Oral Health Archives - Lovebites Dental

Self-Performed Methods of Dental Plaque Identification

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 13 Jan 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Tartar cannot be removed by simple brushing and flossing, but only through professional cleaning by your dentist.

Plaque refers to the slimy, sticky substance that collects on the surface of the teeth. It is the major cause of both tooth decay and gum disease, making it extremely important to get rid of plaque deposits before they can wreak havoc on your mouth.

Plaque can be pretty hard to detect with the naked eye because it has the same color as your teeth. However, there are tools dentists use to help detect where plaque builds up and let you know how good you are when it comes to brushing and flossing your pearly whites.

What Does Plaque Look Like?

Although plaque is colorless, you can likely feel it when you rub your tongue against your teeth. It will feel fuzzy. When you floss your teeth, it will appear white on the floss. The most dangerous part of plaque is that since it’s colorless, many people don’t care to remove it as much. However, plaque will make your teeth feel fuzzy, cause cavities, and bad breath if it’s not removed.

If you do notice a buildup of a color substance on your teeth, it might actually be dental fluorosis. This occurs as a result of too much fluoride. Talk to your San Diego dentist if you think you might have dental fluorosis. Unfortunately, there is no treatment, only solutions to help remedy the appearance of your teeth.

Why Remove Plaque?

Plaque disclosing agents are often used by dentists to show their patients where and how much plaque has accumulated on their teeth.

Removing plaque deposits while they are still new and soft is recommended in order to prevent them from turning into hardened deposits called tartar or calculus, where plaque and bacteria can continue to thrive.

Methods of Plaque Disclosure

Removing plaque is much easier when you can see it! That’s where plaque disclosure comes in handy. Try out these different methods of plaque disclosure to better remove plaque on your teeth.

Plaque Disclosing Tablets

One method of plaque disclosure makes use of special disclosing tablets made up of red dye. This dye gets absorbed by plaque, thus staining it and making it much easier to detect. To use these tablets, get one tablet, and chew it thoroughly. Swish the chewed tablet-saliva mixture onto your teeth for about 30 seconds. Spit it out, rinse off with water, and then examine your teeth. You may use your bathroom mirror, or even a small mirror to get a closer look.

Red stains indicate plaque. These stains highlight the areas where you should improve your brushing and flossing.

Some individuals may not like the idea of bright red staining, not only on the teeth but on your gums, tongue, or lips as well. However, the staining is temporary and will be gone after a few hours.

Plaque Disclosing Solutions

Plaque Disclosing Solutions work in pretty much the same way as disclosing tablets, only that they are in a liquid form already. Like in the tablet form, you have to swish the solution around your mouth for about the same time. Then, you also have to spit it out and check your teeth afterward.

Some disclosing solutions are available as two-toned agents, which help differentiate between old and new plaque deposits.

Plaque Disclosing Swabs

These swabs are pre-saturated with a disclosing solution. They are used by dabbing the swab along the tooth surface to show the plaque deposits. Compared to disclosing solutions, they are more convenient, more easily controlled, and less messy.

Plaque Light

Plaque light requires the use of a special fluorescent solution that you’ll swish around your mouth and then rinse off with water. To detect plaque, you will have to use ultraviolet light. The light will help make plaque more visible by giving it a bright yellow-orange color.

The main advantage of the plaque light and fluorescent solution combo is that it doesn’t produce any visible stains in your mouth.

After using any of the disclosing products brush your teeth and be sure to improve your brushing on the areas where plaque accumulates the most. Brush as thoroughly as you can until there are no stains left.

If you wish to be sure about the efficiency of your oral hygiene, use a disclosing agent for as long as you wish until you see less and less plaque.

Plaque disclosing agents are particularly helpful for kids, orthodontic patients, and individuals prone to tooth decay and gum disease.

How to Remove Black Tartar

When plaque isn’t removed from your teeth, it can harden into tartar. In the early stages, tartar is usually a yellow color, but if left untreated even longer, it can result in brown, green, or black tartar. Tartar that occurs below the gumline is black.

Tartar is also more likely to turn black if you smoke, eat a diet high in sugar or starch, drink staining liquids such as coffee or wine, or have damage or trauma to your enamel.

Unfortunately, you cannot remove black tartar on your own. The only treatment for black calculus teeth is visiting a dentist and having them use dental tools to scrape it off your teeth. You may also require scaling and root planing to remove the black tartar from below your gum line.

The best way to remove tartar from your teeth is to prevent it in the first place. You can accomplish this by brushing twice a day, flossing daily, cutting out sweets, and visiting the dentist regularly.

Schedule Your Next Dental Cleaning in San Diego

Aside from brushing and flossing your teeth at home, visiting your San Diego dentist, Dr. Safarian for a dental cleaning and exam every six months is the best way to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth and under your gum line. If you’re overdue for a dental cleaning, please do not wait. Contact our Chula Vista dental office to book an appointment today.

