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Do You Know Why You Snore? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Everyone wants a good night’s sleep. Not only is being tired a reason for a bad day, but if it is becoming commonplace, it may be a result of bigger issues. Because nothing feels better than waking up completely refreshed and ready to start the day. If you snore, getting a good night’s sleep isn’t as easy as just closing your eyes. Even worse, if you have a loved one that snores, and it affects your sleep, this may become cause for contention in the morning hours. While snoring doesn’t seem to be a tremendous cause for concern, understanding why you snore can help figure out the best way to treat it. Let’s take a look at possible reasons you may be snoring at night:

Obesity. One of the main causes for snoring could be a weight issue. When carrying around extra weight, the excess weight is putting pressure on your neck and causing an obstruction to your air flow while you sleep, causing you to snore. Losing some of the extra weight will help alleviate this issue.

Allergies. Because the typical medication for allergies is an antihistamine, and it relaxes the muscles in your throat, many allergy sufferers start to snore due to the blocked airway from the relaxed muscles.

Alcohol and sleeping pills. Similar to the allergy sufferers, because alcohol and sleeping pills relax your muscles, taking these before bedtime may cause you to snore.

Anatomy. Sometimes there isn’t anything you can do about your snoring habits – it’s just part of your anatomy. Issues like a deviated septum, enlarged tonsils or even a broken nose can block the air passages needed to breathe freely as you sleep.

If you would like more information on snoring, 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.

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Sports Injuries and the Dentist | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There are lots of sports that can cause injury. In fact, most sports can injury an athlete in some way, but it is important to know what to do when a dental emergency arises on the playing field. For example, many hockey players consider a lost tooth a badge of honor, but it is possible to reimplant a knocked-out adult tooth. Unfortunately, this is considered a dental emergency and needs to be addressed immediately if you want to save your tooth. A severed root experiences damage to blood vessels and tissue, but the ligaments connecting the tooth to the bone can be re-formed.

Assuming you can find the tooth, avoid scraping off any dirt particles, as you risk damaging the root further. Instead, rinse it gently with a saline solution while carefully handling it by the crown. If possible, place the tooth back in its original socket, or store it in a small container with saline or milk. Milk—containing proteins, sugar, and antibacterial substances—provides the ideal environment for a lost tooth. As an added bonus, the sugars in milk help feed cells, which need to remain alive and growing in the short term.

Don’t have access to any of the above? Don’t panic. Your cheek will work well for storage in the interim; just be careful not to swallow your precious cargo.

Placing pressure on the gums will also help to reduce the bleeding and pain as you are en route to the dentist. Depending on the damage, a successful reimplanted tooth can heal significantly in three to four weeks and become fully repaired within two months. And remember, mouth guards are a great way to keep your teeth in tact on the field.

If you would like more information about dental emergencies, 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.

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Dental Needs as We Age | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

As soon as we get our first teeth, we begin a daily dental routine that is necessary in order to perpetuate good dental health. Brushing, flossing and rinsing at least twice a day becomes old hat as we go through life. Once we get all of our permanent teeth in, it is our job to take care of them. The better we treat them, the longer we get to keep them. But as we get older, we begin to develop other issues that influence the way we take care of ourselves. Things begin breaking down and for some patients, they begin to give the effort they once did to their dental needs. But it doesn’t need to be this way. You can have your teeth as long as possible if you put in the work. As you progress into your later years, keep these tips in mind to ensure your smile remains just as lovely as ever:

Some things never change. It doesn’t matter what age you are, your daily dental routine shouldn’t change. If you find it difficult to manually brush your teeth, try an electric option.

Sensitive teeth are natural. If you find that your teeth have become sensitive to hot and cold foods, try switching your toothpaste to a more tooth-sensitive variety.

Your mouth can say more than words. Not only can your mouth affect other health issues, but the reverse is also true. Talk to your dentist about any health issues you have. Some conditions and/or medications can cause oral health issues.

There’s no lost and found for teeth. If you have lost a tooth, or have any loose, visit your dentist asap. There are dentures and other dental implants that can replace the problem and improve your smile.

