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.

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.

The Dangers of Dental Plaque

Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates (sugars and starches), such as milk, soft drinks and candy are frequently left on the teeth. Bacteria that live in the mouth thrive on these foods, producing acids as a result which can destroy tooth enamel over a period of time. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth on a regular basis, this plaque can mineralize and turn into tartar which only Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS will be able to remove.

If left untreated, plaque buildup can lead to gum disease (gingivitis) which causes the gums to be swollen and inflamed. They can also bleed and if this progresses, severe periodontal disease (periodontitis) can develop. This happens when the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth, allowing the bacteria to destroy the underlying bone supporting the teeth. To keep plaque under control schedule professional cleanings on a regular basis in addition to brushing and flossing.

If you have questions about plaque and oral hygiene, give us a call. To learn more about oral health, as well as 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.

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.

A Healthy Smile is a Beautiful Smile with Dr. Eric Meyer

Regular checkups and dental cleanings are a part of any good oral hygiene routine, and at our office in Fullerton, CA, we provide dental care services of the highest quality to ensure that our patients’ smiles stay healthy year after year.

Plaque is a soft and sticky film of bacteria that can build up on your teeth despite regular brushing and flossing. Because teeth are constantly bathed in saliva, which contains calcium and other substances to strengthen and protect teeth, tartar or calcium deposits can also build up over time. Dental cleanings work to remove both plaque and tartar from the teeth. If it is not removed and is allowed to accumulate, bacteria will be provided a perfect environment and thrive on the gums and teeth, which can cause cavities, infection and gum disease.

While good for maintaining oral health between dentist visits, at-home brushing and cleaning are not enough to make sure teeth stay clean; regular dental cleanings are required. At our office, we can clean and polish your teeth, leaving the surface clean and smooth. The smoother the teeth, the more difficult it is for bacteria to stick to them and the more effective at-home brushing will be.

We recommend checkups and dental cleanings every six months for optimum oral health. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Meyer, call 714.879.7943. For more information, visit www.fullertondental.com.