Smile-Friendly vs. Smile-Challenging Foods
When you were growing up as a child, you surely heard statements from concerned friends and family: “Beware of eating candy, it can rot your teeth!” Were these warnings based on truth or were they an old wives’ tale? Candy – can definitely be “smile-challenging,” especially the sticky, hard stuff.…
Do Crooked Teeth Cause Tooth Decay?
There are a lot of misconceptions about crooked teeth. Some people believe that they’re “not a big deal” and that they’re “merely cosmetic.” In reality, crooked teeth can lead to a host of negative problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, self-consciousness about one’s appearance, and an increased risk of breaking a…
How Can I Keep My Teeth White?
These days, our society places a lot of importance on a beautiful smile and who can blame us? With advances in modern dentistry, we know more about protecting our oral health and our smile than ever before. If you’re like a lot of people, you’ve noticed how the focus on…
After the Dental Procedure
When you have dental work performed, you may think you’re done; when you walk out the dentist’s door, you’re good to go. However, aftercare treatment is a critical part of the healing process. Proper aftercare is necessary to ensure you achieve the desired results of your procedure. Here’s what you need to…
Does Sugar-Free Gum Prevent Tooth Decay?
You’re on the road for work or otherwise “away from the office” and around lunchtime you grab a bite to eat. You don’t have a toothbrush on hand so after lunch you: rinse your mouth out, floss, and grab a piece of sugar-free chewing gum. You’re thinking, “I’m doing the…
Cavities? Maybe It’s Genetic
Sue and John are a married couple. Sue does not eat sugar or drink soda, but she does brush her teeth three times a day and floss every night. John on the other hand, can’t kick his soda habit. Every morning on the way to work, he hits the gas…
Understanding Dental Emergencies
Like an emergency room, patients come to us with all kinds of dental emergencies. Some of them have crazy stories behind them, while others are less exciting. For example, a fair number of dental emergencies are linked to sport injuries. “Little Johnny got his tooth knocked out during karate class,”…
Is it Safe to Have Dental Work During Pregnancy?
Our pregnant patients often as us, “Is it safe to have dental work during pregnancy?” As far as dental cleanings and annual exams are concerned, those are perfectly safe to have during pregnancy. In fact, we recommend having them done specifically because of the way hormonal changes affect the gums…
Do Fillings Last Indefinitely?
If all of a sudden you noticed an unsightly hole in a tooth where there used to be a filling, you may wonder, “How long does a filling last?” This is a very good question and surprisingly, it does not come up often, but it should. Our guess is that…
Understanding Root Canals
Are you concerned that you may need a root canal? If so, you have plenty of company. According to the American Association of Endodontists, “Millions of teeth are treated and saved each year with root canal, or endodontic treatment.” Endodontic treatment addresses issues inside the tooth (the part that contains…
Tips for Preventing Plaque Buildup
In the past, it was popular belief that it was normal to lose your teeth with age, but now scientific research and modern dentistry have discovered that tooth loss isn’t an inevitable result of old age. In truth, when we take proper care of our teeth and gums, and see our dentist…
4 Causes of Tooth Decay
As you probably already know, cavities are one of the most common dental problems experienced by children and adults alike. If left unchecked, cavities can lead to significant pain and tooth deterioration – both undesirable situations. Despite the unwanted consequences of cavities, the good news is that you can easily…
Tips on Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Are you considering a tooth whitening procedure? If so, we’ll tell you right now that you will be absolutely thrilled with the results! Dr. Mark Weitzman D.D.S. has extensive experience in cosmetic dentistry and can listen to your cosmetic goals and explain the teeth whitening options available. Whether you’ve been receiving whitening treatments for…
Should I Brush My Older Child’s Teeth?
As a parent, brushing your toddler’s teeth can be a big milestone. It can be both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time. Some youngsters are eager to be just like “Mom” and “Dad” and can’t wait to brush their teeth, while others will put up a fight initially. Often,…
Tips for Choosing the Right Toothbrush
It is no secret that brushing twice a day can play a vital role in maintaining good oral hygiene. However, a walk down the dental care aisle of your average market can present an overwhelming number of choices. Electric or manual? Soft or medium? Large or small? With so many…
Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy During the Holidays
The holiday season invites a wide range of cookies, candies, and other sugary treats kids will snack on, but eating an excess of sugar can take its toll on their teeth. According to studies done by the American Dental Association (ADA), the naturally occurring and forming bacteria that forms in…
Tips for Keeping Your Teeth Clean this Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is often seen as a kickoff to start the holiday season – it’s a time to spend with family and eat feasts full of holiday cuisine. In the hustle and bustle of the season, however, many individuals find themselves slacking on their dental care and oral hygiene. In this…
Common Causes of Teeth Grinding
While the exact cause behind teeth grinding is difficult to pinpoint, experts in the dental profession have reason to believe that teeth grinding, often referred to as bruxism, is often related to a greater cause or sleep disorder. Common symptoms of teeth grinding can include headaches, tooth fractures, jaw soreness, and painful…
Preparing for a Tooth Extraction
When fillings and root canals are unable to fix broken or severely decayed teeth, your only option may be to undergo a dental extraction. Even in cases where your teeth are intact and healthy, extractions may be used to remove wisdom teeth that may cause a shift in the rest of…
What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?
