A smile can say a lot about a person, and if you’re not comfortable with yours, it can inhibit self confidence. If you’re someone who’s more likely to hide your smile in the upcoming holiday photos, my dental office in Modesto has some great news for you.

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just for the rich and famous. In fact, many procedures we perform every day fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. This holiday season, we wanted to celebrate 12 days of some of the most popular smile-changing treatments. Ask your Modesto dentist which ones are appropriate for you!

Day 1: Smile whitening for simple, quick, effective brightening. This year, make your pearly whites brighter and banish stains from all the red wine you had at the office holiday party.

Day 2: Tooth-colored fillings because it’s so easy to eat too many candy canes!

Day 3: Dental implants. You don’t need to ask Santa for your two front teeth. Just ask us!

Day 4: Porcelain veneers to make your teeth look better than your Christmas tree or Menorah or your Festivus sweater!

Day 5: Fixed bridges. Make up with your Uncle Lenny or fix the gap between two molars for the holidays. We pick molars.

Day 6: Porcelain crowns. You don’t need to be King Wenceslas to wear a crown!

Day 7: Dental bonding is even better than family bonding! We’ll make your teeth so beautiful, you’ll be the envy of the holiday party.

Day 8: Tooth Recontouring. Smooth the shape of your teeth. It’s like the gym for your smile!

Day 9: Traditional orthodontics. Get your teeth lined up nice and straight like toy soldiers.

Day 10: Clear orthodontics to reduce the chance of a dangerous, metal-locked kiss under the mistletoe.

Day 11: A complete smile makeover so at least you can be confident about your smile even if you aren’t about your outfit for the office holiday party.

Day 12: Dentures. With these chompers, you can eat all the fruitcake you’d like without the worry of cavities!

With the holiday season well upon us, there’s never been a better time to reward yourself with the gift of a new smile. At my Modesto dental office, we’d love to talk to you about your smile goals and recommend the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale, and surrounding areas.

Since 1863, the United States has been celebrating a day of feast, complete with turkey, pies, stuffing, and too much more deliciousness to name. But Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating a plentiful dinner and slipping into a tryptophan-induced afternoon nap, it’s a day dedicated to reflecting on all we are thankful for, gathering around the table with friends and family, and enjoying a meal prepared by all.

While Thanksgiving has only been an official holiday since the days of Abraham Lincoln, the tradition of gathering together to enjoy a large dinner with friends has been in around since the Pilgrims and Native Americans enjoyed the first Thanksgiving meal together. Although the custom of joining together and eating hasn’t changed much since those first Thanksgiving dinners, oral health care sure has.

With all of the advancements in modern dentistry, it’s difficult to imagine a life where there weren’t toothbrushes available at every supermarket, drug store, and gas station, but there was a time when folks didn’t even know what a toothbrush was. At my dental office in Modesto, we want to dedicate this seasonal blog to talking about how Pilgrims and Native Americans took care of their grins and how dental health, along with dental care, has changed.

The Pilgrims

It’s a bit of an understatement to say that the Pilgrims didn’t have the best oral hygiene standards. They didn’t have access to proper toothbrushes and toothpaste because they hadn’t been invented yet! Instead, Pilgrims used leaves, herbs, and salt rubbed directly onto their teeth to clean their not-so-pearly whites. For a toothbrush, pig hair was affixed to a twig or animal bone, or sometimes pine bristles were used. Basically, the Pilgrims, who were new to the States and unfamiliar with what was available to them, used whatever items they could find to clean their teeth. Today, we have multiple types of toothbrushes, toothpaste flavors, floss, and other dental hygiene products. Not to mention we have the ability to see a trained dentist in Modesto twice a year for checkups and when we have a problem.

The Native Americans

Chances are, the Native Americans had better overall dental health than the Pilgrims. Not only were they more familiar with the land and what was available to them, their diet was healthier. Like the Pilgrims, they also used herbs like sage to clean their teeth, but they used the cucacua plant to make a substance similar to toothpaste. Additionally, while the Pilgrims were eating dried meat and fruits, beans, and a lot of hardtack –  a dry biscuit made of flour, water, and salt – the Native Americans were living off the land and eating more balanced meals of veggies, nuts, and berries. Therefore, they were eating fewer smile-damaging foods to begin with.

