Oral Health: Myths and Misconceptions | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

With so much information about oral care practices online, we felt it was important to demystify some of the most common dental myths and misconceptions we hear and offer advice on how to move forward.

Myth 1. Brush Harder To Clean Better

This action is counter-productive, as excess pressure on your teeth can work to damage enamel rather than support it. Hard brushing also hurts our gums and can lead to a recessed gum lining over time. We recommend taking care to brush gently with a soft-bristle brush.

Myth 2. You Can Clean Your Teeth With Gum

Chewing gum is certainly not a replacement for brushing. Chewing gum can be a great way to combat sugar cravings or a candy habit, but while it makes your breath smell better, it cannot replace the benefits of brushing.

Myth 3. Don’t Brush Baby Teeth

Good oral care practices begin when we are young and proper oral care for a child’s first set of teeth matters. Tooth decay in a baby tooth can lead to complications as an adult, so we recommend a twice-daily brushing routine as soon as the child has teeth.

Myth 4. Sugar Equals Cavities

Sugar itself is not the cause of cavities, though the bacteria that eat the sugar can be. The starches and sugar themselves attract bacteria that thrive on the surface of your teeth and release an acidic compound that promotes tooth decay. Regular brushing and rinsing after eating particular sugary foods will go a long way toward preventing decay.

Myth 5. Sensitivity Means Enamel Loss

We may experience sensitivity for many reasons, and enamel loss doesn’t happen overnight. Tooth grinding, abrasive toothpaste, aggressive brushing, and lack of regular proper oral hygiene all contribute to both sensitivity and a loss of enamel. Should you lose your enamel, however, you will likely experience tooth sensitivity as well.

If you would like more information, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

Signs and Symptoms: Cavities Edition | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know that a dentist is the expert on all things oral. But there are times when you may feel a sharp pain or a twinge when you eat or drink something hot or cold. While this could be a couple of things, it could be that you’ve developed a cavity. It’s time to make a dental appointment to find out for sure. Because if this is the case, you will likely need a filling.

I know you may feel a bit skittish about this, but it is important that you remedy the situation. If left untreated, it can progress into more severe dental issues, so it is important to keep an eye on your smile and any changes that may be developing. So, if you notice any of the following signs, dental fillings will likely be a solution:

  • A dark spot or hole in your tooth
  • A chipped tooth
  • A rough tooth
  • If floss is tearing in a particular location between your teeth

If your dentist finds that a filling is necessary, you will be presented with a few options, including amalgam, composite and ionomers. Amalgam fillings are very durable, easy to use, and inexpensive when compared to other materials and usually used for molars. Composite fillings are made out of a mixture of glass or quartz and resin, producing a tooth-colored filling. Composite fillings are durable and provide good resistance against fracture in small to medium restorations but tend to stain and discolor over time. Ionomers, on the other hand, are made out of a mixture of acrylic acids and fine glass powders used to fill cavities on the root surfaces of teeth or in small fillings that do not require any chewing resistance.

If you would like more information on dental fillings, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

What Are the Benefits of Swishing Daily with an Oral Rinse? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

In order to have the healthiest mouth possible, daily steps need to be done. Brushing, flossing and rinsing each day will not only keep your smile bright, but healthy as can be. We all know what brushing and flossing does, but what exactly is the role of mouthwash? Let’s take a look at the benefits of swishing a bit of mouthwash each day:

Freshens breath. First and most obviously, mouthwash temporarily reduces bad breath. Mouthwash kills bacteria associated with causing bad breath leaving you with minty fresh breath.

Prevents plaque build-up. Various mouthwashes help prevent plaque build-up on your gums, in-between teeth, and on the surface of your teeth. Although it prevents the build-up of plague, it cannot reduce the plaque that already exists on your teeth.

Removes particles. Most people use mouthwash only after brushing. This is a perfectly fine practice but used before before brushing to rinse out loose particles in your mouth will make the brushing and flossing more effective.

Stop cavities from forming. Regular use of mouthwash before and after you brush and floss, you can reduce the chances of cavities forming. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride can prevent cavities and strengthen your enamel. Remember, not all mouthwashes contain fluoride. (Source: WebMD)

Mouthwash is not a substitute for brushing and flossing and should be used along with good oral health habits. It only takes a moment to rinse but the positive impact on your oral health is much greater. With rinsing daily you can successfully navigate around dental problems.

If you would like more information on oral rinses, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

Halloween Dental Tips for Your Trick-or-Treaters | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Well, we’ve made it back to yet another Halloween night. And while this night is the spookiest of all, it is the days following that are the spookiest for your dentist. Because we want to keep our little smiles healthy and happy, it is time to start to have some handy tips to the trick-or-treat rewards – the candy. Because this is a favorite time of year for your tiny monsters – no need to spoil it with strict rules.

Use Halloween as a way to teach children about moderation. By teaching children to eat sweets in moderation, it is easier to carry it over into your day-to-day lives. After all, Halloween isn’t the only time of year where treats are abundant. Allow your children to choose what they want, but set a limit on the number of pieces, and remove the extras – they can be saved for a future day, frozen for later, thrown away, or donated.

It is also important to know that the effect of sugar is not instant. If children eat candy for a short time period, and then brush their teeth a short time later, the impact of the sugar is fairly minimal. Set a certain amount of time for children to enjoy their Halloween candy, like after school or for dessert. This allows them to prioritize their candy enjoyment, minimize the chances that they’ll consume far too much, and help prevent cavities.

