Posted on

What Is Tarter Buildup and How To Avoid It | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

tooth inspection

The buildup of plaque that hardens on your teeth is known as tartar. When plaque isn’t removed properly from your hygienic routine, that’s when the soft, removable plaque can turn into tartar which may require a more intense means of removal.

If you are employing a thorough routine of proper brushing and flossing, you should be able to avoid tartar buildup. Yet, it’s still important to understand the signs and symptoms, so that if you do recognize it’s happening, you can consult your dentist sooner than later. Tarter is a buildup of minerals that if above the gum line, is fairly easy to spot. If you notice yellow or brown-colored stains on the teeth or gums, it may be tartar.

Your dentist or hygienist may employ a method called scaling in which he or she uses special instruments to remove the tartar from around the gum line and bottom of the tooth pocket.

The only real way to know, however, is to consult your dentist, and they can remove it for you. If it gets really bad, you may experience bad breath, darker staining, loose teeth, and red, swollen, or bleeding gums.

While tartar buildup can happen, there are ways your can mitigate your risk. Tartar control toothpaste and rinses can help eliminate stubborn plaque to help prevent tarter together. Regular visits with your dentist and flossing also go a long way in helping ensure a thorough oral care routine and minimize the risk of tartar buildup.

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.