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.

Facts on Fluoride

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

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

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

How to Have a Happy and Healthy Halloween

Halloween is that fun-filled time of the year where the air is crisp, the leaves are crunchy, and there is cavity-causing candy galore! Do not get us wrong, Halloween should be enjoyed by everyone! However, at Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, we want to advise our patients on how to have a safe and healthy Halloween, along with a fun one!

The candy we trick-or-treat for and load up our door steps with is filled with sugar that can cause cavities. In addition, the sour candies can cause additional wear-down of our enamel. In order to make it past Halloween with a healthy mouth, you need to make sure you are brushing and flossing extra-well. Pay attention to timing, too. The acid that is in candy (especially sour candy) can soften the enamel on our teeth. So when we brush our teeth right after eating, it can wear down enamel. Wait at least thirty minutes after eating before brushing.

Another tip for a safe Halloween is avoiding the candies that will not work well with your mouth. For instance, if you have a weak tooth, avoid hard candies that you may be tempted to bite down on. If you have a recent filling or a loose crown, stay away from sticky candies like taffy and caramel.

Always remember to floss! Following these tips, you are sure to have a happy and healthy Halloween. To schedule a cleaning with Alta Loma Dental Care of Alta Loma, CA, give our office a call at (909) 987-6268 or visit our website, www.altalomadentalcare.com. 

Dental Crowns in Alta Loma, CA

From the acid erosion caused by the food you eat to the constant biting, crunching and grinding you do when eating or stressed, daily activities weaken your teeth and make them more susceptible to decay, cracks, discoloration and more. If any of your teeth reach a point where they become so weak or decayed that the tooth structure becomes compromised, a crown can be used to protect and reinforce it. By covering a weak or broken tooth and restoring it to its original size and shape, a crown reduces pain and saves the tooth from needing to be extracted, and in Alta Loma, CA, Dr. Michael Kim can determine if a crown is needed to save your smile.

Made from porcelain, gold or porcelain fused to metal, crowns are used to repair teeth when fillings or bonding are not enough. When you have a crown placed, Dr. Kim will first prepare your tooth by removing any existing decay and insulating the tooth nerve with core buildup. Besides providing insulation, the core buildup also serves as a surface for the crown to bond to. Once the tooth is prepared, an impression is taken so that the crown can be created to fit perfectly. Then at your next appointment, the custom crown is cemented onto the current tooth to prevent further decay and fracture.

Schedule an appointment with Alta Loma Dental Care by calling (909) 987-6268. For more information, please visit www.altalomadentalcare.com.