Diamons

Patient Education

Photography by Dr. Padval

Toothpaste, Before The Tube

How Product Packaging Improved Oral Health You might think tubes would make an obvious package for toothpaste, but the first toothpaste in a tube wasn't sold till 1892. These kinds of containers had been around for 50 years but were only used for storing oil paints. Most folks associated collapsible tubes with "Burnt Umber" or "Cadmium Yellow." Hardly the sort of thing you applied to your teeth. Up until then, toothpaste was packaged in expensive porcelain jars that only the rich could afford—making it [...]

By |2020-02-18T08:00:20-08:00February 18, 2020|Patient Education|

Since Your Last Checkup…

Tell Us About Any Changes Dental care is just one part of total health care. Because of that, we need to keep current with your entire health history, the good and the bad. Since your last checkup, be sure to tell us if you: have experienced any new allergies or sensitivities have quit smoking (or started) are taking any new medications, even over-the-counter drugs have had any accidents or injuries have been diagnosed with any illness or other medical condition have had a baby, [...]

By |2020-02-11T08:00:24-08:00February 11, 2020|Patient Education|

Tooth Health: Cut out the Carbonation

Soda, Coke, Soft Drinks, Energy Drinks—whatever you call them, they're bad for teeth. You probably know that soft drinks aren't good for you. They are high in sugar and provide little nutrition other than some "empty calories." Even if you enjoy the diet/zero calorie versions, the acid content can be a problem. That's because the carbonation that provides the fizz and bubbles also contains carbonic acid, which can raise the ph balance of the mouth and weaken tooth enamel. Additionally, most soft drinks use [...]

By |2020-01-14T08:00:23-08:00January 14, 2020|Patient Education|

Bad Habits for Teeth

Everyday Habits can Impact Oral Health Most of us have a bad habit or two that we'd like to change. Here are some common habits that are especially hard on teeth: Biting or Chewing Non-Foods Items Maybe you've done it for years with no harm, but each time you bite a non-food object is unnecessary wear and tear, making chips and other damage more likely. If you chew on pencils or toothpicks, bite your nails, or use your teeth as a tool to open [...]

By |2019-12-23T08:00:22-08:00December 23, 2019|Patient Education|

Because We Care…

About Each Patient! Dentistry may be the word that describes the service we provide. But our greater goal is something we call care. It's reflected in the way we evaluate (and re-evaluate) current treatment methods and the latest dental techniques. It drives the way we look after every patient as an individual, with unique needs, desires, and concerns. It's why we attend continuing education courses regularly to keep abreast of every new advance in the art and science of dentistry. It's our goal to [...]

By |2019-09-10T08:00:38-07:00September 10, 2019|Patient Education|

Straight Talk About Disease Control

When you visit our office, you might notice some of the things we do to maintain a sterile environment. We take disease control very seriously, and you can rest assured that we take all the proper precautions to keep you safe! In the Office Sterilization is now—and always has been—a concern in our office. We keep up with every new and more effective method of preventing cross-contamination. The gloves and masks are the most visible part of our program. But there's more to it [...]

By |2019-09-03T08:00:52-07:00September 3, 2019|Patient Education|

What Would You Do?

If It Were You? Every day, patients ask us about their dental care. Should I have a crown or a filling? A root canal, or an extraction? Should we fix a "baby tooth?" Or will it just fall out? Is teeth whitening safe? Often the final question we're asked is, "What would you do if it were you?" Our answer is always the same. Our recommendation to you is the same as if it were a member of our own family. We have the [...]

By |2019-08-20T08:00:34-07:00August 20, 2019|Patient Education|

Do You Have Hypertension?

Let Us Know If You've Been Diagnosed With Hypertension Hypertension, known as high blood pressure, masquerades as...nothing! No visible symptoms create alarm in the victim or family members. No pain alerts the victim to the danger. Yet hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for heart attack and stroke. It's also one of the most easily controlled. The best way to combat hypertension is by following the doctor's orders and these tips: Have your blood pressure checked regularly Reduce salt and other sources [...]

By |2019-07-02T08:00:46-07:00July 2, 2019|Patient Education|

Drug Use During Dental Treatment

Discuss All Drug and Medication Use to Avoid Harmful Reactions Let's face it, some people take anti-depressants, some are prescribed antibiotics. Some smoke marijuana, and fewer, thankfully, use cocaine, methamphetamine or other drugs. But here in the office, the message remains the same for all. Tell us what you're taking, and when. Why? Because the drugs we administer during dental procedures might have unforeseen interactions with the drugs you're already taking, whether they be legal prescriptions or illicit "street" drugs. So let us know [...]

By |2019-06-18T08:00:31-07:00June 18, 2019|Patient Education|

Dangers of Common Over-the-Counter Medications

Non-Prescription Doesn't Mean Non-Hazardous Most patients know that doctor-prescribed medication is pretty serious stuff. But if you can buy it at the drug store, how much of a problem could it be? More than you'd think. Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol, Panadol) routinely risks acute liver disease–more so than alcohol or hepatitis. Long-term use of pain relievers ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can raise blood pressure, harm the stomach, liver, and kidneys. None of these products are hazardous if used only occasionally. It's consistent use that [...]

By |2019-05-28T08:00:20-07:00May 28, 2019|Patient Education|