Invisalign

Invisalign is a system of straightening teeth without the use of conventional braces. A series of clear plastic aligners are utilized to create tooth movement. New technology has developed that can generate a series of aligners with small changes to each aligner and doesn’t require traditional braces. A new aligner is given to patients every few weeks to continue moving the teeth into the desired position.

Made from a clear plastic material and fit tightly over the teeth, Invisalign can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. At Alta Loma Dental Care we make the aligners so they are virtually impossible to notice, comfortable, and easy to wear.

Invisalign is recommended for young adults and adults with fully developed mouths so the Invisalign fits appropriately and their mouth structure isn’t still changing. Children’s mouths aren’t fully developed at a young age so they are a better fit for traditional braces. Patients who have only a mild to moderate case of spacing and crowding with their teeth are the best fit for invisalign.

At Alta Loma Dental Care we specialize in Invisalign and can get patients on the right track to making their teeth healthier and straighter.

To learn more about Invisalign and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com for more information. To schedule in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Teeth Grinding

Patients affected by bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, need a customized night guard from Alta Loma Dental Care. Teeth grinding can damage enamel, wear down teeth, create jaw pain, and irritate your gums. The only way to prevent teeth grinding is a customized night guard that we make to protect the top and bottom of your teeth from grinding while you sleep.

The reason people most likely grind their teeth is due to an abnormal bite, or missing or crooked teeth. Patients who experience high levels of stress and anxiety are also more prone to teeth grinding.

It is difficult for patients that grind their teeth to know they do it because they are sleeping. Patients waking up with headaches or sore jaws regularly are likely grinding their teeth. Teeth grinding is loud and can be heard by other people who are present while you asleep and should tell you.

Night guards are the only defense against teeth grinding and guards can be made at Alta Loma Dental to prevent your teeth from ruining a good night's sleep.

To learn more about night guards and the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com. To schedule an appointment at our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Dental Phobia

If you are afraid of going to the dentist, you may suffer from dental phobia which is a more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and terrified to visit the dentist, an estimated 10-20% of people suffer from dental phobia. Many patients simply avoid the dentist to solve the problem until the pain in their mouth is no longer tolerable. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we work with our patients to make their experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Patients who have trouble sleeping the night before the dentist may suffer from dental phobia. If while at the dentist's office patients feel physically ill, nervous, or experience intense uneasiness they should talk to their dentist to find a solution. Dentists should always take your concerns seriously and do everything they can to put your mind at ease.

At Alta Loma Dental Care, we talk to our patients to make sure they are comfortable and feel at ease while in the chair. If patients have issues that cause them duress while at our practice, we work with them to find common ground and make the experience is as pleasant as possible.

To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.altalomadental.com for more information. To schedule in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at 909-987-6268.

Sleep Apnea Risk Factors

Sleep apnea is something that can affect everyone. While this is true, there are also risk factors that can increase your risk or make sleep apnea symptoms worse. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we treat sleep apnea. Keep reading for more information obstructive sleep apnea and its risk factors.

Sleep apnea is hereditary. This means it can be passed down from parent to child. Though sleep apnea is often found in older men who are overweight, it can affect anyone regardless of their gender, age, or size. It can even affect babies and children.

Some factors that increase your risk of obstructive sleep apnea include:

• Being overweight


• Being male


• Being older


• Smoking


• Use of alcohol or sedatives

While these factors can certainly increase the risk of obstructive sleep apnea and worsen symptoms, sleep apnea is not limited to those factors. As mentioned before, men, women, and children of all ages and sizes can have sleep apnea. Often it is caused by the way your airway is structured. Extra soft tissue or a narrow airway can be enough to cause the disturbance. If you are at risk, it is important to cut out factors that you can control like tobacco and alcohol.

It is important to treat sleep apnea for a good night’s sleep and the health of your entire body. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Why Your Teeth May Be Sensitive

Sensitive teeth can be a real pain and frustrating to deal with. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we are able to talk with you to find out why your teeth may be experiencing sensitivity. Until your appointment with us, check out some of the reasons why it may be happening and evaluate your habits to see if changing them could help.

