Nobody gets excited to visit the dentist, especially kids, but here at Upland Dental Clinic we guarantee to make each experience better than the last for parents and their children. You can have peace of mind knowing that our professional, dedicated team of doctors take the necessary steps to make sure children get the care that they deserve.
After the first exam is completed, the parent of the child will meet with the doctor to talk about the condition of their child’s oral health. If there is any advanced work that needs to be done, the doctor will explain the options. In many cases, the necessary services can be completed the very same day.
The staff at the Upland Dental Clinic is skilled in using behavioral management techniques that are effective in creating an enjoyable experience for children and parents. Before beginning any procedure, the doctors carefully explain and illustrate what is going to happen.
If an operative procedure is needed, topical anesthesia will be applied to your child’s teeth and gums to numb them for pain prevention. If extensive treatment is needed, pediatric dental specialists are on hand to provide outpatient hospital care.
At the conclusion of the appointment, the parents will sit down with our coordinators to receive a full description of the completed procedure, after care directions, and prescriptions if necessary. The coordinators will also answer any questions that the parent has.
Does your jaw feel stiff or do your jaw muscles feel tired in the morning?
You may be grinding your teeth at night or you may be clenching your teeth.
People with nighttime grinding habits may wear away their tooth enamel ten times faster than those without abusive chewing habits. Eventually, your teeth may be worn down and destroyed.
We make custom fitted Comfort H/S Bite Splints, thermoformed under vacuum for an accurate fit. This has a hard outer and soft inner surface. It is easy to insert and remove.
Ask us if a Night Guard or HS Bite Splint can help to provide you with relief from grinding, bruxing or clenching.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO BRUSH YOUR TEETH
What Is The Right Way To Brush?
First and foremost, good brushing always starts with the right toothbrush. Pick a brush with soft bristles and a small head. It is a misconception that a harder brush achieves a better result. A soft brush is strong enough to clean your teeth by gently removing plaque and not damaging the enamel on your teeth or your gums.
The next important step is picking the right toothpaste. Any toothpaste with fluoride is ideal for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. If you have special needs, your dentist will most likely make a suitable recommendation. Two brands that are quite effective for brushing are Crest Multicare and Colgate Total.
Using the right technique that works best for you can ensure that your entire mouth is cleaned thoroughly without leaving any spots. As a rule of thumb, it is a good practice to start at a particular location in your mouth and work your way all through the mouth, finally returning to the original location. Brushing your teeth should take at least two minutes and can last up to four minutes to provide optimal results.
While there are many effective methods for brushing your teeth, here is a popular technique that is highly recommended.
Start off by using a peanut sized amount of toothpaste on your brush. Your brush should be inclined at a 45-degree angle towards your teeth. Press gently against the gums ensuring that the bristles are cleansing the area between your teeth and gums. With repetitive lateral strokes, brush the plaque from the grooves between the teeth and gums. Repeat this process for about eight times before moving on to the adjacent area. Adjust the alignment of the brush to maximize cleaning in the hard to reach crevices. It is common for the foam to build up in your mouth. Do not stop brushing at this point. Spit it out and continue brushing until every area has been covered.
It is ideal to brush after every meal. If that is not possible, brush twice a day, after breakfast and before going to bed.
And finally, brushing alone is not enough – don’t forget to floss.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE TIPS ON KEEPING YOUR TEETH WHITE
A beautiful smile starts with great white teeth, and here are some teeth whitening (sometimes referred to as "teeth brightening," "teeth whitining," or "teeth whiteing") tips that are useful for people of all age groups. As soon as you see any signs of stains or discoloration of the teeth, you should consult your dentist to develop an action plan. Follow the dentist’s advice and brush your teeth twice everyday (in the morning and evening) as well as floss regularly if possible. Try to floss after every meal or at least those meals that you know will leave remains in between your teeth. Food remains in the teeth decay quickly forming cavities and thus, rotting your teeth; once you have your adult teeth and loose them the only option is to replace them with false ones as teeth don’t grow back or regenerate. In order to keep your teeth white, the best tip for everyday is to brush them using whitening toothpaste. Ask your dentist to recommend the most effective brand that is available in all drug and department stores in a large variety of flavors.
Besides brushing your teeth with teeth whitening toothpaste, which is one of the best daily cares you can practice you can also use the whitening strips that are applicable directly to the teeth; there are also whitening pens and brushes with which you can whiten your teeth by applying directly. However, it is very important you follow the teeth whitening tips on the box EXACTLY as these products contain peroxide, which can be harmful in large doses. Laser whitening by your dentist is another tip that is widely used. Laser teeth whitening procedures will last you for several years if you follow the above-mentioned teeth whitening tips of brushing your teeth twice a day with whitening toothpaste as well as flossing regularly.
Tips:
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with whitening toothpaste to maintain your whitened teeth.
• Unlike the teeth whitening procedures, performed by a dentist that may whiten your teeth up to 15 shades, at-home bleaching products will only whiten your teeth from one to three shades, depending on the tooth’s discoloration.
• If your teeth are too dark or you experience too much discomfort during the treatments, consider porcelain veneers on specific discolored teeth.
• Baking soda can be used to whiten teeth at home but be very careful to use only a small amount of baking soda and brush your teeth with it thoroughly twice a week.
• Quit smoking in order to prevent future teeth discoloration.
• It is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene to maximize the longevity of the whitening treatment.
• Many dentists advice to use a straw when drinking soft drinks, coffee, tea as it may increase the chance of staining.
• You may experience teeth sensitivity to hot or cold after the bleaching treatment but it will fade after a few days.
