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7 Ways to Improve Your Oral Health for a Brighter Smile

August 14th, 2024

By Dr. Kimberly Kau, DDS | Infinite Smile Dental

Your oral health is not just about having a dazzling smile but also about your overall well-being. Neglecting proper oral care can result in significant consequences, such as gum disease, cavities, and persistent bad breath. Fortunately, maintaining good oral health is not very complicated. Adopting a few simple habits can ensure long-term dental and gum health. Here are some ways to improve your oral health and to keep your dazzling smile for a long time:

  1. Brush Twice a Day—It may seem obvious, but many people still underestimate the importance of regular brushing. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice daily, preferably after meals. Safeguard your teeth with the power of fluoride toothpaste and a gentle, soft-bristled toothbrush to clean all tooth surfaces. Proper brushing eliminates plaque, bacteria, and food particles to avoid the buildup of harmful substances causing cavities and gum disease.
  2. Floss Daily—Brushing alone isn't enough to clean between your teeth and along the gumline. Flossing is critical for maintaining good oral hygiene. It eliminates plaque and debris from inaccessible areas of your toothbrush, reducing the risk of gum inflammation and decay. Make it a habit to floss at least once daily, preferably before bedtime, to remove any food particles trapped between your teeth.
  3. Use Mouthwash—Rinsing with mouthwash can provide additional protection against bacteria and bad breath. Mouthwashes that contain fluoride and antimicrobial ingredients help strengthen enamel and kill bacteria. After brushing and flossing, rinse with mouthwash to freshen your breath and further reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
  4. Watch Your Diet—Your choice of foods can have an impact on your oral health. By choosing a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, you make mindful choices that contribute to your oral health. The consumption of sugary beverages and acidic foods can contribute to tooth decay and erosion. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day also rinses away food particles and bacteria, keeping your mouth clean and hydrated.
  5. Visit Your Dentist (me) Regularly—Regular dental checkups are essential to good oral health. Seeing me at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and examination proactively helps maintain your health. I can diagnose early signs of oral issues and provide an appropriate treatment plan to prevent them from worsening. I can also remove tough plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing alone can’t do.
  6. Quit Smoking—Smoking not only causes staining of your teeth and bad breath but significantly increases the possibility of developing gum disease and oral cancer. Giving up the use of all tobacco products is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral health. Seek support from friends, family, or healthcare professionals to help you kick the habit for good.
  7. Protect Your Teeth—If you are a night teeth grinder or play contact sports, wear a nightguard or mouthguard to shield your teeth from potential injury and wear. Also, do not use your teeth to open packages or bottles or chew on ice, which can cause cracks and chips. Taking these precautions can help maintain your dental health and prevent unnecessary damage.

These seven simple tips can help you significantly improve oral health and ensure a radiant and healthy smile. Remember, prioritizing the care of your teeth and gums is a crucial investment in your overall health and well-being. Our goal at Infinite Smile Dental is to make dental care as convenient, accessible, and painless as possible. 

We offer flexible scheduling options, including booking your appointment online, Saturday availability, and personalized care tailored to you. Whether you're due for a routine check-up and cleaning or have specific oral health concerns, my team can assist you in achieving the smile of your dreams and maintaining your bright smile.

Don't delay any longer—book your dental exam and cleaning with us. You deserve a great smile! Infinite Smile Dental proudly serves the Tri-Valley Area and is conveniently located in Pleasanton at Stoneridge Drive and Willow Road.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HEALTH BEFORE UNDERGOING MEDICATION

February 21st, 2024

Dr. Kimberly Kau, DDS | Infinite Smile Dental

Have you or someone you know recently been diagnosed with cancer or osteoporosis? If so, antiresorptive or antiangiogenic agents may treat these conditions, each with potential side effects. Awareness of these side effects is essential, as they can impact your oral healthcare and how you work with your dentist.

As we age, our bone density can decrease, leading to osteoporosis. Additionally, certain medications can also contribute to bone loss. Drugs such as intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates, taken for cancer treatment, can cause osteonecrosis (the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply) of the jaw when major dental procedures, such as extractions and dental implant placements, are performed. What should you be aware of when taking antiresorptive or antiangiogenic medication, and how can it affect your dental work?

Slowing Down Bone Loss

Bisphosphonates are used to inhibit bone resorption when treating conditions such as osteoporosis, Paget’s disease, breast cancer, hypercalcemia of malignancy, and multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonate stops osteoclast (cells that break down bone and aid with remodeling) development and induces cell death, suppressing bone resorption. The use of bisphosphonates will improve bone density and quality. However, due to local factors, such as tooth extraction or other dentoalveolar surgeries, bisphosphonates could negatively impact the body’s ability to remodel bone and heal wounds, leading to osteonecrosis.

Osteonecrosis of the jaw leads to bone pain, loss of function, and bone destruction, resulting in decreased blood supply. Symptoms that can be seen include visible bone with swollen tissue, pus-filled discharge, loose teeth, and the lesion not responding to removal or antibiotics. Lesions can develop at the extraction site, periodontal surgery, dental implant surgery, and more. Lesions can be asymptomatic for weeks to months and may be the only symptom that is seen even on an x-ray. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking bisphosphonate, please do not hesitate to reach out to our office to have things looked at. 

Bisphosphonate will not always cause the previously mentioned lesions or even osteonecrosis of the jaw. The likelihood of development of these symptoms will vary depending on the concentration and duration of bisphosphonate administration. When bisphosphonate is given via  IV, the concentration is much higher/more potent than taking oral bisphosphonate. The risk of developing osteonecrosis also increases if there has been a history of inflammatory periodontal disease, smoking, or poor dental hygiene.

Infinite Smile Dental

Here at Infinite Smile Dental, we can help you ensure that your oral health is in good shape to avoid major complications. Patients are strongly recommended to let me know of their current and past medications to help mitigate the risks. You can edit your medical history on your patient forms or inform our front office staff of any changes. Before beginning bisphosphonate therapy, visit us to ensure any work that needs to be done can be taken care of before treatment. For patients already in treatment, it is recommended to avoid elective procedures as much as possible. I recommend a root canal versus an extraction when possible to lessen the risk of osteonecrosis of the jaw. Any major dental work needed will require a medical clearance from the doctor prescribing bisphosphonate. Be sure to come in for both bi-annual cleanings to ensure that my team and I can evaluate any bone loss or oral care you may need, and do not hesitate to reach out to us if you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Schedule your consultation today to discuss your specific situation and treatment options. Infinite Smile Dental serves the Tri-Valley Area and is conveniently located in Pleasanton off I680 and Stoneridge Drive.

5924 Stoneridge Dr. #209A
Pleasanton, CA 94588
(925) 400-9978
Monday* 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tuesday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Wednesday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday* 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
*Monday & Saturdays
By Appointment Only
(Every other Monday &
Saturday CLOSED)
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