If you would like more information about dental issues, 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.

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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.

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Dentures: Working Through the Pain | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It may not be necessary for everyone to get dentures, but it is a common development for many. Unfortunately, when we have something change in our lives or our bodies, it takes some time to adjust. Having to wear dentures is no different – at first, your mouth will feel sore until your mouth gets used to the foreign object in our mouth. Until that day comes, you may need some pain relief to get through the tougher moments. Here is a list of some common oral pain aids, from natural to over-the-counter:

Topical gel or cream. One of the quickest ways to relieve gum pain is to apply a topical gel or cream. Millions of teething babies can’t be wrong.

Saltwater rinse. For the easiest way to reduce inflamed gums pain, remove the dentures, mix ½ to 1 tsp. of salt with a glass of warm water and rinse for about 30 seconds.

Aloe vera. If you find your gums feel a bit irritated, rub some aloe vera on the area to soothe them.

Massage. A quick, gentle massage to your gums will also help when in a pinch.

Over-the-counter pain relievers. Everyone has some type of headache relief available. If you find your gums are beginning to give you headaches, try taking some ibuprofen.

Denture adhesive. Loose dentures will begin to move and disturb other areas of your teeth. Try using a denture adhesive to help them stay in place.

Taking your dentures out at night will help relieve some pain your gums are experiencing as you are adjusting to wearing your dentures all day long. But if you find that after some time, your dentures may be ill-fitting, contact your dentist as soon as possible.

If you would like more information about adjusting to dentures, 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.

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What You Need to Know About Oil Pulling | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Trends will come and go but the good ones will stick around for eons. One of the latest trends has been oil pulling. But oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice with more health benefits than one would think, especially your oral health.

Oil pulling is basically swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes. The oil then detoxes your mouth and as you continue to do it daily, it continues to improve various health issues. Just take a look at the list:

Full detox. The problem with bacteria is that it loves dark damp places, so the mouth is a great place for it to move in and set up camp. The longer it lingers, the more damage and disease it can leave on your body.

Better than aspirin. Oil pulling is great to help those that suffer from regular headaches or migraines you’ve gotten from toxins.

Hormonal changes. As the toxins are diminished, your body can focus on other things as it continues to improve your health.

Fresh breath. One of the reasons one has bad breath is because of bacteria build-up in the mouth. Since the oil rids your mouth of bacteria, it simultaneously rids it of your halitosis.

Pearly whites. Oil pulling is one way to naturally whiten your teeth at home.

No more plaque. Plaque is the beginnings of periodontal disease, oil pulling helps detoxify your mouth by reducing the harmful bacteria that leads to plaque build-up.

Bleeding gums are a thing of the past. Oil pulling helps reduce the swelling as it heals your bleeding gums and reversing gingivitis.

If you would like more information about oil pulling, 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.

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In Case of Emergency | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It may feel like things are really up in the air, but it doesn’t need to be a time to lose control of our everyday lives. There are still some things that we have some control over and keeping these things in our daily routines will not only reduce some stress but will also give us a sense of control in an out-of-control world. Here are some quick tips to keeping you, and your smile, healthy:

Brush twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. If you’d like a more thorough cleaning, consider an electric version. Brush for at least 2 minutes, in gentle circular motions so as not to irritate your gums.

Floss daily. Use 18” worth of floss and make sure that you are using a clean area between teeth to prevent the spreading of any infections you may already have. Check your floss between teeth for any blood, or scent that may indicate a more serious issue.

Choose a natural mouthwash. Mouthwash loosens any debris, making your mouth cleaner than by merely brushing. Instead of using a mouthwash that contains alcohol, which dehydrates your mouth, preventing saliva production, choose a more natural variety.

In case of emergency. We all know they happen out of the blue, and unfortunately, the dentist isn’t as accessible. If a toothache arises, try gargling with warm saltwater, a cold compress and some over-the-counter pain relievers, like ibuprofen. If the tooth is broken, loose or missing, contact your dentist for advice because it will likely need to be looked at. Loose teeth can be stabilized with gauze. If knocked out, rinse with cold water or milk and make sure not to touch the root.

