric dentists work with patients with new teeth, they place an early emphasis on oral health education. These duties include educating not only the patients but their parents as well, on the best ways to keep those pearly whites clean. While providing basic dental services to younger patients, the goal is to help them establish healthy habits that will follow them through youth and beyond.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dentistry, 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.

Keeping Up With Regular Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry to have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  At Alta Loma Dental Care, we encourage patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings and all the services we provide at the 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.

Laser Treatment for Gums

The doctors of Alta Loma Dental Care have seen great results at the practice from laser technology.  This advancement in the technology available to dentists has been especially successful in periodontal treatments.  Patients experiencing every stage of gum disease can see improvement from laser treatment.  The laser is so effective in periodontal treatments because it can target unhealthy gum tissue and leave healthy tissue undisturbed. The precision that can be achieved with a laser results in less trauma to the mouth and less recovery time.

In the past, periodontal treatment was completed using more aggressive tools and often required stitches. With a precise laser, treating only the affected gum tissue and not damaging any healthy gums is more efficient and causes little to no bleeding, which means less swelling after the procedure.  Patients often find the laser procedure relatively painless, so less and sometimes no anesthetic is needed! 

To learn more about the periodontal treatments we offer, 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.

Restore Tooth Function with Dental Implants

Many options exist to replace missing teeth but only one – dental implants – can provide the feel, function, and appearance of natural teeth. When a damaged or decayed tooth is removed, both the visible part of the tooth called the crown and the root is lost. A dental implant is placed in the jawbone so that it can fuse with your natural bone and become a strong and sturdy for replacement teeth. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care can walk you through the process.

Dental implants are the closest you can get to natural and healthy teeth. They allow you to confidently eat, laugh, talk, play and enjoy all of your daily activities without being self-conscious about your smile. After meeting with one of our doctors to develop your treatment plan, he or she will discuss the placement of dental implants with you. After the placement of the implants is complete, you will receive a smile makeover that will boost your self-esteem and have you showing off those new pearly whites.

If you have questions or concerns about dental implants or restorative dentistry, 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.

What Can Be Done About Gap Teeth?

Do you whistle when you speak? Are you embarrassed by a hole in the front of your smile? You need not fear; Alta Loma Dental Care provides a number of solutions to diastemas, also known as gaps between the teeth. Which solution is right depends on what has caused the gap to form, which is why we want patients to better understand their options.

Sometimes the teeth simply come in slightly jumbled. If the gap is small and there are no other significant misalignments, it may be possible to simply cover it with veneers. Although these porcelain shells require a bit of enamel to be shaved off, they can be used to reshape and enlarge the teeth, as well as to cover up imperfections such as stains. When there are other co-occurring problems, our Six-month Smiles brand of braces is an ideal solution to orthodontic cosmetic problems. The patient will need to continue wearing a retainer at night after treatment, but the gap will be closed in a few months.

However, some gaps are the result of larger problems. The teeth could be pushed apart if the labial frenum, the vertical ligament which attaches the upper lip to the jaw, is overly large. In these cases, an oral surgeon would have to remove some tissue. A gap could also be the result of tongue thrusting or thumb-sucking, which would likely be accompanied by an overbite. If tongue-thrusting is caused by a problem with swallowing, the assistance of other specialists will be necessary.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Impacted Wisdom Teeth Extraction

It’s common for wisdom teeth to erupt in the late-teen years/ the early twenties but they don’t always erupt. When wisdom teeth are impacted, they pose a greater risk of developing an infection and causing damage to surrounding teeth.  Impacted wisdom teeth grow improperly and though you can’t prevent them, you can discuss extraction with one of our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care.

Though not everyone needs their wisdom teeth extracted, 85 percent of wisdom teeth will eventually need to be removed. Impacted wisdom teeth can cause jaw pain, tenderness, redness, and swelling of the gums which is why extraction is suggested. The longer wisdom teeth pain persists, the more likely an infection will result from bacteria entering the open tissue. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with impacted wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment today to discuss removal.

If you have questions or concerns about wisdom teeth extractions, 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.

