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Baking Soda: The Secret to At-Home Dental Care – San Diego Dentists

Posted on by Dental Express

Baking Soda: The Secret to At-Home Dental Care

How to save money and protect your teeth with this do-it-yourself remedy

We all have it lying around somewhere…It might be hiding in the back of your pantry. Or maybe it’s buried behind a million different bottles of assorted spices in your seasoning cabinet.

It’s time to dig it up and dust it off! That lonely little box of baking soda receding gums is the key to completely (and cheaply) transforming your at-home dental health regimen.

Just make a paste of salt water and soda and give your teeth a punch of strength.

At Dental Express, we want each of our patients to know how best to take care of their teeth outside of the office. And that extends to you too.

Our goal is to give you the tools to boost your at-home dental health and save you money at the dentist’s office. That’s why we’re going to cover the many benefits of using baking soda, and how to easily add it into your oral care routine.

What Does Baking Soda Do for Your Teeth? Whiten Teeth with Baking Soda

So, what’s so special about this everyday household item? How does it help protect your teeth? Can it really help prevent gingivitis?

In short, baking soda good for your teeth and is essentially working to balance the pH levels in your mouth to help prevent tooth decay.

If you are thinking about how to remove tooth decay yourself? Baking soda comes in the list of remedies to improve your dental health.

We all have hardened, calcified tissue called enamel that surrounds and protects our teeth’ inner layers. You’ve probably seen a thousand toothpaste commercials over the years warning you about the dangers of enamel decay.

Well, they’re right.

Since enamel doesn’t contain any living tissue, once it’s gone, it’s gone.

The only way to restore decayed or worn-down enamel is by going to a dental professional. That’s why it’s incredibly important to get regular dental check-ups and do all we can at home to improve our dental health.

The Dental Health Security Guard

When we eat or drink, the acid in whatever we’re ingesting causes something called acid erosion.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, erosion occurs when acid in the foods and drinks you consume wears away your enamel. 

Without proper care and attention, this can eventually lead to the exposure of your teeth’ inner layers, causing them to look damaged and discolored.

The American Dental Association states that the critical pH, meaning the point when acid erosion starts to occur, is when your mouth’s pH level drops below 5.1-5.5. Typically, this effect happens when we eat or drink foods rich in carbohydrates, and it takes 1 to 2 hours to go back to normal.

So, it all boils down to the pH levels in your mouth.

Acidic foods and drinks lower your pH levels past the critical point, and foods on the other end of the pH spectrum help provide balance to prevent tooth decay.

Tooth Decay Treatment at Home

HOW CAN BAKING SODA SOLVE YOUR PROBLEMS?

Thanks to its high pH, baking soda serves as a strong bodyguard for our enamel.

Raising the pH levels in our mouth protects our teeth from the dangerous side effects of high acidity.

In fact, a PubMed study at the University of Manitoba shows that when used soon after eating, high baking soda toothpaste helps the mouth’s pH levels return to normal much faster than toothpaste with lower amounts, significantly decreasing the risk of cavities.

Moreover, baking soda for teeth and gums helps to kill bacteria on the teeth and protect your gums from getting damaged. 

It is also one of the best materials to break up the biofilm and remove all the stains from your teeth.

And you’ll be amazed at all the other ways baking soda can positively impact your dental health.

Does Baking Soda Help with Gingivitis?

The answer to that question is a resounding YES!

This DENTAL SECRET is perhaps the biggest item on the baking soda benefits list.

Also known as gum disease, gingivitis is a painful condition caused by the buildup of plaque on your teeth.

As a result of poor dental hygiene, gingivitis can lead to swollen, sensitive gums, and it can cause gums to recede or even bleed when brushing or flossing. Bad breath is another unfortunate result of this awful condition.

But don’t worry, believe it or not, baking soda can tackle every single problem caused by gingivitis! 

Brushing with baking soda for dental health or using soda toothpaste is a great way to reduce and prevent gingivitis-causing plaque buildup.

The ingredient is safe to use once a day as it does not harm your teeth.

Less plaque means less tooth decay, which means you can say goodbye to bad breath.

Because of its pH-balancing effects, baking soda for teeth also helps minimize swelling and sensitivity, promoting happy, healthy gums.

And as you might have guessed, when your gums and teeth are gingivitis-free, that means fewer trips to the dreaded dentist’s office!

When you’re proactive with your at-home dental care, you can show off your smile with confidence, knowing that you’re taking good care of your teeth and saving money in the process.

