Diamons

Patient Education

Photography by Dr. Padval

Wisdom Teeth: Should They Stay Or Go?

Why Get Rid of Wisdom Teeth? Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars at the very back of the mouth. They appear in late adolescence, at about ages 17 to 25, depending on the individual. The problem is that most people simply don't have enough room to accommodate these extra teeth. When wisdom teeth are "impacted," it means they are causing problems for neighboring teeth, possibly disrupting their alignment. They are also notorious for emerging in irregular positions, partially emerging, or failing to [...]

By |2023-01-24T08:00:51-08:00January 24, 2023|Patient Education|

Getting An Electric Toothbrush

Should I switch to an electric toothbrush? Or is my old toothbrush doing the job? For many people, making any change is a big decision. Maybe you make a list of pros and cons, carefully weighing benefits and potential drawbacks. Especially for significant changes that will affect your long-held daily habits, we understand that change may be hard. But sometimes it can be especially beneficial! One simple decision that can make a big impact toward improving your oral health is switching to an electric [...]

By |2023-01-03T08:00:50-08:00January 3, 2023|Patient Education|

Alcohol, Your Teeth, & Your Health

While some studies might find benefits in moderate drinking (such as antioxidants in red wine), you can surely obtain these supposed positives through other, more healthy options. In fact, alcohol consumption has mostly adverse effects on our well-being. Most people know this but still drink due to the cultural and social aspects. Of course, moderation is key. Taking it too far and drinking in excess can pose dangers to both your overall health and your teeth as well. Alcohol & Overall Health In the [...]

By |2022-12-20T08:00:47-08:00December 20, 2022|Patient Education|

Popcorn Dangers

Dental Problems From Popcorn Popcorn is a great tasty snack. There's nothing like warm buttery popcorn to accompany a movie or while binge-watching your favorite TV show. However, popcorn can cause a real danger to teeth in several ways. Uncooked kernels can be extremely tough. Accidentally biting down on one can cause cracks, chips, or tooth fracture. Partially cooked kernels may appear to be a nice soft piece, only to be hard and unyielding. To avoid possible injury, pour out the bag to sort [...]

By |2022-12-06T08:00:14-08:00December 6, 2022|Patient Education|

Dry Socket, A Painful Setback

What Is Dry Socket? What to know after an extraction. You probably know that missing a tooth can cause problems. Of course, it leaves behind a gap in your smile, affecting your appearance. But it can also impact your ability to eat properly and cause other oral health problems. Yes, a missing tooth is never ideal. However, sometimes a tooth extraction becomes necessary when too much damage or decay is present. In these instances, be aware that dry socket may occur in the days [...]

By |2022-11-01T08:00:26-07:00November 1, 2022|Patient Education|

Dental Bad Habits

Some Bad Habits Are Hard To Break Often, people think of their teeth as indestructible, engaging in high-risk activities, or using them for things they just aren't well-suited to do. Avoid these bad habits to keep teeth strong and healthy. Using Teeth as Tools Conventional wisdom says there's no substitute for the correct tool. Well, teeth are not tools, nor should they be used as such! Using your teeth to open packaging is a big no-no. People will often justify the behavior by saying, [...]

By |2022-10-25T08:00:11-07:00October 25, 2022|Patient Education|

Tobacco Use & Your Oral Health

Does Smoking & Using Tobacco Cause Oral Problems? Learn about the adverse effects. You probably know that smoking cigarettes and using tobacco is detrimental to your health. But the problems are not limited to lung disease and secondhand smoke. On the contrary, the use of this harmful carcinogen can also have adverse effects on your oral health. Nicotine, the psychoactive ingredient in tobacco, is highly addictive. Though much progress has been made in educating the public on the dangers, millions still become addicted each [...]

By |2022-09-13T08:00:51-07:00September 13, 2022|Patient Education|

Bacteria That Cause Cavities

Which Bacteria Causes Cavities? Looking Inside Your Mouth You probably know that bacteria in your mouth cause cavities, plaque, and tooth decay. And you also probably know that proper at-home care such as brushing and flossing is the best way to prevent cavities and more serious problems. (Combine with regular dental check-ups and professional cleanings for best results!) However, most species of bacteria are relatively harmless to our oral health; just one or two strains cause cavities and tooth decay. They are called Streptococcus [...]

By |2022-09-06T08:00:37-07:00September 6, 2022|Patient Education|

Do You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes and Dentistry What is diabetes? Diabetes is a condition in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, this is due to the lack of the hormone insulin, which helps the body cells absorb glucose (sugar). There are two variations of the disease. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition preventing the production of insulin. It has a sudden onset, and patients are usually in the normal range of BMI. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic progressive condition where insulin [...]

By |2022-08-16T08:00:06-07:00August 16, 2022|Patient Education|

Bad Breath, A Bad Sign

Do You Have Bad Breath? Get treatment and see a dentist in Sacramento, CA. We all know that bad breath can be embarrassing socially, but it could be a symptom of more serious dental problems. It may be tempting to mask the issue with cover-ups such as chewing gum, breath mints, mouthwash, or other temporary fixes. However, if bad breath (AKA halitosis) is a continuing problem in your life, we highly recommend an evaluation to determine if an oral health issue is an underlying [...]

By |2022-07-26T08:00:45-07:00July 26, 2022|Patient Education|