What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis, is a swelling and inflammation of the gums, is the first stage of periodontal disease. Gingivitis is cause by the accumulation of plaque, the sticky film of food and bacteria that forms constantly on your teeth. If plaque isn't removed each day, the bacteria in plaque invade the space between the teeth and gums and begin producing toxins. These toxins irritate and inflame the gums, causing them to swell and bleed. Gingivitis is easily reversed, but if it's not caught in time, it can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious infection of the teeth, gums, and jawbone that can lead to tooth loss.

The Warning Signs of Gingivitis

Redness of the gums

Swollen Gums

Bleeding Gums

Foul Breath Odor

Gum Pain or Soreness



Treatment for gingivitis always includes a professional teeth cleaning to remove the plaque build-up from the teeth, some additional steps maybe required. Home care techniques, such as brushing and flossing and using an antibacterial rinse to help kill the bacteria are very important to have healthy gums. More frequent office visit to evaluate and monitor the health of your gums maybe need it if you have been diagnose with gingivitis.

It's very important to treat gingivitis early, before it progresses to periodontal disease and results in bone and tooth loss.



Dental Insurance

Dentistry has been significantly affected by insurance limitations over the years.

For example,
The maximum dental benefit of $1,000- $1,500 per year has not change since the 1960's. Everything has gone up in price since the 1960's. Why is your Dental insurance not raising the Maximum coverage for a benefit year or even better let you carry it over to the next year and the next....?

Not every patient visits the dentist twice a year, some maybe once or others maybe every 3 to 10 years even when they have dental insurance. Your dental health is part of your overall health don't put the dental visit off, treat yourself to stay healthy!

Having a dental insurance is a luxury for most of us in this economic times. Most employers are downgrading or even worst cutting the dental insurance coverages. Wow, as if your dental health is not important! Your teeth are part of your body so therefore if you get a bacterial infection in your gums your health can be compromise.

Don't throw your money away as the year end approaches so does the opportunity to complete your dental work and take advantage of your dental benefits and flexible spending accounts.

BENEFITS CAN NOT BE CARRIED OVER FROM ONE YEAR TO THE NEXT!
YOU HAVE GIVEN MONEY TO YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY AND FLEX PLAN THAT YOU WILL NEVER GET BACK!

CALL MY OFFICE FOR AN APPOINTMENT!

Sincerely,

Dr. Daniel R. Pestana
(925)945-8006

Can You Afford Dental Treatment?

We complain when gas prices hit $4 a gallon, but we forget that bottle water is $1 per pint or $8 per gallon depending. People always seem to have the money for what they really want.

Sometimes HOW we look at the problem IS the problem. We need our financial reward structure and systems to support what is best for our health, in the same way we can afford the extra vacation, eating out, entertainment, the cup of coffee at Starbucks ect…

As dentists we need to help our patients want what we know they need!

Can you afford to invest in your dental health?

Without your good health, life becomes less enjoyable. Purchasing a membership to the fitness club, buying organic food, getting your teeth fixed and investing in health and dental insurance are wise ways to spend your money. Eating healthy means fewer medical expenses and less lost time from work, which equals serious savings in the long run.

                                    We all have money for what we want!


                                          

Bad Breath

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is often easily treatable.
There are several causes of bad breath:

• Strong foods like garlic and onions
• Smoking
• Periodontal disease
• Dry Mouth
• Various medical conditions
• Improper or inconsistent dental homecare

Treating bad breath

Eliminating the bacteria found on your tongue and gums is one of the first steps in getting rid of bad breath. The tongue surface is made up of many tiny fissures. Small particles of food can get trapped in these fissures and begin to decompose. A type of bacteria, called anaerobic bacteria, thrives in these areas, where there is little or no oxygen. Bad breath odor occurs when these bacteria produce a common compund called sulfur.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease is another source of sulfur-producing bacteria. The plaque and tartar build up around your teeth and gums create pockets that trap food and bacteria, and create an enviroment where sulfur is produced. It's fortunate that the treatment of periodontal disease will also help treat the bad breath symptoms.

When we treat bad breath, we first remove the sulfur-producing bacteria from your mouth during a professional cleaning.

If your bad breath was caused by dry mouth, we'll investigate the causes and suggest treatment options, We'll also let you know if we discover signs of any medical conditions.

Next, we'll work with you to set up a homecare routine that will include daily brushing and flossing, and may also include tongue cleaning and an anti-bacterial rinse. We may also suggest several return appointments to monitor your success and fine-tune your efforts.

Bad breath is uncomfortable and embarrassing, but the good news is that with the right tools, regular care in our office, and the proper homecare routine, it's reversible. With treatment, you'll notice improvement right away, and soon be enjoying fresh breath and a healthier mouth.

Primary Teeth

Because primary teeth, also called baby teeth, are eventually replaced by permanent teeth, many people don't realize that primary teeth are, in fact, very important for a child's long-term dental health.

Alignment of permanent teeth
Normally, some of the primary teeth remain in the mouth until a child is eleven or twelve. During this time, they serve as space maintainers and ensure that the permanent teeth are properly aligned as they grow into the mouth. Early loss of primary teeth often causes misalignment of the permanent teeth and may even alter normal facial development. Expensive orthodontic solutions may be necessary to correct these problems.

Nutrition and speech development
Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food. Cavities and tooth loss can make it impossible for a child to eat properly, which affects his or her overal level of health. speech development can also be affected by premature tooth loss. In combination, these problems may lower a child's self-esteem during the importmant formative years.

As you can see, Primary teeth are critically important for a child's health and development. It's important to keep them in the mouth as long as possible by practicing excellent oral hygiene and treating problems early.


 

New pathogen connected to severe early childhood caries identified

New pathogen connected to severe early childhood caries identified

Dr. Daniel R. Pestana DDS, Walnut Creek, CA cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentist: What is an Abfraction?

Dr. Daniel R. Pestana DDS, Walnut Creek, CA cosmetic, Implant and Family Dentist: What is an Abfraction?