All-in-One Oral Health

In addition to helping heal and prevent gingivitis, baking soda has some other tricks up its sleeve. We mentioned that it helps reduce the risk of cavities, but it doesn’t stop there…

  • Repairs damage caused by cavities: The American Dental Association states that by getting rid of plaque, soda helps stop cavities that are in the beginning stages of forming, and actually repairs the damage they cause.
  • Bye-bye bad breath: Baking soda doesn’t just fight bad breath caused by gingivitis. It helps fix morning breath, coffee breath, and everyday bad breath too!
  • Results you can see: Baking soda toothpaste proves more effective at removing stains and dental teeth whitening than other toothpaste. When you see your smile visibly getting whiter, the happiness and confidence you’ll feel will motivate you to stay on top of your dental health!
  • Out with the bad, in with the good: Studies show that not only does baking soda help remove unwanted bacteria from the mouth, it also fosters the growth of good bacteria. This benefit creates an even healthier environment for your teeth and gums to thrive in.
  • Where no toothpaste has gone before: A study cited by the American Dental Association states that toothpaste containing bake soda actually hits harder-to-reach places more effectively than toothpaste without it. More coverage means less plaque, which means a healthier mouth!
  • Rinse away the pain: Can’t smile or open your mouth without a painful sore giving you grief? Baking soda is proven to help relieve pain and even speed up the healing process!

It’s hard to believe just how beneficial baking soda can be for your dental health. And the best part is, it’s super easy and affordable to add to your daily routine.

How To Get Rid of Cavities by Adding Baking Soda to Your Dental Care Routine?

Armed with all this knowledge, let’s learn how to apply it.

As it turns out, working baking soda into your dental care regimen is as easy as brushing your teeth!

We recommend picking up some soda toothpaste for two reasons:

 1. Baking Soda toothpaste tastes better.

2. Baking soda is much easier to use every day and reap the benefits. 

Whatever kind you choose, make sure it also has fluoride treatment, an essential ingredient! Of course, if you’d rather have plain soda you can find it at your local grocery store.

Baking soda is cheap and effective!

If you don’t already have baking soda toothpaste, just put some regular toothpaste on your brush, wet it, and coat it with bake soda. Then brush away! This at-home solution also works without toothpaste. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into baking soda, and brush.

If you notice you have bad breath, simply mix a tiny spoonful (approximately 2 tsp) of bake soda into water and swish it around like mouthwash to leave your mouth feeling clean and refreshed.

This at-home baking soda remedy is a great way to ease discomfort and accelerate the healing of any painful mouth sores.

Baking soda is quite possibly the easiest and most affordable way to improve your dental health outside the <a title=”dentist’s office” href=”https://www.thedentalexpress.com/”>dentist’s office.

From battling gingivitis to beating bad breath, it’s safe to say that we can all benefit from using soda in our daily routines.

Before long, you’ll notice your gums feeling healthier, your teeth looking whiter, and your smile looking happier. Oh, and your wallet will feel a little heavier too!

YOU-Focused Dental Care

At Dental Express, we know how important it is for our patients to build healthy habits at home to take better care of their teeth.

We aim to provide knowledge and services that keep your smile as healthy as possible while saving you money along the way.

If you’re looking for family-friendly, affordable dentists San Diego area, we’ve got you covered. Make an appointment at any one of our 6 locations today.

We look forward to seeing your smile!

Sources

AGD Tooth erosion: http://www.agd.org/public/OralHealthFacts/files/pdfgenerator.aspx?pdf=FS_ToothErosion.pdf&id=307565#:~:text=Acid%20erosion%20occurs%20when%20acid,cracked%2C%20transparent%2C%20and%20discolored.

ADA – Baking soda dentifrices and oral health https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30822-X/fulltext#secsectitle0015

ADA – Effect of baking soda in dentifrices on plaque removal https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(17)30809-7/fulltext#secsectitle0055

University of Manitoba study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11524867/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gingivitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354453

Are Cavities the Cause of My Bad Breath?

Posted on by Dental Express

When your persistent bad breath affects your self-confidence, it’s time to figure out what is causing it. Many of our patients at Dental Express in San Diego, CA ask us, “Do cavities cause bad breath?” During a dental exam at our dental office, our professional team can evaluate your oral health and discuss your oral hygiene routine to help fix your bad breath. At this visit, we can look for signs of tooth decay.

Causes of bad breath

Bad breath occurs because of the accumulation of bacteria in your mouth. There are many causes of bad breath, including:

  • Poor oral hygiene

  • Bacteria on the tongue

  • Gingivitis

  • Dry mouth

  • Tooth decay

If your bad breath is due to tooth decay, cavity treatment is necessary. When bacteria get stuck, it can accumulate in decay pockets, which makes it hard to keep your mouth clean and, in turn, your breath fresh. So, yes, cavities can cause bad breath.

