San Bruno Family Dentistry Blog

San Bruno Cosmetic Dentist Provides an Overview of Cosmetic Dentistry

Sun, 20 May 2012 17:45:00 GMT

Patients often come to our practice seeking advice on ways to correct aesthetic dental problems. These patients may require cosmetic dental procedures or treatment for a number to correct a variety of cosmetic defects - to repair a malformed bite or crooked teeth, to treat an injury, or just to improve their overall appearance. For these and many other reasons, cosmetic dentistry has become a vital and important part of the dental profession. But whatever their reason for seeking treatment, the ultimate goal is to restore a beautiful smile.

In the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in the demand for cosmetic dentistry. We all understand that having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances our appearance and allows us to increases self-confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentistry is no longer a luxury reserved for movie stars, and our San Bruno, CA Cosmetic Dentist Office is able to improve your smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments.

Common cosmetic dental procedures can be performed to correct misshapen, discolored, chipped or missing teeth. Procedures used in the practice of cosmetic dentistry can also change the overall shape of teeth, whether they are too long or short, have gaps, or simply need to be reshaped to create a more attractive smile.

Some of the more common procedures involve:
Change the size, shape, and alignment of certain teeth
Fill in unattractive spaces between teeth
Improve or correct bites
Lighten or brighten the color of teeth
Repair decayed, broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
Replace missing teeth
Replace old, unattractive dental treatments

Which techniques should be used to improve your smile? Before making any decisions, your dentist will need to do a complete dental exam. It is very important to identify any underlying issues that may affect the results of any cosmetic dental procedure. The professionals at San Bruno Cosmetic Dentistry will also discuss your about your lifestyle to determine the best treatment for you. Contact your cosmetic dental professional for more information and to take the first step towards obtaining the smile of your dreams.

San Bruno Family Dentistry Discusses How to build a Trusting Relationship with Patients

Mon, 07 May 2012 20:15:00 GMT

What caused you to end the relationship with your last dentist? Was it because he or she was a poor communicator and caused you to experience fear, guilt and/or discomfort? Perhaps you quit seeing your dentist because you felt that that you were just one more patient taking up their valuable time and that they were insensitive to your concerns.

At our San Bruno, CA Family Dentist Office, we value each and every patient as an individual and believe they deserve to be treated with respect and sensitivity to their needs and concerns. We know that many patients who come to us may have developed a strong fear of dentists and that many are nervous about dental visits. We also understand that our responsibility as caring dental professionals is to assure your optimal oral health and not to lecture you about past poor habits.

Although my team and I have years of experience and extensive training on the latest dental procedures and equipment, there are some very important things that can’t be learned in dental school. Building a trusting relationship with our patients and creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere in our dental practice is essential to achieving our goal of providing you with quality dental care.

Patients can naturally feel vulnerable as they lie in the dental chair, particularly if they’ve had negative experiences in the past. We strive to maintain a friendly environment in our office, and we manage our schedule carefully to minimize waiting and provide ample time for each valued patient.

Effective communication is a priority. The team at our San Bruno, California Family Dental Office works hard together to ensure that patients understand their options and to make certain that all questions are answered before we develop a treatment plan. Please feel free to contact us at 650-588-4255 to discuss how we can best serve your needs.

San Bruno Gum Disease Dentist Discusses Pregnancy and Periodontal Disease

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 15:41:00 GMT

It is very common for women to experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. There is a common old saying, “A tooth lost for every child.” While it may seem far-fetched, it actually has some basis in fact. Just as other tissues in your body are affected by the hormonal changes caused by pregnancy, so are your teeth and gums. At our San Bruno Periodontics Dental Office, we know that the health of your gums may also affect the health of your unborn child.

How Pregnancy Affects Teeth and Gums
‘Pregnancy Gingivitis’ affects about half of all women who become pregnant. This condition can cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. A more serious condition, periodontal disease (a serious gum infection), may affect the health of your baby.

Periodontal Disease and Preterm or Low Birth-Weight Babies
Studies have suggested that a possible relationship exists between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth weight babies. However, research in this area is inconclusive. Because pregnant women with periodontal disease have a potential to have a baby born too early and too small, maintaining periodontal health during pregnancy is a wise precaution in any event.

