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.

ZOOM! Whitening

Keeping our teeth their whitest is a lot harder than it sounds. With all the coffee, wine, smoking and other foods that have the ability to stain our teeth on a daily basis, even proper maintenance sometimes leaves them discolored. To accomplish the whitening of your teeth, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. utilizes a product called ZOOM!.

ZOOM! is a bleaching process widely used throughout the country and around the world to lighten discoloration of enamel and dentin. The ZOOM! in-office tooth whitening procedure uses the ZOOM! Advanced Power Chairside Lamp – said to accelerate the bleaching process- to activate the 25 percent hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained substances, leaving the structure of the tooth unchanged. This combination allows us to provide you with teeth that are 6-10 shades whiter in about an hour.

Before deciding whether ZOOM! in-office whitening is right for you, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. will conduct a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums to ensure proper health, as well as talk with you about your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits to determine if you will benefit from whitening. To learn more about ZOOM! visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. in Fullerton, CA, call 714-879-7943.

Tips for Brushing your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is such a simple task many of us are very used to. But sometimes we need a little “brushing up” on our tooth brushing practices. Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS of Fullerton, CA promotes proper brushing for part of a proper oral hygiene routine.

The toothbrush you use needs to have bristles that are both not too stiff and not too soft for your specific needs. This greatly depends on sensitivity of teeth and gums. Electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes provide similar results, but for those who have a hard time using their hands, like those with arthritis, an electric toothbrush makes brushing easier.

The time spent brushing your teeth is important, as well. It is recommended that you brush twice a day, though three times a day is best. Each session should be two minutes long. A good way to keep track is to break up the mouth into four sections, brushing for thirty sections, each. Remember to brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth!

Brushing your teeth is best done in short strokes. Up and down motions are ideal, and a light touch is all you need. Bearing down too hard can wear down enamel and harm your gums.

Regular cleanings by your dentist are also part of a good oral hygiene routine. To schedule with Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS at our Fullerton, CA dental practice, call (714) 879-7943. For more information, visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Crown Lengthening for Restoration

Having a healthy and attractive smile is important for total body health and confidence! For teeth that need work done below the gum line, Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS performs crown lengthening at his Fullerton, CA dental office.

Crown lengthening is needed when there is decay beneath the gum line or if a crown needs to be replaced, but the tooth has been broken off below the gum line. In addition, some people have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy” smile. This is when excess gum tissues covers part of the teeth, making them appear shorter than they are. The crown lengthening will be performed to make the teeth more aesthetically pleasing.

First, Dr. Meyer will make incisions to the gums to pull them back. In some cases, this is all that needs to be done to expose more of the teeth. In other cases, the bone tissue there holding the tooth in will also need to be removed. The gums are then cleaned with sterile salt water and stitched into place. When a crown lengthening is performed, even if only one tooth needs to be worked on, several teeth in the area will also be lengthened so that the gum line can heal in a natural line.

If you are in need of dental work below the gum line, or even want to see if crown lengthening can help a “gummy” smile, trust skilled and experienced Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS, of Fullerton, CA. To schedule an appointment, call (714) 879-7943. For more information, visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Post- Extraction Care

Having a tooth pulled is usually not the loveliest experience, but Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS can prepare you for the experience by letting you know what the after care will be like. Being prepared usually allows for the best and smoothest outcomes.

Right after an extraction, gauze will probably be placed on the site to control bleeding. Along with the gauze, avoid laying down flat. Propping your head up on a pillow will be the best position so that blood pumped to the head does not cause more bleeding. Also drink plenty of water, but avoid using a straw for the same reason. Pain medication recommended or prescribed by Dr. Meyer should be taken as directed and used before the anesthesia fully wears off. An icepack held to your face may help with pain and swelling, as well. A diet of soft foods will be recommended until your mouth heals a little more. Continue to brush your teeth and your tongue, avoiding the site of the extraction. Smoking and other tobacco use can slow down healing and promote infection. It is recommended not to use tobacco products until the area is well healed. Although, for oral and total health, smoking and tobacco use is never recommended at any time, even after healing.

For more information about how to care for an extraction site after a tooth is pulled, visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. Appointments with Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS can be made at (714) 879-7943 or at our website.