The post Self-Performed Methods of Dental Plaque Identification appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Top 10 Causes of Bad Breath

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 18 Nov 2020 07:00:00 +0000

Wearing a mask might have caused you to notice that your breath doesn’t smell as great as you thought it did. Not only is bad breath embarrassing, but it could also indicate that there’s a bigger problem at bay. If you want to freshen your breath, we recommend finding out what the cause of your bad breath is in the first place. Once you figure out the cause, you can make changes in your life so you never have to worry about gagging behind your mask ever again.

1. Certain Foods and Spices

Aside from poor oral hygiene, another common cause of bad breath is the food you eat. Food with a strong smell and flavor is usually the culprit. These include garlic, onions, cheese, and soda to name a few. Garlic and onions, in particular, can cause bad breath right after consuming them.

You can get rid of the odor by brushing and flossing, but only temporarily. They continue to produce the bad odor long after you’ve eaten them. This is because they get absorbed into the bloodstream and expel from the body through the lungs.

Therefore, the best way to prevent bad breath caused by these foods is to reduce your consumption as much as possible.

2. Systemic Diseases

Certain systemic conditions can also have bad breath as one of its manifestations. These include diabetes, liver diseases, kidney disorders, respiratory problems, cancers, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Problems of the upper respiratory tract, for instance, produce sputum that can be coughed up into the cavity, causing halitosis.

If your dentist identifies the systemic problem as the cause. He or she will refer you to a physician for proper management.

3. Malnutrition

Starvation, whether intentional or not, can cause bad breath due to the breakdown of certain chemicals as the body tries to desperately come up with the lack of available energy sources from food. If this is the case, you will be advised to eat right. When you don’t eat regularly, your body doesn’t produce enough saliva. Saliva is vital for breaking down food particles and washing away bacteria in your mouth. If you don’t eat very often, saliva isn’t there to wash away the bacteria that’s causing your bad breath.

4. You Just Woke Up

Most people wake up to less than perfect breath. There’s no way to really avoid morning breath. So why does it happen? When you sleep, the bacteria that’s in your mouth take advantage of the slowed production of saliva in your mouth. Your breath smells so bad in the morning because the smelly bacteria has been sitting in your mouth all night without being washed away by your saliva. Once you brush your teeth, your breath will be back to normal!

5. Mouth Breathing

Breathing through your nose is one of the best ways to maintain fresh breath. However, if you have a stuffy nose or other issues that cause you to breathe only through your mouth, you might notice that your breath doesn’t smell that great. This is because breathing through your mouth dries out your mouth which means bacteria isn’t being washed away. The only way to address bad breath related to mouth breathing is to fix the problem causing you to breathe through your mouth in the first place. Try talking to an ear, nose, and throat doctor.

6. Smoking

Smoking cigarettes won’t just cause cancer and increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, it can lead to some serious halitosis. It causes bad breath first because of the smell of smoke. The smoke tends to linger on your breath which can make your mouth smell a lot like an ashtray. Next, smoking dries out the mouth which means that saliva isn’t washing away bacteria as often as it should. If bacteria and smoke linger in your mouth, it’s going to cause bad breath. Pro tip: quit smoking for better breath and overall health.

7. Post-Nasal Drip

The mucus in your nose isn’t just a clear liquid, it’s filled with foreign particles that you breathe in with every breath. If you’re suffering from allergies or a bad cold, this mucus will build up in the back of your throat and travel into your mouth where it will rest on your tongue which will cause bad breath. If you’re sick, consider taking cold medicine to control the mucus. If you suffer from allergies, allergy medicine should help you avoid bad breath from post-nasal drip.

8. You’re on a Low-Carb Diet

Slashing carbs might seem like a great idea to lose weight but it can result in a multitude of problems like constipation and bad breath. The cause of bad breath on a low carb diet is from your body releasing certain chemicals that burn fat. Try brushing your teeth more often on a low carb diet or introducing more carbs to help with the bad breath.

9. You Have Tooth Decay or Bad Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene and tooth decay are some of the top causes of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss away bacteria every day, it will stick on your teeth as plaque and eventually harden into tartar which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. As the bacteria lingers in your mouth, it will result in bad breath. Remember to brush and floss regularly and visit our San Diego dentist for regular dental cleanings.

10. You Wear a Dental Appliance

Whether you wear a retainer, Invisalign, night guard, mouth guard, oral appliance, or dentures, it’s important to clean them every day. If you don’t clean them, food particles and bacteria will stick to them and accumulate smelly plaque that will cause bad breath.

Visit Our San Diego Dentist for Fresh Breath

Whether your oral health is the cause of your bad breath or not, if you have bad breath that won’t go away, please contact Irresistible Smiles to schedule a consultation with our San Diego dentist by calling (619) 656-6785. During your consultation, we will help identify the causes of your bad breath and provide you with treatments and tips to combat bad breath.

The post Top 10 Causes of Bad Breath appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Why Oral Health is Important for Expectant Mothers

alwin.laguindab — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 06:00:00 +0000

If you’re expecting, congratulations! Pregnancy is both fun and strenuous. The excitement of bringing a new life into the world pairs perfectly with busy planning.

