Answering Your Questions about Teeth Whitening

Whiter Teeth are actually pretty easy!

As a dentist in Garden Grove, CA one of the most common complaints we hear is: “how hard is it to get my teeth whitened?”. Fortunately for our patients, the most common answer to that question is that it’s not hard at all. Whitening your teeth has become one of the most common (and affordable) procedures to instantly feel better about your smile. The best part is that it can be done quickly and easily.

To learn more about teeth whitening in at Garden Grove Dental Arts, read some of the answers to the most common questions we receive:

What kinds of stains will teeth whitening procedures take care of?

Whitening your teeth is known to be more effective on yellowish stains than brownish or gray stained teeth. This makes teeth whitening a popular choice for smokers. While whitening for darker stains is possible, it generally takes much longer. For darker stains, the the the blue-stains from tetracycline, many dentist recommend an alternative procedure such as veneers or crowns.

What sort of follow-up care is required?

After an in-office whitening treatment, your dentist may schedule a follow-up appointment to inspect your gums and assess how they react to the whitening. This is often required for patients with sensitive teeth or receding gums. If you’re whitening at home, your dentist will want to see you a couple weeks after your application to check your whitening progress.

Is Tooth Whitening Permanent?

Tooth whitening is not permanent, but it does last for quite a while. If you expose your teeth to food and beverages that are known to stain your teeth (like coffee or tea) and smoke, you will notice that whitening will start to fade much more rapidly. If you avoid foods that can stain your teeth, you may be able to wait over a year before your next whitening.

Are there Risks with In-Office Teeth Whitening?

The risks of teeth whitening are relatively minor, including a (temporary) sensitivity increase and the possibility for minor irritation of the gums. These conditions tend to disappear within 1 to 3 days. Symptoms of this can be alleviated by using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth. If whitening at home, you can also try wearing the tray for a shorter duration and waiting for two or three days between applications.

Does Whitening Your Teeth Damage Them?

It’s been proven that whitening products have an unnoticeable affect on the mineral content and hardness of your tooth’s enamel.

Do you have questions about getting a whiter, brighter smile? We have answers! Contact us today to learn more about in-office tooth whitening in Garden Grove.

Foods to Watch to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy

Many of us adults think back to childhood and think, “Ah, the simpler times!” and in most cases you would be right. It’s a heck of a lot easier being a kid. Wake up, eat, play a little bit, take a nap or two, eat some more, and do it all over again. While this is true, it’s also why it’s so important for parents to carefully monitor what we feed our children in order to give them the best possible foundation for future oral health. Healthy teeth now lead to healthy teeth later. So, without further ado. Read on to learn about some of the hidden dental dangers faced by your children and get a couple hints from us, a dental office for children in Garden Grove Ca.

To protect your child’s teeth, it is more important than ever to carefully read the packaging of the food you buy to avoid bringing foods high in sugar and refined carbohydrates into your house. While the risk of sugar is obvious (we covered it in Stop Drinking Your Teeth Rotten!: A Simple Tip from Your Garden Grove Dental Practice) the risk with complex carbs is a bit more, well, complex (but not really). Essentially complex carbohydrates breakdown in your mouth and eventually become sugar. So instead of just looking at the calorie content of your food, pay attention to the sugars and complex carbs as well. Not only is it good for your teeth, it’s also good for weight control.

It Starts with Breakfast

Some of the biggest offenders of putting children’s teeth at risk make every day appearances at breakfast tables around the world. Sugary cereal, sweet juices, and flavored milk (like chocolate and strawberry), all tend to contain high levels of sugar. While the sugar in cereal sticks to your child’s teeth and helps contribute to plaque build-up, the additional sugar in juice or chocolate milk doesn’t exactly help to wash it off.

Instead, look for alternatives that are low in sugar and complex carbs. Choose whole grains and nuts over refined carbs and sugary cereal. The fewer ingredients the better! Instead of relying on sugar, add fruit or nuts to your cereal to get the same taste without the harmful additives.

