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Fear of the Dentist: A Thing of the Past? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

If you are among those that fear the dental chair, don’t worry – you aren’t alone. Plenty of people are scared of some aspect of the dentist. Whether it is the sights or the sounds or feelings, please realize that the dental industry is aware of your fears and have addressed them with something called sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry is the practice of administering anesthetics through the use of an IV.

IV sedation is a method of choice if patients don’t want to be aware of the procedure due to dental fear or phobia. There are oral options you may be offered if an IV makes you a bit skittish, but oral sedation is not as effective as IV sedation. The onset effects of IV sedation are very rapid, and the drug dosage and level can be altered to meet the individual patient’s needs. This is huge advantage compared to alternative sedation methods. IV sedation is both highly effective and highly reliable.

Some treatments can be performed at a much faster pace and with less appointments with the help of IV sedation. It provides a conscious state for the patient, while also helping them relax, meaning the patient will be able to cooperate with instructions and feel relaxed at the same time.

We all have to visit the dentist in order to keep our smiles healthy. And since we only get one, we should have the best one we can, as long as we can. Don’t let fear keep you from achieving your best smile. Talk to your dental professional about any fears or concerns you may have.

If you would like more information about IV sedation, 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.

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Dental Crowns: Are They Right for You? | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

It is always a bummer when you have a tooth break on you, whether it be an injury you suffered from or your incessant need to munch on ice, or your tooth got chipped or damaged and your dentist suggests 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. Need more reason? 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 about dental crowns, 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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The History of the Toothbrush | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Brushing our teeth has long been touted as an important part of oral health. Using a toothbrush, a very simple personal hygiene tool found in every household, we’ve come to make a habit of using it more than twice a day. But have you ever thought about how it came to be? February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so while you are teaching your little one to brush their teeth, teach them a little history of the toothbrush:

Ancient Egyptians are widely regarded as the first group of people to use a toothbrush, constructing one made of twigs and leaves to clean their teeth. By the 15th century, the Chinese had begun using a toothbrush that closely resembles what we use today. A century later, English noblemen and privileged families began using toothbrushes made out of silver.

William Addis would then go on to invent what’s widely considered as the first modern toothbrush in 1780 while in prison. It’s believed that the idea came about while watching how the floors were swept clean using a brush. He’d then fashion the toothbrush using a bone and bristles he had obtained from
the guard and went on to make a fortune once released.

The design of the toothbrush would then be refined over time and in 1938, soft-bristles toothbrushes were invented. Soon enough, companies such as Oral-B would begin mass producing soft-bristled toothbrushes.

Innovation still has not left toothbrushes and up to this day, the design and the bristles are still being refined to better meet modern needs, including the development of toothbrushes made of recyclable materials.

If you would like more information about pediatric dental hygiene, 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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Sleeping Issues and Your Teeth | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

We all know that we need a good night’s sleep. Not only for our overall health, but just to keep us functioning in our day-to-day lives. Most of us aren’t getting enough sleep, especially if you are living in the adult world. We work hard all week and hope that the weekend brings us some well-needed rest. But what if this sleep involves snoring? Chances are, you aren’t getting a good night’s sleep, regardless of the amount of time allotted.

If you are, what’s often described as a “loud snorer”, it is imperative that you follow a strict oral hygiene routine to reduce the chances of you developing any number of oral health problems. Not only do we not give our bodies enough time to regroup, but our teeth need saliva for protection. Because snoring causes your mouth to dry out (xerostomia), it can lead to a variety of oral health problems, including bad breath (halitosis), burning mouth syndrome, mouth sores, infections, tooth decay and in worse cases, gum disease.

If you have chronic sleep issues due to snoring, you may need to use an oral appliance to combat the negative dental side effects, like discomfort, excess salivation, TMJ, facial muscle pain and even bite changes.

To put simply, snoring has a huge effect on our teeth, both directly and indirectly. If you feel that you and your family are already suffering too much because of your snoring, consult a dentist. They can present to you a number of medical treatment options to help you deal you’re your snoring problem.

If you would like more information about sleep 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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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.

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How to Eat when It’s Time for Dentures | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

For some it’s inevitable, for others it’s by chance – no matter the reasoning behind it, getting dentures is a fact of life that some have to face. They may be a full set, or simply partials, but dentures aren’t meant to throw your life into upheaval. It’s going to be an adjustment, but after a while, you won’t even notice the change. One of the biggest areas of change will be eating. You will likely be given instructions at the time to help you get going, but 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 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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Stews and Ciders: It’s Time for Autumn Eats | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There is just something about the Autumn that makes the world a happier place. It could be the smell of pumpkin spice everywhere we turn or the chilly weather that makes us want to bundle up and crave a piping hot cup of hot chocolate. Not only that, but the autumn season starts the beginning of the holiday season, which means plenty of photo ops. Unfortunately, a lot of our diet consists of teeth-staining foods. Luckily there are plenty of foods that not only keep us healthy, but also brightens our smile for those holiday selfies:

What is more autumn than apples? The crispiness of the apple is what is doing most of the work for your smile. As you bite into an apple, you are strengthening your gums. And the juiciness of the apple produces saliva, which rinses our mouths of cavity-forming bacteria.

Broccoli is a veggie that is present in lots of warm comfort foods, but it is also Mother Nature’s toothbrush. Munching on these little “brushes” will not only supply your body with iron but gives your teeth a quick scrub. Carrots and celery are the next in this line of veggies, so stews are perfect for our smiles and the season. All great vitamins packed inside, and the high-water content is great for saliva production. And if you think about it, celery is like nature’s floss.

Dairy is chockful of calcium, foods like milk, yogurt and cheese strengthen your teeth and gums. The stronger your teeth enamel is, the whiter & healthier they become.

If you would like more information about healthy foods for your smile, 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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How to Whiten Your Teeth at Home | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

Everyone of every age strives to have that perfect Hollywood smile. But unfortunately, there are many ways our smiles just miss the mark. One of the simplest dental issues that many of us face, but can remedy, is stained teeth. There are many reasons our teeth have become dingy – our diets, our lifestyle habits, even genetics can lead to yellowed grin.

Fortunately, there are ways to remedy this issue. From dietary chances to professional whitening treatments, you pearlies can return to their original shade of white. In order to maintain this whitened sheen, many are turning to over-the-counter products. In order to choose your preference, let’s break down the various types available:

Trays and gels. The original form of at-home products, these trays involve a “boil and bite” mouthguard filled with carbamide peroxide gel. The results will take some time (at least a few weeks) but may cause some irritation due to the gel’s ingredients.

Whitening strips. If you have a couple of weeks before your big event, you may want to invest in a strips system. Hydrogen peroxide is placed on a polyethylene strip, which is placed directly on the teeth. Just be aware that if you place it on your gums, they may become a bit irritated over time.

Paint-ons. Paint-on whitening pens will take the longest to produce results but is ideal when you need to target a certain tooth. Because it doesn’t have a closed system like the two previous, it takes more time.

Whitening devices. The newest in at-home whitening, but the closest to a professional experience, these high-intensity lights use heat to break down hydrogen peroxide in order to produce more whitening oxygens.

If you would like more information about teeth whitening treatment options, 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.