Infants Oral Health Care

There is a common misconception that baby teeth are less important to maintain because they are not permanent. The reality is baby teeth act as a place holder for permanent adult teeth, and it is important to keep decay off baby teeth otherwise it will be difficult for them to chew and speak clearly.

Caring for baby teeth won’t require a traditional toothbrush and floss at first; it will however require a soft moistened washcloth or piece of gauze. With the cloth you will wipe down the baby’s gums a minimum of twice a day and more importantly before feedings and when it is time for bed. Doing so will keep bacteria and plaque from forming on the gums.

Once baby teeth start begin to develop, parents should gently brush their teeth until their child is able to hold the toothbrush in which it is time to show them the proper oral hygiene procedures. Taking care of your baby’s gums prior to teeth care will help with the development of clean and healthy baby teeth.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. For more information on our services visit our website at www.fullertondental.com. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Bad Breath

Bad breath, medically called halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Foods with strong odors will also cause bad breath and will not go away until the foods have completely passed through your body. Not brushing and flossing daily leaves particles and other bacteria on your teeth, gums, and tongue which can lead to bad breath. Tobacco use of any kind also leads to bad breath and is damaging to oral hygiene.

Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth may be a warning sign of gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque and bacteria creating toxins that irritate the gums. The cure to fixing bad breath is simple, maintain good oral hygiene, don’t smoke, and see your dentist regularly. While food with strong odors can cause bad breath, although it is temporary while gum disease is not.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. For more information on our services visit our website at www.fullertondental.com. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Canker Sores

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow lesions that develops on the soft tissue in your mouth and at the base of your gums. Canker sores aren’t contagious but are extremely painful when eating and drinking.

Canker sores are round or oval shape and have a white or yellowish color to them, usually lasting between 1-2 weeks. While eating and drinking a burning or tingling sensation can occur and is unpleasant. Larger canker sores may be a cause for concern and it is recommended you see a dentist for a diagnosis.

Because canker sores usually heal naturally after a week or two, there aren’t many cures but rinsing your mouth with warm salt water helps along with baking soda mix can help. The rinsing is most effective when done after eating and should be done a few times throughout the day.

There are no distinct cures for canker sores but food sensitivity and other disease can trigger canker sores.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. For more information on our services visit our website at www.fullertondental.com. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Sealants

Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are designed to protect the chewing surfaces of children’s back teeth from cavities, or tooth decay. Grooves form on the surfaces of children’s back teeth and create a rough and uneven surface. Dr. Eric Meyer suggests sealants for children with molars developed.

It is recommended that children get sealants as soon as their molars develop to prevent future decay on the teeth. Molars first come in for children around age 6 and the second set of molars come in at age 12. Adding sealants to teeth are quick and painless with a liquid coat put on the teeth and hardening over the teeth for protection.

Good oral hygiene habits start at a young age and sealants combined with brushing, flossing, and regular trips to the dentist, children develop a good foundation and healthy teeth for years to come.

Dr. Eric Meyer of Fullerton Dental offers sealants for children that can be done in one visit.

Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, operates at 2720 North Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, California, 92835. For more information on our services visit our website at www.fullertondental.com To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943 or visit Fullerton Dental and fill out a contact sheet.

Gum Grafting

Gum grafting is primarily used to treat receding gums, especially where tooth has been exposed. When plaque and bacteria build up at the gum line, the gums start to pull away from the teeth and stretch, forming little pockets around the buildup. Even when these little pockets are cleaned out, they remain at the gum line and cause the gums to recede. Dr. Eric Meyer, DDS can help you correct this by repairing deficient gums with a gum graft. 

A gum graft procedure consists of harvesting healthy tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transferring it to the site that needs reinforcement. This gives the deficient gum a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the graft.  Gum grafting can be performed when receding gums become unsightly, or to cover teeth that have been exposed by receding gums and become much more sensitive.  If you think you could benefit from a gum graft, please contact us.

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

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

At the dental practice of Dr. Eric Meyer, DDS we encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

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

Diabetes and Gum Disease

Diabetes is a metabolic condition that causes all sorts of other health issues, and unfortunately, the gums are not spared. As practitioners of dental sleep medicine as well as general dentistry, we’ve assisted a lot of diabetic patients at the Fullerton office of Dr. Eric Meyer. Our hope is that if people with diabetes are aware of their increased risk for gum disease, they will work with us more closely to protect themselves.

When people have uncontrolled high blood sugar, they are more prone to inflammation throughout their bodies. Although inflammation is a useful immune system response, chronic inflammation in response to a gum pocket infection will not remove a source of tooth decay. It will, however, make the gums painful, swollen, and red, and cause them to bleed. There are other causes of inflammation besides infections, but diabetic people with high blood sugar suffer from weakened immune systems and gum disease is the main cause of their higher rates of gum inflammation.

Recent studies have established that gum disease and diabetes exacerbate each other. As more pathogens grow and are inhaled, the body has more difficulty regulating blood sugar. But there is also some evidence that treating gum disease leads to better-controlled blood sugar, making it especially important for people with diabetes to brush, floss, and maintain regular dental appointments.