Ketchup and other Condiments

Did you know that ketchup is probably one of the biggest sources of sugar in your child’s diet? With about 8 grams of sugar per tablespoon of ketchup, the amount of sugar ingested by condiments alone can become pretty high. To put this in context, the average soda contains between 10 and 30 grams of sugar. Now, is ketchup as healthy as you thought it was? The important thing to remember is that this is fine. Moderation is key.

Candy, Lollipops, and Chewable Vitamins

The danger of candy and lollipops is obvious — they have a lot of sugar, they stick to teeth, and they basically create the perfect conditions for plaque buildup and decay. But Chewable vitamins? Aren’t vitamins good? Well, yes and no. While chewable vitamins make it easier to convince your children to actually take their vitamins, they also tend to stick to their teeth. If chewable vitamins are already a part of your routine, that’s fine — just take them before brushing and make sure to instruct your children to brush carefully.

Spreads like Peanut Butter

While peanut butter is an important and healthy staple in many households , many people forget that it does contain a high amount of sugar that is bound to stick to teeth. Again, moderation and good oral hygiene habits are key. There’s no need to cut these items out of your child’s diet.

Do We Need to Change Everything

Absolutely not. As a dentist for children in Garden Grove, we see a lot of patients and we tell them all the same thing: good habits make good teeth. Understanding what you’re feeding your children is the first step in ensuring their teeth are set for the future. Sometimes moderation is key. Other times, it’s just a matter of reinforcing regular rinsing, brushing, and flossing to prevent sugar from sticking to your child’s teeth.

Do you have questions? We’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation or ask a question.

Stop Drinking Your Teeth Rotten!: A Simple Tip from Your Garden Grove Dental Practice

Now more than ever, sports drinks, energy drinks, and soda are marketed to us virtually everywhere you look. On the subway, on highway billboards, in our magazines, and on TV. There could even be an advertisement for something sugary and sweet flashing across your computer screen in the next couple of minutes. As a dental office for children of all ages, take a word of warning from us: Resist.

More often than not, it’s what you drink and not what you eat that’s doing the most damage to your teeth (that is, unless you eat too much candy and don’t brush and floss as often as you should). On top of this, it’s not just the sugar that does damage to your teeth. Many people often forget that acidity also plays a major role in the health of your teeth. Unfortunately, the level of acidity in these drinks tends to be very high.

Do you Know How Much Sugar You’re Drinking?

Now, of course we can’t be expected to cut sugar out of our diets 100%. While some have the discipline to do it for health and dietary reasons, many simply need to limit their intake. Being mindful of the sugar content in your beverages is the first step to a healthier lifestyle — and healthier teeth! So instead of paying to repair your teeth further down the road, pay for a bottle of water instead.

Need some encouragement? Take a look at the sugar content in some of the drinks below. You might be surprised. In fact, some drinks you thought were “healthy” actually have just as much sugar as a can of soda.

A 12 oz can of Coca Cola contains 40.5 grams of sugar
A 16 oz bottle of Apple Juice contains 52 grams of sugar
Capri Sun, Pacific Cooler contains 18 grams of sugar
A 16oz can of Rockstar energy drink contains 62 grams of sugar
A 20 oz bottle of “Vitamin Water” contains around 33 grams of sugar
A 16 oz bottle of Snapple Ice Tea contains 46 grams of sugar
(For the adults) Mike’s Hard Lemonade contains 30 grams of sugar

The Affect Sugar Has on Teeth

As a dentist for children in Garden Grove, we see a lot of kids who have one or two too many sugary drinks a day. Sometimes their parents don’t even know the drinks are that sugary. However, it’s important to remember the affect that sugar has on teeth. When the bacteria that eventually becomes plaque comes together, it uses sugar to multiply and grow — making the plaque harder, thicker, and more widespread. The sugar essentially acts as a cement, helping the plaque stick to your teeth and making it harder to wash the bacteria away with your saliva (and your toothbrush).

How to Choose a Great Dental Clinic

Deciding who to entrust your dental health with can be a tough decision! There are many competing factors most people weigh before choosing a dentist. Some people will research options for cosmetic dentist, others are looking for a pediatric dentists, and some people are only concerned with finding a low cost option.