During pregnancy, your body will experience an increase in hormone levels. Though many people don’t think about the effect hormones have on oral health, your hormones can cause bacterial and plaque buildup.

There is a definite relation between oral health in mothers and oral or systemic health for their children. Since the child relies on its mother for food and health, a link exists from a mother’s oral health to her child’s.

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gum disease is the most common oral health issue among pregnant women, and this is primarily due to the hormones associated with pregnancy. Pregnancy gingivitis is the inflammation of the gum tissue that commonly occurs – or worsens if the patient already has some form of gingivitis prior to pregnancy – during the second trimester.

Often during the first trimester, our patients experience pregnancy gingivitis. This includes swollen, tender, and bleeding gums. Unfortunately, inflammation is also a common symptom of gum disease. If you have serious gum disease, your baby could be born prematurely or have a low birth weight.

The build-up of plaque also causes gingivitis in most of our patients. With increased hormones during pregnancy, your body becomes less effective when fighting off plaque. If you have gingivitis prior to pregnancy, we can help you get rid of any inflammation. Regular cleanings with Dr. Safarian will also prevent gum disease.

These symptoms are only a problem for some of our patients who are expecting. If your teeth are healthy and your gums don’t change, you don’t need to worry! Simply continue to schedule regular cleanings and brushing your teeth so you don’t encounter any problems.

While some women experience spontaneous resolution of pregnancy gingivitis, most cases result in a more severe form of gum disease known as periodontitis.

If left untreated, periodontitis may lead to tooth loss. It is, therefore, important to have your gums examined by a dentist as soon as possible after giving birth.

Pregnancy Epulis

Pregnancy epulis, otherwise known as pregnancy tumor or pyogenic granuloma, pertains to the localized enlargement of the gum tissue.

It can also appear on the palate and tongue. And this caused by increased levels of progesterone, along with a plaque and other local irritants in the mouth.

Really it usually occurs during the second or third trimester, sometimes during the last month of pregnancy. But in the last, it appears red, swollen, and tends to bleed profusely even upon slight manipulation, though it is generally painless.

Some women who have pregnancy epulis choose to have the tumor excised for cosmetic purposes or when it interferes with function.

But even without treatment, the tumor usually disappears after childbirth. A professional cleaning may aid in the faster resolution of this condition.

Tooth Decay in Pregnant Women

Tooth decay is also quite common, especially since pregnant women tend to have cravings for sweet treats yet limited attention to their oral hygiene.

In addition, hormonal changes during pregnancy as well as vomiting due to morning sickness can also increase their risk for this dental problem.

Such risk can be lowered, again, by practicing good oral hygiene.

Tooth Sensitivity During Pregnancy

Frequent vomiting, in addition to tooth decay, may first and foremost lead to the erosion of the tooth enamel.

Enamel dissolution exposes the dentin underneath, resulting in tooth sensitivity.

This sensitivity is characterized by sharp pain and is triggered by cold, hot, sweet, and sour. Management is more medical than dental and involves the prescription of antacids, anti-emetics, or a combination of both.

In addition, your dentist will also recommend using soft-bristled toothbrushes and instruct you to avoid brushing your teeth right after vomiting to avoid further damage.

They might also ask you to use fluoride mouth rinse for further protection.

Mobile Teeth

Pregnant women can also experience loosening of their teeth due to advanced gum disease.

It can also be due to increased levels of estrogen and progesterone directly affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.

Other Dental Complications During Pregnancy

Women who experience regular morning sickness have extra acid introduced to their teeth. Because of this, the probability of tooth decay is much higher. To help repair tooth enamel, women can rinse with water and baking soda before brushing.

When you are pregnant, you should always tell your dentist and the dental staff. If we know about your pregnancy, we can better understand your current health. Then, we can make adjustments to your treatment plan when necessary. For example, we can reduce anesthetic use and move x-rays until after birth.

How to Maintain Your Oral Hygiene During Pregnancy

During pregnancy, you should maintain good oral health at home and at our office. With these tips, you can maintain a beautiful and healthy smile throughout your pregnancy.

Screening and Prevention

First, be sure to schedule regular appointments with Dr. Safarian before and during pregnancy to prevent disease. If your last dental visit is more than six months ago, then it’s about time to pay your dentist a visit.

They should also undergo a comprehensive oral examination to assess the health of her teeth, gums, and other structures.

Your dentist and ob-gynecologist will communicate and develop an ongoing collaborative relationship with you after you have given birth.

Your ob-gynecologist will approve or recommend any safety measures that your dentist should execute upon providing your dental treatment.

Then, brush properly at least twice a day. Flossing also prevents decay by ensuring a deeper clean. Once a day, use mouth wash to further clean. When you visit us at Irresistible Smiles, we can recommend our favorites. Brushing or scraping your tongue helps to remove bacteria as well.

