When we talk about things that cause tooth damage, one of the first things that come to patients’ minds is sugar. And they’re right. But everyone at my Modesto dental office wants to shed some light on some lesser known tooth-damaging things that may come as a surprise.  

• Ice. Ice is made of water. Water is good for teeth. So what makes ice the top thing on our list? The texture and the fact that many people chew or crunch ice cubes. This can lead to cracks, chips, or broken teeth.

• Sports Drinks. While refreshing and the drink of choice for many, most are loaded with sugar. And as we all know, sugar leads to cavities. How? Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acid in the process. Acid weakens enamel and makes it super easy for bacteria to nestle into teeth, creating a cavity.

• Cough Drops. We don’t expect you to never use a cough drop ever again. They’re necessary to relieve the annoying, consistent coughs that often come with colds or allergies. But we do encourage you to use them sporadically. Sugar is used to make them taste better, and we all know what sugar does to teeth.

• Pencils. Or pens. Or fingernails. Or basically anything that’s not meant for the mouth. Objects like pens and pencils are hard and can cause similar damage as ice. If you must chew on something, choose a gum with Xylitol instead.

• Snacking. Or more specifically, constant snacking. That handful of almonds you eat between lunch and dinner is just fine, it’s when you snack throughout the day when we become concerned. More snacking means more food particles, and more food particles means more bacteria and a greater chance for cavities.

By trying to follow the guidelines above, you’re helping keep your smile healthy. But there’s even more we encourage you to do (we know, we’re asking a lot). Make sure you brush and floss everyday to keep your teeth clean in between visits to your dentist in Modesto. And speaking of visits, maintaining regular check ups at least every six months helps really clean your teeth and gums, and allows early diagnosis of any concerns.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve had a dental checkup, give my Modesto dental office a call. We’re always welcoming new smiles and would love the opportunity to see yours. Schedule your appointment today!

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

A smile can do more for you than simply express emotion. There are also a multitude of health benefits associated with the act of smiling. All of us at my Modesto dental office want to share the top benefits behind turning your frown upside down, showing off your pearly whites, and grinning from ear to ear.

• Build a Super-Strong Immune System. Smiling is so powerful, it can actually protect your body from dangerous bacteria and germs. Smiling actually makes our bodies produce more white blood cells, this means a stronger immune system and a tougher defense against illness.

• Feel Happy. When we smile, our brains release endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that allow us to experience the feeling of happiness. They can be triggered by intense workouts, running (what’s known as a runner’s high), and smiling.

• Squash Stress. Those powerful endorphins do even more than make us feel happy. They also help ease stress and lower anxiety. When stressed, our bodies produce more cortisol. It’s this pesky hormone that makes feel unpleasant. Endorphins lower the amount of cortisol which removes the unpleasant feelings and replaces them with feelings of happiness.

• Spread the Feeling. Smiling is contagious. Research proves that just seeing another person smile triggers the spot in your brain that controls facial movement. The result? A smile. So by simply shooting a smile at someone else, you can share the benefits.

If you’re feeling a bit down, try smiling more. It really can help. Need a few motivators? Here are some smiling-inducing tricks:

• Fake a Smile, Still Feel Happy. Believe it or not, our brains can’t tell the difference between a real smile and a forced one. So even if you make yourself grin, your brain still releases endorphins and you still get all the benefits.

• Call Some Friends. Sometimes all it takes to increase the number of smiles in a day is to hang out with people who make you happy and may even cause a chuckle or two. Spend some time around those people and start smiling more.

• Chuckle with a Comedy. Not feeling up for a night out with friends? Curl up on the couch, pop in a comedy movie or show, and laugh and smile until your belly hurts.

Not smiling often or hiding it behind closed lips? It may be because you’re embarrassed by your teeth. Don’t let yourself miss out on the benefits of smiling. We can help get you a confident smile with our cosmetic dentistry options. No matter your smile goals, we’ll work with you so you can get back to smiling. Call my Modesto dental office and schedule an appointment today.

Serving patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

When the first snowflakes fall, everything becomes blanketed under a snow-white covering. It’s only after time passes and the snow melts when plowed piles start to look grimy and muddy. Your teeth are no different. Over time, wear and tear causes discoloration and a drab smile. My Modesto dental office is here to give some practical words of advice to keep your smile bright!

Rethink Your Food and Drink

Some of our favorite foods and beverages are actually to blame for causing stains. Here’s a short list of food and beverage offenders:

• Red wine
• Soda
  
• Berry juices
• Coffee and black tea
• Sauce and gravy

Try using a straw with stain-inducing drinks. Swallow foods quickly, leaving less time to linger, to minimize the stain power.

The Bright White Fight

Always check with your Modesto dentist before starting any whitening procedures. Making sure you’re brushing with a proper toothpaste is a good way to fight for a bright smile. Check the label for the American Dental Association seal of approval. Porcelain veneers are also another option for a snow-white smile.

Brushing is Always Best

Sometimes you may think your dental team sounds like a broken record, but we can’t stress enough how important it is to brush and floss regularly. This holds true for stain fighting too. Twice daily brushing, after you wake up in the morning and before you turn in at night, is key for excellent oral health and deterring stains.

No matter what kind of weather, we’re always ready to see your bright smile in my dental office in Modesto. Call or stop in to schedule a consultation. Together let’s ensure your smile is snow white in winter and beyond!
We’re always happy to welcome new neighbors and patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

This time of year means more mistletoe and festive parties with friends, family, and colleagues. Whether you’re greeting someone with a smooch or simply engaging in a close conversation, make sure your breath is fresh by brushing up on these helpful dental hygiene tips. My Modesto dental office wants you to ring in the New Year right with a clean, bright smile.

