At my dental office in Modesto, we have a soft spot for fuzzy animals. Which is why we think it’s important to talk about dental care for pets. Dental care for our furry family members is just as important as dental care for humans. And while we don’t accept four-legged patients in this office, we do want to provide you with tips for proper pet dental care.

Signs of a Problem

Before we discuss how to keep your pet healthy, it’s extremely important to know the signs of some serious dental concerns. Keep a lookout for the following:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Excessive drooling
• Bleeding
• Refusal to let you near his mouth

If you notice any of these symptoms, please contact your vet as soon as possible as they may be signs of something serious.

Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

You heard us correctly. Pick up a toothbrush that’s right for your animal at your local pet supply store, apply some pet toothpaste (do NOT use human toothpaste — it can cause stomach issues in animals), and scrub gently in soft circles. It may take some practice, but brushing your pet’s teeth two or three times a week can be beneficial to his dental and overall health. It’s also recommended that all pets receive professional cleanings at the vet once a year.

Allow Puppies to Chew

It’s an unavoidable reality — puppies chew everything. From shoes, to table legs, and even clothes, there’s nothing a new puppy won’t sink its teeth into. Part of the natural desire to chew has to do with teething, and it’s actually beneficial. It helps strengthen teeth, massage gums, and scrape away tartar. So stock up on chew toys and encourage your pup to chew only on those toys, not only for the health of his teeth, but also for the health of your shoe collection.

Pick an Appropriate Diet

Your pet’s diet can affect his dental health, just like your food and drink choices can affect yours. There are a variety of pet foods available to help reduce tartar and plaque buildup. Talk with your vet to see what’s best for your buddy.

Following the advice above can help keep your pet’s teeth healthy for a lifetime. But don’t forget about your own oral health. Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and maintain visits to my Modesto dental office at least every six months. Don’t let dental problems plague you or your pet. Make the commitment to proper oral health for you both.

Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale and beyond. 

As you probably already know, there are several types of mouthwash available — some minty, some a bit fruity, some that claim to kill germs, and some that protect against gum disease and gingivitis. But do we really need so many? At my dental office in Modesto, we know choosing a mouthwash can be overwhelming, which is why we’d like to explain the differences between them so you can pick the right one for you.

Problem: Bad Breath & Oral Infection

Solution: Antiseptic Mouthwash

Antiseptic mouthwash is the most recommended choice for those battling bad breath or fighting off an infection. These types of mouthwashes contain chlorhexidine gluconate, which is incredibly effective at killing dangerous bacteria and bad breath. However, if antiseptic mouthwash is overused, the teeth may become discolored.

Problem: Not Enough Fluoride

Solution: Fluoride Mouthwash

While most people receive a sufficient amount of fluoride through their tap water or toothpaste, some individuals can benefit from an additional supply. This is when a fluoride mouthwash may be recommended. Fluoride mouthwash can help make teeth stronger and protect them from decay. It’s definitely not appropriate for everyone, especially those under six, but your dentist in Modesto will be able to help determine if it’s right for you.

Problem: Just a Bit of Bad Breath

Solution: Cosmetic Mouthwash

Similarly to antiseptic mouthwash, cosmetic mouthwashes can help freshen breath. What makes them different, however, is they really don’t help protect teeth or fight off bacteria. If used in addition to brushing, a cosmetic mouthwash can be effective at giving you a burst of freshness, but that’s about it.

Mouthwash Alone Isn’t Enough

Even if you choose the mouthwash that helps your specific dental concerns, swishing with it once or twice a day isn’t enough. In order to really help your mouth get and stay healthy, mouthwash should only be used as an additional step in your oral hygiene routine. Keep brushing twice a day, maintain flossing at least once a day, and don’t forego checkups with your dentist in Modesto.

Still have questions about which mouthwash is right for you? Schedule an appointment at my Modesto dental office. We’ll be happy to help.

Welcoming new patients in Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale and beyond. 

Over the years, I’ve treated numerous patients with diabetes at my Modesto dental office. We always want every patient to make sure they’re taking great care of their teeth, but it’s important for folks with diabetes to be even more vigilant about maintaining their oral health care routines. Why? Unfortunately, diabetes can leave you more susceptible to other issues that affect the mouth and teeth. These include: periodontal (gum) disease, infections, poor healing, and dry mouth.

I’ve put together this list of tips to help you make sure both you and your mouth are healthy:

Tip #1 — Keep Blood Sugar Numbers Stable

• It’s estimated there are nearly 30 million Americans living with diabetes, and every single one of them knows maintaining their target blood glucose numbers is of the utmost importance. But making sure blood glucose is stable helps your oral health too! If your levels are poorly controlled, there’s an increased risk of developing gum disease or loose teeth, compared to non-diabetics. Like any other infection, serious gum disease may be a factor in causing blood sugar to rise, making diabetes more difficult to control.

