Diamons

Patient Education

Photography by Dr. Padval

Dental X-Rays: Get the Real Picture!

Critical for Diagnosis & Treatment Planning X-rays help pinpoint problems and avoid further complications. People are often concerned that they're receiving too much radiation from X-rays, so it's important to understand why the benefits of X-rays (taken at reasonable intervals) far outweigh the concerns! The purpose of X-rays is to pinpoint problems and avoid further complications. Without them, we couldn't find decay under fillings or between teeth, we couldn't find abscesses or tumors in gums and bone, and we couldn't detect faulty development of [...]

By |2020-07-14T08:00:10-07:00July 14, 2020|Patient Education|

After COVID-19…

Welcome Back! We're here for your health and safety. We hope you have been well through these past couple of months. We cannot wait to see you again as the shelter in place restrictions continue to loosen. The COVID-19 crisis has affected nearly every member of our community. And, when our dental office was closed (except for emergency procedures), we know that it may have caused significant disruptions to your oral health routine. There are many unknowns on the other side of this pandemic. [...]

By |2020-07-07T08:00:34-07:00July 7, 2020|Patient Education|

Be Careful with Toothpicks

Toothpicks Can Cause Dental Injury and More Toothpicks are quick and convenient when food debris is stuck between teeth, however, they're also a common cause of dental injury. Because they are so sharp, toothpicks can damage the gums and other soft tissue when used carelessly. They are somewhat ineffective, often pushing debris farther between teeth or below the gum line. If you do find yourself using a toothpick, use only minimal pressure and always keep the tip pointed away from your gums. Safe and [...]

By |2020-05-05T08:00:24-07:00May 5, 2020|Patient Education|

Time for a New Toothbrush?

If it's been a while since you replaced your toothbrush, it may be time to look for signs of aging. If it is badly worn or frayed, it may be doing more harm than good. If you are unsure about the state of your toothbrush, just bring it in at your next appointment and we can assess the damage, discuss the variety of options, and/or review proper brushing technique. Old Toothbrush Hazards Less Effective - A worn-out toothbrush is simply less effective at removing [...]

By |2020-04-28T08:00:05-07:00April 28, 2020|Patient Education|

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|