Steps you can take to Avoid Periodontal Disease
Obviously, a lifelong routine of proper oral hygiene, regular dental exams and cleanings at our San Bruno Periodontal Dentistry are the best preventative for gum disease whether you plan to become pregnant or not. Once you do become pregnant, be sure to advise our office and make an appointment for a dental cleaning early in your pregnancy so that we can monitor you for any adverse changes. It is also wise to plan this early on as sitting in a dentist’s chair can become uncomfortable later in pregnancy.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plague production which can lead to decay. If you are not already doing so, be sure that you are following a diligent at-home oral hygiene routine, brushing after meals, flossing twice a day and avoiding sweets (or at least brushing immediately after).

San Bruno, CA Implants Dentist Discusses the Benefits of Dental Implants

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 14:54:00 GMT

More and more of my patients these days come to me with questions about dental implants. Today I’ll tell you about the benefits of dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Right for Me?
If you are missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay you may be a good candidate for dental implants. Generally speaking, if you’re healthy enough for a tooth extraction then you may be a candidate for dental implants, although we won’t know for sure until we do a thorough examination

What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant consists of a small titanium fixture that serves as a replacement for the root portion of your missing tooth. Using local anesthesia, San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office places the small titanium fixture into the bone. Ultimately the implant integrates with the bone securely, often resulting in a more stable structure than the tooth’s natural root.

Why dental implants?
Improved Confidence and Lifestyle: Dental implants will transform your smile by eliminating unsightly gaps, helping you regain a more youthful smile. You can continue to enjoy all your favorite foods with confidence because of the sound structure of your teeth.

Improved Appearance: Without the root structure of a natural tooth present, the jawbone can shrink over time, affecting your overall appearance by giving your face a “sunken” appearance. This has the undesirable effect of making you appear older than you actually are but can also eventually change the structure of your jaw.

Provide a Permanent Solution: Unlike crowns or other dental prosthetics, the implant becomes an integral part of the structure of your jaw and will, under normal conditions, serve you for life without further adjustment.

At our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office the procedure can be done under local anesthesia in as little as 45 minutes. However, we do have a variety of sedation options available for patients who feel anxious or prefer a stronger sedative.

San Bruno, CA Sedation Dentist Discusses Effective Ways to Deal with Dental Anxiety

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:36:00 GMT

If you suffer from an overwhelming fear of dentists and dental procedures, you know how easy it is to “forget” to schedule regular appointments. This is actually a very common problem and affects millions of patients. Unfortunately postponing dental treatment almost always results in more invasive and more costly treatment.

At our San Bruno, California Sedation Dental Office your comfort and well being are of the greatest importance to our team. We work closely with you to reduce stress and provide painless and efficient treatments. We employ the most recent technological advancements including minimally invasive procedures that reduce your time in the chair and potential discomfort.

But these factors alone may not give you the peace of mind you’re looking for when visiting your dentist. So what can you do to help alleviate this anxiety? Feeling a loss of being in control contributes to dental phobia. Here are some practical tips to help you feel more in control during your dental appointments and hopefully reduce your stress level.

Communicate with your dentist – You may find it embarrassing to talk about your fear, but your dentist needs to be aware of your anxiety in order to take the necessary precautions during treatment.
Agree on a signal – Patients are often afraid that the dentist won’t know when and if they are experiencing pain or anxiety, and this contributes to their fear. Agree to a signal with your dentist beforehand. A simple “stop” hand signal can be used to alert your dentist to your discomfort immediately.
Use a throat spray – If you worry about gagging, sprays used for sore throats can help to keep the gag reflex under control for the duration of the appointment.
Sedation – Sedation offers an excellent solution for many patients who would not otherwise be able to endure the treatment. Discuss the different types of sedation options available with your dentist before the appointment so you know exactly what to expect.

The best way to combat dental phobia, however, is to gather information beforehand. At San Bruno Dentist Sedation Dentistry, we are always available for a consultation to discuss procedures and treatments to help you understand exactly what your appointment will involve.