When it comes to brushing, realize that children don’t care about dental health; it’s our job to stimulate their interest. Try swapping a traditional toothbrush for fun one or cranking on a favorite tune and turn it into a family affair. Happy Halloween!

If you would like more information on Halloween dental tips, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

Get an Opulent Smile with the Opalescence Whitening System | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

37 million Americans used over-the-counter whitening systems, and that doesn’t count the professional procedures. Because let’s face it – we all want to have the prettiest smile we can possibly have and will try loads of options to improve their smile. Now, there are many methods available on the market, but whitening systems have promised results that didn’t happen. The best way to help your stained discolored teeth is with one of the easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures – professional tooth whitening.

Many factors can have an effect on your pearly whites. Our diets, bad habits like smoking and other factors can tinge our smiles over time. A professional tooth whitening is an affordable and effective way to combat common causes of tooth discoloration while boosting your self-confidence and improving your appearance.

Opalescence is a tooth whitening system designed to brighten your smile with a customizable system designed to fit all of your particular needs. This makes it stronger and more effective than over-the-counter counterparts. Your dentist will supervise your treatment from initial consultation through completion, so you don’t have to worry. The special whitening gel will also help improve your oral health by strengthening tooth enamel, decreasing sensitivity, and preventing cavities.

Because it is custom-fit to you, Opalescence Take Home Whitening Gels are available in varying strengths, depending on your dental needs. The greatest part about it? You can see actual results after just one night*. Your dentist will create your personal trays from a basic impression of your mouth. It’s just that easy.

*Results may vary and can take up to a week before you experience noticeable changes.

If you would like more information on Opalescence Whitening, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Greg J. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

Hide Your Cavities with Tooth-Colored Fillings | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know how to prevent cavities – you try to avoid too much sugar, you practice proper dental hygiene techniques on a daily basis and visit your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, there are times when things slip thru the cracks and your dentist reveals you’ve got yourself a cavity. Oh no! Now everyone will know you didn’t take care of your teeth! Not so fast…

In the past, our dental restorations were composed of metallic materials, making your dental fixes obvious to everyone. And since everyone has a selfie ready to go, having metallic fillings aren’t exactly ideal. But thanks to the advanced technology, your fillings can be as natural-looking as your real teeth.

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-sized fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth, making them a fantastic option for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam or gold fillings, due to their cosmetic look. Need more reason to choose them? Here are the advantages:

  • Eliminates unnatural, traditional metal fillings
  • Diminishes discoloration caused by metal fillings
  • Prevents tooth decay and gum diseases
  • Strengthens your teeth
  • Undetectable to others; matches the exact shade of your teeth

If you would like more information about tooth-colored fillings, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

No One Needs to Know You Had a Cavity | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know how to prevent cavities – you try to avoid too much sugar, you practice proper dental hygiene techniques on a daily basis and visit your dentist regularly. Unfortunately, there are times when things slip thru the cracks and your dentist reveals you’ve got yourself a cavity. Oh no! Now everyone will know you didn’t take care of your teeth! Not so fast…

In the past, our dental restorations were composed of metallic materials, making your dental fixes obvious to everyone. And since everyone has a selfie ready to go, having metallic fillings aren’t exactly ideal. But thanks to the advanced technology, your fillings can be as natural-looking as your real teeth.

Composite resins, or tooth-colored fillings, provide good durability and resistance to fracture in small to mid-sized fillings that need to withstand moderate pressure from the constant stress of chewing. They can be used on either front or back teeth, making them a fantastic option for people who prefer that their fillings look more natural.

It generally takes longer to place a composite filling than it does for a metal filling because composite fillings require the tooth be kept clean and dry while the cavity is being filled. Tooth-colored fillings are now used more often than amalgam or gold fillings, due to their cosmetic look. Need more reason to choose them? Here are the advantages:

  • Eliminates unnatural, traditional metal fillings
  • Diminishes discoloration caused by metal fillings
  • Prevents tooth decay and gum diseases
  • Strengthens your teeth
  • Undetectable to others; matches the exact shade of your teeth

If you would like more information about tooth-colored fillings, call Dr. Greg J. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.

Summers Are Sweet, Take Care of Your Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Whether you have a sweet tooth or not, candy, in some form or fashion, has infused its way into our lives by surrounding us during holidays and fun events in our lives. We love candy so much, June is National Candy Month. The problem is, candy isn’t exactly the best for our teeth because sugar is a cavity’s best friend. The more we eat, the more chances those cavity creeps have to damage our teeth. But there is hope, because not all candy was created equal.

So, in honor of this sweetest of months, let’s take a look at some of the candy that is better for our teeth than others. There’s no reason we can’t celebrate this yummy time of year; just remember to keep up with your daily dental routine:

Dark chocolate. Don’t worry, chocoholics – you have an option to satisfy that craving because dark chocolate is surprisingly good for our teeth. Several studies have shown that chocolate has a compound that actually hardens enamel and fights plaque, making this sweet option even better at fighting cavities than fluoride.

Candy bars with nuts. This may sound odd, but nuts found in candy bars can help break up all the stickiness in the candy bar that clings to our teeth after we’ve finished, making it easy for cavities to form. It also gives us a quick burst of protein and fiber.

Sugarless gum/candy. This one may sound like the most obvious choice, and that’s because it is true. Cavity-causing bacteria love sugar, so if your candy doesn’t have any, no harm. So, choosing a sugarless sweet is great.

If you would like more information about the effects of candy on your teeth, call Dr. Herd in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA at 949-858-5147 or visit www.gregherddds.com.

Dr. Herd proudly serves Rancho Santa Margarita and all surrounding areas.