Why Do We Have Saliva? And why is it important to teeth? Saliva plays a critical role in the digestive process. While the jaw and teeth do the hard work of chewing, saliva is there to provide moisture, lubrication, and help break down food. Then, of course, it also makes swallowing the food a whole lot easier. Saliva is consists of about 98% of water. The rest is a particular combination of ingredients to help carry out its functions. These include mucus for lubrication [...]
Why Is Health History So Important? When you visit the dentist, whether it's your first visit or you're a returning patient, it's essential to provide a full account of your health history. Why are we so insistent? There are some excellent reasons for this policy. We are here to help your teeth and oral health, but we are also concerned with your overall well-being. By learning about what you are going through, we can get a clearer picture of possible issues that will affect [...]
We're Not Talking About Math! Dental Calculus Is Damaging To Teeth. Dental calculus is simply another name for tartar—a solid, harmful substance that builds up on teeth. Without removing this hardened plaque, teeth become more susceptible to cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, calculus along the gum line will contribute to periodontal disease, which in turn causes gum recession and eventually, tooth loss. How Does It Form? Our mouths are full of bacteria. All the foods we eat, the bacteria eat as well, and they [...]
When looking for a new dentist, there are several possibilities to consider. Whether you just moved and are new to the area, had a bad experience at a different dental practice, or simply haven't been to the dentist in a while, choosing a new dentist you can trust is essential. Maybe you have a new job that provides dental benefits that were previously unavailable. Things to Consider When Choosing a New Dentist Meet for a Consultation/First Visit At your first visit, you'll probably have [...]
Your favorite food and drink may be causing tooth stains. For most of us, tooth stains are a continuous battle. The best way to keep teeth white is to brush and floss twice a day. Then, make sure you see a dentist regularly for preventative checkups and cleanings (usually recommended every six months). As well as your day-to-day oral hygiene, you can prevent tooth stains at home by avoiding some of the food and drink most likely to cause them. At the very least, [...]
If you are one of the millions of Americans who have asthma, make sure you are aware of the implications for your mouth. If it's been a while since your last appointment, consider scheduling an exam, cleaning, and X-rays at Diamond Dental of Sacramento. We'll give you a complete dental checkup and evaluation of your oral health! Call (916) 483-5900. Asthma is a condition that affects the respiratory system. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that results in constriction of the airways and a [...]
Sleep Apnea FAQs What are the symptoms of sleep apnea? The most commonly recognized symptom of sleep apnea is snoring during the night. While snoring can be mildly annoying or even humorous, other implications can be much more serious. During sleep apnea, there is often an interruption in sleep patterns due to obstruction of the airway. This variety is called obstructive sleep apnea. Typically people who suffer from the condition have no idea, except that may have been told they snore by friends and [...]
Sterilization Limits Exposure to Germs and Bacteria During regular day to day life, germs and bacteria typically get a bad rap. When sterilization gets taken too far, we're missing out on the benefits of a healthy and tested immune system. However, when it comes to dentistry and any medical facility, nothing could be further from the truth. One of the chief concerns is preventing disease and infection from spreading from patient to patient. When we're working with teeth and gums, it's at the top [...]
A Pierced Tongue, Lip, or Cheek A pierced body part may be essential to your style, but if it involves the mouth, it may not be the best choice in regards to your oral health. If you do have a piercing or are thinking about getting one, make sure you consider the potential effects and make an informed decision. Might be a dental hazard! Initially, getting any piercing causes trauma, and (because it is an open wound) there is always a risk of infection. [...]
Dental Benefits of Saliva A healthy flow keeps you good to go! Saliva provides many benefits to teeth, which usually go unnoticed in a healthy mouth. However, the discomfort of chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) is impossible to ignore! If you experience this condition, contact our office today at (916) 483-5900. Saliva helps lubricate the teeth to keep food debris from sticking between teeth and gums. This healthy flow, in turn, prevents cavities. It also contains calcium and phosphorous, which works as a topical treatment [...]
