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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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Looking After Your New Fillings | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

As we begin to notice our seasons begin to change, we will start to swap out our hot foods for cooler ones. And for some of us, this causes our teeth to become sensitive to the switch. If this is the case, you may want to consider taking a quick trip to the dentist – some tooth decay may have developed.

Don’t let this warning go unheeded – fillings are necessary in order to prevent further tooth decay from occurring. If left untreated, it can result in permanent tooth decay and the loss of teeth, which is a whole separate set of problems. At least with fillings, each tooth is healthy and less prone to infections. In order to guarantee your teeth are in top shape, regular dental appointments are necessary.

Your dental filling treatment is done under a local anesthetic, and once that anesthesia wears off, your teeth will be incredibly sensitive for the time being. Here are some food tips to follow after your filling:

Keep away hot and cold foods. Days after your procedure, your teeth will be incredibly sensitive to extreme temperatures. It will be easier, less painful, and more comfortable for you to eat your food at a “middle of the way” temperature.

Stay away from gum and sticky foods. After your filling, the material used to fill in the tooth will still be somewhat malleable. In that case, you want to avoid chewing excessively for the sole purpose of making sure your filling stays right.

Avoid too much chewing. Pureed vegetable soup and fruit smoothies are great after procedure meal. As time passes by, you’ll be able to eat your normal foods again.

If you would like more information about 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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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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Whitening with Trays | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

As we celebrate thee holiday season, we are inundated with tons of photo opportunities with family and friends. And if your smile has a dingy tinge, it could be an uncomfortable thing to do. You can brush your teeth all you want – teeth will naturally begin to become stained as time goes on. It could be our diets, poor habits or even medications can cause our teeth to yellow. But there is no need to fret – a simple whitening procedure could be all you need.

While there are several over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments that can be used, like whitening strips or trays, they won’t work quite as effectively as custom whitening trays. One of the risks that come along with using over-the-counter teeth whitening products is that the bleach can leak from the tray or strip. This can cause your gums to become irritated or sensitive. Custom whitening trays are made to fit your teeth perfectly.

The process starts off with your dentist taking an impression of your teeth, then using the mold your dentist can create the custom trays. Once your custom whitening trays are complete and your go in for your second visit, your dentist will give you instructions to properly use them.

During the whitening process, you should start to notice a difference in the shades of your teeth as they begin to whiten. Once this short process is over, you should be able to enjoy flashing your significantly whiter teeth. To maintain the appearance of your pearly whites you may want to get treatments done every now and then.

If you would like more information about 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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Celebrating the Holidays with Dentures | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Sweet pie

Here we are – smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. It’s time for us to become insanely busy preparing and celebrating these magical holiday times with your loved ones. And while eating, drinking and being merry is par for course, for those of us that need dentures, it can be a tough time as you begin to adjust to your new smile. And it’s going to be an adjustment, but after a while, you won’t even notice the change. But because one of the biggest areas of change will be eating, and ’tis the season to be eating, here are a few tips to get you through that adjustment period smoothly:

Take it slow. Since the first few days are the toughest, it is best to begin with a liquid diet. Choose purees and other soft foods that will help you learn how to begin to chew. Be careful of hot food and drink – because dentures are insulating your mouth, you won’t be able to judge temperature the same way.

Break it down. When you’re comfortable enough to try more solid foods, it is best to begin by cutting softer foods into tiny pieces. Once chewing, it is best to spread the food out evenly in your mouth to keep your dentures in place. Chew slowly and mindfully.

When the going gets tough. When eating foods like bread or grain cereal, you’ll find that they stick to your dentures. Have a glass of something to help wash these foods down. When it comes to meat, it is best to choose poultry or fish over red meats, but stewed meats will be fine. Sticky or hard foods are best avoided until you are confident in your chewing ability.

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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Having Plaque Isn’t an Award | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Keeping your mouth clean and healthy isn’t really difficult. Brush twice a day for at least two minutes, floss and rinse each day and it will help improve your chances for a positive checkup next time you visit the dentist. If you deviate from this formula in any way, your chances for dental issues will increase. The first symptom on deck? Plaque.

You may have heard of plaque before and may not be familiar with what it is. The formation of plaque is caused by the lack of thorough brushing and flossing within our daily dental routine. Plaque poses as a huge threat to your teeth because once the plaque hardens, the end result is tartar. And unfortunately, tartar need to be removed through professional teeth cleanings, which means another dental appointment in your future.

