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.

Are You Flossing Correctly?

The doctors at Fullerton Dental like to see our patients maintain a great oral health routine at home, and the staff here likes to see patients set themselves up for a lifetime of good oral health.  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to help you floss effectively:

• ·        A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• ·        The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• ·        Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• ·        As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about oral hygiene and the services we provide, visit www.fullertondental.com for more information.  To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS, in Fullerton CA, 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. 

Signs and Symptoms of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of gum disease that causes irritation, redness and swelling (inflammation) of your gums. Because gingivitis can be mild, you may not be aware that you have the condition. However, it’s important to take gingivitis seriously and treat it promptly. If you suffer from Gingivitis, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. will provide you with an individualized treatment plan before it leads to periodontitis and eventual tooth loss.

Gingivitis – an inflammation of the gums – is the initial stage of gum disease and the easiest to treat. The direct cause of gingivitis is plaque – the soft, sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms constantly on teeth and gums. If the plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, it produces toxins that can irritate the gum tissue, causing gingivitis.

Classic signs and symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, tender gums that may bleed when you brush. Another sign of gum disease is gums that have receded or pulled away from your teeth, giving your teeth an elongated appearance. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease that can usually be reversed with daily brushing and flossing.

During a professional tooth cleaning, Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. will show you how to brush and floss properly to help prevent gingivitis from taking over. To learn more about dental hygiene visit www.fullertondental.com for more information or call 714-879-7943 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer, D.D.S. in Fullerton, CA.

The Effects of Bad Oral Hygiene

Keeping good care of our teeth is vital to keep them healthy. We brush and floss for this purpose. Dr. Eric M Meyer wants our patients in the Fullerton, CA area to know the importance of keeping healthy teeth and gums and what can go wrong if we do not take care of them.

Brushing two or three times daily as well as flossing once daily is important for removing plaque. Plaque is a bacterial film that starts to build up a few hours after brushing. Plaque is a thin substance, but can harden and turn to tartar if it is not removed. Tartar is a mineral deposit that can only be removed by dentists. Plaque and tartar both trap in bacteria. When bacteria sit on the teeth, it weakens the enamel and creates cavities, or decay of the tooth. When bacteria sit around the gums, it irritates them and can lead to infection. Gum disease is a long process to get rid of and if not taken seriously, can result in the loss of a tooth. When gums become irritated, they begin to recess from the teeth and create deep pockets where more bacteria can collect. This will start to decay the roots of the teeth. Along with loosing teeth, gum disease can cause pain, unsightly looks, and bad breath.

A proper routine of brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist will ensure healthy teeth and gums. To schedule a cleaning with Dr. Eric M Meyer here in Fullerton, CA, call us at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com.