Brushing, Flossing, and Lip-Locking

Brushing twice daily is one of the biggest defenses to stave off bad breath. Regular, once daily flossing will also ensure your smile and kiss are clean and debris-free. Sometimes this regular routine becomes a second thought this time of year due to the hustle and bustle of the holidays.  It’s important keep brushing and flossing for lip-locking free of foul breath. If your daily routine is still plagued by plaque or pain, contact your Modesto dentist to schedule a visit.

We’re Talking Tongues

One of the most overlooked tricks to getting your breath fresh is to make sure your tongue is clean. When you’re brushing and flossing your teeth, don’t forget to scrape or brush your tongue. A frequent brushing helps to remove pesky food particles and dead cells, leaving breath even more fresh. It’s one small step, but it yields big rewards!

Stress-Free is the Way to Be

Whether you’re worried about holiday bills or coping with friends and family, this time of year can be crazy. Sometimes added stress means our daily routines get out of sync, leading to lack of hygiene and offensive breath. Don’t forget to eat as healthy as you can, stay hydrated with plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, and be sure to exercise regularly. If you’re still struggling with bad breath, be sure and give my dental office in Modesto a call. You’ll feel relaxed in our stress-free environment, and together we’ll discuss your best oral health options.

We hope your holidays are happy, peaceful, and full of joy. Whether you find yourself kissing under the mistletoe or planting a familiar smooch on a loved one, your fresh breath and healthy smile are sure to make a great impression in 2016!
We look forward to welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale into next year and beyond!

A glass of wine at family dinner. A few beers at the bar while catching up with old friends. A mixed drink or two at the office holiday party. When it comes to alcohol, it’s a fairly standard beverage of choice for U.S. adults. While enjoying it in moderation is reasonable, problems with both overall health and oral health arise when we drink too much.

What’s so Bad About it?

About 25% of all U.S. adults 18 and older have had at least one night of excessive drinking this past year. Besides being potentially dangerous to your overall well being, over-consumption of alcohol can have detrimental affects on your oral health as well. Alcohol is naturally drying, which is a problem when talking about oral health. Your mouth is supposed to be moist and needs saliva to function properly. Without it, dangerous bacteria, sugars, and acids aren’t effectively rinsed away, leaving your teeth exposed to damage.

Know the Risks

At my dental office in Modesto, part of our job is to educate and inform our patients as much as possible. And while we aren’t here to tell you to completely refrain from drinking alcohol, we do want to let you know the risks involved when drinking in excess. Some oral health problems that may arise from over-consumption of alcohol include:

• Tooth Decay

• Gum Disease

• Chronic Bad Breath

• Oral, Throat, and Oesophagus Cancer

Protect Your Health

• Limit Your Drinks. The best way to protect your smile from the damaging effects of alcohol is to limit the amount you drink. It’s also a good rule of thumb to rotate in a glass of water in between alcoholic beverages.
• Consult a Counselor. If you suspect you have an alcohol problem, we encourage you to find a trusted professional to help.

• Brush 20 Minutes Post-Drink. Waiting 20 minutes after drinking an alcoholic beverage to brush can reduce the negative effects of the alcohol.

• Regular Checkups. Visiting your dentist in Modesto at least twice a year is crucial to maintaining great oral health. These visits help catch any problems early, and the earlier a problem is caught, the easier and more effective treatment can be.

If it’s been awhile since you’ve seen a dentist, we welcome you to call my Modesto dental office. We’re here to keep your mouth, and your body, in the best shape possible.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

As the hustle and bustle of the holiday season approaches, we’re faced with the stress of going here and there, buying presents, cooking food, visiting family, and the seemingly never-ending whirlwind that happens every year around this time. While we all know stress isn’t good for overall health, my dental practice in Modesto, wants to let you know how it can also affect your mouth.

Clenching & Grinding

Whenever stress is a factor in someone’s life, they’re at increased risk for clenching and grinding. Both habits can cause some serious tooth problems including chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth. They have also been linked to TMJ disorder, which brings its own host of problems. If you notice any signs of clenching or grinding like worn-down teeth or jaw pain, give your Modesto dentist a call.

Gum Disease

Research shows a link between stress and the development of gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that not only affects your mouth, but your whole body as well. If left untreated, gum disease can cause tooth loss, heart disease, and pregnancy complications, along with a host of other health problems.

Keep Calm for a Healthy Life

If you find your blood pressure rising during talks of Aunt Millie coming in for the holidays, or stressing about how in the world you’re going to make it to all those parties, you owe it to yourself, and your smile, to try to relax. These tricks can help:

• Take a deep breath… or several. Practicing deep breathing techniques has been proven to lower blood pressure and reduce overall anxiety levels. When you find yourself spinning in stress, find a quiet place, close your eyes, and just breathe.

• Sweat it out. Physical exercise releases endorphins — those magical chemicals in your brain that give you the feeling of happiness. Set aside some time for a walk, join a gym, or break out that yoga mat and strike a warrior pose. Namaste.

• Catch some Zzzz’s. With a crazy schedule it can be hard to get enough sleep. You deserve some you time — with nothing but your pillow and a comfy blanket. When your mind is in a constant state of stress, getting enough sleep is crucial to keeping you healthy so you can actually enjoy the holidays.

Don’t forget, it’s also important to never neglect your oral health routine. When you’re rushing around to parties and stores, it’s easy to forget to brush and floss everyday. Take the advice from the team at my dental office in Modesto and keep up with your oral health. Your smile will thank you.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.