The good news is that it has never been easier to find an affordable and professional dentist. A good top dentist will generally have a website where you can contact them and get further information. There are also several websites and areas that will post dental reviews. This information will help you make a well informed decision.

One of the best ways to find a dentist, is to do a search on your local area. For example: if you lived in Anaheimm, try googling “Dentist in Garden Grove” or “Dentist in Stanton.” These local keyword searches will bring up a list of reputable dental offices.

After you have done some online research, it is often most helpful to schedule an appointment in person. This will allow you to take a first hand look at the facilities and meet with the dentist them self. During this appointment, is a great opportunity to ask about their dental costs and specializations. You can also ask if they preform certain things like Invisalign or Zoom Whitening.

Still have questions? If you would like more information on how Dentures can change your life, or you would like to make an appointment, contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.

Sedation Dentistry in Garden Grove or Anaheim California

There are few thi doctor-563429_640 ngs more imperative to your overall well being than oral health. The mouth is responsible for breathing and all the nutrients that we ingest into our body. That is why it is so crucial to make sure that you see a dentist regularly. Whether it is just for a regular check up, or to install something like dental implants, visits to your dental office will save you years of pain and difficulty.

Many people know this, but still have a hard time making the trip. Often, it is because they are either afraid of the dentist, or feel uncomfortable having their mouth worked on. These fears can have disastrous effects if you allow them to dictate your oral hygiene and maintenance. Over time, small-and very treatable problems-will grow into large issues that often require extraction and replacement of teeth.

Thankfully, after years, there is finally an incredible solution.

Sedation Dentistry.

So what exactly is Sedation Dentistry?

Sedation dentistry is preformed by some dental offices to help patients who suffer from dental-based anxiety’s cope with the necessary cleanings and procedures. A top dentist will use one of a variety of methods to help safely put the patient in a very tranquil state, or to sleep. Some of the possible anesthetics include: nitrous oxide, lorazepam, diazepam, valium, sonata, etc.

The administration of these drugs will be done quickly, usually by a DDS dentist Some operations like Root Canals, or Dental Implants, will require different methodologies than a routine teeth cleaning.

If you, or somebody you love, refuses to go to the dentist, it is imperative you contact a Sedation Dentist immediately! It could mean the difference between a mouth full of healthy, happy teeth; or several years of painful cavities and gum disease!

If you are in the Garden Grove or Anaheim California area, there are some great options to choose from! Visit www.gardengrovedentalarts.com to get more information on how valuable successful sedation dentistry can be!

Your First Root Canal: Some Common Questions and What to Expect

The big, bad root canal. This is the one they were talking about right? The whole reason so many people hate coming to the dentist? It’s the word that conjures up fear and pain.

However, in many cases all of that is all a bit overblown. Sure, getting a root canal isn’t like going to the spa, but we’ve come a long way when it comes to minimizing pain for even the most notorious procedures.

First, what is a root canal?

When a tooth becomes particularly decayed or infected, the soft tissue inside your tooth (otherwise known as “pulp”) is also affected. Gone un-treated, your tooth could get progressively worse until it either falls out, or needs to be removed. To save and restore your tooth, your dentist uses precise tools to remove your tooth’s nerve and diseased pulp while cleaning and sealing the root canal.

Your dentist removes your tooth’s infected pulp because if gone untreated the bacteria within it will continually multiply within the tooth’s pulp chamber. If this happens, the infection becomes an abscessed tooth — which occurs when a pus-pocket forms at the end of your tooth’s roots. In addition to pain and discomfort, this can lead to swelling and even drainage problems as the pus-filled tooth attempts to drain anywhere it can — including into your skin. B

How do I know if I need a root canal?

There are a few tell-tale signs that you might need a root canal. Do any of the following symptoms seem familiar?

Severe pain when chewing
The gums around your tooth are swollen
There is a recurring “zit” on your gums (this is a peridontal abscess, and is usually caused by an infection)
Your tooth is the wrong color
Prolonged pain or sensitivity to cold or heat

If so, you’re probably wondering, “How painful is it?” Fortunately, dental science has come a long way. While root canal procedures are notorious for being this “terrible” experience, they’ve actually come a long way. Don’t all jump at once, but due to advanced anesthesia and modern equipment, most patients typically report that the root canal isn’t more painful than having a filling placed.