This Thanksgiving, take a tip from the Native Americans and try to eat a well-balanced plate (or plates!) of food and try to take it easy on the sugar-filled sweets. And when you’re reflecting on what you’re thankful for, don’t forget to be thankful for toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and modern dentistry as a whole. For it is these advancements in dentistry, plus visits to my Modesto dental office, that allow us to have healthy, white smiles every Thanksgiving and all the days in between.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

November is American Diabetes Month, during which we dedicate the entire 30 days to encouraging communities to come together and raise awareness of diabetes. While there is no cure for this disease that plagues nearly 30 million Americans, research continues to bring us closer to answers, make advancements in treatment, and link diabetes with other health problems.

Those with diabetes have surely learned that uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to problems throughout your body – your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart can all be affected by diabetes. However, we find at my dental office in Modesto that many of these individuals aren’t aware of the potential oral health complications that may also arise.

For example, people battling diabetes have an increased chance of developing gum disease. Not simply because those with diabetes have an increased susceptibility to bacteria, but they also have a decreased ability to fight it off. This makes flossing, brushing, and visiting your dentist in Modesto regularly extremely important so the bacteria that thrives in the mouth doesn’t cause major problems.

Not only that, but gum disease can affect blood glucose and make diabetes more difficult to manage and can even make it worse. Gingivitis, an early stage of gum disease, can be treated fairly easily if caught early. However, periodontitis, a more advanced form of gum disease, is more difficult to treat and can eventually lead to tooth loss.

When gum disease hits the severity of periodontitis, your gums pull away from your teeth, and create pockets where germs and bacteria love to hide. The bacteria causes the pockets to deepen and, if left untreated, the infection will destroy the bone holding your teeth in place, causing the teeth to move, become loose, or fall out.

Other oral health problems that can result from diabetes include thrush (a fungal infection of the mouth) and dry mouth. These can create even more issues like ulcers, infections, cavities, and more.

The best way to prevent oral health problems for a patient with diabetes is to control their blood glucose level, and brush, floss daily, and maintain visits to my Modesto dental office at least twice yearly. People with diabetes have unique oral health needs, so it’s important to let us know about your health history including any medication and changes to your diabetes. We’re here to help you maintain optimal full-body health, not just your teeth.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale.

While having extra-pointy canine teeth, sometimes called vampire teeth, isn’t dangerous to your health, it’s not uncommon for patients of my dental office in Modesto to express concern, or even embarrassment, about their sharp, spiked teeth. But we’ve got an easy solution that can transform your smile quickly – tooth recountouring.

Why are Canine Teeth Pointy in the First Place?

Canine teeth are the four teeth (two on top and two on bottom) that are pointy and slightly resemble dogs’ teeth. The canines’ purpose is mainly to help us eat, as they serve to help us hold and tear food. While all canine teeth are pointy in nature because of this purpose, some people have canines that appear much pointier. Nothing about having sharp canines is dangerous, however some people can be uncomfortable with the appearance of their superior spikiness.

What is Tooth Recontouring?

Tooth recontouring, also known as tooth reshaping, is a cosmetic dentistry solution that shows instant results. This procedure is often used to change the shape, length, or surface appearance of teeth and can be helpful in fixing crooked teeth, chipped teeth, and yes, “vampire” teeth.

The procedure can typically be completed in one to three visits, depending on your individual needs, and without any pain. Basically, your dentist in Modesto will use his artistic eye to sand away any extra enamel that is contributing your specific problem. With just millimeters of enamel removed, your tooth will be transformed immediately. This treatment can also be paired with bonding, which uses tooth-colored material to sculpt and reshape a tooth.

What Are the Benefits of Tooth Recontouring?

Besides helping with your cosmetic concerns, there are a variety of benefits of tooth recontouring. Tooth recontouring is a conservative cosmetic dentistry treatment and a cost-efficient way to easily transform your smile.The treatment is generally painless, and often times, no anesthesia is necessary since only surface enamel is being removed. But tooth recontouring can not only improve your appearance, it can also improve your oral health. By removing areas such as overlaps and imperfections where bacteria and tartar can build up, you’re greatly reducing your chances for decay and gum disease.