Oral Surgery Procedures

Your dentist will set and do all the dental procedures you need during the second trimester of pregnancy because it is when the development of your unborn baby’s internal organs is complete.

If you need any emergency dental treatment, San Diego, it may be performed at any trimester, although extra care will be provided during the third trimester due to the possibility of additional problems and complications.

To prevent this, your dentist will consider giving you short appointments and observe certain precautionary measures.

Supplements

Supplementation with calcium and magnesium is important for expectant mothers. These minerals are crucial for the maintenance of healthy bones and teeth.

Magnesium has the added benefit of promoting restful sleep and relieving headaches, cramps, and even bruxism or teeth grinding.

Dietary Modifications

Finally, we recommend eating healthy and nutritious meals. Your overall health is very important during pregnancy, so it matters what you put in your body. To keep your teeth healthy, we recommend avoiding added sugars and acids.

Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, are also fine. Foods that must be avoided to maintain oral health (and also general health) are sweets, high-sugar fruit juices, and sodas. Drink plenty of water and/or milk in place of sugar-rich drinks.

You may obtain it from a community fluoridated water source, or you can buy bottled fluoridated water. Pregnant women only need 3.0mg of fluoride per day.

Poor oral surgery dentist health care and delaying the treatment that you might need could result in significant risk to you and your baby.

To prevent this, it is extremely important to take care of your oral health during and even after pregnancy.

Dental Treatment Considerations for Pregnant Women

During your pregnancy, we must follow certain protocols in regards to which dental procedures you can have done to keep you and your baby safe. Here are your treatment considerations for during your pregnancy.

Elective Dental Treatment

Elective emergency dental implant treatment pertains to procedures that are not urgently needed.

These include simple restorative procedures, professional cleaning (for maintenance), and most cosmetic dental procedures.

In pregnant women, these procedures may be postponed until after you have given birth, particularly if it involves the anesthetics and x-rays.

Emergency Dental Treatment

This includes symptomatic cases of extensive tooth decay which necessitates immediate restoration or extraction.

Tooth decay, in particular, must be considered an emergency because the infection can spread throughout the body and affect your unborn baby.

Timing of Dental Emergency Chula Vista Treatment

However, since this is not possible and emergency dental implant treatment is needed in most instances, the best time to do elective dental procedures is during the second trimester, because it is during the first and third trimesters when the unborn baby is most sensitive to chemicals and radiation.

Scaling and polishing for advanced cases of gum disease may be repeated up to the first half of the third trimester only.

Dental X-Rays

As much as possible, your dentist will delay taking x-rays until after your first trimester. And to protect you and your baby from the radiation. He will ask you to wear a lead apron with a thyroid collar.

Medications

It’s safe to use lidocaine in small amounts throughout your pregnancy if you need to have dental work done. However, since it can cross the placenta, we use as little as possible, just enough to keep you comfortable. If we need to prescribe you antibiotics, those are also safe to take during pregnancy.

Sedation Dentistry

You might be wondering “Is sedation dentistry safe during pregnancy?” Yes! Patients can safetly use nitros oxide or oral sedation safely with dental procedures during their pregnancy. This means you can stay relaxed and know that you and your baby are safe.

Your Dentist in Southern California

Keep yourself and your baby healthy by maintaining good oral hygiene. Since your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body, keep the bacteria and diseases out!

If you have any questions, visit us at Irresistible Smiles. Schedule an appointment in Chula Vista by calling (619) 656-6785. To easily get in touch with us, schedule an appointment online.

The post Why Oral Health is Important for Expectant Mothers appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Bad Breath 101: Identifying the Causes of this Oral Surgery Malady

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Like tooth decay, another common oral health problem around the world is halitosis, or what is commonly known as bad breath.

According to statistics, as much as one in every four Americans experience this problem. One time many people tend to experience bad breath is following oral surgery.

While popping those breath mints and practice of good oral hygiene should be enough to keep your breath fresh. It is still important to know what causes that stinky breath after oral surgery because it can indicate a larger problem going on.

Bleeding After Oral Surgery

If you recently had a tooth extracted, you might notice your breath isn’t its freshest after surgery. The reason bad breath and oral surgery go hand in hand is from the bleeding. If you notice your breath stinks and you’re still bleeding, it might be helpful to drink extra water. However, if your bleeding doesn’t slow down, we suggest contacting our dental office for assistance.

Dry Socket

Another reason why your breath might stink after oral surgery is if you have a dry socket instead of a normal blood clot. Patients who smoke, spit, rinse, or drink through a straw after an extraction, they’re more likely to get a dry socket. Dry sockets usually result in severe pain and bad breath. If you think you have a dry socket, please contact our dental office.

Infection

If you’re not healing well after your oral surgery and the wound becomes infected, this can also cause bad breath after oral surgery. Signs of an infection include bad breath, fever, pus, and severe pain. If you show any signs of infection, please contact us immediately for treatment.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is the number one cause of bad breath. It’s also a cause of bad breath after mouth surgery. If you don’t brush your teeth well, plaque can accumulate and harden into tartar. The rough surface of tartar promotes further plaque accumulation. In addition, you’ll also have food stuck between your teeth that can rot over time.