It is important to see your dentist if you are experiencing sensitive teeth because we need to check to see if it is a cavity or an infection. If it’s not, it is most likely due to worn down enamel. Here is how that can happen:

Brushing Too Hard to Too Soon

When brushing your teeth, you do not have to scrub hard. A light touch with soft bristles is all that is needed to remove plaque. It is more about the technique you use than the strength you use. In addition, do not brush your teeth too soon after eating or drinking anything but water. The acid in our food softens our enamel and if we brush before it hardens again, we could brush away enamel.

 

More Acid

Speaking of the acid in our food, sometimes sensitivity can be caused simply because we are eating too much acid. Pop, candy, and energy drinks contain a lot of acid so make sure these are enjoyed sparingly. Also, while tomatoes and citrus fruits are good for our health, they should also be consumed in moderation. It can also help to rinse your mouth out after consuming foods and drinks with a high acidic content.

 

Grinding Your Teeth

If you notice that you wake up with a sore jaw or sore teeth, you may be grinding and clenching your teeth at night. Some patients even notice themselves doing it during the day. If you think you may be grinding your teeth, see us for a protective night guard.

 

Sensitive teeth can create pain and make you want to avoid some of your favorite foods like cold ice cream or hot apple cider. To schedule an examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Avoiding Uneven Staining After Braces

Preventing staining can keep a smile white and bright and it is even more important while you are wearing braces. Because the brackets are usually in place for at least a year, staining can lead to uneven marks when the braces come off. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we offer professional teeth whitening; however it is nice to know how to avoid staining, as well.

The main part of keeping a white smile is keeping a great dental hygiene routine. This includes brushing your teeth for the recommended amount of times and doing a thorough job. It will help to brush after every meal. Just be sure to wait at least thirty minutes after eating to protect your enamel. Also, be sure to hit spots like the roof of your mouth, your inner cheeks, and your tongue. These places, especially your tongue, can collect bacteria just like your teeth. It will help to pick up some extra supplies like an interdental cleaner and floss threaders. These make it easier to clean around the brackets and wires.

When it comes to dark foods and drinks, they are okay every now and then but try to avoid consuming them frequently. Examples of these foods are cranberries, tomato soup, coffee, and tea. Liquids can be sipped through a straw to minimize contact. Rinsing your mouth out afterward can also help deter any lasting staining.

Interested in perfecting your smile? Inquire about our orthodontic options and professional teeth whitening. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

TMJ Exercises

TMD is a condition that affects the TMJs, causing pain, stiffness, and a lot of frustration. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we can provide experienced and effective treatment for TMD. These exercises may also help with relaxing your jaw and increasing range of motion. However, if any of these exercises make the pain worse, do not continue.

Relax

To help relax your jaw, smile the biggest, widest smile as you can while keeping your jaw open about two inches. Hold this post for five seconds and then release. You can do this exercise several times until you begin to feel your jaw and facial muscles relax.

Strengthen

This exercise will help strengthen the ligaments around your jaw and it will help relax the muscles you use to close your mouth. Close your mouth, keeping your teeth together, but not clenched. Place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth, right behind your front teeth. Move your tongue backwards until the tip touches your soft palate. Gently and slowly open your mouth until your tongue is separated from the soft palate. Keep your mouth open for five seconds and then close your mouth. Repeat this exercise slowly for five minutes.

Stretch

To stretch your tight jaw, start with your mouth closed but with your teeth slightly parted. Place your thumb under your chin and apply gentle pressure. With your thumb creating pressure, open your mouth. Do this exercise ten times. Gradually, you will notice you can open your mouth comfortable more and more.

If you notice you are having difficulties with your TMJs, be sure to schedule an appointment with us for help. To schedule at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

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. 

How Does a Dental Bridge Replace a Tooth?

Replacing your missing teeth will allow you to chew properly, it will help maintain your jaw structure, and it keeps your smile looking like you. One option for tooth replacement we offer here at Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office is the dental bridge. Being around for a long time, the bridge is a popular option.

Dental bridges work by attaching a replacement tooth to dental crowns. The dental crowns are placed on the teeth next to where the opening is and the replacement tooth sits snugly in the opening. Dental bridges are made to last a long time and they can look just like the rest of your teeth. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care, we have a dental laboratory create a completely custom crown for each of our patients.