If you have extra-pointy canines or other cosmetic concerns, give my Modesto dental office a call today. We’ll talk about your concerns, what your smile goals are, and the best treatments for you. We’re sure to get you happy about showing off your pearly whites!

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

One of the best ways you can get, and keep, your mouth healthy is to eat a well-balanced diet and choose smile-healthy foods. At my dental office in Modesto, we’d like to educate you about how the foods you eat can contribute to great oral health and your overall well being.

When you eat, your mouth goes through changes, starting the minute you take that first bite. While you’re eating, bacteria convert sugars and carbs into acids. It’s these acids that can cause some serious tooth damage. Acids attack the enamel and can lead to cavities. Not only that, the more often you snack throughout the day, the more acid is produced and the more your mouth is exposed to the danger of further decay.

What to Eat

Some of the best foods for your mouth are the same ones that are good for your body. The basic food pyramid can give you some great guidelines to follow to ensure you’re getting the right amount of dairy, protein, and vegetables everyday for your overall wellness. However, when thinking about smile-friendly foods, there are few your dentist in Modesto would like to highlight.

The rules of foods for a healthy mouth are easy to follow and are pretty straightforward. Some of the best food choices include cheese, chicken or other lean meats, and nuts. High in calcium and phosphorus, these foods can both protect tooth enamel and give teeth what they need to remineralize and become stronger.

Additional food choices that are great for your mouth are crunchy fruits and vegetables. Celery, apples, and pears, for example, have high water content and can stimulate the flow of saliva. Foods containing a lot of water tend to lessen the effects of sugars and carbs in the mouth, and the production of saliva helps wash away particles and fight against acid – both useful in protecting teeth against decay.

What to Avoid

Eating acidic food like citrus fruit, tomatoes, and lemons can add to the damage-causing acid. While you don’t have to avoid these tart favorites, they should be enjoyed as part of a larger meal as opposed to being consumed alone. Pairing acidic foods with larger meals helps minimize the amount of acid that actually reaches your teeth and can decrease the damage that acid causes.

Other poor food choices include the obvious culprits like candy, cookies, cakes, pies, pretzels, and dried fruits. With large amounts of sugar, these foods can fuel bacteria which will lead to tooth decay.

What Else Can You Do?

In addition to following a diet of smile-friendly foods, regular visits to my Modesto dental office can not only help keep your mouth healthy, they can help keep your whole body healthy too. With more and more systemic health problems like diabetes and heart disease being linked to oral health, keeping your regularly scheduled appointments is even more important. At these checkups, we’ll not only make sure your mouth is healthy, we’ll also make sure your body isn’t in any danger from oral health problems.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Like any other emergency, a dental emergency can happen at any time. However, there are plenty of dental emergencies that do not require the attention of a hospital emergency room. At my dental office in Modesto, we’d like to help you understand which injuries should be seen by a dentist and which need immediate attention at your local emergency room.

The majority of dental emergencies do not need to be treated at the hospital. A good rule of thumb to follow is any dental injury that does not appear life-threatening should be directed to your Modesto dentist and kept away from the emergency room. Some types of problems that should be treated by the dentist and not the hospital include:

• Broken or cracked teeth
• A knocked out tooth
• Toothache caused by decay or abscess

However, simply because you are not being treated at the hospital does not mean you should be leisurely with seeking care. In fact, any dental problem, life-threatening or not, requires quick action for a successful treatment.

In situations where the injury is more serious and potentially life-threatening, it’s absolutely appropriate, and encouraged, to head to your hospital and be treated immediately. The majority of injuries that fall under this category are known as traumas and can include:

• Jaw fracture/dislocation
• Deep lacerations to the soft tissues in the mouth or the face
• An abscess or infection that’s swollen and affecting breathing/swallowing

If you have one of these traumatic injuries, go straight to your closest hospital or call 911. The doctors at the hospital will get you the help you need. They may also request that you see your dentist as a follow up to the emergency care. It’s important to make sure you schedule and keep this appointment so we’re able evaluate the damage and provide any necessary treatment.

