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Dentist Fairfield CA Blog

Dangerous Health Effects of Gum Disease

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Gum disease is more than common and unpleasant. It could also play a role in a surprising range of seemingly unrelated health problems, making cleaning your teeth even more important than you thought.

You see, when plaque, a sticky substance that contains bacteria, builds up on teeth can lead to gum irritation. From there, the gums may become swollen, sore, or infected, developing into a condition referred to as gingivitis.

At this stage, early gum disease can be treated by adopting a good oral health regime. However, if left to worsen, periodontitis can result, which weakens the supporting structures of the teeth.

Late gum disease, which is also called periodontal disease, is surprisingly common. According to the CDC, almost half of adults in the United States have some degree of gum disease.

But while the mechanisms behind are relatively well-understood, newer research shows that this health problem may play a role in the development of a number of other conditions. Like Alzheimer’s disease. And cancer. And respiratory disease.

In this multi-part series, we will cover some of the surprising links between gum disease and disparate health issues. Stay tuned!

Best Dentist in Fairfield, CA

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best dentist in Fairfield CAbest dentist in fairfield caHow do you find the best dentist in Fairfield, CA? Have you tried? How do you tell if your dentist is the best dentist in Fairfield, CA? Obviously, the answer is highly subjective and dependent on many different factors.

First of all, there are many dentists in Fairfield, CA. And they come in many different types. There are family dentists, pediatric dentists, general dentists, and cosmetic dentists. Most general dentists will also be able to provide cosmetic dentistry and implant dentistry, but not all of them have the same skill level.

So, of all the dentists in Fairfield, who is the best? We think that it has a lot to do with the way the patient feels after he or she has seen the dentist. For instance, if your child comes away from a pediatric dentist more afraid than when they came in, that could be a red flag. However, if your child is more comfortable with the dentist each time he or she visits, you know that the dentist has done a good job.

Also, a dentist does not have to be able to handle every type of dental case to be the best, although it certainly helps if they are good at the basics. Things like tooth extraction, fillings and restoration work, and dental bridges form some of the most fundamental dental work. If the dentist is able to do excellent work in those areas, they can always add teeth whitening, dental implants, and even Invisalign clear wireless braces to their professional mix.

A good dentist should be versatile in their treatment plans. If they are unable to provide a certain service in office, they should be able to refer their patients to a competent alternate provider. The best dentists have developed a network of recommended providers they can use in these circumstances, as well as for times when they will be out of the office for an extended time.

Finally, the best dentist in Fairfield, CA will have the best dental staff. From the first contact with the front desk to the moment you exit the dental chair, you should be made to feel comfortable. Most dentist will take care to hire only people who are friendly and courteous, from their receptionists to their dental hygienists. This ensures a seamless, pleasant experience.

So, you think your dentist is the best in Fairfield, CA? Let us know who it is and why. If you don’t, we invite you to come and meet Dr. Mark as soon as you can. The sooner you have a great experience with your dentist, the better your dental outcomes will be for the rest of your life.

Causes for Bumps on the Roof of Your Mouth, Part 2

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So, you have a bump on the roof of your mouth. And it isn’t a canker sore. The next class of causes have to do with trauma or injury to the delicate tissues of your mouth. The inside of the mouth is a sensitive area. Injury to the tissue on the roof of the mouth can lead to a bump forming.

One type of injury that can cause a bump is a burn. Burns commonly occur when hot beverages, such as coffee or tea, or foods that have just finished cooking come in contact with your mouth. They can also occur if you swallow fire on a regular basis, as pictured above.

If the burn is severe enough, a bump or blister can form. However, it still may be considered minor enough to heal on its own, as long as you take care to avoid irritating the sensitive skin.

Other types of injuries that may lead to the formation of a bump on the roof of yourmouth are:

  • puncture wounds
  • cuts
  • damage to the mouth from tobacco use
  • accidents from dental work
  • irritation from dentures

Any of these types of injuries may cause scar tissue to form in the mouth. That scar tissue is likely to be lumpy and raised. Even if the sore is painful or sensitive, but it will usually heal without treatment. Warm salt water used as a rinse may help promote healing and be soothing to the irritated area.

Click to return to Causes for Bumps on the Roof of Your Mouth, Part 1

Causes for Bumps on the Roof of Your Mouth, Part 1

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Do you have a bump on the roof of your mouth? Chances are, the cause is easy to determine. Read this multi-step series to find out when to handle things on your own…or when to be worried.