To get started with the bridge process, first, your teeth adjacent to the opening are reshaped so that crowns can be fitted on them. Next, an impression of the area is taken so the dental lab can create the bridge. You will wear a temporary bridge while your permanent bridge is being created. When it is ready, the bridge arrives with the replacement tooth, called a pontic, attached to one or more crowns. We then cement the bridge into place.

Tooth replacement is important for a variety of reasons. If you have recently lost a tooth, do not hesitate to find out your replacement options. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Bad Habits to Stay Away from While Wearing Braces

While wearing your braces, it is important to follow any precautions. Holding onto bad habits while wearing braces can slow down the process or damage the braces. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we want all of our patients to understand how to take good care of their braces. Keep reading to learn about habits to avoid.

Biting Hard Objects

Biting your fingernails is already bad for your teeth, but when you bite them while wearing braces, it could create enough pressure to cause one of your brackets to break or pop off. Even if the brackets remain intact, the pressure will make the braces less effective, therefore delaying treatment. The same goes for biting pencils, water bottles, etc. While wearing braces, you should even stay away from hard foods like raw carrots, bagels, and popcorn. In addition, skip sticky foods like caramel and gum.

 

Brushing Abrasively

When brushing your teeth, only a light scrubbing with a soft bristled toothbrush is needed to remove plaque. Brushing too abrasively can wear down enamel and while wearing braces, it can damage brackets or wires.

 

Daily Sweet Tooth

Do you have a sweet tooth? Sugar leads to cavities so eating too much of it daily can really affect your teeth. If you drink pop every day, especially, consider cutting down. Not only is pop filled with sugar, but is also often has acid that can lead to the wear-down of enamel.

Wearing braces should be a healthy experience for your teeth so they are in great shape when the braces come off. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Foods to Avoid with TMJ Dysfunction

When dealing with TMJ, it can be frustrating at first. It helps to know what can trigger or prolong pain. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we want our patients suffering with TMJ to know what foods to avoid.

Crunchy foods like chips and popcorn can be very aggravating to the TMJs. Hard foods like raw vegetables can also irritate the TMJs because of how much force the jaw uses to bite through them. However, since veggies are an important part of your diet, try cooking them so they become softer and easier to chew.

Chewy foods are another type of food that should be avoided when you have TMJ dysfunction. The constant chewing motion and the amount of pressure needed to chew through these foods can cause inflammation. Avoid chewing gum, sticky candies, and tougher cuts of meats and seafood. If you want seafood, choose a more tender option like fish. Meats should also be tender.

Cutting your food into smaller pieces will also help, as overextending the jaw sometimes triggers TMJ pain. To schedule an appointment at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

How Gum Disease Starts and Progresses

Gum disease can be irritating, painful, and can lead to disastrous dental health. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA we want our patients to know how gum disease progresses and how to prevent it.

Gum disease is a condition where the gums become unhealthy. They may start out red, painful, swollen, and they may bleed frequently. If left untreated, gum disease may cause teeth to fall out. It can also cause bad infections that may spread if not stopped. Gum disease increases the risks of stroke and heart attack.

Gum disease develops due to bad oral hygiene. When plaque and tartar build up, it irritates the gums and causes them to pull away from the teeth. This recession creates deep pockets where bacteria can harbor and cause further damage.

In order to prevent gum disease, you must brush your teeth two to three times per day and floss once per day. Flossing is very important not to skip; bacteria can begin to cause damage after it has been sitting in between teeth for twenty-four hours. In addition, visit us for routine professional cleanings.

Gum disease may start without any major signs, but it can turn serious if not treated. To schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Oral Care with Hand Trouble

Taking care of your teeth while you are struggling with arthritis or another condition that hinders the use of your hands can be tough. Here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we want all of our patients to feel like they can provide excellent dental care for themselves. Read on to learn about ways to make brushing and flossing easier on troublesome hands.

For brushing, start with the toothbrush. You will want a toothbrush with a thick, non-slip grip handle. This makes it easier to hold and easier to maneuver around the mouth. In addition, a small head will also make maneuvering easier so you can reach all of the spots in your mouth. An electric toothbrush may be a good investment since it does most of the work; you just need to hold it in the right place. There are also toothbrushes out there that are specifically designed for patients with arthritis.