The numerous bacteria in plaque combined with the rotting bits of food in your mouth cause the unpleasant odor.

Since you recently had oral surgery, you might avoid certain areas of your mouth when you brush. When you do this, the bacteria will begin to form and then cause bad breath.

Practicing good oral hygiene is the only solution in this case. Be sure to brush your teeth every after a meal, and go to your dentist regularly for a check-up and professional cleaning.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth, or what dentists call xerostomia, is caused by reduced salivary flow. It can be due to smoking, medications, problems with the salivary glands, or even sleeping with your mouth wide open. In the case of oral surgery, it’s fairly common to experience dry mouth from the pain medications you take.

The saliva is the mouth’s natural cleanser, given its ability to wash away bacteria and their acids. If your mouth is dry, bacteria can accumulate and the acids they generate can cause tooth decay. And needless to say, a decayed tooth does not smell so good.

Once you stop taking your pain medications, your dry mouth will resolve itself but in the meantime, we recommend increasing your daily water intake.

For more tips and advice on how to prevent or eliminate bad breath, check out this article.

If you notice ongoing bad breath after mouth surgery, we highly recommend contacting our San Diego dental office for assistance. Bad breath is usually a sign of a problem in your mouth. Please call (619) 656-6785 today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Safarian.

The post Bad Breath 101: Identifying the Causes of this Oral Surgery Malady appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

10 FAQs About Oil-Pulling

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Oil pulling is one of the latest holistic trends that have popped up on the internet as a way to enhance oral health. The technique, however, is not new. Oil pulling stems back to over 3,000 years ago as Ayurvedic medicine (traditional Indian system). Its purpose is to remove bacteria to promote oral hygiene. Some studies suggest the technique is effective for improving oral health, but should never replace a visit to the dentist or brushing and flossing regularly. To help you understand more about oil pulling, we’ve compiled a list of oil pulling FAQs and answers for you to read through.

1. What Type of Coconut Oil Should I Use?

There is no recommendation with regards to which type you should use although in general, the less refined the coconut oil is, the more of its health benefits are retained.

As much as possible, find an extra virgin coconut oil but any type would just be fine.

2. Aside From Coconut Oil, What Other Oils Can I Use?

If you don’t have coconut oil lying around, then you may also use olive or sesame oil.

If you plan to use olive oil, buy the extra virgin one – preferably organic, if available. Olive oil pulling can fight inflammation.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic texts suggest oil pulling with sesame oil because it is said to be the most effective.

More recently, however, experts say that sesame oil is loaded with omega-6 which is pro-inflammatory.

3. Can I use Essential Oils?

If you can’t take the taste of coconut oil, you may add some essential oils for a much more pleasant experience.

Aside from improving taste, these oils also have inherent potent antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

The most recommended are peppermint oil, but you can use orange, lemon, or cinnamon oil as well.

If the infection is present, more benefits can be derived from using clove or tea tree oil. Add two to three drops of your preferred essential oil per tablespoon of coconut oil. You can use oil pulling for tooth pain to alleviate the pain but we highly encourage our patients to visit us to treat the initial cause of the pain.

4. Is Oil-Pulling Safe for Children?

Oil-pulling is safe and effective even for children at a young age.

Since the oil is just swished around the mouth and spit out after, there is no harm in trying it.

However, be sure to use a smaller amount of coconut oil.

Instead of a tablespoon, give them one to ½ teaspoon only. Also, make sure that they are doing it comfortably.

5. Can I do Oil-Pulling Even If I Have Fillings?

Oil-pulling can still be done if you have lots of fillings.

It doesn’t and will not affect or loosen any filling, be it amalgam, composite, or crowns as long as they are properly placed and the tooth is not badly broken down or has no recurrent decay.

But if the tooth has extensive decay and is very infected, then oil-pulling can loosen the filling as it removes all the mucus, pus, and bacteria underneath.

6. Is Oil-Pulling Safe for Pregnant or Nursing Women?

Since you will be spitting out the coconut oil when oil-pulling, the method should not pose any harm to pregnant women.

In fact, gum problems during pregnancy can easily be relieved by this detoxification method.

The oil won’t even go near your bloodstream, and thus won’t have any effect on the unborn baby nor in your breastmilk.

7. Can I Eat or Drink After Oil-Pulling?

After oil-pulling, just rinse your mouth and brush as you normally would. You may then consume any food or drink that you want immediately.

8. Do I Have to Stop My Meds or Treatment During Oil-Pulling?

Oil-pulling won’t affect or have undesirable interactions with your medications or treatment.

In fact, coconut oil may even reduce the side effects of drugs and lessen the severity of your symptoms.

Furthermore, it also helps enhance the body’s inherent ability to heal and repair itself.

9. Why Does My Jaw Hurt After Oil-Pulling?

Mild jaw pain is a common sign of oil-pulling, especially for first-timers.

