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Understanding Oral Infections | Dentist in Riverside

We all know that brushing our teeth for two minutes, twice a day along with regular dental visits contributes to positive oral health. You may not know the infections that can occur as a result of not practicing consistent oral hygiene routines. Here are some of the most common oral infections that may result from poor oral hygiene.

Gingivitis– Simply put, Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is the precursor to Periodontitis, the escalation of Gingivitis should it go untreated. Gingivitis is the result of plaque buildup that spreads from the gums to the ligaments that support the teeth.

Periodontal Disease– When left untreated, Gingivitis may spread below the gum line, affecting the supportive tissues and bone of our teeth. This progression is known as Periodontal Disease which deteriorates these supports leading to the potential loss of teeth and may even spread to the lungs causing pneumonia.

Canker Sores– These are cuts that develop on the gums and other mouth tissues and are common in children and teens. Vigorous brushing, cheek bites, and sports injuries – as well as hormones and immune problems, may lead to canker sores.

Oral Herpes– According to centerforbeautifulsmiles.com, “50-80 percent of American adults” carry the Herpes Simlex Virus. This can lead to “blisters and ulcers on the gums and tongue, flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all.” While there are things individuals can do to keep the virus dormant, an outbreak may last ten days to two weeks.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease– Toddlers and school-aged children are the most susceptible to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The virus Coxsackie A16 is spread by direct contact with saliva and mucus; children are particularly unconscious of their direct exposure to these fluids. Children may experience fever, sore throat, and the development of painful blisters on their body but should only last a few days.

Herpangina– Similar to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Herpangina typically affects children and presents itself with fever symptoms and difficulty swallowing. Yet, unlike Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease, it forms blisters on the back of the mouth that once ruptured, become ulcers. Symptoms typically only last a few days.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Is Mouthwash Essential for Oral Health? | Dentist in Riverside

Mouthwash is advertised to kill bacteria and give you fresh breath, but that isn’t the whole story. Mouthwash reduces the bacteria in your mouth and reduce the amount of plaque it forms. Regular use helps prevent periodontal disease, and those with fluoride work to reduce cavities when used as directed. 

Mouthwash, after proper brushing and flossing, can provide peace of mind to individuals who struggle to keep cavities at bay, despite their best efforts. Mouthwash isn’t exactly the first thing a dentist will mention when reviewing your regimen, but it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Is mouthwash safe for children?

This is a question we hear a lot, so let’s address it first. Children under the age of 6 should not be utilizing mouthwash, as they are likely to consume it. Once your child has developed the muscle reflexes necessary to swish and spit the wash, with adult supervision, they can begin to incorporate it into their care routine.

What ingredients in mouthwash make it effective?

The bacteria-fighting active ingredient(s) in mouthwash are what make it an effective addition to your routine. Ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc gluconate, or quaternary ammonium are commonly found in washes. Just one of these will provide the bacteria-fighting benefits that enhance your routine.

Are natural mouthwashes effective?

Some people advocate for fluoride, and others want little to do with it. Many brands make natural alternatives, utilizing essential oils or harvested ingredients like garlic as an astringent. Whatever the formula, natural mouthwashes have been shown to be effective at preventing gum disease without adding to the rise of antibacterial- resistant bacteria.

While mouthwash isn’t going to make-or-break your oral hygiene, it is a great way to round out your routine. Mouthwash may bring you peace of mind between visits or be an effective way to keep bacteria at bay for cavity-prone teeth.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Communicate With Your Dentist: It Matters | Dentist in Riverside

Visiting the dentist is an essential part of your oral health. Many people are timid about regular cleanings and check-ins, but they help you notice warning signs sooner. You don’t have to wait until your next visit to discuss your concerns with your dentist, you can always call to gain clarity about the concerns you may have. 

If you are in person with your dentist or have been historically timid about sharing with your dentist, here are some things to consider sharing and why.