For flossing, it helps if you tie the floss into a loop. This makes it easier to hold and wrap around your hands. It also helps you with controlling the floss. Floss picks can also be a help as you do not need to hold onto the actual floss at all.

Make sure that frequent visits to your dentist for cleanings and examinations are part of your oral care routine. You want to be sure that any missed areas are cleaned up.

To learn more about dental hygiene or to schedule an appointment, contact Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Avoiding Bad Breath

Bad breath can ruin a moment without you even knowing it. Whether you are sharing a car ride with a friend, at a lunch meeting, or on a date, fresh breath is a must. Fresh breath is also an indicator of a healthy mouth. At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we’re giving our patients some tips on keeping fresh breath all day long.

Fresh breath comes down to a few different things; cleanliness, hydration, and food. Bacteria are what causes breathe to have an unpleasant smell. Therefore, it is important to keep a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth two or three times per day and floss once per day. You may not think flossing has much to do with it but bacteria form between your teeth and sit there until you floss! Also, be sure to clean your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks.

Hydration is important because bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Make sure you are drinking your share of water which is on average about thirteen cups for men and nine cups for women. Also, skip drinks that can dry out your mouth such as alcohol and caffeine.

Certain foods can also contribute to bad breath. Dairy especially contains certain types of bacteria that contribute to bad smells. This why coffee is often a double whammy for creating bad breath, it has caffeine and often times it has milk or creamer. On the other hand, yogurt actually has bacteria in it that fight off the bad odor-causing bacteria. So maybe have a yogurt parfait with that cup of joe!

To learn more about dental hygiene, visit our website. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA dental practice, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Post-Extraction Care

After an extraction, the site is a wound that needs to heal. At Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we want all of our patients to experience smooth and healthy healing after extractions. Follow these instructions to promote healing and avoid infection.

After an extraction, there will probably be some bleeding. You want to do everything you can to help minimize the bleeding and eventually stop it. Do not drink through a straw, participate in strenuous activity, or rinse your mouth out vigorously for the first day after your extraction. In addition, lay down with your head propped up with a pillow to avoid extra blood pressure to the area.

You also want to keep the area as clean as possible. It is important to continue to brush and floss your teeth. Be very careful around the extraction site. Keeping your mouth as clean as possible will help avoid infection.

Eat foods that you will not need to chew. Thin, non-chunky soups, yogurt, smoothies without the straw, and pudding are good ideas to have on hand. For any pain, take the pain medication prescribed by your dentist as directed. Advil or Tylenol can help, if you were not prescribed medication. A warm and gentle salt water rinse may also help with pain and swelling.

Follow these guidelines to help your mouth heal quickly and healthfully. With any questions or concerns, contact us. 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. 

Cosmetic Options to Brighten Your Smile

A cosmetic change to your smile can do wonders. If you are not confident in your smile, what are you waiting for? At Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, we have several options for cosmetic dentistry that can turn up the wattage on your smile!

If you are looking to brighten and whiten your smile, our custom take-home whitening trays are able to provide professional whitening results from the comfort of your own home. We make custom whitening trays out of impressions of your teeth so that they fit perfectly. Often our patients see results four to eight shades whiter.

Bonding is another great way to get whiter teeth that last a long time. Dental bonding is the process of applying composite resin to teeth. For purposes of fixing chips, cracks, gaps, and more, the resin is matched to the color of your teeth. For whitening purposes, the resin can be made brighter than your shade of teeth. Bonding can last for up to ten years or even longer with good care.

For complete smile overhauls, we offer veneers and Snap On Smile. Veneers are ceramic shells that are permanently bonded to your existing teeth. They can fix many types of dental imperfections and provide long lasting whitening. Snap On Smile provides a brand-new smile that you can even take out for events like sports or sleeping.

Next time you look in the mirror, be confident in your smile! Come see us for a cosmetic consultation. To schedule an appointment in our Alta Loma, CA office, call Alta Loma Dental Care at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

How Do Teeth Become Discolored?