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

 

Tooth-Friendly Holiday Food

Candy canes and other sugary snacks are everywhere you look this time of year, and that’s not great news for your teeth. We at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental office want our patients to enjoy the holidays, but getting tooth decay or gum disease is no fun. Fortunately, most sources of tooth decay have a healthier alternative.

When food debris and sugary residue is stuck to our teeth, bacteria consume it and secrete acid as their waste product. The acid is what causes dissolution of enamel and other oral tissues. Bacteria can eat starches as well as simple sugars, but leaving easily-digested simple sugars on the teeth for a long time will give bacteria lots of time to eat and produce acid. Two of the most common sources of sugary residue are hard candies and sugary drinks. Both of them are consumed slowly and dry out the mouth, leaving it with less saliva to wash sugar away. Of course, if debris from a starchy food such as potatoes gets stuck between the teeth, it could be a source of tooth decay, too.

Alternating sips of sugary beverages with drinks of water is a good way of rinsing them and keeping up saliva levels. Another idea is to replace hard candy with sugar-free versions, which can also stimulate additional saliva production. Brushing and flossing soon after eating is the best defense against tooth decay, but in a situation where a person is snacking over a long period, they could also try removing some food by chewing sugar-free gum.

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

 

Importance of Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screening is an examination performed by a dentist to look for signs of cancer or precancerous conditions in the mouth. The goal of oral cancer screening is to identify mouth cancer early when there is a greater chance for a cure. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS believes oral cancer screenings are a very important part of the visit for the patient. With advances in modern technology, he is now able to pinpoint the start of a potential problem much earlier in its evolution.

Cancer screening trials are meant to show whether early detection (finding cancer before it causes symptoms) decreases a person’s chance of dying from the disease. Although no studies have proved that oral cancer screening saves lives if you are a heavy smoker or heavy drinker you may want to ask whether an oral cancer screening is appropriate for you. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS is always welcoming new patients and would love to have you as part of the dental family. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral cancer or oral cancer screening, 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.

Dry Mouth Discomfort

Dry mouth may occur for a variety of reasons. Some of these include a change in medication or a lack of saliva flow from an underlying condition. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth can be uncomfortable and no matter how much you hydrate, you may not be able to get rid of the feeling. If dry mouth has you concerned, Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS can provide treatment to fix the problem.

Saliva protects the teeth from tooth decay that causes cavities. Saliva also helps wash away food particles that linger on the teeth after a meal. If your mouth isn’t producing enough saliva, you may notice an increase of bad breath, dry throat, or a dry/grooved tongue. Treatment for dry mouth will depend on the cause but may include various methods to restore moisture.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, 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

Restore Smiles with Dental Implants

Dr. Eric Meyer, DDS replaces teeth and restores patient smiles with dental implants. Implants are a permanent restorative option for teeth that are missing or have been extracted.  They look and feel like natural teeth, and are the most permanent and efficient means of replacing lost teeth.

Implants are titanium screws inserted into the jaw bone. Over a period of 3-6 months, the jaw bone heals around the implant to become a solid, stable base for the new tooth. During this time a patient is fitted with a temporary crown, and a custom crown is created to match their smile perfectly.

After the jaw bone and gums have healed appropriately, the custom crown is placed in a second appointment. Sometimes, the doctor may need to expose the head of the implant in a second minor surgery.  When everything is healed, the crown will be screwed or cemented to the top of the implant.  When this is complete the tooth looks like part of the natural smile, and with proper care will last for decades!

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

Smoking with Sleep Apnea

Smoking will exacerbate any respiratory condition, and it is proven to cause snoring and lead to obstructive sleep apnea.  Patients struggling with sleep apnea should see Dr. Eric Meyer, DDS and his staff for evaluation. We can help patients find relief from sleep apnea, but quitting smoking is up to you!

Smoking causes upper airway inflammation, meaning the swelling causes the airway to narrow and disrupts the flow of air to the nasal passage and throat.  This causes snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.  Cigarettes are highly addictive, and some smokers seek treatment for sleep apnea but continue to smoke. Smoking with sleep apnea not only puts more stress on the heart every day, but negates any treatment a sleep apnea patient is undergoing.

Habitual smokers may feel relaxed by one last cigarette for the day, but it actually creates more complications for restful sleep. Smokers can experience nicotine withdrawal overnight, causing more waking up and restlessness.  Quitting smoking cold turkey is very difficult, but even lessening the amount of cigarettes or avoiding smoking at nighttime can help you achieve more restful sleep.  Most smokers cannot quit on their own or on their first attempt, so don’t get discouraged!

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

Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Patients suffering from gum disease can find quality care at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental practice. Although many people think of bleeding gums as normal, that is only because gum inflammation is so common. One group that is at greater risk for gum disease is people with cirrhosis. However, new research has shown that periodontal therapy can help mitigate the symptoms of cirrhosis patients in unexpected ways.

Cirrhosis is a disease in which chronic inflammation of the liver causes it to scar over, reducing its effectiveness at filtering harmful chemicals from the bloodstream. People with cirrhosis commonly suffer from cognitive decline and inflammation throughout their bodies. Smoking and alcohol use are two well-known causes of cirrhosis as well as gum disease, so it is unsurprising that the diseases would often occur in the same people. But gum disease is also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which prompted scientists to investigate how one disease impacts the other.