What to Expect During Your Root Canal

Access hole, cleaning, filling, crown

To begin the root canal process, your dentist will always begin by drilling an access cavity. The tooth is then cleaned with an “endodontic file, filled with a dental filling and topped with a dental crown.

What about Afterwards?

You may feel some sensitivity for a few days. This is due to the natural oral inflammation that will subside. Fortunately, sensitivity from your procedure can be addressed with naproxen or ibuprofen. In most cases, you should feel well-enough to continue with your normal activities as soon as the next day.

If you have questions about a root canal or your dental health in general, please don’t wait. The sooner you get the treatment you need, the easier it is!

Your Guide to Dental Crowns

“What is a dental crown?”

Of course, it’s not strange that this is the most common question we get about dental crowns. Then again, it’s also the most important. If you’ve never encountered a dental crown before, don’t worry! They’re not too daunting. With all of the resources available to you, it’s easy to learn everything you need to be fully informed about your options when it comes to getting the smile you want.

On to the answer. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap your dentist will place over your existing teeth. The dental crown covers the tooth, protecting and restoring its appearance, shape, size, and strength. When the dental crown is fully implanted, it completely encases the visible part of your tooth.

“How long do dental crowns last?”

The average dental crown should last between 5 and 15 years, depending on the type of crown you have and the level of wear and tear its faced. Factors such as oral health, and simply habits can have an impact on this, meaning you should try to stop biting your nails and chewing ice. Also, if you grind your teeth in your sleep — it might be time to invest in a night-guard.

“When do I need a dental crown?”

Dental crowns are used to remedy (and prevent) a number of conditions ranging from protection to concealment. These include:

Covering oddly shaped teeth,discolored teeth, and dental implants
To help hold a new or existing dental bridge in place
Restoring a tooth that has been broken or excessively worn down over time
To hold together multiple pieces of a cracked tooth
Protecting a tooth that has been weakened by decay, to prevent breakage.

“How do I prepare for a dental crown?”

Preparing for your dental crown isn’t hard. It usually only takes two trips to your dentist.

On the first visit, the tooth needs to be examined and x-rayed. This is to determine the health of the tooth. If there is underlying damage or risk of infection, your dentist might need to schedule a root canal.

To begin the process, your dentist will numb the affected tooth, as well as the gum surrounding it. To make room for the crown, your dentist will then file down the tooth around the chewing surface and sides. Depending on the type of crown used, the amount of tooth removed will vary. For instance, a metal crown often required less filing. Learn about the types of dental crowns.

If your tooth is broken or chipped, your dentist will use long-lasting filling material to build it up so that your tooth can properly support its crown. With the tooth filed, your dentist will then use impression putty to create an impression of your tooth, which will be sent to a sterile dental laboratory to create the permanent version. In the meantime, your dentist will fit your tooth with a temporary crown to provide the newly prepared tooth from damage.

On the Second Visit

Your second visit to the dentist will seem a little shorter. First, she will remove the temporary crown and test the fit and color of the new, permanent crown. If the permanent crown looks and fits right, your dentist will apply a local anesthetic before permanently bonding the crown to your tooth.

How do I care for a temporary dental crown?

Keep in mind that temporary dental crowns are named that for a reason! They will fall out if coaxed with sticky and chew foods like caramel or gum, and they can be broken or dislodged with particularly hard food. If at all possible, try to use the side of your mouth without the temporary crown, and when you floss, slide the floss through your teeth instead up and over.

Do you have questions about dental crowns? We have answers! Please don’t hesitate to contact us today.

A Crown Fit for a King: The Types of Dental Crowns Available to You

When it comes to your dental care, there’s a lot of information you’re expected to retain. With that in mind, we understand 100% when patients are confused about the many different kinds of crowns that are available to them.

First, it’s important to understand what a dental crown is. For that, we point you to a previous post: “Your Guide to Dental Crowns”. If you already understand what a dental crown is, read on!

“So, there are there different kinds of crowns?”

