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.

What is a Tooth Abscess?

If you don’t schedule regular dental checkups with Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS and practice good hygiene on a daily basis, you risk developing a tooth abscess. A tooth abscess is a complication of tooth decay that may result from trauma to the tooth, such as when a tooth is broken or chipped. The infection results in a collection of pus (dead tissue, live and dead bacteria, and white blood cells) and swelling of the tissues within the tooth. If you develop an abscess, the goals of treatment are to cure the infection, save the tooth, and prevent further complications.

The main symptom is a severe toothache that can cause continuous gnawing, sharp, and shooting pain. Other symptoms may include a bitter taste in the mouth, breath odor, pain when chewing and sensitivity to hot or cold food and beverages. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS will first closely look at your teeth, mouth, and gums. Dental X-rays and other tests may be performed to help him determine which tooth or teeth are causing the problem so that they can be saved immediately.

If you have swollen or inflamed gums, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.

Causes and Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

Do you experience pain while biting into an apple, eating an ice cream cone, or drinking beverages that are hot and cold? If you’ve answered yes to any of these issues then you likely have sensitive teeth. Sensitive teeth occur when your gums pull back and expose the surface beneath, called the dentin. This soft layer makes up the inner part and roots, which have thousands of tiny tubes that lead to the tooth’s nerve center (the pulp) and this is what causes you pain. Luckily, sensitive teeth are treatable and Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS will provide treatment depending on the cause of the sensitivity.

Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and expose the dentin. Tooth decay near the gum line, teeth grinding, and tooth whitening products can also cause discomfort of sensitive teeth. The good news is that you can control sensitive teeth by brushing and flossing regularly, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and incorporating an American Dental Association approved toothpaste into your dental routine on top of scheduling professional cleanings every six months. 

If you are experiencing tooth sensitivity, 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.

The Proper Flossing Technique

If you want to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime, then you should listen to Dr. Eric M Meyer, DDS when he tells you to floss. Most of us just use the thread to pick food out of our teeth, however, you’re supposed to use the tool at least twice a day to prevent tooth decay. If you notice a bit of blood in the sink when you brush and floss then you may have early signs of gingivitis. You can eliminate gingivitis by following this proper flossing technique, but don’t stop after one week!

• Wind 18 inches of floss around middle fingers of each hand. Pinch floss between thumbs and index fingers, leaving a one-to-two-inch length in between. Use thumbs to direct floss between upper teeth.


• Keep a one-to-two-inch length of floss controlled between fingers. Use index fingers to glide floss between contacts of the lower teeth.


• Gently guide floss between the teeth by using a zig-zag motion and be sure to contour floss around the side of the tooth.

If you would like to discuss your oral hygiene routine, 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.

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.

Pregnancy and Your Oral Health

Control of oral diseases in pregnant women has the potential to reduce the transmission of oral bacteria from mothers to their children, which is why maintaining healthy teeth and gums is especially important during this time. At Fullerton Dental, it’s important to visit us during pregnancy for checkups and cleanings, along with brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth once a day.

Women are more likely to develop gingivitis during pregnancy. Gingivitis is an infection of the gums that can cause swelling and tenderness. Left untreated, gingivitis can affect the supporting tissues that hold your teeth in place. Sometimes lumps may even develop along the gum line and between teeth. These swellings are harmless, but bleed easily and are characterized by a red surface. Although these growths are typically called “pregnancy tumors,” they are not cancerous and usually go away on their own after pregnancy. If you are pregnant, or suspect you are pregnant, it’s important to talk to your dentist about any concerns you may have about your dental treatment.

If you are an expectant mother, please notify us before your next appointment. 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.

Foods That Promote Healthy Teeth

Regular brushing and flossing help keep teeth healthy by getting rid of sugars and food particles that team up with bacteria to form plaque. However, to prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, what you eat and how often you eat are important factors. At Fullerton Dental, we love to see you at our office, but we care about you and encourage you to eat these fortifying foods for your teeth.

Cheese lovers can rejoice, because research studies have proven that eating cheese raises the pH level in the mouth and lowers the risk of tooth decay. Cheese also contains calcium and protein nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. Other phosphorus foods that are thought to protect tooth enamel by providing the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth include, chicken, nuts, and milk. Other food choices include firm/crunchy fruits (apples and pears) and vegetables (carrots and celery). These foods have a high water content, which dilutes the effects of the sugars they contain, and stimulate the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles and acid.

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.