Drink Water for Your Oral Health

Water is vital for us to survive, but did you know how much it plays a role in oral health? Those sugary beverages we consume may be tasty to wash down a meal with but they wreak havoc on the tooth enamel and gums. Water cleans your mouth with every sip, which is why Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS encourages all of his patients to stay hydrated if they want a healthy smile.

Drinking water that contains fluoride, also known as “nature’s cavity fighter” is one of the easiest things we can do to fight against cavities. This is because water washes away food particles that harvest bacteria. Though water dilutes the acids produced by these bacteria, you’ll still need to practice proper oral hygiene if you want to maintain a healthy smile. Aim for brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

If you have questions regarding how diet affects 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.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and destroys the bone that supports your teeth. If you’ve been told by Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS that you have gingivitis, periodontitis is what will happen if you’re gingivitis isn’t treated. Gingivitis is a mild inflammation of the gums, while periodontitis has the ability to result in tooth loss. Overall, periodontal disease is preventable and we encourage you to visit our office twice a year to keep your gums in tip-top shape.

With periodontitis, the gum and bone pull away from the teeth, forming large pockets. Bacteria such as plaque can linger in these pockets and infect the area. To avoid plaque from attacking your teeth, you simply have to maintain a proper oral hygiene routine. We recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you have swollen, puffy gums, and/or gums that bleed easily or are tender to touch, you should visit us for a dental exam as soon as possible. The sooner you seek care, the more likely you are to prevent invasive dental procedures in the future.

If you have questions or concerns about periodontitis, 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.

Cavity Prevention

At Fullerton Dental, Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS has a wide variety of filling materials to use when cavities arise. However, a cavity is a serious form of tooth decay that causes a hole in your tooth and he would rather you prevent them instead of accrue them. Combining all the steps in your oral hygiene routine to form a comprehensive regimen can make it easy to help prevent cavities.

Cavity treatment depends on how bad the cavity is, but to prevent them you can start by brushing your teeth after every meal, using dental floss daily and rinsing your mouth to prevent the formation of plaque. When foods with carbohydrates like bread, cereal, milk, soda, cake, or candy stay on your teeth they can lead to tooth decay because the bacteria in your mouth turn them into acids. The bacteria, acid, food debris, and your saliva combine to form plaque, which clings to the teeth. When left untreated, the acids in plaque dissolve the enamel, creating holes called cavities. It’s important to eat foods that increase saliva flow to reduce the acid.

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. For more information about oral health, as well as 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.

How to Start a Habit and Keep It

Having a great brushing and flossing routine is vital for oral health, though many find habits hard to stick to. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS of Fullerton, CA wants our patients to know how to start a habit and keep it for the sake of great oral health.

Starting habits is about taking small steps, being persistent, and being realistic. When first starting a new habit (like flossing every day or brushing three times per day), take baby steps. For instance, floss only three teeth the first day. The next day floss four, then the next day floss six, and so on. Since only flossing three teeth is such a small task, it’s almost silly to skip it. Also, once you start actually doing the task, you will find it much easier to continue on to flossing your whole mouth. If you come across a day where you really do not feel like flossing, remember to be persistent. Once you skip one day, it is much easier to fall back on skipping more days.

Another tip that helps you keep your habit is by writing a reminder down somewhere you will see it. A post-it note on your bathroom mirror will work great! Or you can place your supplies out where you will see them every day.

Share your new habit goal with friends or family so that you have someone that will be taking notice if you are keeping up with it. This puts a little more pressure on your to keep at it. To schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS in our Fullerton, CA office, call us at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Health Benefits of Straight Teeth

Straight teeth are an obvious aesthetic improvement for a smile. However, did you know that straight teeth also offer numerous health benefits? Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS of Fullerton, CA wants his patients to understand how straightening their teeth will affect their oral health and the health of the rest of their body.

Teeth that are too crowded, spaced awkwardly, or too gapped often create hiding places for debris and bacteria. Even with routine brushing and flossing, these spaces can be missed, leading to an accumulation of bacteria. When bacteria become trapped and sit on teeth and gums for a long time, it can lead to gum disease and cavities. Gum disease can lead to infection which is dangerous for your overall health. In addition, tight spaces and gaps can also lead to more injury to the gums. While biting, chewing, and cleaning your teeth, the gums that are left more open due to gaps are more vulnerable to being poked, scraped, or cut. When teeth are aligned properly, it protects the gums and allows the gums to properly protect the teeth.

Straight teeth also decrease risk of injury and wear. Abnormal tooth wear can happen when teeth rub together in a way that they shouldn’t. This can lead to worn down tooth enamel, cavities, and damage. Awkwardly positioned teeth can also break or cut your cheeks, lips, or tongue when hit from an outside force.

Straight teeth allow your teeth and gums to be cleaned properly and be well-protected. Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS offers Invisalign to straighten teeth in our Fullerton, CA dental office. To schedule an appointment, call our office at (714) 879-7943 or visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

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.