During this dental appointment, you can expect to receive a full scheduled hour with a registered dental hygienist, who will use the latest technology to thoroughly clean the surfaces of your teeth in order to prevent a variety of problems including tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, you will not only diminish any plaque buildup in your mouth but will be able to maintain ideal oral health. Along with a professional teeth cleaning, your dental hygienist will take the time to check periodontal measurements, check oral pathology, and perform fluoride treatments.

It is necessary to emphasize the importance of teeth cleanings because brushing and flossing alone will not completely prevent dental problems. Regular checkups are necessary. Not only will you get a deep cleaning, but you will also be able to stop any dental issues from getting worse.

If you would like more information about plaque, 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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Don’t Fear the Dentist | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Now that we are wrapping up the summer and getting ready for a new school year, it is a wise decision to make a dental appointment so you can make sure all the summer fun you had didn’t leave your smile hurting for attention. Unfortunately, many of us have a legitimate fear of going to the dentist. Dental anxiety is an actual condition that results in patients having a hard time sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup. When this issue arises, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. This medicine? Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas.

Administered via a mask, the patient will breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases, which is where it gets its moniker.

The effects quickly wear off as well, often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally, even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you would like more information about nitrous oxide, 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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Summertime Eats that Can Improve Your Smile | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It’s that time of year where the weather is getting warmer and we want nothing more than to be outside, basking in the summer heat. We have traded our hot cocoa for iced tea and our cozy comfort foods are swapped out for lighter fresher options. Not only are these fresh foods good for our overall health, but they are also excellent for our smiles. And let’s face it – this is the time of year we have our biggest smiles, so why not indulge in these delicious and nutritious foods with a giant salad?

Carrots are packed with great vitamins and the crunchiness will gently scrub your teeth as you eat. In fact, all crunchy veggies are great for your teeth because it will initiate saliva production, our first line of defense against cavity-causing bacteria. Celery is a great veggie that has a high-water content and, if you think about it, also acts like a floss. And doesn’t broccoli look like a toothbrush? Munching on these little “brushes” will not only give you some iron but will give your teeth a quick scrub as well. There are so many bonuses to eating veggies, right?

Not in the mood for a veggie salad? Opt for a fruity version. Crunchy fruits, like apples and pears, are fantastic for our overall health, but the crispiness helps strengthen your gums and the juice produces saliva, which clears out all of that bacteria that gives us cavities. And believe it or not, the malic acid in strawberries acts like a whitening agent.

If you would like more information about teeth-friendly foods, 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 Toothbrushes | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It’s no mystery that we should be brushing our teeth twice a day in order to maintain our oral health, but it’s important to remember that your toothbrush is a tool and you need a great tool to do the job correctly. We use it to remove food debris and bacteria from our teeth, and like many tools, it requires proper care in order be effective.

To minimize bacteria, the toothbrush must be kept clean. It should be washed thoroughly with tap water after each use to remove food particles and leftover toothpaste. When stored, keeping it upright will allow excess water to drain from the bristles, less likely to grow bacteria. If you need to store it in a closed container (for example, when traveling), try to dry it using a clean towel beforehand.

From time to time, sanitize your toothbrush with antibacterial mouthwash. You can even toss it in the dishwasher to kill bacteria. There are also professional sterilizers that utilize ultraviolet light to sanitize toothbrushes available on the market.

The average toothbrush should last 3-4 months, but if it shows signs of wear it needs to be replaced. Bristles that are frayed, loose, or falling out, or any cracking plastic are all replacement signs. Even if the toothbrush is in good condition, you should consider replacing your toothbrush after you’ve been ill. Continuing to use a toothbrush after you’ve been sick will continue introducing bacteria into your system, making you more susceptible to further illness and dental issues.

If you would like more information about toothbrushes, 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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Eat Your Fruits and Veggies | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Do you take vitamins? Do you do it to make your body healthy or your teeth? Because believe it or not, there are some vitamins and minerals you should work into your lifestyle because it works. Taking these nutritional building blocks may be essential for keeping your teeth and gums healthy while benefiting your entire body at the same time. How’s that for a bonus? 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 about vitamins & minerals, 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.