San Bruno Periodontal Dentistry Explains Health Concerns Associated with Periodontal Disease

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 20:48:00 GMT

Many patients at our San Bruno, CA Periodontics Dentist Office understand that periodontal disease is a serious oral health issue. What they may not realize is that research has established a strong connection between periodontal disease and other chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy complications and respiratory disease.

Diabetes
It has been shown that individuals with pre-existing diabetic conditions are likely to be more susceptible to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease increases blood sugar levels, making it a challenge to control the amount of glucose in the blood. This factor alone can increase the risk of serious diabetic complications.

Heart Disease
Several theories exist which connect heart disease and periodontitis. One theory is that oral bacteria present with periodontal disease can attach themselves to coronary arteries when they enter the bloodstream. This in turn contributes to the formation of blood clots and a narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Another theory suggests that inflammation caused by periodontal disease causes an increased build-up of arterial plaque. This can inflame the arteries and worsen pre-existing heart conditions. It has been suggested that patients whose bodies react to periodontal bacteria are at increased risk of developing heart disease.

Pregnancy Complications
Women in general are more prone to developing periodontal disease because of hormonal fluctuations occurring continuously as they go through life and the aging process. Research indicates that pregnant women suffering from periodontal disease are at greater risk of delivering underweight, premature babies.

Respiratory Disease
The oral bacteria present with gum disease has been shown to be a potential threat to sufferers of emphysema, pneumonia and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). These bacteria can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract during the course of normal inhalation and create bacterial infections. Repeated infections which characterize COPD may be linked with periodontitis.

As you can see, periodontal disease can create significant and serious concerns far beyond oral health alone. The good news is that periodontal disease is a highly preventable and treatable disease if caught immediately. Be sure to protect your oral and overall general health by contacting San Bruno Periodontal Dentistry to schedule regular dental examinations and cleanings.

San Bruno Implants Dentist Explains how to Care for Dental Implants

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Dental implants are designed to be permanent, immovable replacement teeth. They are easy to care for, and unlike dentures and bridges, dental implants do not have to be removed for cleaning or dental maintenance. Patients at our San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office can care for their implants the same way they care for their natural teeth, with regular brushing and flossing.

Your dental implants can last for decades with proper care. But there are certain steps you can take to preserve the health and longevity of your dental implant. Here are some common problems to be aware of:

Teeth grinding: patients who grind or clench their teeth (also known as Bruxism) put unnecessary strain on their implants, causing them to wear down prematurely. Many patients don’t even realize that they are grinding their teeth, because they do it in their sleep. If you wake up with jaw soreness or tooth pain this may be an indication that you’re suffering from bruxism.
Chewing Hard Foods: Chewing hard foods like hard candies or ice creates stress on your natural teeth and your dental restorations. If you regularly eat hard candy or ice, you risk chipping or cracking your crowns.
Using Tobacco Products: Smoking and chewing tobacco can cause your teeth and your restorations to discolor. Dental implants as well as natural enamel can take on a dark, stained appearance from habitual tobacco use.

Dental implants are a practical, long-term tooth replacement option, and with proper care they can keep you smiling for years to come. Before you choose dental implants, take the time to minimize bad dental habits and treat bruxism. Our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office can help you understand how the treatment process works and whether or not dental implants are the right option for you.

San Bruno Dental Implants Dentist Discusses Using Implants with Dentures and Bridges

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 18:14:00 GMT

When you lose a tooth, it can have an unfortunate impact on your life, causing difficulty with speaking and eating certain types of foods. In addition you may experience the resulting lack of confidence in your appearance. But at the San Bruno, CA Dental Implants Dentist Office you have more tooth replacement options with modern cosmetic dentistry than ever before, and one option in particular, the dental implant, is quickly becoming the preferred course of treatment for missing teeth.

A dental implant consists of a small titanium post surgically implanted into the bone. During the initial phase of the implant process, the titanium bonds with your jaw bone to form a strong foundation for a natural-looking dental restoration. Once the post is firmly seated in the jaw, the restoration is affixed to the implant. Because the titanium post takes the place of the tooth’s missing root, dental implants are actually integrated into the structure of the bone to mimic the appearance and strength of your natural teeth.

Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or multiple teeth. They are an exceptional tooth replacement option when used alone, but they can also be used to help improve the stability and comfort of existing dentures or bridges.