What is a cavity?

Cavities are damaged areas of a tooth that develop into holes. When left untreated, they will get larger and affect the deep layers of a tooth and, sometimes, require dental root canal therapy. They can lead to infection, tooth loss, and pain. Regular dental exams, and good brushing and flossing habits at home help protect you against developing a cavity.

Some signs that you may have a cavity include:

  • Tooth sensitivity

  • Toothache

  • Pain while chewing or biting

  • Holes or pits on the teeth

  • Staining on the surface of your tooth

Regular dental exams can detect a cavity early on before it damages your tooth further. When you’re experiencing mouth pain or a toothache, it’s important to schedule an appointment at Dental Express in San Diego, CA as soon as possible.

Tooth decay treatment

Tooth colored fillings can help restore a tooth, both in appearance and function. After we remove the decay from the tooth, we will seal the tooth with a composite resin tooth-colored filling. The tooth is polished to match your existing teeth. Composite resin is a durable material that can correct excessive wear from teeth grinding and chips too. It blends well with natural teeth and can be used on both front or back teeth. If you have metal fillings, we can remove them and replace them with tooth-colored fillings to improve your health and create a beautiful, natural-looking smile. Your tooth-colored filling needs to be cared for the same as a natural tooth with regular brushing and flossing.

Learn more about tooth decay treatment to improve bad breath

One of the easiest ways to prevent bad breath and cavities is with an efficient oral hygiene routine at home. Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once to ensure you remove all bacteria and food particles that can lead to a cavity. To learn more about how to treat bad breath, schedule an appointment with our professional team at Dental Express in San Diego, CA, today.

Best Tips When Choosing the Right Toothpaste for You

Posted on by Dental Express

Best Tips When Choosing the Right Toothpaste for You

Do you find yourself standing in your local store staring down an aisle with shelves stacked on top of shelves of colorful toothpaste options?

If so, don’t worry. It’s normal.

Finding the right toothpaste for you can cause more confusion than clarity. We’re here to brush away your stress and leave you a clear plan of how to choose the best toothpaste for you.

First, choosing the right toothpaste means knowing what’s best for you or your family.

Do you have sensitive teeth?

Are you hoping to whiten your teeth?

Do you need tartar protection?

Do you have gingivitis or other gums disease?

Are you looking for a toothpaste that’s safe but also tastes yummy for the kids?

These are all reasonable questions to ask when entering the daunting toothpaste aisle.

Here’s a checklist for your next shopping trip:

  1. Check the label.
  2. Make sure the toothpaste contains fluoride.
  3. Find the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  4. Look for abrasive ingredients.
  5. Pick the best brand for you.
How to choose your toothpaste
How to choose your toothpaste

Choosing the best toothpaste can leave you dazed and confused with the plethora of options on the market. Use our handy guide to make the safe and eff

Check the Label

What is fluoride, and why do I need it?

Since choosing the right toothpaste depends on individual needs, it’s essential to know what you want before checking the label. Ask your family dentist for help identifying your requirements.

One ingredient everyone needs is fluoride. This natural mineral found in the earth fights cavities and protects y our tooth’s outer layer (enamel).

According to the American Dental Association, “Fluoride strengthens teeth to help prevent tooth decay and remineralizes tooth enamel in the early stages of tooth decay.” Believe it or not, before a baby’s teeth crack the surface and they start whaling, fluoride introduced through food and water begins to form their teeth’ protective layer. As we get older, we brush with toothpaste containing fluoride to strengthen weakened teeth and prevent unwanted tooth problems.

Some organic, all-natural toothpaste avoid fluoride, claiming that too much fluoride can be harmful to the body. Numerous studies claim an ADA-approved dose of fluoride treatment is essential for optimal dental health.

What if I have sensitive teeth or sensitive gums?

How to Treat Gingivitis

When searching for a toothpaste that prevents the shattering pins and needles effect, look for the ingredients potassium nitrate or strontium chloride.

According to WebMD, a five percent dose of potassium nitrate or strontium chloride in toothpaste helps block nerve pathways through the teeth. These nerves inside the teeth cause that crippling pain when cold or hot water hits the teeth.

Sensitive teeth can discourage us from wanting to brush our teeth the recommended twice daily. Finding a toothpaste that makes this process more enjoyable can save your dental health!

Sensitive teeth are no fun, but sensitive gums can make you cry. And no one wants pain when cleaning those pearly whites we share with the world. Fighting gum disease with at-home remedies is an easy way to prevent and manage side effects.

We recommend using baking soda.

