By now, you have probably heard about Xylitol gum, but you aren’t sure why it is such a big deal. Isn’t it just another artificial sweetener? Not at all!

While Xylitol looks and tastes much like sugar, it will not raise blood sugar levels the way sugar does. And since it’s found in many fruits and vegetables, Xylitol is considered natural. You even produce a little of it in your metabolism process!

But here is where the team at my dental office in Modesto gets really excited about Xylitol: Xylitol has powerful benefits for your oral health!

Chewing a piece of Xylitol gum instead of choosing sugary snacks can:

• Prevent tooth decay
• Starve bacteria
• Prevent oral inflammation
• Reduce your risk for gum disease

It’s true! How does it work? Well, one of the most common causes of oral health problems is a bacteria called Streptococcus mutans — the bacteria mostly responsible for plaque. Sugar and other carbohydrates feed this bacteria. Or, in other words, this bacteria ingests the sugar we eat. It also ingests the Xylitol, but instead of being nourished by it, they are starved and die. Yep, you got it — oral bacteria levels drop, sometimes by up to 75%!

And that’s not all.

• Chewing Xylitol gum increases saliva production which protects your teeth and remineralizes them with naturally occurring calcium and phosphate.
• Acidity in your mouth can lead to enamel erosion. Xylitol in gum or mints can reduce the acidity of your saliva.
• Xylitol can help your body better absorb calcium which we all know can strengthen your teeth.

To learn more about how chewing Xylitol can benefit your oral health, or for suggestions about which Xylitol products to choose give my Modesto dental office a call.

Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Dental floss. If you’re a patient at my Modesto dental practice, we know for sure that you have it in your medicine cabinet for use during routine, at-home dental hygiene. But did you know that it might be a good idea to keep some rolls in other rooms of the house as well? You might even want to keep it in your glove compartment!

Why? Because floss has to be strong and flexible enough to fit in between your teeth without breaking, and it’s strong and flexible enough to perform all kinds of other tasks that string or thread might not be capable of handling.

Of course we have our own favorite uses for dental floss, but we have also scoured the internet for creative and handy tips for even more uses. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Protect your walls: Use it instead of wire to hang pictures. Dental floss will not scratch or scrape paint the way wire does.
• Support delicate plants: Floss is strong and slightly stretchy, making it the ideal way to tie your plants and vines to a supportive wooden dowel.
• Use it as an emergency shoelace: Again because of its flexibility and strength, dental floss can handily replace a broken shoelace
• Reattach a button: Another great emergency use of floss when no thread is available.
• Make a camping clothesline: It’s actually strong enough to hold several bathing suits and t-shirts!
• Lift cookies from a tray: Many spatulas are too thick to get under a stuck cookie without crumbing it. Dental floss is thin and flexible and easily slides under cookie to loosen them. Try lifting a whole row!

We’d love to hear other uses you might have for this amazing string. Tell us at your next appointment! Speaking of which: Is it time to schedule a hygiene appointment at my dental practice in Modesto? You know we’ll supply you with a new roll of handy floss!

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Most of us have done it — we’re running late, don’t have time to brush our teeth, and reach for the mouthwash instead of the toothbrush for a quick swish and spit. But can a habit of using mouthwash instead of brushing affect your oral health? My dental office in Modesto has the answer.

Not Brushing is… Pretty Gross

Your mouth is exposed to a lot of food, acid, and bacteria throughout the day. If you bypass a brushing, all of it is left there to eat away at tooth enamel. And if it’s left to fester overnight, it can be even worse. Brushing twice and flossing once a day, every day, is the only recommended way to remove the dangerous debris and protect your mouth against decay, cavities, and even gum disease.

What Does Bad Breath Mean?

While there are times when it’s normal to experience bad breath, like following a garlic-packed dinner, eating a dish filled with onions, or after your morning coffee, you should not have bad breath all the time. Persistent bad breath is a clue that something in your mouth isn’t right. Quite often, bad breath indicates gum disease, which is serious and could lead to tooth loss and other whole-body problems including increased risk for heart attack, stroke, and complications with diabetes.  

Mouthwash Is a Short-Term Fix

When mouthwash is used as an attempt to temporarily freshen breath, there is no problem. But brush as soon after as you can. And if breath isn’t fresh after a good brushing, it typically means it’s packed full of bacteria.  Mouthwash doesn’t remove the sticky plaque and bacteria that only a good brushing and flossing can.