Short answer, yes! Different varieties of dental crown exist for many different situations. This is a good thing! It means there are plenty of options available when you need a dental crown. In a number of cases, the type of crown you decide on will ultimately come down to where the particular tooth is located.

Temporary and Permanent

Naturally, there’s a big difference between temporary and permanent dental crowns. For example, when a patient gets a dental crown in Garden Grove , the dental team will often make a temporary crown in the dentist’s office while the permanent crown is being manufactured in a dental laboratory. Your dentist uses a temporary dental crown typically made out of stainless steel or acrylic to temporarily protect and restore the tooth until the permanent crown is delivered. While you are fitted with a temporary crown, it’s very important to continually “baby” that side of your mouth. Avoid sticky, chewy, and overly hard foods and pay particular care to careful oral care (tongue tied?). Meaning: brush softly, and pull your floss through your teeth instead of up and over.

Porcelain Fused to Metal

When a dental crown is porcelain fused to metal, the crown consists of two portions. This enables your dentist to provide a color matched crown that boasts some of the strength of metal while looking the most like a natural tooth. The only real downside with porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns is that, unfortunately, the porcelain portion can still chip and break.

Metal

Many times crowns are constructed with metals ranging from chromium and nickel to gold and palladium. When metal crowns are used, a dentist does not need to remove as much existing tooth in order to implant the crown. There is also less wear to opposing teeth to the crown. While many patients don’t like the look of metal, metal dental crowns are ideal (and virtually invisible) for out of site molars. On top of this, they also last the longest and won’t chip or break.

Resin

All-resin dental crowns have the advantage of being less expensive than many of the other crown types. The downside is that they tend to wear down and fracture more often than porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns.

All-Ceramic / All Porcelain

All ceramic dental crowns have many of the same qualities as all-porcelain dental crowns, though they’re not quite as strong for porcelain teeth. They provide some of the best color matching available, while also providing a suitable option for patients who are allergic to metal. This kind of crown is ideal for front teeth.

Do you have questions about dental crowns? We’re here to help. We’re dentists located in Garden Grove, CA and we’ve got the answers you need, we promise!

Ouch! Emergency Dental Care Steps!

Ouch!!! Your Guide to Emergency Dental Care

There are few things worse than tooth pain. It is an intense sensation that occurs when the nerves inside the “pulp” of the tooth are irritated or exposed to air. Every year, almost a million Americans are treated for emergency dental problems. This issues are often drastic and need to be taken care of as soon as possible. When this happens, it is important to find an emergency dentist that is qualified and well reviewed. You can often find dentist reviews online. These will help you get a feel for their reputation and fees.

Common Dental Emergencies

It is very common for people to crack their teeth on a piece of hard candy, or nut. This can cause severe dental trauma. These are often described in medical terms as: tooth fractures, extrusive/lateral luxation ( loosening of teeth), avulsion (total displacement of a tooth from its socket), or intrusion (displacement of a tooth vertically into bone). All of these problems require that you check with a dentist immediately.

When a patient suffers dental trauma, the dentist will generally take an x-ray to determine the amount of damage. Depending on the case, they may then reattach any pieces of broken teeth. Some injuries will require a dental implant or dental crown. Other procedures will involve a root canal or dental extraction.

If you ever find yourself in a dental emergency, here are some easy tips that could end up proving crucial to your future oral health.

If you have an adult tooth that has somehow been dislodged from your mouth, you must do your best to keep it moist! Here, time is of the utmost importance! If the tooth has fallen on the ground or is dirty, handle it gently and wash off with cool water. Avoid damaging the root. *NEVER USE SOAP!* If possible, place it back into the socket. Otherwise, make sure that you put the tooth into cool milk. This will keep it moist and make sure that none of the living cells die. Get to the dentist as soon as possible!
Sometimes an object will become lodged in your mouth. Try to gently remove it. Often times, floss will the best tool to help clear out any obstruction. Do not add any further damage to your gums or the roof of your mouth.
When a tooth gets cracked, rinse out your mouth with lukewarm water. If your face has begun to swell, put a cold compress onto the swollen area.
If you have a severe toothache, try and clean the painful area out. Do a visual inspection of the area and call your dentist. Make note of any discolorations or problem areas.</p>

When it comes to emergency dental care there are 3 P’s that you always need to remember. The first P, is Prevention. This involved wearing mouth guards during sporting events, keeping your teeth clean, and seeing your dentist for regular check ups and teeth cleanings. The second is Preservation. If a tooth gets dislodged or damage, you need to do everything to insure that you preserve the living cells and avoid any sort of further damage. The last is Promptness. If a dental emergency occurs, it is vital you see a dentist IMMEDIATELY! A few hours could be the difference between losing your tooth or not.