Yes, you heard us correctly, baking soda for tooth pain. Since 1911, dentists suggest baking soda to reduce plaque buildup and help prevent gum disease. Furthermore, having healthy gum helps with sensitivity. So if you don’t have time to go buy a new toothpaste with baking soda, grab it from your kitchen, add a half teaspoon to a glass of water, dip your dampened toothbrush, and brush away!

If you make it to the store, remember, take the time to check the label, find the potassium nitrate, strontium chloride, or baking soda content in the toothpaste you choose. And when you start to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, brush, spit and do not rinse. It is best to leave a coating on your teeth, creating a shield for sensitive teeth and gums.

Furthermore, here are extra tips Healthline suggests for treating and preventing gum sensitivity :

  • Brush twice daily and floss at least once a day
  • Use antiseptic mouthwash
  • Get enough vitamin C
  • Drink more water
  • Quit smoking
  • Practice stress management
  • Use over-the-counter medication

For more information regarding affordable do-it-yourself dental solutions, contact your local dentist, and see what they have to offer.

covid free dentist san diego

How do I whiten my teeth with toothpaste?

Grandma and Grandpa have the secret– “Honey, add baking soda to your toothpaste!” We’ve heard this for years! Guess what? It’s true.

Finding toothpaste with baking soda helps whiten your teeth. Baking soda acts as an abrasive agent binding to stains and fighting plaque, leaving you with white, healthy teeth.

One tip our dentist recommends is not to brush too aggressively when using baking soda. The pressure or force you apply will not speed up the results. Instead, regularly use baking soda, brush twice daily, and save yourself and your family a lot of money with this do-it-yourself remedy.

Teeth Whitening Claims

Despite the marketing claims, most regular toothpaste will not whiten your teeth.

When checking the label, you can also look for calcium peroxide and carbamide peroxide (Caution: Be mindful of these compounds if you have sensitive teeth or gums). These abrasive chemical compounds bind with stains on your teeth and help pull them off as you brush and rinse.

On your next visit to the store, find an ADA-approved toothpaste that contains abrasive agents (or baking soda) to help fight those coffee and tea stains!

What should I avoid in toothpaste?

The ADA Seal of Acceptance ensures a toothpaste is safe and effective. But there are still ingredients you should avoid when striving for a healthy mouth.

In tartar control toothpaste, be wary of Triclosan, an antibiotic that kills bacteria in the mouth, which is needed to start the breakdown process of food.

WebMD references the ADA recommendation to avoid toothpaste made in China. Non-ADA approved toothpaste (imposters) can contain a high chemical content DANGEROUS for dental health.

Again, check the label, find the ADA seal, avoid Triclosan and toothpaste made in China, and you’re on your way to a healthy, happy mouth.

I hate to admit it, but I have stinky breath– Is there a toothpaste that can help?

Don’t be ashamed. If your bad breath is due to poor dental hygiene, you can treat and cure your problem.

Some toothpaste can help, but there are other do-it-yourself remedies as well!

First, make sure you are taking care of your gut and digestive system, eating healthy, drinking enough water, and avoiding processed sugar to fight the underlying causes of bad breath.

Plaque buildup on teeth or bacteria on the tongue leads to unwanted smells. Finding a toothpaste and rinse that attacks this buildup is essential to oral health. Also, brushing the back of your tongue helps remove bacteria that can cause bad breath.

After finding the ADA Seal of Acceptance, look for a toothpaste with Tartar control. These kinds of toothpaste are designed to fight plaque buildup. Check out what the MayoClinic suggest as at-home remedies to bad breath:

  1. Brush your teeth after you eat.
  2. Floss at least once a day.
  3. Brush your tongue.
  4. Clean dentures and den tal appliances.
  5. Avoid dry mouth.
  6. Adjust your diet.
  7. Regularly get a new toothbrush.
  8. Schedule regular dental checkups.

Let’s do a walkthrough to find the right toothpaste for you!

Before going to the store, make sure you have checked with your dentist and identified your personal needs.

Finding the right toothpaste is based on the principle of individual differences. What works for me, may not work for you.

Once you know what you need, you can march into your local store with confidence.

  • Pick a brand that looks trustworthy and interesting.
  • Check the label.
  • Find the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  • Avoid unwanted ingredients such as Triclosan.
  • Throw the box in your cart, and keep moving with a smile.

See, that’s not so hard!

Taking the right action steps to find the right toothpaste for you can improve your oral and dental health, encourage you to smile, and, ultimately, help you feel better about yourself.

Who doesn’t feel great after a nice clean, rinse, and smile in the mirror?

Just in case you need a cheat sheet, here’s the ADA list of approved dental products!

Is a Cracked Tooth Considered a Dental Emergency?