The More You Use It, The Worse It Is

Many mouthwashes contain at least some level of alcohol. Alcohol naturally dries your mouth and slows saliva production. Without saliva, bacteria isn’t rinsed away and the mouth becomes a place where it can thrive and eat away at enamel. If you need to use mouthwash as a replacement to brushing — even though we highly recommend you don’t — choose one that’s alcohol free and use it sparingly

If you notice chronically bad breath, don’t be embarrassed. My Modesto dental office is here to help. We’ll never judge you or lecture you. We will work with you determine the cause of your problem and discuss the best way to resolve it. Don’t put the health of your teeth, or your body, at risk. Give us a call today.
Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

As parents, sometimes when our offspring announce their intentions we can barely contain our horror, fear, or, perhaps less flatteringly, our unwillingness to accommodate phases that make extra work for us.

But if your teenager has decided to stop eating meat, don’t worry. According to the American Dietetic Association, a vegetarian diet can be safe for everyone. And there are documented health benefits like a reduced chance for high blood pressure and cancer. A vegetarian diet may even help your teen control his weight!

Wait up! It’s safe?

The unfortunate part of a vegetarian diet is how difficult it is to get foods rich enough in calcium and vitamin D to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy. So if your teen is thinking about it, check in with your Modesto dentist next time you come by for a visit.

It might be a good idea to make sure your teen understands the various types of vegetarian eating. Here are a few definitions:

• Vegetarians who only eat fish. These are called pescetarians–people who avoid all meat-based proteins except for fish. Most pescetarians also eat cheese and eggs.

• The most common vegetarian diet is called the lacto-ovo diet. These vegetarians consume animal products like cheese, eggs, and yogurt.
• Some vegetarians also avoid all animal-derived food sources including eggs, cheese, and milk. This diet is called a vegan diet. Some vegans even avoid honey!

For all types of vegetarians getting enough calcium and vitamin D might be tricky!

Here are a few things to help your teen with (if he’ll let you):

1. Take him to a dietician. Many dieticians offer inexpensive exploratory consultations.
2. Provide or encourage a diet rich in broccoli and dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, turnip greens, and collards to get enough calcium. A variety of vitamin calcium-fortified products are available at the supermarket: some brands of orange juice, tofu, soy milk, and cereal are calcium-enriched.
3. Vitamin D is especially tricky for vegetarians because it naturally occurs primarily in fish. Make sure your teen understands that calcium is useless without vitamin D to help the body absorb it! Many of the products listed above that are fortified with calcium are also fortified with vitamin D.
4. Offer a vitamin D supplement, especially if your teen isn’t big on soy milk, orange juice, or cereal.

Need more tips?

Come see us next time you’re near by and talk to us about how to help your teen protect his oral health while maintaining a vegetarian diet. Remind him that, while web research is an important starting place, it’s best to work in concert with his health professionals including us: his Modesto dentist, his general practitioner, and any specialists he sees to ensure a balanced vegetarian diet.

Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

A proper oral hygiene routine seems pretty straight forward. You brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and your teeth thank you for it. It’s as easy as that, right? Not necessarily. At my dental office in Modesto, we want to provide you with a little insight to some of the top oral hygiene mistakes.

Brushing Too Hard

Brushing your teeth doesn’t have to be vigorous, and it’s actually better for you if it’s not. A habit of intense brushing may cause gum irritation and could even result in receding gums. It can also damage enamel. Scrubbing too hard tends to wear away the protective layer of enamel and makes your teeth more susceptible to decay. Instead of firm pressure, try brushing in gentle circles with the bristles aimed at a 45 degree angle.

Forgetting the Tongue

Our tongues collect and hold a lot of bacteria in all the little bumps and grooves. If left alone, the bacteria may transfer onto teeth and lead to decay. To avoid this, give your tongue a gentle rub with your toothbrush each and every time your brush.

Not Rinsing

We would love it if our patients brushed and flossed after breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but sometimes it’s just not possible. If you’re sans toothbrush or in a place where you can’t brush, there is another thing you can try to remove some of the bacteria, food particles, and neutralize acid. A simple swish and spit with some water can work wonders in keeping your mouth healthy between brushings.

Brushing Too Soon

Heading to the sink armed with your toothbrush and toothpaste immediately following a meal may seem like a great idea, but in reality may cause damage. If your lunch was full of acidic foods, there’s a good chance your enamel is weakened for a little while following chowing down. Instead of risking scratching and losing the enamel, wait at least a half an hour after eating before brushing.

It’s not only important to brush and floss, it’s crucial to do it correctly and follow basic rules. If you catch yourself making any of the above mistakes, try to get out of the habit as soon as possible. Additionally, make sure you keep up with appointments at my Modesto dental office. A great at-home routine paired with regular visits is a great way to keep your mouth healthy and happy.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank,and Oakdale.