This is because you are exercising the muscles and joints that you don’t use that often.

But as long as you don’t overdo the swishing, there won’t be any problem and your muscles will get stronger instead.

If you experience pain while oil-pulling, then you’re probably swishing too hard or the amount of oil is too much. Oil-pulling should be comfortable so try to be calm and relaxed while doing it.

Also, you don’t have to swish for the whole 20 minutes.

If you start to feel uncomfortable, you may rest for around 20 to 30 seconds before starting again slowly. Once done, spit the oil into the trash bin, then rinse your mouth and brush your teeth

10. How Often Should I Use Oil Pulling?

You can use oil pulling as often as you want up to three times daily. There are no oil pulling side effects to worry about. To not overtire your jaw, we recommend starting to swish for only 5 minutes per session and then increase your length the more you do it.

Dentists are fine with this method, although they also remind patients that oil-pulling should not replace your routine oral hygiene practices.

It should only be a supplement. Brushing and flossing, along with regular professional cleaning, are still the best ways to keep your teeth and mouth healthy. If you’re overdue for professional dental cleaning or have tooth pain that won’t go away, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Safarian at one of our San Diego dental offices. Please call us today at (619) 656-6785 to schedule an appointment.

The post 10 FAQs About Oil-Pulling appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Top 7 Home Remedies for Bad Breath

alwin.laguindab — Mon, 22 Jun 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Visiting your dentist a regular basis, along with meticulous oral hygiene, is the key to oral health.

For embarrassing oral health issues like bad breath, however, you can actually fix it at the comfort of your own home instead of going to your best dentist San Diego right away. Unfortunately, there are a lot of causes of bad breath that might require more than just good oral hygiene in the end.

However, good oral hygiene is (and will always be) the number one remedy, but you can do a whole lot more than that. Here are some instant bad breath remedies to help you out.

1. Clean Your Teeth

This one might seem obvious, but the easiest way to get rid of your bad breath is with a good mouth cleaning. Start by brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and getting every corner of your mouth. After brushing for two minutes clean your tongue with your toothbrush or use a tongue scraper to get rid of any built-up bacteria on your tongue. Rinse your mouth with water and floss your teeth. Flossing is one of the most important steps because debris stuck between your teeth can cause bad breath more than you might think. After your mouth is squeaky clean, rinse with a mouth wash for perfect breath! Make sure to repeat this routine twice a day for best results.

2. Probiotics

When you suffer from bad breath, one of the first things you probably do is reach for that bottle of mint-flavored mouthwash. And while the mint can help make your mouth feel and smell fresh in an instant, it is only a temporary fix.

The thing about mouthwash is that they tend to kill both good and bad bacteria in your mouth. So here comes a much better solution – probiotics. Probiotics work by shifting the ratio of good and bad bacteria in your mouth which, in turn, leads to better health.

The best example of probiotic-rich food is yogurt. To use it as the remedy, try swishing it all around your mouth.

3. Cinnamon

Cinnamon consists of essential oil called cinnamic aldehyde, which helps fight bad breath by reducing the number of bad bacteria in the mouth.

Make a cinnamon mouthwash by adding a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a cup of boiling water. Mix in some bay leaf and cardamom seeds. Allow for a few minutes to infuse, then strain. Use the solution as a mouth rinse twice a day.

4. Cloves

Are cloves good for bad breath? Like cinnamon, cloves also have that antibacterial benefit that helps get rid of the foul odor. There are two ways to use this as a home remedy.

You can chew whole pieces of cloves or make them into a tea that you can rinse your mouth with.

To make clove tea, add a teaspoon of ground cloves into boiling water, and simmer for about 5 minutes.

5. Lemon Juice

The use of lemon juice in bad breath has been known for generations already. This acidic fruit can prevent the growth of bacteria, while at the same time masking the foul odor with its strong, pleasant smell.

Prepare this home remedy by stirring in a tablespoon of lemon juice in a cup of water. You may add some salt for better effects.

Not only will the solution solve bad breath itself, but it shall address dry mouth as well.

6. Apple Cider Benefits

Apple cider vinegar has many health benefits and fighting bad breath is one of them. Aside from being an antibacterial, it also has some pH-balancing properties.

To use it as a home remedy, mix a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar into a glass of water. You can gargle vinegar for bad breath or drink it before meals. Drinking the mixture shall help cure bad breath by improving your digestion.

7. Green Tea

Green tea is rich with antioxidants such as Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) that target one of the bacteria found in your mouth that causes bad breath and gum disease. By drinking green tea, you can reduce the bacteria in your mouth and therefore any bad breath.

Visit Your San Diego Dentist

If you don’t notice any improvement after a few weeks of trying these remedies, you may now seek your dentist for help. Sometimes, the cause of bad breath goes beyond poor oral hygiene. With regular dental cleanings and examinations, we can keep your mouth clean and treat underlying problems as we find them. You won’t have to suffer from bad breath ever again. Please contact us today to schedule your next dental cleaning.

