Posted on

Things to Know when It’s Time to Get Dentures | Rancho Santa Margarita Dentist

There are lots of ways to you can lose teeth. It could be accidental or due to neglected tooth decay, but it can happen to anyone. Nevertheless, it’s time to visit the dentist for a bit of a repair. There are lots of options, depending on your particular case, and one of these options is dentures.

Now don’t worry – dentures aren’t just the fake teeth in a glass. Today’s technology gives us many different variations with dentures, and for some, they couldn’t be more discreet.

For those individuals who are missing all of their teeth on the upper and lower jaw, complete dentures may be perfect for your dental situation. Conventional dentures will allow you to achieve your ideal smile eight to 12 weeks after your visit. If only missing a few teeth, partial dentures will give you a natural smile by inserting a metal bridge in the vacant area and securing the bridge with metal clasps.

Implant-supported dentures are a type of denture which involves the process of getting implants in the mouth to help fully support the denture. This type of denture is made mostly for individuals who don’t have any teeth in the jaw but have enough bones in the jaw to support the implants. The whole process takes about five months for the upper jaw and seven months for the lower jaw to complete.

All in all, two surgeries will take place for the implants to be screwed in and fully healed before the dentures are actually fitted and placed in the mouth. Once the dentures are fitted for the mouth, you will be able to snap them in and take them out whenever you please, making them comfortable and natural-looking.

If you would like more information on dentures, 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

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.

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

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.

Posted on

No One Needs to Know You Had a Cavity | 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.