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What to Eat While You’re Teeth Are Adjusting | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

When you decide to straighten your teeth, your life changes a bit. Nothing permanent, but some of your day-to-day activities will adjust a bit, especially when you have traditional braces. The way you brush your teeth, the way you eat, even your speech can change a bit while you are adjusting your teeth. Before you get too nervous, there is a very good reason for it. Because brackets are attached to your teeth using a basic dental cement, eating foods that are extra hard or sticky can cause the brackets to pop off, which will mean an unexpected dental visit for repair and delaying your treatment. And yes, they are made of metal, but they can be damaged by eating the wrong foods. Not only that, but food that cannot be cleaned off braces with a simple brushing and flossing may lead to discoloration and decay of your teeth. The good thing is, if you stay on task, your experience will go smoothly, and no issues should arise during your orthodontic experience. So, here is a list to keep on the fridge while you are wearing braces:

  • No gum, sugarless or otherwise
  • Chewy foods like bagels, hard rolls and licorice
  • Crunchy foods, such as popcorn, ice and chips
  • Sticky foods, including caramels, taffy and gum
  • Hard foods like nuts are healthy but can break your teeth like hard candy
  • Crispy foods you bite into, like corn on the cob, apples or carrots
  • Also, avoid biting into non-food items, such as nail-biting and pencil-chewing habits

If you would like more information on eating with braces, 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.

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Treat Your Smile to a Piece of Candy | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

During these hot summer days, nothing beats a sweet treat. After all, popping in a piece of candy is an easy way to satisfy a craving. We love candy so much we have declared June National Candy Month. The problem is that 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. Dear chocoholics, we haven’t forgotten about you. Dark chocolate is surprisingly good for our teeth. Several studies have shown that chocolate has a compound that helps harden 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, there’s nothing to worry about. So, if your summer sweet is sugar-free, enjoy yourself!

If you would like more information on candy options, 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.

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Four Tips to a Brighter Smile | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Everyone loves a professional whitening treatment. All you want to do is show off your smile! But getting treatment is just a start. It’s still important that you continue to look for ways to maintain your smile in between treatments. Here are some tips:

Use whitening toothpaste. With so many over-the-counter products available, you may want to ask your dentist to recommend you a specific type of whitening toothpaste to use at home, as well as further instructions on how to use such whitening products.

Chew gum and crunchy produce. Saliva is your mouth’s naturally means of cleaning bacteria and plaque. Chewing gum is designed to increase saliva production. Just make sure it contains xylitol. For a natural option, crunchy produce such as apples, carrots and celery can also help you keep your teeth bright and clean by helping to remove the substances that can cause stains and discoloration.

Take better care of your tooth enamel. Although considered as the hardest substance in the human body, tooth enamel cannot repair itself. If the tooth enamel has been affected by gum disease in the past, there’s no way to restore it. And if it’s weak, it’s also much more susceptible to stains. That’s why it’s important that you take good care of your tooth enamel by providing it with necessary protection with fluoride.

Drink plenty of milk. Or pretty much any other dairy product you can think of. Dairy products are high in calcium, which helps keep your teeth white and bright. Cheese can also help rid your teeth of food particles that can cause stains and discoloration.

If you would like more information on teeth 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.

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Strengthen Your Smile with Vitamins | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Do you take vitamins? Do you do it to make your body healthy or your teeth? It’s always great to take care of yourself, but lots of vitamins and minerals you should work into your lifestyle because they pull double duty for an all over nourishment. Taking these nutritional building blocks may be essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while benefiting your entire body at the same time. Ready to make some simple changes for your well-being? Here is a quick rundown of smile-friendly vitamins and minerals:

Calcium. In your mouth, calcium helps harden your enamel and strengthen your jawbone. Milk, cheese, yogurt, broccoli and salmon are some known sources of calcium.

Vitamin D. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium while boosting bone mineral density via sunlight, fatty fish, canned tuna and portobello mushrooms.

Potassium. Potassium improves bone mineral density and prevents blood from becoming too acidic. Bananas, lima beans, tomatoes, swiss chard, potatoes, sweet potatoes, avocados and prunes are all great sources.