If you suffer a dental emergency that’s not considered a trauma, give my Modesto dental office a call as soon as you can. We’ll get you in for an exam and work with you to resolve the problem. And while we’re always happy to help you fix an injury, we’re also really big on preventing it in the first place. In order to limit your chances of a dental emergency, watch what you eat (caramels, popcorn, and sugar, oh my!), always wear a mouthguard when playing sports, brush and floss everyday, and maintain your regularly scheduled appointments to keep your smile strong and resistant to problems.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

If you’re unhappy with your teeth, there are several ways we can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted. At my Modesto dental office, there are many cosmetic dentistry solutions available to enhance your look. However, one of the most common procedures is dental veneers.

What Are Veneers Used For?

Veneers can be used to fix multiple problems. Whether there is a slight gap in your front teeth or you want to make all teeth appear even in length and proportionate in shape, veneers can eliminate the need for several treatments while giving you the smile you want. Veneers can be used to correct:

• Teeth discolored by root canal, stains, or large fillings
• Worn or ground-down teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth
• Misalignment, unevenness, or irregularities in shape
• Gaps between teeth

What is the Process?

• Consultation. This is the first step to your veneer treatment plan. You and your dentist in Modesto will talk about the results you’d like achieve and have honest conversation to determine if veneers are an appropriate solution for you. A treatment plan will be developed and you can start your veneer treatment.

• Preparation. Preparing a tooth for a veneer includes removing a thin layer of enamel from the tooth’s surface to make a space for the veneer to be placed. Your dentist will send your permanent veneer to a dental laboratory to be molded using specific measurements and color direction. While you wait for the permanent veneer, a temporary may be placed.

• Bonding. Using an artistic eye, your dentist will determine the proper place for your veneer to create a natural-looking fix. When it’s ready, your tooth will be cleaned and etched to give the adhesive something to hold on to. A bonding material will then be used to adhere the veneer to your tooth, creating a strong, long-lasting hold.

If you’ve been waiting to get the smile of your dreams, give my dental office in Modesto a call. We’ll schedule an initial consultation, talk about your smile goals, and determine whether veneers are the best option for you.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Fillings, which are used to fill the space left by a cavity, can come loose, crack, and sometimes even fall out completely. While a lost filling isn’t always considered a dental emergency, it can cause pain and be uncomfortable. If this happens, there are several things you can do before your visit to my Modesto dental office.

When a filling is lost, it’s more important than ever to keep the area as clean as possible. The divot in your tooth where the filling used to be is a great place for food to collect and bacteria to lurk which can end up causing more damage. To keep the area particle free, it’s a good idea to rinse with warm salt water and brush the area gently after eating. It’s also not uncommon for your teeth to become sensitive or a bit painful after losing a filling. If this happens, try an over-the-counter filler material with zinc oxide to place into the gap and take some pain reliever. Remember, this is a temporary solution and an appointment at my dental office in Modesto is still important.

The single most important thing you need to do when you lose a filling is call your Modesto dentist. At your appointment, we’ll examine where the filling was and talk with you about the best option to restore your tooth to healthy and strength again. Often, we can replace the old filling with a new one. However, there are times when, if the filling was quite large, we may need to talk about another option, such as a crown.

While fillings are a great treatment method to fix cavities and other dental problems, they can become loose or fall out due to some of our habits and food choices. Fillings are at increased risk for damage and falling out if you eat hard or sticky foods, or clench and grind your teeth. The best way to avoid a damaged filling in the first place is to be careful what you eat and talk to us if you clench or grind as you could be causing more damage to your smile than just losing a filling.

If your filling has become loose or has fallen out, don’t hesitate to call my Modesto dental office as soon as you can. We’ll check out what’s going on, discover what caused it in the first place, and get your tooth back in tip-top shape.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Wisdom teeth tend to begin to develop and show on x-rays in our early teens. And that’s the best time to start monitoring their growth to see if your wisdom teeth can stay, or if it’s better for them to be removed. While all wisdom teeth don’t necessarily have to be removed, and some people don’t ever get them, all of us at my dental office in Modesto want our patients to know that if wisdom teeth removal is recommended, it’s for a good reason.