Posted on by Dental Express

When you’re experiencing a dental emergency, such as a cracked tooth, it’s important to seek emergency dental care at Dental Express in San Diego, CA quickly. Our emergency dentists help patients of all ages with different dental emergencies. It’s important to never delay getting dental care from an emergency dentist, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. This can lead to infection, severe pain, or the need for other procedures, including an extraction later on. When you’re experiencing cracked tooth pain, call our dental office immediately.

What causes a tooth to crack?

Teeth can crack because of many issues, including:

  • Fillings so large the tooth weakens

  • Chewing or biting hard objects

  • Trauma

  • Pressure from grinding the teeth

  • Age

Regardless of why your tooth has cracked in San Diego, our emergency dentists can resolve your pain and repair your tooth.

Diagnosing a cracked tooth

To help diagnose a cracked tooth, an emergency dentist at Dental Express will perform a visual examination and feel for a crack. A dental dye can also be used to see if a crack stands out. Gum inflammation usually is a significant indicator of a cracked tooth. An X-ray can detect poor pulp health, which shows a crack.

How does a dentist fix a cracked tooth?

Depending on your situation, our emergency dentist can offer immediate treatment or prescribe antibiotics to resolve an infection first. Ultimately, the treatment type used depends on the cause of your cracked tooth. Some treatments used to treat a root canal cracked tooth include:

Will insurance cover a dental emergency?

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we will contact your insurance to verify if they will cover your treatment plan. For patients without insurance, we offer different payment methods and low-interest financing to make your dental procedure more affordable. Never delay dental care due to the cost of treatment, as it can lead to more serious oral health problems in the future.

Learn more about emergency dental care for a cracked tooth

When you’re experiencing a dental emergency such as a cracked tooth, our emergency dentist in San Diego, CA can resolve your pain and discomfort. We can manage your pain and repair any injuries to your teeth or gums. Fast treatment is imperative to preserving your oral health and preventing more serious problems, so contacting our dental office quickly is necessary.

Tips to Choose the Right Toothpaste For Your Mouth

Posted on by Dental Express

Tips to choose the right toothpaste for your mouth To make sure your dental health remains its best, our dentists believe that all of our patients must follow an efficient oral hygiene routine from home. Scheduling regular dental exams and cleanings allow us to detect problems early on. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we teach our patients oral hygiene tips that promote a healthy mouth. Regularly visiting our dental office allows us to prevent the development of tooth decay or gum disease. However, this starts at home by using ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste. Good oral health means a lower risk of heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and Type II diabetes. Uncontrolled tooth decay or gingivitis can lead to tooth loss, which causes many of these health problems.

How to choose the right toothpaste

Our dentists recommend finding a toothpaste with at least 1,000 parts per million fluoride as recommended by the American Dental Association. The best toothpaste is one that cleans your teeth thoroughly and leaves your mouth feeling fresh. Dental Teeth Whitening toothpaste isn’t advisable as the results are short-term. If you have sensitive teeth, we can give you a prescription for a toothpaste for sensitive teeth that will help make brushing and flossing easier. Ultimately, the best toothpaste is one that leaves your mouth free of tooth decay and gum disease.

Brushing Tips

We suggest that you brush your teeth at least twice daily with the ADA-accepted toothpaste of your choosing. Always replace your toothbrush every few months, after a sickness, or when the bristles begin to fray. Place your toothbrush in your mouth at a 45-degree angle focused on your gumline. Separate your mouth into four quadrants and gently move the toothbrush back and forth while brushing each section for at least 30 seconds at a time. Don’t forget to brush your tongue too, as it holds onto harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay.

Why is flossing important?

Unhealthy gums increase your chances of having gum disease and, when left untreated, tooth loss. While brushing is important, it cannot protect you from gum disease on its own. When gum disease is left untreated, it can cause receding gums and, in severe cases, tooth loss. Bacteria left inside your mouth can even end up in your bloodstream, which causes an infection.

During a visit to Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we teach our patients how to floss correctly. Start by holding your floss so that most of it is around your middle fingers. Leave about an inch for the teeth that you will work on first. Hold your floss tightly and place it between the two teeth you will be cleaning. Glide the floss up and down, rubbing the sides of each of the teeth gently, never force the floss between the teeth. Curve your floss at the base of each tooth to form a c-shape. This allows you to enter the place between your gums and a tooth. Repeat these steps for all of your teeth.

Keep your teeth and gums healthy

At Dental Express, we know how important it is to choose the right toothpaste and to brush and floss every day. A good oral hygiene routine from home helps you reduce the chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease. To schedule an appointment to learn more about oral hygiene, call our San Diego, CA dental office today.

