Dental Hygiene
While at our office, our Milpitas Smile Design team will make sure that you receive the highest level of service and ensure that our dental work is high-quality. But to ensure that you maintain great oral health, this level of quality needs to extend into your personal oral hygiene routine. After all, great dental care is a two-way street! The person caring for your teeth day-in and day-out will be you.
Don’t worry: we can help you establish a dental hygiene routine that will keep your teeth healthy and white. This will include proper brushing and flossing, but it can also answer questions like “Should I use an electric toothbrush, and if so, what kind?”
For those who have already seen us: if you have any questions about your current hygiene plan please ask us! And if you’re new, know that we’re here to answer all your oral care questions and help you renew and preserve your uniquely beautiful smile.
Digital X-Rays
Need a digital x-ray for your teeth? Don’t worry—we have the knowledge and equipment needed to give us a proper picture of your mouth for further treatment.
Digital x-rays are quickly becoming adopted by a large percentage of the dental industry. A digital x-ray allows the dentist to take an image of the tooth or teeth and put it into an imaging program. Within this imaging program, there are a number of tools that will allow the dentist to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy.
As a benefit to the patient, the digital x-ray also provides nearly 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray. This is due to the fact that digital x-rays are much more sensitive to this radiation and has been specifically designed with the patient in mind.
There are even more benefits of digital x-rays. Consider the following:
- Digital x-rays can be viewed quickly to minimize downtime
- Digital x-ray images can often be corrected if necessary without making another x-ray exposure
- Digital x-rays are environmentally friendly as well!
All of these benefits are great reasons why Milpitas Smile Design uses digital x-rays today. We want quicker and more accurate treatments for our patients, and we know you want the same!
Oral Cancer Screenings
Oral cancer isn’t something many of us want to talk about—but it’s an important condition to be aware of. Did you know that 3 people die of oral cancer every day? The even more heartbreaking news is that this form of cancer is 90% curable if detected early. That’s why oral cancer screenings are so important for our patients.
Here are some of the signs of oral cancer:
- Red or white ulcers that won’t heal
- Growing lesions or lumps
- Irregular bleeding
- Shifting teeth
However, there are more symptoms as well—and not all need to be present in order for someone to have oral cancer.
Our patients should know that certain lifestyle choices can have a great impact on the health of oral tissues and your overall health in the mouth. If you are a smoker or heavy drinker, make sure to get regular screenings when you visit the dentist. For all other patients, oral cancer screenings are important if you notice anything peculiar about the appearance of your mouth. If need be, contact us to set up an appointment, or inquire about our screenings during your next visit. Your oral health and peace of mind are worth it!
Sealants
You may have heard of sealants before, or had some placed in your mouth at some time—but what are they exactly?
Sealants are a great way to protect against tooth decay and cavities on your back teeth (molars). These are the teeth that are most vulnerable to cavities and decay because they are used heavily in the chewing process, and they are the most difficult to reach and clean. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first arrive to ensure they are protected early. Sealants are a great way to prevent cavities in adults as well.
To place a sealant, an adhesive is first applied to the teeth. The sealant is then placed over the adhesive as a liquid, as if it is painted right onto the tooth. Finally, the liquid hardens and creates a barrier between your tooth and any plaque, food particles, and bacteria. Sealants last for about 10 years and can be reapplied if necessary.
Need sealants replaced or reapplied? We can help you out with precise, comfortable, and compassionate care. Schedule an appointment with our front desk, and we’ll be happy to assess the condition of your teeth and take care of any sealant issues if necessary.
Night Guards
Do you grind your teeth? Some people do this consciously during the day, but it’s actually a larger problem at night while you’re asleep. Grinding your teeth (also called bruxism) can damage enamel, wear down teeth, cause jaw pain, or irritate your gums. What’s more, the noise from teeth grinding can also disturb your spouse’s sleep if loud enough.
If you suspect that you grind your teeth often, you should consider a night guard. The night guard, which is very similar to a mouth guard worn by athletes, provides a barrier between your top and bottom teeth while you sleep. All night guards are custom-fitted for comfort and to allow for proper breathing. Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and have the night guard created by a dental lab. Night guards are very durable and can be used for up to 10 years. They’re pretty comfortable too!
There are also other things that you can do to try to stop teeth grinding. You can train your jaw to be free and easy rather than clenched. Refrain from chewing gum or on other objects like pens. You should also avoid alcoholic and overly-caffeinated drinks, as these can increase the likelihood you will grind your teeth. But beyond this, a night guard is a great option for many teeth grinders.
If you think you grind your teeth—or you’re not sure—come and set up an appointment with us today. We can examine the enamel of your teeth as well as your habits to determine if a night guard might improve your oral health.