Sometimes, wisdom teeth are growing in just fine and there is no reason to discuss or consider removing them. In most cases, if your wisdom teeth are healthy, completely grown in, positioned correctly so as to not inhibit proper bite or neighboring teeth, and are able to be cleaned properly, they can stay right where they are. However, it’s more common that they will need to be removed, sometimes before they’re fully erupted, or even after.

Even if your wisdom teeth came in without a hitch, you may not necessarily get to keep them. In fact, one of the main reasons wisdom teeth need to come out even after they are fully erupted is that they are difficult to care for. Your wisdom teeth, which are typically the four molars way back in your mouth, are hard to reach with a toothbrush, and even harder to floss. This tends to cause an increase in the chance of gum disease and cavities in those “third molars.” If during your routine checkups with your Modesto dentist any issues are noticed, removal may be recommended to reduce the risk of more cavities and infection later.

Another reason – the most common reason – why wisdom teeth need to be removed is because there isn’t enough room in your mouth. This can often be handled with an easy wisdom teeth removal before any teeth begin to erupt through the gums. However, if the procedure is delayed or avoided, the teeth can get trapped in the bone and become impacted. Once wisdom teeth are impacted, the surgery is a bit more complicated, but still fairly easy.

Keeping up with your regularly scheduled appointments at my Modesto dental office is an important step in monitoring your wisdom teeth and making sure that everything in your mouth is healthy, functioning correctly, and looking great. If you need someone to check out your wisdom teeth, or your smile as a whole, give us a call today.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank, and Oakdale.

Summer is a time for soaking up the rays and getting a healthy dose of vitamin D (don’t forget the sunscreen!). But while you’re relaxing poolside in the summer sun, be careful of some heat-busting snacks that can cause smile-damaging results. At my dental office in Modesto, we’re all about enjoying your time in the sun, but we want to make sure that you’re aware of some dangerous summer snacks and suggest some healthier alternatives.

As we’ve talked about in previous blogs, foods that are sticky or chewy are never a good choice for your teeth. Some more commonly eaten sticky foods are dried fruit or fruit snacks. These chewy snacks are not only high in sugar, their sticky nature also causes the sugar to linger around in the mouth longer, potentially causing some unwanted tooth damage. Sticky foods in general are also guilty of damaging tooth restorations or fillings. When you can, it’s best to stay away.

Another common summer treat that your Modesto dentist suggests avoiding, or at least enjoying in moderation, is barbeque. Barbecue sauces often contain a lot of sugar, vinegar, and sometimes even dye. The dye that’s typically used in barbeque sauce can contribute to staining or discoloration of your smile, and while we already know that sugar is bad for your smile, acids, like vinegar, are also dangerous for your grin.

Citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are also highly acidic and can lead to damage of the enamel and can promote tooth decay. Since these fruits are high in vitamin C and so thirst quenching, we don’t expect you to avoid them. Just remember that after you enjoy some orange slices, you should rinse your mouth with water to neutralize the acid.

When it comes to quenching your thirst, always choose water over any sugary beverage like soda, sweet tea, or sports drinks. Since people are often more active in the summer, they’re more likely to turn to a sports drink like Gatorade. If you need an extra boost of electrolytes, drink these types of beverages sparingly and avoid swishing them around in your mouth.

So what snacks are all right to eat? Veggies like celery or carrots are excellent foods for your body and your smile;, try some proteins like nuts and turkey; and don’t forget to swing by the dairy aisle to pick up some calcium rich cheese or yogurt that are not only good for your bones, they’re also good for your teeth.

This summer, while you’re enjoying the sun, make sure you’re also enjoying some smile-friendly foods. Next time you’re shopping for food, all of us at my Modesto dental office urge you to make sure to add some smile-friendly items to your list. They’ll not only be delicious to eat, they’ll also keep your mouth healthy all summer (and year) long.

Serving patients in Modesto, Riverbank and Oakdale.