Whitening teeth has become quite the craze in recent years. With easily accessible and varied forms of whitening out there, anyone can take their smile from dull to dazzling in a matter of a few sessions. But is it good for you? Can your teeth be too white? At my dental office in Modesto, we’re here to clear up a few whitening questions and make sure all our patients exercise caution in their quest for a whiter smile.

Smile whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry procedures at dental offices across the nation. And that doesn’t include those who forego the dentist and whiten on their own. The whitening mania has brighter, whiter smiles popping up all over the place, and we’re never ones to discount a beautiful grin. But we need to warn you: don’t overdo it.

A little is good, a lot isn’t better.

A good rule of thumb to follow for a natural looking white smile is to aim to match the whites of your eyes. But many times, whitening becomes almost addictive, and people tend to use whitening in excess. While most whitening agents are safe, serious problems can occur when whitening becomes too much of a habit. Enamel may weaken and leave you more susceptible to decay, cavities, and sensitivity. Additionally, desired results of a white smile may take an opposite turn and teeth may appear translucent or discolored.

Things to Consider

• Talk it Out. We highly recommend talking with your dentist in Modesto before starting a whitening treatment. Some stains may not be easily removed through an over-the-counter treatment and some problems can’t be fixed through whitening alone. Talking with your dental professional is a great first step.

• Follow Directions. If you choose to use an over-the-counter product, please read and follow the directions. Don’t leave the whitening gel on longer than recommended. Strips and trays tend to be one-size-fits-all, which can cause the whitening ingredients to come in contact with gums. If left on too long, gums can become irritated and lead to more serious dental concerns.

• White isn’t Necessarily Healthy. We tend to whiten to get a healthier looking smile, but just because a smile is white doesn’t mean it’s healthy. Make sure to keep up with regular dental appointments even if your grin is pearly white.

If you’re looking to get your smile a bit more whiter, call my Modesto dental office. A visit with us prior to embarking on a whitening regimen can help determine the best whitening treatment for you and together we can determine your ultimate shade of white.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Flossing isn’t particularly fun or easy, but it’s necessary for a healthy mouth. At my dental office in Modesto, we encourage our patients to floss at least once a day, everyday. But what should you use? Is traditional floss better than a floss pick? Does one clean better than the other?

Traditional Floss

Traditional floss has been tested and proven to help remove food particles, bacteria, and plaque in between teeth, so we already know that it’s effective. But is it the best choice? The short answer, is yes. And no. Let us explain.

Many times, flossing depends on the individual. Traditional floss can be more difficult to control, especially if someone has limited use of their hands or fingers. It can also be a bit more complicated to reach all the way into the back to clean the molars with traditional floss.

Floss Picks

Floss picks are typically either Y or F shaped pieces of plastic with a small piece of floss threaded through the opening. One of main reasons to choose floss picks over traditional floss is their ease of use. It’s easier to reach the back of the mouth with floss picks and they can be more comfortable. But again, it comes down to personal situations and what works best for you.

Sometimes, people whose teeth are tighter together have difficulty wedging a floss pick in between teeth. In this situation, traditional floss is recommended. Additionally, if using a floss pick, you may need more than one each time you floss due to the small size of the actual piece of floss.

When it comes to effectiveness, there are mixed opinions on whether traditional floss and floss picks are equally efficient. Some studies show that both clean between your teeth really well. Other research suggests floss picks are less effective since their shape can limit their ability to reach below the gum line and all the way around each tooth.

No matter which form of floss you choose, make sure you’re doing it. Flossing can help prevent gum disease and keep your mouth healthy. While proper flossing and brushing go a long way in getting and keeping a healthy mouth, don’t neglect regular appointments at  my Modesto dental office. They’re just as important to your smile.

Serving patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Do you spend a lot of time soaking in your nearest swimming pool during the summer months? We don’t blame you. Kicking back on a raft, playing an intense game of Marco Polo, or swimming laps for exercise are great ways to beat the heat. But did you know that pool water can actually affect your smile? It’s true, and everyone at my dental office in Modesto wants you to know how to avoid ill effects from summer fun, poolside.

The link between pool water and oral health concerns was first noted during a study of competitive swimmers and enamel erosion in the 1980s.  When 39% of the swimmers surveyed suffered from dental erosion, further investigation was warranted. Before too long, scientific studies correlated swimming pool water with enamel erosion. But not much has been done to make the public aware of the risks. That’s where we come in.

What’s The Issue with Pool Water?

Not every swimming pool is dangerous. The problem arises when the pH level of a pool is too low, or too acidic. An ideal level is usually between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH level drops below this standard, the water becomes corrosive and can begin to affect your body. Some of the most common symptoms of water with low pH is burning or stinging eyes, itchy skin, tooth staining, and enamel erosion.

