DIY Whitening Facts and Fiction

It’s no secret that we all desire a brighter smile, but with DIY whitening concoctions on the rise, it’s important to know how safe they are. Just because the approach may be natural, doesn’t mean that it’s safe. This is why Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS is here to explain the facts and fictions of DIY teeth whitening and encourages you to schedule a cleaning to achieve an optimal healthy smile.

Spices, oils, charcoal, all of these things are being recommended to bring a shine back to your smile when in reality these materials can actually be abrasive to your teeth. Using materials that are too abrasive on your teeth can make them appear more yellow and increase tooth sensitivity. Before resorting to DIY techniques, you should always practice proper oral hygiene habits, first. Be sure that you are brushing your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, use whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance and always visit Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS for dental checkups twice a year.

If you wish to inquire about our teeth whitening services, please give us a call. To learn more about the services provided at the practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Sealants

Dental sealants are a preventative measure used to preserve the teeth and tooth enamel. Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth, and Dr. Eric Meyer wants to help you protect your child’s teeth with a sealant. Most tooth decay in children and teenagers occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars, where the pits and grooves tend to trap food and bacteria.  Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early.

Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface and hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, so bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years. If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental sealant, our dentists can determine if you are eligible candidates and start preserving your teeth.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

Sedation for Dental Anxiety

Dr. Eric Meyer knows far too many patients put off dental work because of an anxiety or fear about the procedure. Some patients have had painful or traumatic dental appointments in the past that give them fear, and others have sensitive teeth or a sensitive gag reflex that has always made dental work dreadful. Anxieties like these are no reason to put yourself at risk by leaving dental issues untreated.

We strive to make the process as comfortable as possible for each patient. In addition to using local anesthetic in the area of a procedure, we are equipped to offer the following options for sedation:

• ·        Nitrous Oxide, also called laughing gas, is inhaled by the patient and causes a sleepy euphoria before the patient drifts off


• ·        Oral Conscious Sedation, or taking a sedative orally before the procedure, keeps the patient awake but they remain completely relaxed and experience no pain


• ·        Anxiolysis, also administered by taking a pill orally, is a lighter sedative recommended for moderately anxious patients


• ·        IV Sedation delivers medicine straight into your blood stream to work quickly, and the level of sedation can be adjusted during the procedure

Anyone experience anxiety-free dental appointments with our help. Sedation also presents an opportunity to condense complex procedures that would typically take multiple visits into one. If you think you could benefit from our services please give us a call.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.

How to Care for Dentures

Dentures need to be cared for differently than normal teeth, and we want to ensure that our patients understand how to make the most of them. The trick to maintaining them is that they have to be kept moist at all times, but must also be kept clean to prevent plaque or fungus build-up. Below are some helpful rules.

Each night, patients should remove their dentures and brush them with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste made specifically for dentures. (Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the only kind anybody should use for oral hygiene, but the special toothpaste is necessary because dentures don’t have a biological covering to protect them from grit.) Dentures should be left overnight in room-temperature water or cleaning solution unless they have exposed metal which could rust. Hot water will melt and reshape the plastic.

Before putting their dentures back in, patients should brush their gums and tongue. This will stimulate blood flow, which will preserve the mouth’s health and feeling. Patients with implant-supported dentures should brush in between their abutments. Any damage to the denture should be reported immediately to a professional. Some refitting over the patient’s life is expected, but patients should not attempt to manipulate the shape of the denture on their own.

Eric M. Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit FullertonDental.com and fill out a contact sheet.