Yellow teeth can be mild or severe, but either way, a white smile is what everyone desires. At Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we want our patients to be aware of how teeth turn yellow, so they can avoid staining and feel proud to flash their smile!

 When teeth have surface stains, these stains can eventually penetrate the enamel and reach the dentin of the tooth. The dentin is the dental pulp of the tooth in the center. It contains a soft tissue that can turn dark if stains reach it. When the dentin becomes discolored, it tends to turn the whole tooth a darker or yellowish color. Professional whitening services are able to reach past the enamel, not only lifting surface stains but lifting stains from the dentin, as well.

This penetration is why a good oral hygiene routine is important. Surface stains cannot hang around for long if a brush is continually working to polish them away. Plus, when you remove plaque, that limits the amount of time stain-causing food or drinks can sit on the teeth.

If you are looking to whiten your smile, it helps to know just how stains are caused in the first place. To learn about our whitening procedure here at Alta Loma Dental Care in Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

The Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a dangerous condition and should be treated as such. If you or someone you know suffers through the symptoms of sleep apnea, it is important to get treatment for it. At Alta Loma Dental Care, we offer treatment for sleep apnea and want our patients in the Alta Loma, CA area to know the dangers of ignoring sleep apnea.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the soft palate collapses while sleeping. This creates a blockage in the windpipe, significantly reducing the amount of air that gets by, or even completely stopping any air from getting by. It is often accompanied with loud snoring.

Sleep apnea causes severe fatigue due to the constant sleep interruptions. Even if you do not remember waking up, your body wakes up when it recognizes it isn’t breathing. In addition to your interrupted sleep, any sleeping partners may also have frequently interrupted sleep due to the loud snoring.

Because the body is not breathing normally throughout the night, serious health issues can arise. These issues include a higher risk of stroke and heart failure, liver problems, and hypertension.

Sleep apnea is nothing to take lightly.  If you suffer through sleep apnea, we offer several options for treatment in our Alta Loma, CA office. To learn more, call Alta Loma Dental Care at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

The Difference Between Plaque and Tartar

Many people know that plaque and tartar are bad for your teeth and gums, but many do not know the difference between the two. To achieve optimal oral health, at Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we want our patients to know the difference and why knowing is important.

Plaque and tartar happen when you do not brush your teeth properly or you frequently miss a hard-to-reach area with your brush. They are what cause cavities and gum disease. It can also lead to bad breath. While they are both bad for you, they are different. Well, technically they are the same, but in different stages.

Plaque forms on your teeth within hours of brushing. It is a thin, sticky substance created from the food we eat, the drinks we drink, and even our saliva. It coats our teeth. Plaque is easily brushed and flossed away. Since it forms just hours after brushing, this is why it is important to brush your teeth at least two times per day.

Tartar is what forms when plaque is not removed. Plaque will begin to crystalize and it hardens on the surface of your teeth. At this stage, it is only able to be removed by a dentist. Tartar can lead to gum disease, and since only a dentist can remove it, you do not want it to form in the first place.

Remember to brush your teeth two times per day. If a third time is possible, squeeze it in! Also, remember to floss every day to get in between your teeth. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Alta Loma Dental Care in our Alta Loma, CA office, call us at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

The Problems Smoking Causes for Oral Health

Smoking is bad for your health in many ways. One of the ways smoking wreaks havoc on your health is right where the smoke enters your body; your mouth. Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA wants to remind our patients why today is the best day to quit smoking.

Smoking is terrible for your lungs, your heart, your blood vessels, and pretty much every body system you have. It is a known cause of cancer, which includes mouth cancer. Cigarettes can cause abnormalities to form on the tongue, the gums, the lips, and the throat.

Smoking also causes more plaque, which can cause more build-up. It increases the risk of gum disease and creates a risk for cavities three times greater than those who do not smoke. In addition, smoking lowers your ability to fight infection, so gum disease or tooth infections can be much worse for a smoker.

In addition to the health risks that smoking poses, it also creates aesthetic oral problems. Smoking stains teeth and since smoking is habitual, your teeth will likely only get darker and darker until you quit. It can also create chronic bad breath due to how much it dries out your mouth.

If you are looking for more reasons to quit smoking, there is a ton just for oral health, alone. To learn more about Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, call our office at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com.