Car Crashes: A Risk of Sleep Apnea

The dentists of Alta Loma Dental Care provide assistance to patients with sleep apnea as well as other oral health concerns. Although Americans are sadly accustomed to going without sleep, new data demonstrates why this is dangerous. According to a recent study, sleep apnea is a significant contributor to car crashes.

It makes sense that sleep deprivation would be a contributor to car crashes, but this is one of the few studies to look at obstructive sleep apnea independently of sleep duration. People with obstructive sleep apnea wake up or otherwise experience disrupted sleep throughout the night, resulting in them being fatigued the following day. Research indicated that mild and moderate sleep apnea increased the risk of a crash by 13% and severe sleep apnea increased the risk by 123%. Furthermore, sleep-deprived people often misjudge the severity of their impairment.

The American Sleep Apnea Association considers it safe for people with sleep apnea to drive if they are being successfully treated. Our office can help people with obstructive sleep apnea to get better rest by providing custom-fitted night guards that will keep the patient’s airways open while lying down. Night guards will also prevent dental damage caused by nighttime teeth grinding.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Get Halitosis under Control

It is one thing to have bad breath after eating a meal that is heavy on the onions, but it’s a problem when the odor becomes persistent and won’t go away. Halitosis is defined as chronic bad breath that won’t go away after constant brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. Halitosis can be embarrassing and can leave a person feeling self-conscious, which is why our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care encourage patients to visit us twice a year for oral exams and professional cleanings.

Halitosis begins inside the mouth. If you aren’t brushing at least twice a day for two minutes, at least three times a day, and flossing at least once a day, it’s time to reevaluate your oral care habits. Underlying dental conditions such as cavities, periodontal disease, and cracked fillings are also halitosis culprits. For fresher breath, you’ll need to improve your oral care routine and visit us to get the situation under control.

If you have questions or concerns about halitosis, 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.

Caring for Invisalign

Some Alta Loma Dental Care use Invisalign, the clear aligner system that straightens teeth without the metallic look of braces. Another perk of Invisalign clear aligners is that they require less maintenance and won’t prevent you from eating certain foods.  Although you won’t have to make too many changes, there are still guidelines you should follow to wear and care for your aligners.  You should remove Invisalign each time you eat, but if you do eat anything while wearing the aligners make sure to clean them thoroughly afterwards. It is also best to brush and floss your teeth before putting the aligners back in.  Ideally when wearing clear aligners, you would only drink water. Colorful drinks can stain the aligners and too many hot drinks can eventually warp the plastic.  If you do drink anything other than water while wearing the aligners you should rinse them with warm water afterwards. 

Cleaning the clear aligners regularly is important for your teeth and straightening treatment.  Clear aligners can become discolored over time without losing their effectiveness, but the color can show on your own teeth and continue to darken.  Invisalign offers its own brand of cleaning solution, and there are several soaking solutions available over the counter, but brushing the aligners is also a sufficient cleaning option.  Do not use toothpaste to brush the aligners because subtle abrasive properties of toothpaste could harm the aligner.  It is best to use mild dish soap and a soft bristle brush to clean the aligners each time you brush your teeth.

To learn more about Invisalign and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

Pain with Braces

We’ve seen many smiles transformed with braces Alta Loma Dental Care, and we know braces are a long process and that there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and there are simple ways to ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!  

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

To learn more about orthodontics and all the services we provide, visit www.altalomadentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care, call 909-987-6268.

What does Snoring have to do with Jaw Pain?

When people are suffering from jaw pain, they’re right to go to their dentist for help. What they may not know is that a dentist can also help with their snoring. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we treat obstructive sleep apnea and want our patients to understand how it is related to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a very complex structure. It connects the lower jaw with the head and is responsible for its full range of motion. A healthy TMJ must be able to absorb all the forces put on it during chewing.  When a person suffers from sleep apnea, their body often attempts to keep their airways open by moving the jaw around at night, which is called bruxism. This can cause wear and tear on the teeth in addition to subjecting the TMJ to additional stress. An injury to it can cause pain to be felt anywhere from the head to the shoulder. When it is sore, a patient may not be able to open their mouth or hear clicking noises when they do.