The post Top 7 Home Remedies for Bad Breath appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

Facts About Dental Fluorosis

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 26 May 2020 06:00:00 +0000

Fluoride is a very important mineral that helps keep the teeth strong and healthy. It helps protect the teeth from decay, or reverse the early signs of decay when the destruction already exists. It does so by neutralizing or counteracting the harmful effects of the acids produced by decay-causing bacteria. But much like any other good stuff, too much fluoride is also a problem for children, as it can result in a condition called dental fluorosis.

1. Dental Fluorosis Causes a Change in the Appearance of the Tooth Enamel

If you’re wondering “what is dental fluorosis?” it’s the change in the appearance of the tooth’s enamel. This change in appearance manifests as an alteration of the color and/or surface texture of the enamel. You may notice color changes such as white spots or brown streaks. On the other hand, the change in texture causes the enamel surface to become rough, pitted, or bumpy. These changes may remain throughout life. In some instances, the discolorations get darker over time.

2. Dental Fluorosis Can Be Mild, Moderate, or Severe.

Dental fluorosis is classified according to severity, although most cases of this condition are mild or very mild. Very mild fluorosis includes the presence of faint, lacy white streaks that are almost unnoticeable. It is often detected by your dentist during a routine oral examination.

3. In Mild Fluorosis, the Color Change is More Obvious and Appears as Bright White Spots.

Moderate to severe fluorosis, on the other hand, are quite uncommon. Moderate fluorosis appears similar to mild fluorosis, except that it covers more tooth surface.

Severe fluorosis, meanwhile, has both color and surface texture alteration. It causes pitting of the enamel, in addition to the unsightly brown, black, or gray spots or streaks.

4. Dental Fluorosis Doesn’t Cause Pain, Discomfort, or Problems in Function

The changes caused by dental fluorosis do not usually affect function, nor do they lead to any pain or discomfort. They can make the affected teeth much stronger and more resistant to decay. But these teeth can be quite unsightly and thus more of an esthetic concern for the patient.

5. Dental Fluorosis Often Affects Developing Teeth.

Dental fluorosis is caused by taking too much fluoride for an extended period while the teeth are still developing. It commonly occurs before eight years of age. People can avoid dental fluorosis by supervising your kid every time they brush their teeth to ensure that they do not use too much of the fluoridated toothpaste or mouthwash and that they spit it instead of swallowing.

Fluoridated oral hygiene goodies contain high amounts of the mineral.

6. Dental Fluorosis Treatment isn’t Always Necessary

Since dental fluorosis is mainly an esthetic concern and does not cause any pain, discomfort, or problems in function, treatment is often not necessary. But for patients who are conscious about the appearance of their teeth, microabrasion and/or teeth bleaching is/are recommended. Our dentist will help you determine if dental fluorosis treatment is necessary to achieve your desired results.

If the surface texture of the tooth is already altered, the patient may opt for composite fillings, porcelain veneers, or even crowns.

If you think you have dental fluorosis and would like to explore your treatment options, contact our Chula Vista dental office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Safarian. Please contact us today!

The post Facts About Dental Fluorosis appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

5 Benefits of Getting Routine Dental Care Now

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 13 May 2020 06:00:00 +0000

In California, we’ve been relatively lucky when it comes to COVID-19, experiencing relatively few cases and even fewer deaths. That’s why we’re among the states that are opening now, which means that you’re now welcome to come to our office in Chula Vista for routine dental care. And now is a great time to do just that.

Here’s why.

It’s Safe

Going to the dentist was always one of the safer activities, even during the most dramatic expansion of COVID-19 cases. Dentists shut down primarily to provide emergency care so that they could relieve the pressure on hospital emergency departments, and free up needed supplies for the effort to treat COVID-19 cases.

And now that we are reopen to routine and elective care, we are taking even more careful steps to control infection. This makes the dentist one of the safest places you can go as the economy reopens.

Improve Your Overall Health

One key concern people have right now is making sure they are as healthy as possible so that if they do contract the novel coronavirus, they are in the best condition to fight it and survive with as few complications as possible.

Having good oral health is a great way to improve your overall health. An unhealthy mouth can be the starting place for many dangerous infections. Not only that, but the effort your immune system puts in fighting oral bacteria can diminish its response to new infections. Getting routine dental care can help you stay healthy.

Peace of Mind

If you miss your routine dental care, it’s common to start worrying about your oral health. That little tinge–is that a toothache? Is your filling still in place, or did it come out? Are your gums receding?

These potentially needless worries can build up in your mind, increasing your overall stress levels. Nobody needs more stress right now. Instead, it’s best to get your routine dental care and checkup so that you can feel confident about the state of your teeth. It’s just one less thing to worry about.

Head off Emergencies

But what if you do have oral health problems like cavities or gum disease? Then you can get them taken care of now. This lets you head off potential emergencies in the future, which might include toothache, major infections, or even tooth loss.