Learn What Foods and Drinks Can Damage Your Teeth

Posted on by Dental Express

What foods and drinks can damage your teeth. It’s no secret that what you eat and drink affects your dental health. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer healthy eating tips to our patients to help them protect their teeth and gums. During a dental exam with our San Diego dentist, we can discuss what foods damage the teeth and offer tooth-healthy food suggestions. When you consume food or beverages that contain a lot of sugar or acid, this sugar reacts with the bacteria in your plaque to produce acid. This will cause erosion, which leads to damaged tooth enamel and tooth sensitivity. Ultimately, a balanced diet helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss for our patients.

What foods are good for your teeth?

Tooth decay damages the teeth and will require a filling. In severe cases, an extraction may be necessary. This decay occurs when sugar reacts with the bacteria found in plaque, which forms an acid that attacks the teeth and destroys your tooth enamel. When this occurs, your enamel breaks down, and a cavity forms. This decay process happens quickly, which makes it important to have regular dental exams and dental cleanings to detect problems early on. Processed food and foods high in sugar are most prone to damage your enamel.

Foods that damage teeth

Foods that are sticky and full of sugar are the most damaging to your teeth. This is because when they are sticky, they are harder to remove, which allows bacteria to remain on the tooth and for tooth decay to begin. Some foods that damage teeth in San Diego, CA include:

  • Popcorn: This gets stuck between the teeth easily and promotes bacteria growth, leading to tooth decay. It can also cause sensitive gums.

  • Hard candy: Because of its texture, hard candy can cause teeth to crack. These candies are full of sugar and linger in the mouth for a while, which leads to damage.

  • Citrus: Anything that is high in acid can cause tooth decay. If you do eat citrus, rinse your mouth with water after eating to remove as much acid as possible.

  • Coffee or tea: Not only can it lead to stains on your teeth, but when you add sugar to these beverages, they can make the teeth feel sticky.

  • Soda: Sugary beverages, such as soda, are bad for the teeth as they contain a lot of sugar (which causes tooth decay), and they are acidic (which causes tooth erosion).

What is erosion?

Acidic food and beverages lead to erosion, the gradual dissolving of tooth enamel. A product that is high acid has a lower pH. Orange or grapefruit juice, milk, red wine, and soda are all erosive beverages. During a dental exam, our San Diego dentist can determine if you consume too much acid.

What foods are good for your teeth?

Our professional dental team recommends an anti-inflammatory diet, which has been proven to promote more healthy teeth and gums. Foods that are high in fat or refined sugars lead to inflammation. Healthy fats, such as olive oil, avocado, or fatty fish, all are good foods for teeth and gums.

A healthy snack is an alkaline food that is low in acid. Some healthy snacks include:

  • Raw vegetables

  • Low-fat cheese

  • Nuts (portion control)

  • Crackers

  • Yogurt (low or no-sugar varieties)

Learn how your oral health and your teeth are related

During regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings at Dental Express, our professional dental team can discuss your diet with you to determine if it’s causing oral health problems. We offer you helpful tips on food and dental health that can improve your oral health in San Diego, CA. To schedule a dental examination or routine dental cleaning, call our professional team today.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Posted on by Dental Express

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

How your smile looks is a major concern for many of our patients at Dental Express in San Diego, CA. Our dental practice offers professional at home and in office teeth whitening to help brighten your teeth up to several shades and help you achieve your dream smile. Our team uses professional-strength gel that reaches beneath the surface of your teeth to remove deep stains. When you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry procedures, like teeth whitening work, to improve your smile’s appearance, schedule a consultation to learn more about teeth whitening in San Diego.

Types of teeth whitening

Based on your smile goals, you can choose to have teeth whitening in our dental office or use at-home natural teeth whitening. Dental Express offers two popular brands of teeth whitening to our patients:

  1. Speed Teeth Whitening: This at home teeth whitening kit includes four gel applications, trays, and an LED light. After just 20 minutes, you will see a noticeably whiter smile. Some patients may need multiple kits to see their full results. This is because the results are more subtle, so this is recommended for those with minor stains or yellowing.

  1. Boost Teeth Whitening: Our in office teeth whitening whitens teeth with a gel that is applied to the surface of the teeth, which is activated with the help of an LED light. Your teeth will be whiter and brighter in just one hour. Our cosmetic dentist can help you choose the best shade for your teeth and smile goals. This option is recommended for patients with darker stains.

Does teeth whitening hurt?

No, it doesn’t. We apply a barrier to protect your gums from being irritated by the products used during teeth whitening. The only reported pain or discomfort you may feel is after your session with tooth sensitivity, which should stop in a few days.