Our San Bruno Dental Implants Dentistry Office can strategically place dental implants to stabilize bridges and dentures. Bridges stay in place because they are affixed to adjacent teeth, but this can cause unnecessary strain and structural stress on a patient’s natural teeth. Now, a patient’s bridge can be anchored to a dental implant, ensuring a comfortable fit, and taking the pressure off of healthy, natural teeth.

Dental implants can be used alone or with dentures and bridges to improve the appearance and functionality of a patient’s smile. They are a versatile tooth-replacement option providing stability and a natural-looking restoration.

San Bruno Restorative Dentistry Discusses the Advantages of Invisalign™ Clear Aligners

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:00:00 GMT

A beautiful, healthy smile can make a great first impression, but if you have crooked or uneven teeth, you may be less than confident about your smile. If you’ve been putting off having this corrected because you don't want to endure the process and time involved in wearing traditional braces, you are not alone. But there are options to correct alignment issues and give you back your beautiful smile. Today, let's take a look at some of the advantages of using the Invisalign™ system.

What makes Invisalign aligners preferable to traditional braces?

Easy Treatment Plan: Your Invisalign™ treatment starts when we take the X-rays used to create a 3-d digital image of your mouth. Next, you’ll be given a series of custom-made aligners that you will take home and change about every two weeks. You will see the difference in your smile every time you change aligners! You will be scheduled for checkups every six weeks or so at San Bruno Dental Medicine so we can monitor your progress.
Convenient: Simply wear your aligners throughout the day, removing them to eat. This allows you to eat foods you love without the worry of particles getting stuck in wires and brackets.
Easily removable: You will continue to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would. Your Invisalign™ aligners can simply be brushed and rinsed in lukewarm water.
Adaptable to your active lifestyle: Since Invisalign™ aligners are nearly invisible; most people won’t even notice you’re wearing them. You don’t have to worry about the discomfort of metal braces and wires that can poke and irritate your mouth, and if you’re involved in contact sports, Invisalign™ aligners are easily removed, enabling you to wear a protective mouth guard if necessary.

How long does the entire process take?
It’s difficult to say exactly how long you will need to wear your Invisalign™ aligners since everyone is unique. Contact the San Bruno General Cosmetic Dentist for a free consultation to evaluate your individual situation. Generally speaking though, Invisalign™ treatment usually takes about a year for adults. For teens, the length of treatment is comparable to that of traditional braces, with less discomfort and the added advantage of seeing the improvement every time you change aligners!

San Bruno Cosmetic Dentist Explains Benefits of Dental Crowns

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 19:20:00 GMT

Modern cosmetic dentistry has brought about so many innovative and smile-enhancing procedures that it’s sometimes difficult to sort it all out. You’re smile is just not as appealing as it once was, and you know that you need some kind of enhancement in addition to your routine oral care. But which procedures will treat your underlying oral problems as well as create the smile you desire? Today I’d like to speak to you specifically about crowns, their uses and benefits.

What is a dental crown?
Dental crowns ("caps") are one of dentistry's most versatile types of restorations. Crowns are a type of dental restoration which, when cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Since dental crowns encase the entire visible aspect of a tooth, a dental crown in effect becomes the tooth's new outer surface. There are several types of crowns but porcelain is the most popular. Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and color or your teeth. They are highly durable and will last many years.

When is a dental crown used?
A crown may be used to strengthen broken, fractured teeth, cover large or fractured fillings or for cosmetic enhancement. In addition, all teeth that have root canal treatment should have a crown (cap) placed. This protects the tooth, prevents it from breaking, and restores it to its full function.

What does getting a crown involve?
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Your first appointment at CA Restorative Dentistry will include the taking of several highly accurate molds (or impressions) used to create your temporary crown as well as your permanent custom crown. The tooth is prepared by removing any decay and shaping the surface to properly fit the crown. Your temporary crown is then placed.

During your second appointment your temporary crown will be removed, the tooth will be cleaned, and your new crown will be carefully placed so that we can ensure proper spacing and an accurate bite. You will receive instructions for care and cleaning before you are sent home with a beautiful, enhanced smile.