Phosphorus. Phosphorus supports calcium in building strong bones and teeth, and is found in seafood, soybeans, lentils, pumpkin seeds, beef, pork and cheese.

Vitamin K. This vitamin helps block substances that break down bone. Leafy greens, such as kale, collards, spinach, parsley, broccoli and brussel sprouts all have vitamin K.

Vitamin C. Vitamin C strengthens your gums and protects against gingivitis. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, but you can also find it in potatoes and leafy greens.

Vitamin A. This vitamin helps keep the gums healthy, prevents dry mouth and helps your mouth heal quickly. Vitamin A is found in fish, egg yolks and liver as well as leafy green vegetables or orange-colored fruits and veggies.

If you would like more information on teeth-friendly foods, 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.

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When Life Knocks Out Your Tooth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There is little more annoying than having something happen to one of your teeth, especially when it is a noticeable one. Unfortunately, we cannot plan for dental issues, we can only get them checked as soon as they happen to prevent even more damage. And if your tooth got chipped or damaged, your dentist will likely suggest getting a crown. Dental crowns can be both an effective and attractive option for individuals who regard their teeth to be an inhibition. But moreover, dental crowns can cover a large filling or help support a dental bridge. Here are some of the main advantages:

Natural looking. Both porcelain and composite dental crowns have the look and feel of natural teeth, so don’t worry about people noticing. It may be cosmetic, but no one needs to know that.

Durable. Crowns are there to last a while. In fact, they can last up to fifteen years depending on their care. Not only are they durable, but they are also stain-resistant. Porcelain is a great surface to restore teeth and not having to worry about coffee stains is a thing of the past.

Stable. Dental crowns are cemented or anchored in place, so unlike dentures, dental crowns won’t slip and slide around in your mouth. This not only keeps you from being self-conscious about your dental work, but it will prevent further infection and/or decay after the surgery.

Speech improvements. We may not automatically correlate the two, but missing teeth and dentures can affect speech. Dental crowns replace the missing teeth and do not slip around, making speech sound clearer. They fix your broken or discolored teeth, but mostly, they all lead to a more confident you.

If you would like more information on teeth 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.

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The Best Options for Whitening Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you ask most people what they consider a great smile, chances are they will say bright white teeth. The problem is, it isn’t as easy as it seems. Our diets and lifestyle choices can hinder your teeth being their pearliest. You can brush & floss every day, but your teeth may not keep its natural sheen. You can make appointments with your dental professional to have teeth whitening sessions, but that can get pricey. So how do you keep your teeth white in between dental visits? There’s always over-the-counter versions (i.e. Crest white strips) you can buy to do it at home, but how good are the results? Is there a better, more natural version? How do you decide which is best for you? Here is a breakdown of some ways you can do at home:

Whitening products sold over the counter in the form of strips, trays, or paste work by using the oxidizing agents to remove pigment on the surface of the enamel. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are commonly used in these products and contain 3 to 10 percent hydrogen-peroxide level, as opposed to the 15 to 38 percent level dentists can use. The products are effective at removing surface stains but should be used in moderation. Overuse of the oxidizing agents can cause both gum and tooth sensitivity, and continued overuse may even leave some of your teeth looking translucent.

So, what about natural ways? You would be surprised by some foods that can actually help whiten our teeth while keeping us healthy. Of course, you can always make your own hydrogen peroxide and baking soda paste. Known as an age old go-to product, this is the DIY way for you to replicate the manufactured products at home. But did you know that strawberries and bananas can produce similar results? Strawberries contain malic acid, and malic acid is fantastic at breaking down teeth stains. A couple berries and some baking soda is a great, and fruity, version of the peroxide version. Rubbing a banana peel over your teeth like a toothbrush will also shine up your smile. The minerals in a banana, like potassium, will absorb into your teeth and brighten it in a very healthy way.

If you would like more information on teeth whitening, 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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Are Straight Teeth Important? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Nature doesn’t always provide straight teeth but there’s ample evidence that having straight teeth delivers extra benefits to your health and wellbeing. Whether you’re born with straight teeth, or straighten them with orthodontics, there are reasons why this is a smart idea and a great health investment.

