How to Choose a Toothbrush

Your at-home dental care is very important in keeping a healthy mouth. While you have probably been brushing your teeth your whole life, did you know that choosing the right toothbrush may increase the quality of your brushing? Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. of Fullerton, CA is here to remind our patients of how to choose a toothbrush that works the best for you.

While in the toothbrush aisle, there are many different options for toothbrushes that all promise different things. Here are the important things you should be looking for:

A small head: A small toothbrush head allows you to move the toothbrush around to all surfaces in the mouth. You can reach those far-back places easier.

Good grip: Along with a small head, good grip on the toothbrush is important. A slippery and hard-to-hold handle will make it harder to maneuver the brush around your mouth.

Medium bristles: If bristles are too stiff, they can wear down the enamel on your teeth and irritate your gums. Choose a toothbrush that is labeled with medium bristles. Choose soft bristles if recommended by your dentist.

Electric or manual: When it comes to the differences between manual toothbrushes and electric toothbrushes, they both provide the same cleaning job. However, for those who have trouble using their hands, an electric toothbrush may help them get a better cleaning because it does most of the work.

For questions about oral care or to schedule your next cleaning, call our Fullerton, CA office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

How to Calm Kids' Dental Fears

Dental fear is quite common in kids. If your child is dreading their dental appointment, take some tips on what might help them relax, and maybe even enjoy, their next dental visit. Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. understands kids’ dental fears and aims to make sure every kid has a healthy and relaxing experience.

A good idea to get kids used to the dentist is to start visits at an early age. Kids should be seeing their dentist when their first tooth appears, or at a year old at the latest. When kids have been going to the dentist for as long as they can remember, there is a sense of familiarity.

If you are taking your child to the dentist for the first time, a trial run at home helps them understand what will happen. Try setting them up in a recliner and counting their teeth. They will be more relaxed knowing what to expect in the real appointment. Talk about how healthy and strong their teeth will be after the dentist sees them. Make it sound like an exciting experience.

Praise good behavior after the appointment. Do not promise a treat for good behavior before the appointment, because this puts the idea in their mind that the appointment could be unpleasant.

When kids are prepared early, they can actually be excited about going to see the dentist. If you have questions about Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. and our Fullerton, CA dental office, please call us at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

How to Beat Bad Breath

Bad breath can ruin a moment, cause embarrassment, and unpleasant interactions. It is time to take control of that bad breath! Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. in our Fullerton, CA dental practice wants to inform our patients of what to look out for and what to do when bad breath makes an appearance.

Bad breath can come around every now and then or it can be chronic. It is helpful to know what is causing your bad breath. Oftentimes, it is bacteria that cause the foul odors.

To eliminate bad-breath-causing bacteria, brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important. Also be sure to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Bacteria thrive when the mouth dries out, so when using mouthwash, it helps to use one that does not have alcohol in it. Also try to avoid alcoholic and caffeinated drinks. For a caffeine kick, green tea actually deodorizes some of the bacteria causing the bad breath.

When bad breath is caused from potent food like onions or garlic, there are tricks for eating and drinking that may help out. Try eating fruit or veggies that are high in properties that fight the onion and garlic breath. Some of these include apples, peaches, spinach, and potatoes. Also try chewing mint or parsley leaves. As mentioned before green tea may help. Milk and cranberries may help, as well.

When bad breath is getting you down, remember these simple reminders! To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S., call us at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Sedation Options for Relaxing Dental Procedures

Dental work can give some people anxiety, which unfortunately stops people from going to the dentist for important procedures and preventative work. Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. here in Fullerton, CA understands the dental fear of our patients and offers sedation to ease them through their appointments.

In our Fullerton, CA dental practice, Dr. Meyer offers several different types of sedation meant to ease patients’ fears and provide a relaxing experience. We utilize nitrous oxide, anxiolysis, IV sedation, and oral conscious sedation.

Nitrous oxide, commonly called laughing gas, is a gas that is very safe, effective, and convenient. Nitrous oxide allows you to be awake during the procedure in a very relaxed state. Afterwards, you will be able to drive yourself home.

Anxiolysis is great for those with mild anxiety. It is an oral sedative using medication like valium. Similar to nitrous oxide, you are awake during the procedure, very relaxed, and able to drive home afterwards.

IV sedation is very quick, as it is introduced directly into your bloodstream. You will be awake during your procedure, but very relaxed. You may not remember part or all of your procedure. Procedures often seem much shorter under IV sedation. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards.

Oral conscious sedation is similar to IV sedation in that you remain awake, very relaxed, and may not remember part or all of the procedure. Oral conscious sedation is through a pill, however. You will need someone to drive you home afterwards.

Dental anxiety does not have to prevent you from your dental appointments. To inquire about sedation, contact Dr. Eric M Meyer, D.D.S. of Fullerton, CA at (714) 879-7943 or by visiting our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

What Happens During a Dental Checkup?

According to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), an organization of general dentists dedicated to continuing dental education, a professional dental cleaning at least twice a year can improve your oral health. The professional dental cleaning reinforces the home-care oral health regimen of brushing and flossing and gives the dentist an opportunity to locate areas in the mouth that may need special attention. With the help of a dental hygienist, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. will provide you with a dental checkup that you can trust.

Even if you follow a diligent home-care routine, regular dental checkups are still a must. Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. can watch for early signs of decay, gum disease, oral cancer, or other dental problems and take appropriate action. For most people, two checkups per year are sufficient. A routine visit will include a professional cleaning, an exam, and possibly X-rays.

During the cleaning, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. or a hygienist will use a scaler (a small metal instrument with a bladelike end) to scrape off tartar above and below the gum line. He or she will then polish the teeth with a lightly abrasive paste and finish up with a flossing. During a dental cleaning, you’ll receive diagnostic and preventive services from Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. as well as any needed educational information.

If you are due for a dental checkup schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. in Fullerton, CA by calling 714-879-7943 or visit www.fullertondental.com for more information.