San Bruno Dentist Explains Health Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:13:00 GMT

Are you less than happy with the appearance of your smile? Do you shy away from business situations and social interactions because you’re self-conscious about your appearance? You may be surprised to learn that many issues that people think are purely cosmetic can also have an impact on your overall oral health.

Teeth that are cracked, decayed, missing, or incorrectly aligned not only mar your appearance and make you feel self-conscious, but they can lead to a variety of other problems including periodontal disease, jaw pain, and difficulty with chewing. Cosmetic dentistry can correct these issues, restoring your oral health and beautiful smile.

Cosmetic Dental Solutions

At San Bruno General Dentist we understand that every patient’s needs are unique. When you visit our office, we will work closely with you to find the solution that is right for you, correcting potentially harmful dental issues and giving you a smile you can be proud of.

Cosmetic dentistry offers several solutions for perfecting your smile:

Porcelain Veneers can cover discolored teeth and correct problems like uneven spacing, gaps, and crooked teeth
Dental Implants can be used to replace missing teeth and offer additional support against shifting teeth and jaw collapse
Porcelain Crowns offer a strong, aesthetically pleasing solution for patients with cracked or chipped teeth
Tooth-colored fillings prevent further decay while appearing natural, unlike amalgam fillings
Tooth bonding corrects the appearance of broken, misaligned, or crooked teeth

There are almost unlimited options for creating a smile you can be proud of. In addition to correcting potential dental problems and ensuring your overall oral health, San Bruno General Cosmetic Dentist offers a wide range of cosmetic services from basic teeth whitening to more complex procedures such as dental implants. This combination of sound general dentistry combined with cosmetic dentistry offers a solution for every smile.

San Bruno Dentist Warns of the Dangers of Sleep Apnea

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:29:00 GMT

Sleep Apnea is well-known as being related to snoring, but most people are unaware that it is also a potentially life-threatening disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Continued disruption of breathing causes an imbalance between carbon dioxide and oxygen levels in the bloodstream, as not enough carbon dioxide is exiting and not enough oxygen is entering the body. People with Sleep Apnea partially awaken many times a night as they struggle to breathe, often accompanied by loud snoring or a choking sensation.

Sleeping masks were traditionally used to keep the patient’s airways open while they slept, but advances in sleep dentistry provide some less intrusive options such as dental devices that gently coax the lower jaw forward. San Bruno Dental Medicine, highly trained in the area of sleep dentistry with over 20 years’ experience, utilizes these devices and they have proven quite effective in preventing the tongue from blocking the main air passage.

Benefits of Using a Dental Device to Treat Sleep Apnea:

Considerable reduction in paused breathing for patients with mild-to-moderate apnea, especially if the patient sleeps either on their back or stomach.
Improved, healthier sleep
Reduction in the frequency and volume of snoring
Higher compliance rates than with CPAP masks

What does sleep apnea treatment involve?
Initially, we conduct tests in order to investigate, diagnose, and pinpoint a suitable treatment. San Bruno Dentistry utilizes the Sleep Solution test to treat Sleep Apnea. This is a comfortable, reliable at-home sleep study, offering an alternative to traditional laboratory sleep studies. We may also advise that you discontinue habits that aggravate Sleep Apnea such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and tranquilizer use.

If you suspect you have Sleep Apnea, contact a dental professional immediately who has specialized training in the area of sleep dentistry as this is a serious and potentially life-threatening problem if left untreated.

Enjoy a Stress-Free Visit to San Bruno Dentist through Sedation Dentistry

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 22:28:00 GMT

Many new patients come to me expressing fear and hesitation because of dental phobia. If you suffer with a similar problem, you should know that this issue is fairly common for many people. However, dental phobia can result in neglected oral care and long-term problems that become difficult and costly to repair. But there are is an easier way, and you now have many options available to you through Sedation Dentistry.

When you arrive for your consultation, we will begin by discussing advancements in modern sedation dentistry and how it has improved the experience for patients like yourself who suffer from dental phobia. Sedation Dentistry refers to the practice of administering specific sedatives that will reduce your anxiety and enable you to become quite relaxed. Through the use of Sedation Dentistry, your visits to San Bruno Dental Medicine will be anxiety-free from start to finish.