We provide night guards which hold a person’s teeth in place during sleep. This reduces the damage of bruxism and eliminates the body’s incentive to move the jaw at night.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Sectioning - A Way of Prepping for Extractions

We’ve mentioned before on our blog that we at Alta Loma Dental Care safely remove patients’ wisdom teeth. One of the ways in which we do this is by sectioning them before removal. This means that a tooth is cut apart so it does not have to be yanked out all at once.

The typical way to remove a tooth is by rocking it back and forth while pushing or pulling it. There are two important limitations of this. One is that a wisdom tooth may be too firmly connected to the jaw to be pulled without using a dangerous amount of force; the other is that it may be partially covered by gum tissue and not have enough room to move. Using a dental drill, our doctors can cut a wisdom tooth apart while the patient is numbed and won’t feel anything. They can then pull pieces of the sectioned tooth out through smaller openings without needing nearly as much force. This also makes it less likely that a tooth will break accidentally while being pulled.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Link Established between Alcohol and Oral Cancer

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we’re dedicated to combatting oral pathology. To assist our patients’ preventive care, we wanted to pass along the findings of a new study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology linking oral cancer to alcohol.

Most previous studies of oral cancer did not assess alcohol as a causative factor separately from smoking. According to the study, most people are unaware that alcohol alone causes cancer, despite that it can be linked to 5% of all new cancers globally, including those of the oral cavity and throat. The study also found that even light and moderate drinkers are at risk and that the type of alcohol they drank made no difference (meaning that beer is not safer than hard liquor in this particular regard).

We help to provide oral cancer patients with treatments for medication side effects such as dry mouth, but alcohol can interfere with treatments. There was some good news: when people stopped drinking, their risk of developing mouth and throat cancer declined.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Post-Operative Instructions

Once you complete an oral surgery procedure, the extraction site will require special care and attention over the next few days. You may experience numbness, bleeding, and will need to alter your diet to accommodate the healing process. Our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care will provide you with step-by-step instructions to follow at the end of your appointment. In the meantime, if you are anticipating your surgery, here’s what to expect afterward.

Swelling around the mouth, cheeks, and sides of the face are not uncommon, so don’t be alarmed if you look a little puffy. A certain amount of bleeding is expected following surgery, so be sure to replace gauze when necessary and place pressure to stop the bleeding. If you feel pain, take your prescribed medication tablets as directed and gently apply ice packs to the affected area. Your diet should be restricted to soft foods and liquids, and you will need to avoid sucking through a straw so the sutures don’t come undone.

If you have questions or concerns about oral surgery or post-operative care, 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.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month

Alta Loma Dental Care is a family practice, and we’re proud to be observing National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each year, the American Dental Association sets aside this month to educate children on an important theme. This year’s focus is on how to properly use fluoride toothpaste.

Fluoride helps provide teeth with more protection against the acid caused by bacteria. It is commonly delivered through water and children’s teeth are treated with it during their check-ups. Although baby teeth are not permanent, it is still painful when they have decay. The pain may disrupt a child’s sleep, eating habits, and speech development, and cause them to perform poorly in school. Additionally, poor oral hygiene could become a habit, but if a child learns to brush properly, they will have taken their first step toward managing their own health.

When brushing, people should always use soft-bristled toothbrushes and brush for a full two-minute session. They should brush on every tooth surface and on their tongues. Fluoridated toothpaste should be spat out after use so that it doesn’t cause the teeth to develop white spots. It should also only be used on natural teeth, not on things like mouthguards.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Fixing a Cracked Tooth

Accidents happen, and sometimes a cracked tooth is the ultimate accident.  A tooth may crack after chewing on something too hard, or perhaps you didn’t bite down correctly. There may be little to no pain at the site of the cracked tooth, but it will need to be repaired and restored to prevent further damage. Fortunately, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care have plenty of aesthetic and restorative treatment options for patients to choose from.

When a crack in a tooth is minor, it will only eliminate the surface of enamel and may require dental bonding to fix. When a crack is deeper than the tooth enamel, treatment is necessary to prevent infection or a deeper fracture. Teeth grinding can cause fractures to the teeth in addition to hard foods. If you notice yourself grinding your teeth or if you notice frequent jaw pain, call us to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile or cosmetic dental options, 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.