• The whitening gels, strips, toothpastes work only on natural teeth. Whitening toothpastes remove only surface stains and don’t contain bleach that may change your tooth’s structure.
• At-home whitening products contain a lower strength-bleaching agent from 1 to 10 percent carbamide peroxide.
• People with gum diseases or teeth with worn enamel shouldn’t use at-home whitening products.
• The most common side effects of at-home teeth whitening are increase in tooth sensitivity and mild irritation of the soft tissues of the mouth.
• When selecting a whitener always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• Avoid eating sweets and sugars to prevent teeth decay.
•Remember that general mouth hygiene is a must.·Get regular dental cleanings to remove food and tobacco stains
•Always consult a dentist to see which method of teeth whitening will be best for you
Broken Teeth Information from Upland Dental Clinic
A chipped or broken tooth happens more often than you would assume. If your tooth is chipped or broken and there is no bleeding involved, it is a good idea to see the dentist as soon as possible. In case of a minor damage, a dentist might be able to salvage your tooth by reshaping and filing. However, if you are feeling pain when chewing or drinking anything hot or cold, the dentist will use other alternative solutions to restore your tooth. With a broken or chipped tooth, prompt attention and treatment can yield better results. Delaying the situation might lead to further complications.
Contact us today, and set up an appointment if you are noticing cracks in your teeth or have broken your tooth. In cases that do not involve bleeding and are not life threatening, your dentist will be able to help minimize discomfort, and find the best solution to get your teeth back to their original condition.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON PREVENTING TOOTH WEAR
Overview
When the protective outer layer of a tooth, known as enamel, wears away, teeth can become sensitive and more vulnerable to decay. As enamel loss progresses, teeth may weaken, discolor, or chip more easily. In advanced cases, restorative treatments such as dental crowns may be needed to protect and preserve the affected teeth.
Causes
Tooth enamel can wear down in several ways. The most common causes of enamel wear include abrasion, erosion, and attrition.
Abrasion
Abrasion occurs when tooth enamel is worn away by repeated contact with external objects or habits. Common causes include chewing on pens or pencils, brushing too hard or for too long, biting fingernails, holding objects between the teeth, or clenching items in the mouth. Oral jewelry, such as lip or tongue piercings, can also wear down enamel on nearby teeth over time.
Erosion
Erosion is the chemical wearing away of enamel caused by exposure to acids. Citric acid is one of the most common contributors and is found in citrus fruits like lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruit, as well as in many soft drinks, juices, and sour candies. Coffee and tea also contain acids that can contribute to enamel erosion.
Individuals with conditions such as bulimia may expose their teeth to strong stomach acids through repeated vomiting, which can cause severe enamel damage. While occasional exposure to acidic foods and drinks is usually not harmful, frequent or prolonged exposure can lead to premature enamel wear.
Habits that increase the risk of erosion include regularly sucking on citrus fruits, consuming sour candies, drinking large amounts of soft drinks (including diet or sugar-free options), lemonade, coffee, or tea. Even after occasional consumption of acidic foods or beverages, rinsing your mouth with water can help reduce acid contact time and protect your teeth.
Attrition
Attrition refers to the gradual loss of enamel from normal activities such as chewing and speaking. This type of wear typically does not cause significant damage. However, excessive attrition is often linked to bruxism, which is the grinding or clenching of teeth against each other. Bruxism most commonly occurs during sleep, and many patients are unaware it is happening until enamel wear or symptoms develop.
Upland Dental Clinic provides expert evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing tooth wear. If you’re noticing sensitivity, changes in your teeth, or signs of enamel loss, contact our office to schedule a consultation and discuss the best options for protecting your smile.
Bleeding Gums Prevention from Upland Dental Clinic
In most instances, bleeding gums are a sign of gum disease. When plaque builds up at or under the gum line, the gums become sensitive and begin to bleed. After your teeth are cleaned, your dentist will show you how to properly brush and floss in order to keep plaque from building up. If you do not have this plaque removed, you can develop a hard buildup of tartar. Tartar left at or under the gum line can then lead to a disease known as gingivitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to tooth decay, tissue decay, and eventual loss of teeth.
In rare instances, bleeding gums can be a sign of a more serious medical issue, like leukemia. However, there are many other causes of bleeding gums. Sometimes gums bleed as a side effect to certain medications or because you may have a vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. Pregnant women often complain of bleeding gums due to fluctuating hormones. Gums may also bleed if you have dentures that are improperly fitted or simply because you are flossing too strenuously.
Flossing is necessary for proper oral hygiene, but some people find themselves shying away from flossing due to bleeding gums. Gums may also bleed during brushing, particularly when using a firm toothbrush. If you find yourself with bleeding gums, you should contact your dentist immediately and get a checkup. Call our conveniently located office at
(909) 949-4070 to make an appointment and see if you can prevent bleeding gums and stop further worsening of your oral condition.
WHAT ARE ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENTS?
It is important when preparing to undergo a dental procedure involving antimicrobial agents, otherwise known as antibiotics, to understand precisely how they work and what their specific uses are. While there has been an increasing amount of concern over the past few years as to the unmonitored effects of long-term prescribed medicine use, it’s important to understand that these treatments are one of the keys to destroying bacterial infections that develop in the mouth.
Antibiotics normally put their bacteria annihilating properties to use when combined with delicate dental operations, as their ability to effectively destroy bacteria is crucial in preventing abscesses or additional infections from developing in the teeth. In addition, these antibiotics work to clear the mouth of harmful bacteria before they can cause real damage through the bloodstream as a result of recent dental procedures.