We live in an uncertain world, and emergencies can occur at any time. To keep your oral health in tip top shape, it is good to remember the three P’s and have the number of an emergency dentist located in orange county written down or on speed dial. That way, if something does happen, you will be prepared.

If you would like more information on how emergency dental care in California, you would like to make an appointment, contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.

A Million Dollar Smile

A Million Dollar Smile

You only get one first impression, and feeling confident about your smile can make a world of difference! A positive grin signals an upbeat attitude and a zest for life.No matter what your teeth look like now, cosmetic dentistry has made it not only possible, but fairly straightforward, to achieve the sort of look and feel you can be satisfied with. With a few visits to a dental office, a qualified dental professional will be able to diagnose and determine the best solutions for a brilliant smile.

What causes discolored teeth?

Feel like your smile isn’t nearly as white as it could be? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Several studies report that over seven out of ten people wish they had a whiter smile. So what are some of the main causes of tooth discoloration? One of the biggest factors is simply the diet that we eat. Many common meal choices are filled with artificial preservatives and dyes that have a negative impact upon oral health. Sugary beverages like soda, sports drinks and coffee are some of the largest contributors to teeth yellowing. Even something as mundane as tea can have disastrous effects on your smile.

Tobacco products are also a leading cause of unhealthy and stained teeth. Whether it’s smoking, chewing or even hooka, this substance has a long track record of leading to yellow or brown discoloration. Factors like medication, heredity, and chemical damage are also key to damaging your smile. Aging also plays a role. As you get older, the layers of enamel wear down, often allowing the dentin to show through.

What causes misalignment?

Dentist refer to teeth that are not properly aligned as having malocclusion. This term generally refers to either: underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite, and crowded teeth, Such problems can cause speech issues, cheek biting, and sometimes force patients to breathe through their nose. In addition, people with severe misalignment are also often sensitive about their smile.

So what are some common things that lead to malocclusion? A leading cause is simply genetic. We all inherit things from our parents, and one of the most common is crooked teeth. Injuries are another frequent factor that leads to misalignment. Other components that may lead to malocclusion include but are not limited to: cleft palate, tumors, thumb sucking, or misplaced dental crowns.

Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures and Solutions

Thankfully, a certified dentist will be able to easily treat both discolored and crooked teeth. Staining can be treated by several different methods. A cosmetic dentist will sometimes recommend a bleaching tray. To begin, the dental professional will perform a teeth cleaning to make sure your teeth and gums are looking their healthiest. After that, they will make an impression of your mouth. Generally a hydrogen peroxide mix is then applied which will dramatically whiten your teeth. A very common whitening tool is Zoom Whitening.These sessions can run as short as thirty minutes. It may take more than one appointment to achieve the desired results, but many people see results immediately.

Misalignment can be treated several ways. The most common method is braces. Another process is invisalign. Braces often work quicker than invisalign, but invisalign is generally far less noticeable. Both treatments are effective and can take from several months to several years depending on the condition of the mouth in question.

Steps to Great Smile

The easiest way to improve your smile is to simply take a trip to a local dentist office. When you find a dentist, they will be able to evaluate your oral health and prescribe a course of action. A great smile can often be achieved with minimal visits! A million dollar smile, doesn’t have to be expensive!

If you would like more information on how changing your smile can change your life, or you would like to make an appointment, contact Primary Dental Care in Garden Grove, California at 714-537-5700.

Garden Grove Dental Arts : Marianna Ibrahim DDS

714-537-5700

Monthly Archives: June 2015