It’s best to deal with these situations before they become emergencies. Not only will you be taking care of them at a time when things are open and easier to navigate, you’ll be saving a significant amount of money. It’s a lot cheaper to deal with minor dental problems rather than let them turn into emergencies.

You’re Set for Six Months

Although things are opening up around the country, health officials have warned us that this may not be the end of shelter at home restrictions. Instead, we might see repeated waves of loosening then tightening restrictions.

If you get your routine dental care now, you won’t have to worry about needing it when you can’t get it. You can enjoy the next six months in security that your oral health is taken care of.

General Dentistry in Chula Vista and

If you are ready to get routine dental care in the San Diego area, Irresistible Smiles can help. We are welcoming patients for routing and elective dental care procedures in Chula Vista. Please call (619) 656-6785 today for an appointment with a dentist.

The post 5 Benefits of Getting Routine Dental Care Now appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

When Your Teeth Start Hurting, Listen to Them

alwin.laguindab — Wed, 12 Feb 2020 07:00:00 +0000

We all have those friends who push off going to the doctor or the dentist as long as they can. They wait and wait until they simply can’t bear the pain anymore, then they schedule an appointment for a procedure.

Unfortunately, when we wait too long to visit the dentist, the problems in our mouth can expand or worsen. If you experience any pain or sensitivity in your teeth or gums, don’t hesitate to call us! Visit us at Irresistible Smiles in Chula Vista or San Diego.

Tooth Decay Gets Worse Over Time

Tooth decay is the most chronic disease in both children and adults. However, you can avoid worse tooth decay by calling your doctor as soon as you experience pain or sensitivity in your teeth.

Cavities form when acids and bacteria break down your enamel, creating small holes in your teeth. As soon as the enamel erodes, your tooth is very vulnerable. These holes begin to grow over time based on the amount of sugary foods you eat and which bacteria is prevalent in your mouth.

If you catch erosion at an early stage, we can easily fill your cavity. As time goes on, you may find that you need a root canal surgery instead. Waiting even longer to see your dentist could result in tooth replacement surgery.

Plaque Buildup Leads to Gum Disease

If your gums become sensitive, that’s an entirely different issue, still with high consequences. Gingivitis, or gum inflammation, leads to gum disease if left untreated. Gum disease, in turn, can result in both tooth loss and tooth decay.

Furthermore, gum disease can lead to heart disease by carrying plaque and infection through the bloodstream. However, regular dentist appointments with Dr. Safarian prevents disease with regular cleanings every six months. So, if you notice any inflammation or pain in your gums, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

Preventative Care Options

Instead of waiting for your teeth to start hurting, give preventative care a try. When you visit Dr. Safarian for regular visits, we will clean your teeth and gums professionally. Generally, this prevents major cavities or finds them very early on, which means less intensive procedures for you.

So, when your teeth start hurting, don’t ignore them. Visit us at Irresistible Smiles in Chula Vista by calling (619) 656-6785 or in San Diego. You can also easily schedule an appointment online to see Dr. Safarian.

The post When Your Teeth Start Hurting, Listen to Them appeared first on Lovebites Dental.

How Bone Disease Affects Your Oral Health

alwin.laguindab — Tue, 15 Aug 2017 06:00:00 +0000

Bone disease, particularly osteoporosis, is one of the most common health concerns among older men and women. Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become less dense, making them weaker, more brittle, and more likely to fracture. In the US alone, at least 50 million people are either at high risk for osteoporosis or already have it. And according to studies, there is a connection between bone loss in the jaw and osteoporosis.

Reduced Bone Density

Since the jaw bone functions to support and anchor the teeth in place if it becomes weak due to decreased bone density than tooth loss can occur. Numerous studies have found that individuals, especially women, have three times more chance to suffer tooth loss compared to those who do not have osteoporosis. Aside from tooth loss, reduced bone density also leads to other dental problems. Patients who wear dentures are more likely to have loose or ill-fitting dentures, while those who have had surgery may experience poor healing and less optimal outcomes.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is an oral health problem that affects the supporting structures of the teeth. Severe forms of periodontitis cause breakdown of the bone and connective tissue which, eventually, could cause the involved teeth to fall out or become loose and eventually be removed.

Bone Disease Treatment

Experts, however, are hopeful that increased bone density has a favorable effect on dental health.

One of the most common medications used to treat osteoporosis is a group of drugs called bisphosphonates. The risk for such is greatest for patients who receive large doses of the drug administered intravenously, which is mostly used for treating bone cancer. Osteoradionecrosis is uncommon in individuals taking the medication in oral form.

Promoting Bone and Oral Health

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is important for keeping your bones strong and healthy. To optimize bone health, eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamin D and calcium. Exercise on a regular basis and focus on doing weight-bearing and weight-training exercises. It is also advised that you stop smoking (if you do) and limit your alcohol intake. As for your oral health, if you notice any loose teeth, receding gums, or ill-fitting dentures, consult your dentist immediately.

The post How Bone Disease Affects Your Oral Health appeared first on Lovebites Dental.