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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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.


 

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

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.


 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

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.