Straight teeth provide the correct foundation for chewing.  When your bite doesn’t align properly, it can cause pain along with dental problems. Misaligned teeth (crooked or crowded) can cause issues from chronic jaw or tooth pain to excessive wear on tooth enamel. A poor bite increases stress on teeth and contributes to a shortened “life span” where teeth begin to crack and develop other signs of fatigue.

Cleaning straight teeth is much easier than cleaning crooked teeth, which offer a multitude of hard-to-reach places for plaque and tiny bits of food. Not cleaning these hiding spots properly will first lead to excessive cavities. Today science links chronic inflammation with a variety of health disorders including heart disease and cancer, so dealing with ANY inflammation when it appears is essential.

On a practical level, any toothbrush has an easier time brushing a nice straight tooth surface. The more contact your toothbrush makes with the entirety of the tooth face, the cleaner your teeth. Flossing straight teeth is simpler too. Crowded teeth often require hand acrobatics to get the floss between teeth, and even then, with some teeth, it’s impossible.

Curious about whether your teeth could benefit from straightening?  Set up an appointment for a consultation. Today advanced technology like Invisalign means straight teeth can be achieved in a fraction of the time it used to take. And even better, the invisible aligners ensure no one will even realize you’re doing it.

If you would like more information on missing 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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Debunking the Myths: Periodontal Disease Edition | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It may be a startling statistic, but three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Despite the major prevalence, only three percent of those individuals actually seek treatment for their gum disease. Mainly this is because they are unaware of symptoms. With more research indicating that gum disease may be linked to several other diseases, maintaining healthy teeth and gums have become more and more important. Here are some common things in which the American Association of Periodontics have deemed as myths about oral health that should help you distinguish signs of gum disease:

Bleeding gums are fine.

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums are an important sign of periodontal disease. If you notice bleeding while brushing or flossing on a regular basis, you should schedule a visit with your dental professional in order to be evaluated for periodontal disease right away.

Don’t floss every day.

Having a set oral health routine is incredibly important. This includes keeping up with brushing AND flossing. Doing one without the other is giving opportunities for harmful bacteria to wreak havoc on your dental health.

Teeth lost to gum disease are gone.

This one is kind of tricky. While gum disease is a major cause of tooth loss, and you tooth is indeed lost forever, periodontists use procedures such as dental implants to replace teeth.

Gum disease is caused by poor dental hygiene.

Good oral hygiene can definitely contribute to the prevention of gum disease, however there are other factors in which having good oral hygiene won’t matter. For example, using tobacco increases your chances of developing gum disease by a large amount.

If you would like more information on gum disease, 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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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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Dental Emergencies and Halloween | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you think about it – while Halloween is a very spooky holiday, it is really synonymous with candy. And if enough candy is eaten, it can lead to dental issues. It doesn’t even really matter which candy is your favorite, if bitten incorrectly, there is a good chance you could crack your tooth. It’s especially common dental issue comes from the harder candies. Don’t worry – it can be fixed with a dental crown. If you like the stickier candies, you can pull a dental implant out. This is why it is important that you are careful when indulging in Halloween treats. But if you happen to chip a tooth on that jawbreaker, here are the reasons you should consider making that dental appointment as soon as possible:

Undergoing a dental crown procedure can improve the look of broken or cracked teeth. If you are suffering from a loss of teeth, dental crowns are the solution to replace any missing teeth. Receiving dental crowns look extremely natural because the porcelain and composite resin crowns match the exact shade of your natural teeth. With dental crowns, you will not be able to tell the difference from your crowns and natural teeth.

Due to the durable materials used for your dental crowns, dental professionals agree that dental crowns can last up to 15 years. With dental crowns, patients can go about their daily routines without constantly worrying about their dental crowns falling out of place.

Dental crowns are restorative and preventive measures that improve missing or damaged teeth. Dental crowns also drastically decrease the amount of bacteria build-up that can lead to the loss of more teeth.

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.