Tooth Decay in Seniors

We of Alta Loma Dental Care want patients of all ages to be able to enjoy healthy, comfortable teeth. A study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control found that the rate of untreated tooth decay in adults is surprisingly high and that as many as one in five seniors have untreated caries.  We don’t want our patients to ever resign themselves to bad oral health, so we need to examine why caries in seniors are common.

The survey indicated that there’s a lot of tooth decay in general, but seniors face some particular challenges. Some of them change their diets to include food that is softer, but higher in sugar. Forgetfulness is a problem with oral hygiene, but so is limited dexterity.  Dry mouth, which is a common medication side effect, damages the body’s ability to fight off oral infections, allowing decay-causing bacteria to flourish. Compounding all of this is the fact that seniors often did not benefit from water fluoridation when their teeth were forming, which leaves them more vulnerable to decay.

Regular dental hygiene appointments are crucial opportunities to spot and treat decay in seniors. They’re also opportunities to identify problems and recommend products which can provide solutions. Some toothbrushes come with specialized grips that are easier for people with manual problems to use. There are also products which make flossing easier and moisturizers to combat dry mouth.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Why Would a Filling Wear Out?

In the past, we’ve discussed how we take care to ensure that patients at Alta Loma Dental Care will know whether there’s a problem with their fillings. This week, we want to pass along some new research that examined the causes of filling failure and how to guard against it.

Smoking and alcohol were found to be major contributors to filling failure. The study only examined the rates of filling failure among male smokers, but failure was more common for them after just two years (fillings usually last for about ten) and in people who drank alcohol of both sexes. People who came from families with a history of failed dental fillings also had a higher failure rate, which suggests that there may be a hereditary factor. For these people, it is especially important to maintain oral hygiene and regular appointments, where we will test whether their fillings need to be replaced.

The study also had some good news. It seems that the new white fillings made of resin composites work just as well as amalgam ones. This is encouraging because amalgam’s silvery-grey color was dissatisfying to patients who wanted their teeth to look natural and because some people complained the metal became too hot or cold.

Alta Loma Dental Care is at 7283 Carnelian St, Alta Loma, California, 91701. To schedule an appointment, call 909-987-6268 or visit Alta Loma Dental Care and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Benefits of Straight Teeth

Having properly aligned teeth goes behind aesthetics, in fact, having a straight smile can improve your oral health. If your teeth aren’t as straight as you’d like them to be, our doctors at Alta Loma Dental Care have orthodontic options to meet your needs. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can significantly affect your overall health.

A crowded mouth in addition to misaligned teeth makes it difficult to brush and floss, therefore they pose a risk to your oral health. When the teeth aren’t properly cleaned by adequate brushing and flossing, this can lead to periodontal disease and eventually tooth decay. If you desire a straighter smile, orthodontic treatment is much more comfortable than it used to be. We offer Invisalign so that patients can straight their smile discreetly, and six-month smiles for those who wish to straighten in a shorter period of time.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile or wish to discuss orthodontic options, 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.

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

At Alta Loma Dental Care, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team.  Our staff would not only like to thank Nancy B. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“Before making my first appointment with this dental office, I dropped in unannounced one day to meet the personnel and have a tour of the facility. Everyone was warm and welcoming. Two weeks later, when I made my first appointment and went in for the initial procedures and a much-needed cleaning, I received the same sincere personal attention. I'm a senior citizen who asks many questions and likes to have procedures explained in detail. That wasn't a problem at Alta Loma Dental! All of my questions were courteously and enthusiastically answered by everyone, and each procedure was thoroughly explained in the same way. I will definitely be returning for my future dental needs.” – Nancy B.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

New Year, New Smile

2018 is upon us and so are new goals. At Alta Loma Dental Care, our doctors offer a variety of preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services to help revive your smile in this New Year. If you have missing teeth, teeth that are lackluster, or wish to start an orthodontic journey, we can develop a treatment plan to meet your needs.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we take priority in providing a comfortable and welcoming environment to patients. Regardless of what your smile goals are, we are dedicated to providing you with excellent service and answering all of the questions you may have. With services ranging from six-month braces to professional teeth whitening, we can help improve your confidence, your self-esteem, and help you achieve your ultimate smile goals.

If you have questions or concerns about the appearance of your smile, 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.