How long will my teeth whitening results last?

Ultimately, routine dental exams and cleanings are important to maintaining your results. An exam at Dental Express will look for any tooth damage, decay, or signs of gum disease. Any dental issue detected during this exam must be resolved before teeth whitening treatment can commence. Follow-up sessions are recommended every few months to maintain your pearly whites. Refraining from stain-causing foods or beverages, such as berries, red wine, or coffee can also help ensure your teeth stay white.

Will insurance cover teeth whitening near me?

Because teeth whitening is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary, it isn’t usually covered by insurance. We offer low-interest financing and monthly payment plans to help make the cost of this cosmetic dental implants procedure affordable for all of our patients in San Diego, CA.

Learn if you’re a candidate for professional teeth whitening

Teeth whitening can offer fast and dramatic improvements to your smile. When you’re interested in learning more about the teeth whitening types we offer at Dental Express in San Diego, CA, call our office to schedule a consultation. We can evaluate your oral health to determine if you’re a candidate for this procedure.

What Do I Do If My Crown Comes Off?

Posted on by Dental Express

When you have tooth decay in San Diego, CA, our professional dental team may suggest a crown. This crown is used when so much decay exists in a tooth that there isn’t enough natural tooth remaining to function properly. It can also be used after root canal therapy or when a dental implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone to finalize the process. Whatever the reason for needing Cosmetic Dental Crowns, taking care of it like a natural tooth ensures that it lasts the longest. However, there are some instances where a crown may come off. Knowing what to do if a dental crown falls out helps your oral health remain at its best. At Dental Express, we offer dental crown repair services.

How do dental crowns work?

Installing a dental crown usually takes two visits to our San Diego, CA dental office. During your first visit, we take X-rays and examine the tooth and the surrounding teeth to make sure you have enough bone around your tooth to hold the crown in place properly. If there is a lot of tooth decay, we may suggest a root canal first. After this exam, we take an impression of your tooth, so a crown can be custom-made to fit your mouth. A temporary crown is made and placed until your next appointment at Dental Express. During your next visit, we remove your temporary crown, clean your tooth well, and fit your new crown. Your appointment is completed with an X-ray to verify that your crown fits right.

How long do crowns last?

Unfortunately, dental crowns aren’t meant to last forever. However, with proper oral hygiene, they can last a long time, sometimes up to 20 years. For your crown to last long, it’s important that it fits properly. This is why we finish off your visit with that important X-ray. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine of regular brushing and flossing, consistent dental exams, and routine dental cleanings can help your crown last the longest.

What if my crown falls out?

If your dental crown comes out, this is a serious dental emergency. The underlying tooth is unprotected, and can feel sensitive and even painful. To avoid further complications, it’s important to get crown repair services as quickly as possible. When your crown has fallen out, follow these steps:

  1. Recover and rinse off the crown: If it is in good shape, we can reattach it. This saves you time and money as compared to having your crown replaced. If it is dirty, rinse it off with warm water and place it in a bag or container to bring with you to Dental Express for reattachment.

  2. Protect your tooth: You should try to get emergency dental care the same day that your crown falls out; however, sometimes this isn’t possible. Temporary dental cement can protect your tooth until you can get into our emergency dental center.

  3. Visit our dental office: If your crown and tooth are in good shape, we can easily reattach your crown. However, if it is damaged, we may need to make you a new crown. Whatever the case, it’s important to not delay emergency dental care.

Learn about crown repair services in San Diego, CA

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, our professional dental team can help patients who have had their crown come off. We offer crown repair, and if the tooth and crown are in good shape, we can reattach it easily. To schedule an appointment for emergency dental care, call our dental office as soon as possible. During your visit, we can discuss with you when it’s time to replace your crown.

Do You Go to the Dentist or ER for a Dental Emergency?

Posted on by Dental Express

When you have severe tooth pain, severe bleeding in the gums, or a loose or dislodged tooth, you need to seek emergency dental care. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we treat patients with different dental emergencies regularly. We can help you resolve your pain or discomfort quickly at our dental office. There is no need to visit the emergency rooms, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our emergency dentist in San Diego, CA can safely and efficiently remedy your dental issue.

When should I seek emergency dental care?

At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we specialize in treating emergencies and restoring our patients’ oral health. Gum injuries, loose or dislodged teeth, and lost fillings or crowns are all considered dental emergencies. Depending on your particular emergency, our emergency dentist can offer immediate treatment or prescribe antibiotics to help you resolve an infection.

What is considered a dental emergency?

