Beware of Plaque

Plaque is a soft, sticky film that builds up on your teeth and contains millions of bacteria. These bacteria develop when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks, or candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, resulting in tooth decay. This is why it’s important to visit Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS for professional cleanings.

Plaque can also develop on the tooth roots under the gum and cause breakdown of the bone supporting the tooth. When this happens, the gum tissue can become red, swollen, and possible bleed when you brush your teeth. This is called gingivitis, an early stage of periodontal (gum) disease. To prevent plaque buildup and gum disease, brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft, rounded tip bristled toothbrush. You should also floss between teeth at least once a day to remove food particles and bacteria.

If you have plaque buildup or are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS here in our Fullerton, CA office, call 714-879-7943.

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. 

Screening for Oral Cancer

Being screened for oral cancer is an important part of maintaining your oral health and should be a regular part of your oral hygiene routine. At our practice in Fullerton, CA, we take oral cancer seriously and are dedicated to keeping our patients safe with thorough screenings.

While everyone is at risk for oral cancer, certain factors can increase your risk in developing the disease. Lifestyle choices, such as heavy drinking or smoking, can greatly affect the health of tissues in the mouth, so it is especially important for you to receive regular screenings if you partake in these activities. If oral abnormalities are caught early, it will not only expand your treatment options, including less invasive and less radical treatments, but it will also increase your chances of beating oral cancer.

Screening for oral cancer can be done during routine checkups by Dr. Eric Meyer, who uses ultraviolet light to help him spot abnormal tissue in your mouth. Abnormal tissue can then be tested to see if it is cancerous or not.

Oral cancer is a serious issue, and at our office, we strive to protect all our patients. To schedule an appointment, call 714-879-7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.

Panorex

At the office of Dr. Eric Meyer, we use panoramic digital radiography to provide high-quality care to our patients in Fullerton and the surrounding area.

Panorex is an X-ray machine that is capable of capturing more of the mouth structure than a traditional, dental X-ray and can, therefore, identify many issues. To take the X-ray, you will sit in a chair with your chin on a small ledge. Once positioned, the machine will rotate 360 degrees around your head, capturing X-rays of your teeth, head, sinuses and bone, which allows Dr. Meyer to see any potential problems and ensure that everything is functioning properly. The panorex can also view specific types of structural problems, including infections or asymmetry.

In addition to clearer and more comprehensive images, the panorex and other digital X-rays also produce up to 90 percent less radiation than traditional dental X-rays. This is because the digital sensor is much more sensitive to radiation than film, so less is needed to form an accurate image. While traditional X-rays are considered safe by professionals, those who receive X-rays frequently or who are concerned about radiation will feel more comfortable with digital radiography.

With Dr. Eric Meyer, you know that you will receive the best dental care available with state-of-the-art technology in Fullerton. Panoramic, digital X-rays are only one way that we act with our patients’ best interest in mind. Schedule an appointment by calling 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.FullertonDental.com.