Diamons

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Photography by Dr. Padval

Fever Blisters, Cold Sores, Canker Sores

Some are caused by a virus, some hurt, and all are unpleasant socially. What exactly is that nasty thing on my mouth? And how do I get rid of it before Friday night? Cold Sores Cold sores and fever blisters are one and the same—small skin blisters on the mouth caused by Herpes simplex virus. When the virus acts up, the lips may become tender and blisters follow. Within a few days, blisters drain and dry, and the virus retreats to the nerve. Treatments [...]

By |2016-06-14T00:00:32-07:00June 14, 2016|Patient Education|

Let the Sunshine in!

Are you one of the millions of Americans who spends most of their working and free time indoors? If so, you may be missing out on the important benefits of sunshine, which not only lifts the spirit, but also helps the body create an essential nutrient—vitamin D. Early in this century doctors discovered that too little vitamin D led to childhood diseases in which bones failed to develop. We now know that vitamin D deficiency can lead to brittle bones in adults (osteoporosis). Hips, [...]

By |2016-06-07T00:00:16-07:00June 7, 2016|Patient Education|

Give Yourself a Summertime Smile

Fulfilling that resolution to get your body in shape for the summertime? That's something to smile about. Go for it! It's even easier to shape up your smile along with it. Do dark, dingy teeth or unsightly imperfections like chips or gaps cause you to thing twice about your looks? If so, teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding may be just what you need. Once you see how simple and inexpensive it is to get your teeth looking as great as the rest of you—you'll [...]

By |2016-05-24T00:00:09-07:00May 24, 2016|Cosmetic Dentistry|

Tongue Brushing

An Old Habit Seems New Here's an idea that may be new to you. Did you ever think of brushing your tongue? Actually, tongue-brushing is an ancient practice. Our ancestors considered it part of their daily hygiene. Yet many people today aren't aware that their tongue needs brushing as much as their teeth do. In fact, it may be the dirtiest part of the mouth! Thousands of bacteria breed on the many tiny papillae (small bulges) of the tongue. And if they aren't brushed [...]

By |2016-05-17T00:00:13-07:00May 17, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|

Our Infection Control Program

Visitors to our practice have probably noticed the efforts we put into making the office open and comfortable. Well, it's not just cosmetic. We're doing something about protecting your health. We consulted with experts in the field of asepsis—sterilization. Our aim was to find the best that technology has to offer to keep the practice safe for our patients. And we did. Today we meet—and exceed—the infection control standards of the American Dental Association and Center for Disease Control. Often these rigid protocols are [...]

By |2016-05-10T00:00:20-07:00May 10, 2016|Patient Education|

What to Know About Gum Disease

It afflicts as many as nine in 10 adults at some point in their lives, as well as teenagers and children as young as five or six years of age. Yet, many suffer from it without even suspecting anything is wrong. "It" is periodontal, or gum, disease—in the minds of most dentists, Public Enemy Number one for teeth. Only for the last 30 years have researchers understood that gum disease is an infectious disorder, caused by many different species of bacteria. But even today, [...]

By |2016-05-03T00:00:03-07:00May 3, 2016|Periodontal Dentistry|

Simple Dental Resolutions in 2016

A new year, a blank page. For most, it's the perfect opportunity to make Resolutions. Nobody ever resolves "to feel guilty after failing to keep resolutions." Yet that's the one we actually keep! How to avoid making this resolution business an empty self-promise? How about narrowing it to just one? Make it something you CAN achieve and, most importantly, WANT to achieve. Psychological researchers find resolutions pan out when motivation comes from within instead of without ("my spouse wants me to lose weight"). Then [...]

By |2016-01-05T00:00:21-08:00January 5, 2016|Preventative Dentistry|

Why to Use Dental Insurance by the New Year

If you have dental insurance, then be sure to get the most out of your coverage by using it before the year's end. Especially when your deductible has already been met for the calendar year, go for all the dentistry you can squeeze out of your policy before benefits expire. With a little planning—we'll help—we can complete your present treatment plan long before you're facing a new deductible. Another common situation is if your insurance plan has a maximum allowable benefit for the calendar [...]

By |2015-11-24T00:00:48-08:00November 24, 2015|Patient Education|

All About Antibiotics

Because we’re concerned about more than your teeth… If you’re a woman taking oral contraceptives, it’s understandable that you might not wish to mention this prior to a dental procedure. But it’s truly important that we know, and here’s why: Your dental procedure may include an antibiotic prescription to fight bacterial infection. It’s known that some broad-spectrum antibiotics can reduce the effectiveness of a birth control pill, increasing the chance of pregnancy. Antibiotics are wonderful weapons against infection, but they have their limitations. A [...]

By |2015-11-17T00:00:10-08:00November 17, 2015|Patient Education|

When Heartburn Comes with the Check

It might be a big Italian meal—meatballs, lasagna, red wine— or a serious encounter with stuffed jalapenos. Whatever your preference, if you suffer heartburn, you’re going to pay for it. Every month, 40% of the population suffer heartburn. An unlucky 10% reach for the antacids or acid blockers daily. Heartburn is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux, the escape of acids from the stomach back into the esophagus. There is a burning sensation behind the breastbone, maybe a sour taste in the mouth. Mild- to-moderate [...]

By |2015-11-10T00:00:40-08:00November 10, 2015|Patient Education|