It can be hard to know when something is severe enough to need help from an emergency dentist. An untreated dental issue can impact your entire health, which is why it’s important to contact our professional team when you are experiencing dental emergency symptoms.

Some signs you’re experiencing a dental emergency include:

  1. Tooth damage: Cracks or teeth chips can usually wait until regular hours. However, if you have a large break in your tooth, this is a dental emergency. A severe break can lead to damage inside your tooth, which increases your risk of needing a root canal pain treatment.

  2. Severe tooth pain: If your tooth pain or sensitivity keeps worsening, it could signal that you have an infection. When your toothache doesn’t go away, contact our emergency dentist for treatment. If left untreated, an infection in the tooth can get in your bloodstream and lead to more serious health issues.

  3. Lost tooth: If you lost a tooth, place it in milk or saliva to preserve it until our emergency dentist can assist you. The faster you can get your tooth back into its socket, the better the chances are that it will function normally again.

  4. Abscess: An abscessed tooth means there is an infection at the root. This requires a surgical procedure where we drain the tooth thoroughly to remove the infection.

Emergency toothache relief treatment

The type of treatment that we use at Dental Express depends on the cause of your tooth pain. After a dental exam and X-rays, we can recommend the best tooth pain solution at our San Diego, CA office. These X-rays allow us to see potential dental issues that cannot be seen with the naked eye, including cavities, cysts, or impacted teeth.

Some treatments used to treat tooth pain during emergency dental care include:

Learn more about emergency dental care in San Diego, CA

To avoid serious health problems, you must always know what is going on inside your mouth. Any changes can signal a problem. When you have tooth pain or other emergency symptoms, Dental Express can help. We help our patients experiencing a dental emergency 24/7 at our San Diego, CA office. Our emergency dentist can help restore your oral health and alleviate any tooth pain you are experiencing.

How Removable Dentures Can Restore Your Smile

Posted on by Dental Express

How Removable Dentures Can Restore Your Smile: Tooth loss is caused by severe tooth decay, trauma, or progressive gum disease. At Dental Express in San Diego, CA, we offer several ways to restore your smile. Perfect Smile Dentures are one of the most effective ways to improve how your smile looks and works. They are artificial teeth and gums that are formed to the mouth to replace lost or extracted natural teeth. They can be partial or full, depending on how many teeth you need to replace. Regardless of the denture type you choose, they are custom-made to fit your mouth and match the shade of your natural teeth.

What are dentures?

Dentures are made of a hard resin material, which makes them durable. However, it’s important to note that removable dentures are still more fragile than natural teeth, and they can chipped tooth and crack. A new set of dentures is typically needed every five years. The support that holds the teeth in place is made of a flexible polymer material that fits snugly on your natural gumline for a comfortable fit. Wearing dentures can improve how your smile looks and can make eating easier. Dentures are a great choice to replace teeth that may be causing you pain or an infection due to diseased roots. Our dental professionals in San Diego, CA recommend dentures to our patients to help them to restore their oral health.

The process of getting dentures

Several steps need to be taken to get patients ready for dentures, including:

  1. Teeth are extracted to prepare for dentures.

  2. Dental cleaning is conducted.

  3. If necessary, filing down of the natural teeth occurs.

  4. After the mouth is ready, digital X-rays are sent to a dental lab to make custom dentures.

  5. A set of temporary dentures are worn until permanent ones are ready.

  6. The permanent dentures are placed and adjusted, as needed, for the most secure and comfortable fit.

We recommend follow-up appointments to determine if your dentures are suiting your oral health the best.

How to clean your dentures

No matter what type of dentures you choose, they must be washed daily, just like your natural teeth. Debris can build up and damage your existing teeth and gums. To best clean your dentures, remove them from your mouth and run clean water over them to rinse away any leftover food particles. Brush the dentures with a denture cleaner or mild soap. Never use regular toothpaste as it is too abrasive for your dentures. After you clean your dentures, dry them thoroughly before returning them to your mouth. Clean any natural teeth in your mouth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

How to make your dentures last

Remember to always take out your dentures overnight to avoid cracking or misplacing them. This also allows your gums and bones to relax from the pressure of wearing them. Always submerge your dentures in warm water to keep them from drying out completely. A denture-soaking solution can be used on dentures without metal components since the solution can tarnish the metal.

Schedule an appointment to learn how dentures can restore your oral health

Our dentists at Dental Express in San Diego, CA, can provide their professional opinions on if removable dentures will best suit your oral health. After a thorough dental exam, we can help you determine which tooth replacement option is best for you. When you’re having trouble chewing or speaking and want to restore the function of your smile, dentures are a great solution. Call our San Diego, CA dental office today to schedule a consultation.

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