What are the Signs of a Problem?

Two of the first clues of a problem are sensitivity and brown spots known as swimmer’s calculus. If a swimmer or chronic pool dweller in your family starts to experience either of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your Modesto dentist as soon a possible. It’s also important to note that those who spend a considerable amount of time in a swimming pool are at greater risk for enamel damage.

What is Enamel and Why is it Important?

Enamel is the hard, outermost layer of the tooth. It’s purpose is to protect teeth from bacteria. When enamel erodes, your teeth become more susceptible to decay and other dental problems.

How to Protect Your Smile

Keeping pool water out of your mouth is the best way to keep water from damaging teeth. Another way is to check the pool for proper pH. Test strips to check water in any pool you use are easy to find online, and available at most pool supply stores.

As always, regular checkups at my Modesto dental office are key catching any problems early and treating them before they become large problems.

Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

You brush every day, floss at least once a day, and keep up with regular visits to my dental office in Modesto. You’re doing all the right things to keep your mouth healthy. But are you also doing some things that can be hurting your teeth?

There are a bunch of surprising, everyday habits that seem completely normal, and sometimes even good for you, that can actually be harmful to your oral health. The first step in avoiding these dangerous activities and getting a stronger, healthier smile is knowing what’s bad for your grin.

Brushing Side to Side

Yes, brushing your teeth can actually be harmful if you do it incorrectly. The ideal way to brush is in gentle circles to avoid damage to the enamel. If you brush side to side, you place a lot of pressure on the teeth. This type of brushing may scratch enamel and leave you at increased risk for decay.

Lemonade

While this summer favorite is refreshing, its combination of acid and sugar is particularly bad for teeth. Cavities are most responsive to foods high in sugar and acidity. Sugar feeds the bacteria, acid eats away at enamel, and the chance for decay increases. If you still want the refreshing boost of lemons, try lemon slices in water. It’s still acidic, but without sugar, the danger is decreased.

Cardio Exercise

Workouts that incorporate some kind of cardiovascular exercise are great for your heart and your body. But prolonged periods of cardio-intense workouts may actually put your mouth at risk. A recent German study linked endurance exercise with increased erosion, mainly due to decreased saliva production. Saliva naturally helps neutralize acids in the mouth and wash away bacteria. Without it, your teeth are exposed to these damaging elements. Chewing sugar-free gum during exercise can help keep saliva production active, thus reducing acid and bacteria.

We strive to make every appointment at my Modesto dental office problem free, and your everyday choices go a long way in helping us achieve that goal. If you find yourself partaking in any of these potentially smile-damaging habits, make a conscious effort to stop or take action to counteract any damage. If you’d like help, give us a call. That’s what we’re here for.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, and nearby communities.

Nervousness or legitimate fear of the dentist is completely normal. In fact, an estimated 80 million Americans suffer from it. At my dental office in Modesto, we understand a visit to the dentist can be scary. But we also know avoiding professional dental care can have serious health complications. We’re here to help.

Before we dive into to talking about some tips to ease dental anxiety, let’s take a look at what causes this fear. According to a study from North Carolina University, each individual’s overall anxiety level is a great indicator to how they’ll react at a dental visit. The higher the natural anxiety level, the more likely it is to suffer from dental fear. Dental fear may also result from a prior negative experience, worry about being lectured about dental care, or embarrassment.

Easing The Fear

• Talk it Out. One of the most important ways to combat dental fear is to establish trust with your dentist in Modesto. Make sure he knows the fear is there and ask him to talk through each procedure in detail and answer any questions. It’s alright to ask how long each treatment may take, what you might feel, about using a signal if you become uncomfortable, and to request breaks.

• Distractions. Lying back in the dental chair with mouth agape and someone’s hands in there can create an uneasy feeling. Try distracting yourself with music, television, or sunglasses. Some practices even provide these amenities for you.

• Take a Deep Breath. Breathing techniques and focused breathing have been proven to lower anxiety levels and ease nervousness. Close your eyes, take deep breaths using your diaphragm (the lower part of your belly), and focus on the air coming in and going out.

• Ask Around. Asking friends and family their opinions on their own dentists can help you find the one that’s right for you. The internet can also provide a wealth of information. Start by visiting the websites of any referred dentists and see how you feel with what they say and how their offices look. Also make sure to read reviews online. You just may find a dentist who helped a friend with similar fears.

We know dental fear is real, we understand how nervous some people may be to get professional dental care, and we’re here to ease those fears. At my Modesto dental office, we work with each and every patient to ease any anxieties they may have, and we’re always sure to be gentle, talk through each procedure, and we never lecture. If it’s time to see a dentist who understands, give us a call today.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.