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University divided people with cirrhosis and gum disease into a control group and a group that got periodontal treatment. They found that in the treated group, cognitive skills improved and bacteria that combat inflammation became more common. Scientists speculated the difference could be caused by people without gum disease being less likely to inhale harmful bacteria. In any case, we’re glad to see more people recognizing the importance of oral health.

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

 

National Dental Hygiene Month

We know that patients at Dr. Eric Meyer’s Fullerton dental practice understand the importance of oral hygiene. But are you sure you’re up to speed on your technique? Since October is National Dental Hygiene Month, we thought it would be a good idea to remind patients of brushing and flossing protocol so they will be less likely to develop tooth decay during the holiday season.

Parents should begin brushing their babies’ teeth from the moment the first tooth emerges. With proper care, teeth can last a lifetime, and dentures need to be brushed twice a day, as well. Both manual and electric toothbrushes can be used to prevent tooth decay, but hard bristled toothbrushes are likely to damage the gums and should be avoided. Brushing sessions with a manual toothbrush should last for two minutes each. It is of vital importance to cover every tooth surface and to get close to the gum lines, where calculus accumulates.

Flossing has to be done properly to have any effect. Slide the strand all the way along the side of each tooth and use it to catch plaque with a shoeshine motion. Simply moving floss through the gap between teeth won’t accomplish anything. Another mistake is to not floss the backs of the back molars. Mouthwash can be used in combination with other hygiene products to combat bad breath, but people should brush their tongues and use a tongue scraper every day.

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

Stop Smoking for Healthier Gums

It’s no secret that smoking is a bad habit for your overall health. Smoking is also one of the leading causes of periodontal disease. If a smoker doesn’t practice proper oral care habits, he or she risks tooth loss in the long run. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS can give you the tools to stop smoking and improve your oral and periodontal health in the long run.

If you are a tobacco user, the symptoms of periodontal disease will increase. You may notice bleeding gums while brushing, red, swollen, or tender gums, as well as persistent bad breath. Periodontal disease is a serious infection and smokers have twice the risk of developing this condition as nonsmokers. The more cigarettes a person smokes, the greater his or her risk for developing periodontal disease. If you stop smoking, your gums will begin to heal, and you can improve periodontal health with good dental habits.

If you have questions or concerns regarding smoking and periodontal health, 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.

Drinking Water for Oral Hygiene

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  Fullerton Dental has seen adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  To learn more about the services we offer, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Retainer Care

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Fullerton Dental provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Many retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

To learn more about caring for your retainer, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, call 714-879-7943.

Endodontics – Apicoectomy

An apicoectomy is performed after an unsuccessful root canal. When an infection will not go away or returns after a root canal has been performed, this procedure is usually necessary. Dr. Eric M Meyer DDS is known for his comprehensive, but gentle approach to dentistry. In most cases, he may suggest a second root canal before an apicoectomy since it is a simpler, less invasive procedure.

An apicoectomy may be needed when an infection develops or persists after root canal treatment or retreatment. In an apicoectomy, the root tip, or apex, is removed along with the infected tissue. A filling is then placed to seal the end of the root. Most apicoectomies take between 30 to 90 minutes, depending on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the root structure. Procedures on front teeth are generally the shortest. Those on lower molars generally take the longest. Before the procedure, Dr. Meyer will provide you with a consultation to see what action best fits your needs.

If you have questions or concerns regarding endodontic treatment, 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.

Oral Care with a Floss Threader

Plaque buildup around braces can be detrimental to your teeth and gums. This is because plaque contains bacteria that eat away at tooth enamel and cause periodontal disease and bad breath. While wearing braces, oral care is extra important because your teeth require extra attention. To make flossing easier with fixed appliances, Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS suggests utilizing floss threaders.

A floss threader is a flexible yet sturdy device and once the ends of the floss are inserted the ends can be easily manipulated to clean under bridgework, behind orthodontic wires, and beneath retainer bars. To use a floss threader, gently thread the floss through the loop of the threader and guide it through the main wire of the fixed appliance before passing it between the two teeth. Then, carefully remove the floss and thread it through the remaining teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental health, 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.

Veneers For A Smile Makeover

Patients of Fullerton Dental are always asking our doctors about the latest cosmetic solutions for their teeth.  Some fixes are recommended just to repair damage or just to whiten, but veneers are the best way to give your smile a total makeover. Veneers are thin ceramic shells that bond directly to the surface of your teeth.  This gives you the opportunity to completely change the appearance of your smile and still look natural. 

Patients with cosmetic issues like staining, cracked or chipped teeth, and even crooked teeth and small gaps can achieve a dazzling smile with veneers. We can make this happen in two to three visits!  First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Then an impression of your teeth is taken in order to custom fit the final product to the surfaces of your teeth.  The impression is sent to a dental laboratory where your custom veneers will be fabricated, which may take up to two weeks.  On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to your teeth for you to wear and enjoy!

To learn more about veneers and all the services available at our 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.