The first suspect when you discover a bump on the roof of your mouth is a canker sore. Canker sores are round, open sores in the mouth. They may be white, yellow, or pink. No matter what color they are, they can be extremely sensitive.

Primarily, canker sores appear in the cheeks and gums. But they can also appear in other, less common places, such as the roof of the mouth.

Some causes of canker sores include biting the cheek while chewing and scratching the roof of the mouth with a fork or other sharp object.

Luckily, you won’t usually suffer too long, as canker sores generally resolve on their own within a couple of weeks. Even though they are not contagious, they certainly can be painful or uncomfortable, sometimes making eating difficult.

If you are having a lot of trouble, you may want to try some over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription oral creams to help numb the pain while it heals.

Click to continue to Causes for Bumps on the Roof of Your Mouth, Part 2

Are Breath Mints Bad for Your Teeth?

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dentist fairfield bad breathWe’ve all been there. Maybe we ate garlic the night before or had one too many slices of onion on our sandwich. Whatever the cause of our bad breath, we want a quick fix, hopefully before our reputation is tarnished.

One instinct is to reach for a breath mint. The problem is, the majority of breath mints are high in sugar. And while sugar does not actually hurt the teeth or gums directly, it does feed bacteria. This allows the harmful bacteria to breed, which is why dentists recommend sugar-free gum. Only with breath mints, there are not many sugar-free options available. And when sugar-free breath mints can be found, they do not have the ability to remove the bacteria that causes bad breath in the first place. The minty flavor and scent merely hides the bad breath, and only for a short period of time.

What about chewing sugar-free gum? Studies show that the chewing action actually increases the production of saliva, which can help to wash away food particles after eating. Another option is a disposable toothbrush that does not need water. Even a breath spray would be better, although it offers temporary relief.

These face-saving products can only go so far, though. The truth is if you find yourself using them frequently, chances are there is a more serious problem than what you ate for lunch. Chronic bad breath, or halitosis, may a sign of a bacterial infection or even gum disease. Either way, the sooner you seek treatment, the easier it will be to solve it. Caught in its early stages, gum disease is easily reversible. Once you are recovered, not only will your bad breath be a thing of the past, but your gums and teeth will be that much healthier.

What to Do About a Cracked Tooth

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Whether a cracked tooth happens as the result of an accident, misuse of the teeth, or even teeth grinding, it should always be evaluated by a dentist. The reason is that even though a cracked tooth isn’t causing any symptoms, it could eventually cause tooth loss
if left unchecked.

Only a dentist can determine whether the needed treatment is cosmetic or if it requires an additional procedure to save your tooth.   Here are some possibilities of what may happen, depending on the severity of the injury.

Tooth Bonding

Sometimes, if the crack in your tooth only extends as far as the enamel, you may be able to forgo treatment.  Otherwise, you may need tooth bonding. Tooth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a form of treatment in which a tooth-colored resin is bonded to your tooth to protect it from further damage.  Tooth bonding can also be used to fill in chips and cracks.

Tooth bonding can be used to repair certain cracks and stop them from getting worse, but will not be ideal for every cracked tooth.  You won’t know until you actually visit the dentist.

Root Canal

The next likely scenario is when a crack extends beyond the enamel and into the softer tissues of the teeth.  If this happens, it’s likely that
you’ll need root canal therapy to prevent an infection in your tooth. This is because when a crack leads to the inside of the tooth, it can be a gateway for bacteria and food particles to enter your tooth. This situation is ripe for an infection.

If the damage is extensive or if the crack has been present for some time, your dentist may recommend root canal therapy with a dental crown.
This entails a custom-designed tooth being affixed to the end of the remaining tooth to protect it from further damage. During the actual root canal procedure, your dentist will remove the inner pulp of your tooth to prevent an infection.

The treatment and repair of your tooth, even if it seems drastic at first, is important to secure protection for the tooth in order to avoid an extraction and save your natural tooth.

Extraction

In cases in which the crack in your tooth extends below the gumline, your tooth may be beyond saving. In those cases, your tooth may need to be extracted. Called a split tooth, these are cracks that lead vertically down the tooth and towards the tooth’s root.

A split tooth that is usually the result of a crack that’s been there for some time. Removal becomes necessary to prevent infection.

So the moral of this article is, whether you have a superficial crack in your teeth or a deeper crack that’s causing you pain and discomfort, it’s imperative to get in to see your dentist as soon as you can. It may even amount to an emergency warranting being evaluated that same day. In either case, the sooner you have it checked, the better chance you have of saving your tooth and your smile.