Tip #2 — Remember to Eat Healthy

• Following a healthy diet is good for both your oral and overall health, no matter if you have diabetes or not. Getting rid of sugary foods is best! Try to eat healthy fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep you and your smile healthy. Be sure to work with your doctor to design a dietary plan that’s suitable for your needs.

Tip #3 — Maintain Your Oral Hygiene Routine

• Your Modesto dentist knows that keeping your teeth and gums healthy starts with great at-home care. Always make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to protect against tooth decay. Usually first thing in the morning and then again at night before bed works best. Be sure to use a soft brush and soft circular motions to clean the front, back, and top of each tooth. Don’t forget to clean your tongue too. You should also floss at least once a day. Flossing will help keep pesky plaque from building up and causing potential problems. If you have dentures, keep them clean, take them out nightly, and have them adjusted if they’re loose or uncomfortable.

At my dental office in Modesto, we want our patients and their smiles to be in the very best health every day. If you have diabetes and notice anything unusual about your mouth or teeth as you go about your daily hygiene routine, please do not hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.

Welcoming patients from Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale.

Each November, we recognize the 5 million Americans struggling with debilitating Alzheimer’s Disease and their loving caregivers. While there’s still a lot of research to be done on this disease, there has been a great deal of scientific research and studies devoted to learning if there’s a possible connection between gum (or periodontal) disease and dementia.

At my dental office in Modesto we share the importance of maintaining excellent oral hygiene with our family of patients every day. It’s important to ensure your mouth is free from harmful gum disease and the bacteria that comes with it! Not only for your mouth’s sake, but your whole health.

• Reminder: It’s a good time to make sure dementia patients are receiving the oral health care they need, as they’re at an increased risk of gum disease and tooth decay due to a decline in personal hygiene and side effects associated with some medications.

What Research Tells Us

According to a recent article in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, there is a chance people with poor oral hygiene or elevated gum (or periodontal) disease could possibly be at greater risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. One study took samples of brain tissue from patients with dementia, along with tissue samples from patients without dementia. What interested scientists was: the dementia patient tissue had gum disease bacteria, but the non-dementia tissue did not.

• Reminder: There’s still more research that needs to be conducted to better understand the potential link between gum disease and dementia. As of this year, there’s still no definitive proof that gum disease causes dementia or that they are directly related.

Blame The Bacteria

The connection between gum disease and dementia (along with other possible illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease) is due to bacteria. Our mouths are full of bacterial combinations — some good, some bad. The bad bacteria can end up in our bloodstream due to diseased gums simply by eating, chewing, and brushing, and can affect the rest of the body.

As we continue to see what happens with the possible gum disease and dementia correlation, my Modesto dental office would like to remind patients about the importance of keeping up with your regular oral hygiene routine and seeing us for cleanings. Give us a call to schedule your next appointment!

Accepting new patients from Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale and beyond. 

We’ve all been told about the importance of oral health from the day we were old enough to pick up a toothbrush. But when you have something you have to do every single day (seriously, every day is a lot!) it’s easy to get complacent and rush through the necessities. At my Modesto dental office, we want to give our patients a few reminders on how to get the best, cleanest mouth possible.

Choose the Right Things

Toothbrush? Check. Toothpaste? Check. Floss? Check. Good to go, right? Well, not necessarily. Each person has unique needs and their dental tools should be selected accordingly.

• Toothbrush – This tool doesn’t vary so much from person to person, but there are some common traits you should look for unless otherwise told by your dentist. Pick a toothbrush with a medium-sized head for easier use. Soft bristles are also usually recommended to avoid damage to enamel or gums.
• Toothpaste – Toothpaste needs are pretty individualized. There are options out there that cater to those with sensitive teeth, others for people who want an extra fresh breath boost, and others for increased enamel protection. Talk with your dentist to find what’s right for you.
• Floss – First and foremost, floss is necessary for everyone, but like toothpaste, there are a variety of types for different needs. Teeth that are tighter and closer together need a floss that’s easy to slide in between them. These people should choose a waxed floss. If your teeth are not super tight, regular floss should be just fine.

Use Them the Right Way

Don’t get caught in the habit of mindlessly brushing and flossing your teeth. Brushing often enough, long enough, and correctly is crucial to ensuring your mouth is bacteria free. Take two minutes twice a day and gently scrub in small circles, hitting every surface of the teeth. Also make sure you’re removing particles between teeth by flossing once a day between each tooth and up under the gums.

Visit Your Dentist Every Six Months

Visits to your Modesto dentist every six months are a necessary part of a healthy mouth. Not only will your dental team perform a deep, professional cleaning, they’ll also check your mouth for any potential problems like cavities, gum disease, or oral cancer. Your routine visit is also a perfect time to talk with me about any cosmetic dentistry you may be interested in like teeth whitening, cosmetic bonding, or veneers.

No matter how great your oral health routine is at home, if you’re missing regular visits with your dentist, your mouth isn’t the healthiest it can be. Don’t avoid the dentist, schedule an appointment at my dental office in Modesto today.

Accepting patients from Modesto, Riverbank, Oakdale and beyond.