If you would like more information about dental care, 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.

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When It’s Time for a Makeover | Rancho Santa Margarita

Problems with your smile? In this superficial day and age, having crooked teeth is more of an issue than it really should be. As an adolescent, you get teased and may not get a lot of dates, so it can turn out to be a tough road to travel when compounded with the typical growing pains. As an adult, having problems with your smile has a certain stigma, but it isn’t quite as traumatizing as those adolescent years.

How do we get these pretty smiles? Having a good daily dental regime and regular checkups is the obvious start. After all, it all starts at home. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and a quick mouthwash rinse is a great way to keep dental issues at bay. Keeping a healthy diet free from lots of sugars and teeth-staining foods/drinks will also keep your teeth white and cavity-free. In fact, there are lots of foods that can actually help clean your teeth while you eat! Foods like apples, oranges, strawberries, broccoli, and celery naturally clean your teeth while you eat them. Dairy foods help teeth out with calcium-strengthening goodness. Can’t go wrong with that!

But what about those of us that have healthy teeth, but aren’t exactly the straightest? Or perhaps it’s more of an issue to fix your less than perfect grin. Don’t worry. No matter who is in need of a perfect set of pearly whites, there are tons of options on the market you can go with. If you are looking to complete your smile makeover, make an appointment as soon as possible to discuss a treatment plan.

If you would like more information about smile makeovers, 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.

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Why You Need Straight Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know a perfect smile isn’t something we are all born with, so we look to our dental professionals to do their best to make improvements to the smile we are born with. And while some imperfections are natural, it is important that we fix certain smile imperfections because they can cause adverse effects down the line.

Sure, having straight teeth is physically appealing. But there are more reasons to get the straightest teeth possible – function. If you have straight teeth, it is easier to chew up your food properly, which in turn aids in proper digestion. Misaligned teeth cause your bite to be irregular, which makes chewing difficult but easier for food to get trapped in crevices. They will also make it more difficult to properly clean, which will cause issues like gum disease in the future. Even your speech is affected by crooked teeth. Speech impediments, like lisps, not only affect the way you speak, but can also affect your confidence throughout life. If you lead an active lifestyle, protruding teeth are more susceptible to injury and it may be difficult to find a proper mouthguard.

Straight teeth will not only look great, but they will also help mentally by boosting your confidence and self-esteem. After all, the prettier your smile is, the more you will want to show it off. If you’re happy, you treat yourself well. You treat yourself better, your overall health will improve. So, make an appointment with your dentist to discuss a treatment plan.

If you would like more information about straightening your teeth, 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.

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Why It’s a Good Idea to Get Your Teeth Fixed | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

No one wants to have a flawed smile, but most of us don’t have the luxury of having that magical Hollywood smile. Our smiles could be crooked or slightly dingy, but there is something to be said about missing teeth. While there are many reasons that we may have lost a tooth, thankfully due to modern dentistry, proper dental treatments can replace your missing teeth while improving your confidence and smile. Before you choose which dental treatment to replace missing teeth, take a look at the benefits of the dental implant:

Cost-effective. If taken of care of properly, dental implants can last many years. The crown may have to be replaced every 10-15 years due to normal wear and tear, but the implant itself is permanent. Dental bridges can last up to 10 year or more by practicing proper oral hygiene.

Long-term oral health. Bone and tissues loss occur underneath dental bridges where the tooth was missing or extracted, which can cause the remaining teeth to become unstable. Dental implants are the only dental restorations that simulate bone growth, which preserves both the bone and gums.

Oral hygiene. Using a specific type of floss and other dental tools are required to clean underneath the dental bridge and to keep them free of plaque. Dental implants require excellent oral hygiene but can be brushed and flossed just like natural teeth.

Appearance. While modern bridges look natural, as the bone and gum tissue are lost over time, gaps can form underneath the dental appliance. Dental implants deliver the high-quality aesthetic results. The crown arises through the top of your gums in the same way a natural tooth would.

If you would like more information about dental implants, 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.