Cracked tooth syndrome, or CTS, can be one of the hardest conditions to diagnose – teeth suffering from CTS usually have fractures that are much too small to be seen on X-rays. In some cases, the fracture is underneath the gum line which is extremely difficult to spot. Individuals who…
Easing Dental Anxiety
If you find yourself feeling anxiety over an upcoming dentist appointment, you’re not alone. In fact, according to research done by Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, between 30 million to 40 million Americans avoid routine dentist appointments because of their fear. Those who suffer from the phobia are completely…
Treating Periodontal Disease
According to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, at least half of Americans suffer from periodontal disease, more commonly referred to as “gum disease.” Those who suffer from gum disease usually experience chronic inflammation, which weakens the gum tissue and bones supporting the teeth. If left untreated, gum disease…
What To Do About Bleeding Gums
There are a number of factors that can cause gums to bleed, including gingivitis and pregnancy side effects. A small amount of blood here and there may not seem like cause for concern, but if your gums are continuously bleeding, there are some solutions you can implement in your day-to-day…
Top 5 Ways To Prevent Cavities
1. Brush For At Least 2 Minutes Most people brush twice a day, but many do not even realize that they aren’t brushing long enough. A 1998 study found that “there is a consistent difference in the time that patients believe they brush, and the time they actually spend brushing.”…
Tips for Making Flossing Part of Your Routine
It’s the question that most of us dread answering at the dentist’s office: “have you been flossing?” If you’re like most Americans, the answer to that question is no—at least not regularly. While most dental patients are well-aware of the health benefits of flossing, few of them actually incorporate it…
5 Advantages of Dental Crowns
There are a huge number of factors that can negatively impact the strength, function, and aesthetics of your teeth over time. Dental crowns are an effective long-term option to restore your teeth to their original natural smile, or even to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. While there…
The 5 Worst Foods For Your Teeth
Your diet can play a big role your overall health, and can also impact the health of your teeth. While many of the foods listed here are fine in moderation, overconsumption or poor hygiene habits can lead to cavities and more serious problems. In this blog, we explore five foods…
Crown Lengthening Procedures
What Is Crown Lengthening? Crown lengthening is a common surgical procedure that is used to remove gum tissue, bone, or both in order to expose more of a tooth or teeth. During crown lengthening, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped, allowing for more of the natural tooth to be…
5 Ways To Make Your Child’s Dentist Visit Easier
1. Bring Your Child to Your Dentist Appointments One great way to alleviate the anxiety kids feel before their dentist visits is to take them to yours! Provided you’re typically a calm dental patient, seeing you in the chair can reassure your child that there is nothing to worry about,…
Understanding the Different Types of Dental Fillings
Although the idea of getting a filling doesn’t leave many patients excited, modern dentistry has made the process easier, quicker, and more pain free than ever before. Furthermore, many scientific advancements have been made which allow our patients to have stronger, natural-looking, and longer-lasting fillings. In this blog, our Ventura…
Is Grinding My Teeth at Night Really That Bad?
It’s been estimated that as many as 96% of adults experience tooth grinding at some point in their life. For most of these people, the grinding (bruxism) goes unnoticed because it occurs at night. Bruxism has a reputation as a damaging and permanently harmful habit, and there are a number…
When’s the Last Time You Had a Deep Teeth Cleaning?
Can you remember the last time you had a teeth cleaning? If not, it may be time to visit the dentist. Most dentists recommend that you come in for a routine teeth cleaning about every six months, as this can help to prevent conditions like gingivitis or gum disease. If plaque and…
Who Would Be a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Have you always wanted a perfectly straight, bright white smile? If so, porcelain veneers may be the cosmetic solution that you are looking for. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic that can be attached to the front surface of your teeth for immediate results. The procedure itself is virtually painless,…
Root Canals: What to Expect Before & After the Procedure
If you have been told that you need a root canal, you are undoubtedly a little nervous about the procedure ahead. This procedure is done to save a badly decayed or infected tooth by removing the pulp from the center of the tooth and filling the cavity that is left…
Keep Your Teeth White by Avoiding These Five Foods
Sometimes, maintaining a white, healthy smile can seem like a full-time job. No matter how much you brush your teeth or how many whitening procedures you get, whitening can start to fade if you continue to eat certain foods. If you are looking for ways to keep your smile bright,…