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

San Ramon, Pleasanton, Walnut Creek and Dublin, CA

Tuesday, October 18, 2016


Oral Health During Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to treat cancer. These drugs kill cancer cells, but they may also harm normal cells, including cells in the mouth. Side effects include problems with your teeth and gums (the soft, moist lining of your mouth) and the glands that make saliva (spit). The side effects from chemotherapy can hurt and make it hard to eat, talk, and swallow

A few side effects that can manifest in your mouth from chemotherapy are listed below but are not limited to the ones listed. Side effects vary from person to person. Problems depend on the chemotherapy drugs and how your body reacts to them. You may have these problems only during treatment or for a short time after treatment ends.

Most common side effects are:

☐ Painful mouth and gums.

☐ Dry mouth.

☐ Burning, peeling, or swelling tongue.

☐ Infection.

☐ Change in taste.

 

People may be surprised that your dentist is important in your cancer treatment. If you go to the dentist before chemotherapy begins, one can help prevent serious mouth problems. Side effects often happen because a person’s mouth is not healthy before chemotherapy starts. Not all mouth problems can be avoided but the fewer side effects one has, the more likely they will be able to remain on their cancer treatment schedule.

 

Before starting treatment, one should see the dentist at least one month prior, if possible, before chemotherapy begins. If you have already started chemotherapy and didn’t go to a dentist, see one as soon as possible or as recommended by your Oncologist.

 

A dental hygienist plays an important role as well. They will screen teeth and health of the gum tissues prior to chemotherapy, during, and after treatment has been completed. It is important to have an accurate time line of the health of all hard and soft tissue during this period. A dental hygienist will…

 

☐ Check and clean teeth.

☐ Take necessary x-rays.

☐ Take care of mouth problems.

☐ Show patients how to take care of their mouth to prevent side effects

 

We understand this time is a difficult one for not only the person going through cancer treatment. We hope we can help make the treatment process as smooth and comfortable as possible and get our patients in a healthy remission.

posted by Unknown at 3:32 PM

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

Wednesday, August 24, 2016

5 Reasons to Use Mouth Guards in Sports


1.       It is proven that using a mouth guard helps to prevent over 200,000 sport-related injuries per year.

2.      Mouth guards protect against the following types of injuries: chipped or broken teeth, injuring soft tissue (cheeks or lips), fracturing the jaw, and damage to previous dental work.

3.       Generic mouth guards are available at drugstores but getting one that is custom made to fit by your dentist will be more comfortable and offer more protection.

 4.      The American Dental Association estimates that approximately one third of all dental injuries are sports related.

5.      Any person playing a sport (both children and adults) should wear a mouth guard.  It is especially important if you play contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.  You should also wear one when playing any sport in which you could get hit in the mouth by another player or ball, such as: basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling.
 

We cam make custom under armor mouth guards in two quick and easy appointments.

posted by Unknown at 2:34 PM

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Porcelain Veneers and Cosmetic Dentistry

Porcelain veneers are a very popular way to correct esthetic concerns in a patients existing smile.  We use this technique to correct things like crooked/misaligned teeth, space between teeth, stained or discolored teeth and replacing old, unsightly dental restorations.  The procedure is generally completed in about two weeks and has very little post operative discomfort.  Things to evaluate in choosing a dental office to pursue this treatment are the experience and education of the dentist performing the work and the qualifications of the dental laboratory that the dentist uses to complete the ceramic restorations. For most patients it is a life changing experience. Contact San Ramon Dentist Dr. Sean Anderson for a consultation on improving your smile.
 

posted by Tiffany at 8:38 AM

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Give the gift of a beautiful smile

Looking for the perfect gift for the special person who has everything? How about the gift of a smile makeover? Professional tooth whitening can enhance just about anyone's smile. We have some very safe and efficient bleaching options:
Zoom teeth whiting with Dr. Sean Anderson

  Professional at home bleaching can take several weeks, or may take longer depending on the natural shade of your teeth.
 Tray bleaching is quicker and more efficient and usually takes about two weeks to reach your desired whiteness.
  Zoom! In office bleaching is the quickest, most effective option that we offer and takes one visit.
Feel free to contact us to help you decide the best option for you or that special person on your list!

To schedule an appointment contact your San Ramon family dentist Dr. Sean Anderson 925-837-4486.

posted by Tiffany at 3:46 PM

Thursday, October 9, 2014

As the year-end approaches, so does the opportunity to complete your dental work and take advantage of your 2014 insurance benefits.  Every year you receive a maximum amount from your dental insurance company; these insurance benefits can not be carried from one year to the next.

If you have funds set aside in a flexible spending account (FSA) or healthcare savings account (HSA), now is the time to schedule treatment so your estimated portion can be applied to this year's deductions.

If you have questions regarding your insurance benefits or FSA, feel free to give us a call.

Our office wishes you a HAPPY AND SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON!  We look forward to seeing you soon.

posted by Unknown at 9:13 AM

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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