Everyone reacts differently to different types of sedation so there are many factors to take into account (such as physical structure and mindset) when choosing your best sedation option. We work closely with you to match your needs with the appropriate sedation option for you. We also keep you fully informed every step of the way about the specific type of sedation chosen for you. Some of these include:

Inhalation Sedation
Oral Sedation
IV (Intravenous) Sedation
General Anesthesia (GA)

A controlled and regulated approach to your chosen level of sedation allows us to monitor your comfort throughout the duration of your treatment and ensure that your post-procedure experience leaves you feeling refreshed and renewed. With Sedation Dentistry at our Restorative Dentistry, CA Office you can now achieve the beautiful smile that you have always wanted without fear, stress or anxiety.

San Bruno, CA Dentist Discusses Custom Teeth Whitening

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 18:41:00 GMT

There’s a huge selection of tooth whitening tray kits available in your supermarket. But did you know that choosing a customized at-home tooth whitening kit from a qualified cosmetic dentist may prevent other dental issues arising from the use of over-the-counter whitening agents?

Home whitening tray kits cannot provide the exact fit obtained when using a custom made whitening tray provided by your dentist. A custom tray is designed to minimize the contact of bleaching gel with gum tissue. Trays that don’t fit properly can also cause irritation when the edge of a bleaching tray rubs against the gums.

When custom bleaching trays are used gum irritation can be kept to a minimum, helping to protect you against more serious gum issues (periodontitis, gingivitis) down the road. For this reason a custom-fit whitening tray is most important in instances where a relatively higher concentration whitener is being used. In order to provide a perfect-fitting customized tray, your San Bruno Tooth Whitening Dentist takes an impression of your teeth. The resulting custom-made tray is trimmed so that it covers the entire surface of each tooth, falling just short of the gum line. This special contouring not only protects the sensitive gum tissue but also eliminates irritation caused by tray edges rubbing against the gum line.

The fit of a custom-molded tray from your cosmetic dentist has other advantages:

Contact with the entire tooth surface: A uniform whitening effect is best achieved when the whitener being used remains in contact with the entire surface of a tooth.

Proper tray retention: It’s important that the whitening tray stay in place for maximum whitening action. A custom-fabricated tray can virtually guarantee this type of fit.

Contact San Bruno Cosmetic Dentistry to determine if you’re a better candidate for an in-office whitening procedure such as the Sapphire Whitening System or a customized, take-home bleaching kit. Your cosmetic dentist is highly trained and dedicated to your overall oral health as well as helping you achieve a brighter smile.

San Bruno Dentist Explains How dry mouth affects oral health

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 17:18:00 GMT

An increasing number of patients in my practice are reporting a problem with dry mouth. This condition is termed "xerostomia." Xerostomia can be a side effect of the medications a person is taking for illnesses such as high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, allergies, weight loss, Parkinson's disease, pain and many more. However, there are many other factors that contribute to a decrease in salivary production including the aging process, radiation treatments and depression.

At San Bruno Dental Medicine we know that, aside from being annoying, the symptoms of dry mouth can cause significant dental hygiene problems. Saliva is the body’s natural cleansing mouth rinse. Each time we swallow, saliva washes away bacteria, as well as the food and debris on which they feed. Saliva contains compounds that kill bacteria in the mouth, and without proper dental hygiene dry mouth enhances the conditions for bacterial growth (and associated periodontal disease) as the ability to neutralize bacterial waste products is reduced.

If you’re experiencing chronic dry mouth and you suspect that it may be due to medication, consult with your medical doctor who may be able to adjust your dosage to help alleviate the problem. Some other steps you can take to reduce symptoms are:

Using sugar-free candy or gum
Drinking plenty of water to help keep your mouth moist
Using a vaporizer to add moisture to the air in your bedroom
Using an artificial saliva substitute available at your pharmacy

The reduction in saliva production leads to the very conditions on which the bacteria in your mouth thrive, allowing bacteria lingering at the gumline and between teeth to cause serious damage, periodontal disease or gingivitis. Since patients with Xerostomia (dry mouth) are at increased risk for periodontal disease, good dental hygiene - brushing regularly with fluoride toothpaste, using a fluoride rinse, and visiting your San Bruno California Dental Office frequently for cleanings and examinations - are critically important to your oral health.