San Ramon Cosmetic Dentistry Blog | Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S.

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Tuesday, September 27, 2016







5 Ways to Keep Those Cute Little Baby Teeth Healthy:

Have you ever wondered, “Why should I take care of my child’s baby teeth?  They’re just going to fall out someday.”  Even though baby teeth are not permanent, they serve an important role.  Baby teeth act as placeholders for the permanent teeth and if baby teeth are lost early, there may not be enough room for the permanent teeth to come in.  They also help children eat nutritious food.  Children who suffer from dental related pain have trouble eating.  Luckily we do get two sets of teeth, but it is important to take care of both sets!  Here are five ways to protect children’s teeth.

1.       Follow the 2x2 rule: Make sure your kids are brushing for 2 minutes, 2 times a day.  There are charts, timers, and now even apps that can help make brushing fun and interactive.

2.       Eat right:  Discuss how sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities in the teeth.  Limit the amount of candy and desserts they eat and cut back on juice.  Teach them how to make healthy decisions.

3.       Use fluoride:  If your child is over the age of 2, make sure their toothpaste contains fluoride.  Also check to see if your water at home is fluoridated.

4.       Get dental sealants:  Once the permanent molars erupt (usually starting at age 6), it is a good idea to have your dentist put sealants on them.  A dental sealant is a thin plastic coating that is applied to the surface of the teeth that acts like a barrier to help prevent cavities.

5.       Visit the dentist:  Just like adults, children should have their teeth cleaned twice a year.  Children are more receptive in learning and maintaining new concepts than adults. The younger they are, the easier it is to instill a good habit. 

posted by Unknown at 10:31 AM

Wednesday, September 14, 2016



Top 3 Most Common Dental Issues (And How to Keep Them from Happening)

1.  Gum Disease

Gum disease (also known as periodontal disease) is an infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place.  It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene that allows plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) to build up on the teeth.  Without proper removal of the plaque, it will harden to the teeth like cement. 

Gingivitis is the first sign of gum disease.  Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen gums that bleed easily.  If gingivitis advances to periodontitis, the gums will start to pull away from the teeth and create pockets that can become infected.  This can eventually lead to painful chewing problems and tooth loss.

The best way to prevent or reverse gingivitis is through regular brushing and flossing.

2.  Enamel Erosion

Even though enamel is the hardest structure in your body, it can still be worn down by the following: acids in foods and drinks, brushing too hard, and grinding your teeth.  Signs of enamel erosion include a change in color, tooth sensitivity, cracks or chips.  When enamel erosion occurs, your teeth are more susceptible to decay.

The best way to prevent the enamel from eroding is to brush with an electric toothbrush or a soft-bristled manual toothbrush, cut out acidic foods and drinks, and to wear a night guard at night if you grind your teeth.

3.  Decay/ Cavities

When plaque (a sticky film of bacteria) is not removed from the tooth surfaces, it can lead to the formation of cavities.  In the presence of sugars in the food and drinks we consume, it forms an acid that can form a hole in the tooth.  Once a cavity forms, your dentist will have to fill it so it doesn’t keep getting bigger.

The best way to prevent cavities from forming is to keep teeth plaque free. This can be achieved through daily flossing, brushing twice a day, to place sealants on biting surfaces of children’s molars, and having your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.

posted by Unknown at 1:56 PM

925.269.2700

Sean Michael Anderson, D.D.S
Neuromuscular & Aesthetic Cosmetic Dentistry

1501 Bollinger Canyon Road Suite G
San Ramon, CA 94583

Disclaimer: San Ramon, CA cosmetic dentist Dr. Sean Anderson's website only provides information on cosmetic dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, and family dentistry in Alamo, Danville, Dublin, Pleasanton , Walnut Creek
and the San Ramon area south of San Francisco. This information is not to be taken as medical advice.
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