Any and All At-Home Concerns:

It’s important to remember that your dentist is on your team; they are open to answering your questions with knowledge and experience. If you have any concerns about your teeth, gums, or jaw, or are experiencing any pain it is important to share that with your dentist. It’s easy to turn to the internet for answers to these concerns, but lifestyle habits among other things are factors your dentist can consider with you. If any of the following apply to you, it is important to discuss them with your dentist before they potentially get worse:

  • Bleeding gums
  • Sores in the mouth that do not heal
  • Sensitivity or pain
  • Clenching your jaws
  • Grinding your teeth
  • Problems with brushing or flossing

If Have You Made Health and Lifestyle Changes:

If you make changes to your lifestyle, such as reducing or increasing medications or the consumption of coffee or nicotine, it’s important to let your dentist know. These seemingly nominal changes can have a huge impact on your oral health over time. The acid in coffee may weaken your enamel over time, whereas reducing consumption may allow it to remain intact. The potential impact of nicotine from cigarettes or chewing tobacco on your oral health is another important thing to share so your dentist can look for signs of change.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Don’t Forget to Floss | Dentist in Riverside

When traces of food remain tucked away between our teeth, it becomes a source of food for corrosive sugars to feed on; over time, this becomes the source of pockets in the teeth for bacteria to settle and the problem to compound. Flossing is a very important step for any oral care routine, and it’s usually one of the first questions posed during a visit. Routine flossing helps to ensure that the granules of residual food left after meals are removed to prevent cavities. If you haven’t maintained the best flossing routine, here are a few ways you can get into the habit:

1. Set a reminder

If it’s not currently part of your routine, or you have so much going on it’s hard to remember, setting a reminder on your phone or a notecard by your sink may help you begin to incorporate this practice until its second nature. If the technique of flossing is something you struggle with, employ this practice as a means to check in with helpful guides that walk you through the proper steps until you get the hang of it.

2. Explore Floss Options

Waxed, non-waxed, plush, disposable picks, threaders, and water flossers are all available options. If one type of floss doesn’t make you want to floss, it’s less likely you will do it. It’s important to find a way to floss that suits your tastes. The tried-and-true thin waxed threads may irritate your gums, so trying a plush thread may alleviate your disregard. If the notion of putting thread between your teeth is off-putting, a water flosser that shoots a stream of high-pressure water may do the trick.

3. Reward yourself

Marking off days on a calendar, watching an episode of your favorite show or brewing a cup of your favorite tea are all great ways to reward yourself for remembering to floss. As you go along, allow yourself a special treat once a week, every two weeks or once a month to reinforce the good hygiene habit you are forming. It takes about 21 days to form a habit, so whatever you do to encourage yourself to keep practicing for at least that long, will go a long way towards a lifetime of proper oral care.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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What is a Cosmetic Dental Procedure? | Dentist in Riverside

According to AACD.com “…cosmetic procedures can range from basic color correction to replacing missing teeth, and everything in between.” While cosmetic dentists may employ the use of anesthesia for surgical improvement, most procedures are non-invasive. Here are a few procedures cosmetic dentists perform.

Crowns – similar to a veneer, dental crowns are a porcelain or ceramic tooth look-alike that fits over a weak or damaged tooth. Crowns are made to fully encase the tooth and can last between five to 15 years depending on how well they are cared for.

Braces – these are within the realm of cosmetic dentistry because braces shift the teeth into the optimal position for your bite and mouth size. Braces are one of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist may perform, as tooth alignment is just as much about oral health as it is aesthetics.

Dental Bonding– for chipped, cracked or gapped teeth, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to the chipped area. They will layer resin, utilizing a UV light to harden it as they go, in order to build back the original look of the chipped tooth or teeth.

Veneer Application – you can think of a veneer as a thin shell that fits over the surface of your existing teeth to improve the color, shape, size or length of teeth. Veneers are made of porcelain or a resin composite and permanently bonded to the teeth.

Teeth Whitening – another common procedure for cosmetic dentists is teeth whitening. Coffee, tobacco, alcohol, predisposition and many other things can contribute to a less-than-white smile. If over-the-counter methods haven’t quite worked to bring back your pearly whites, you may consider speaking with a cosmetic dentist for a more intense treatment.

Gum Reshaping – when your gums appear more pronounced than your teeth, or your gemlike is uneven, a cosmetic dentist may recommend gum reshaping. Essentially, a small amount of gum or bone tissue is removed or contoured to even out the appearance of your gum line or tooth ratio.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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How Essential are Dental X-Rays? | Dentist in Riverside

The ability of your dentist and hygienist to understand the position and general health of your teeth and jaws is paramount for your oral health. Having your x-rays taken may not be the thing you look forward to the most in your day, but here’s what you should know about x-rays.

The Basics

There are several types of x-ray images that you can expect to have taken. The bitewing will show how well your teeth align and may also show cavity development. Occlusal x-rays capture all your teeth in a single image and can help detect abnormalities in the anatomy of your mouth or palate. Panoramic images let dentists check your wisdom teeth, jaw, and any implants you may have. Periodical images show the entire tooth from root to crown.

X-rays are generally considered to be a safe, effective means for dentists to understand your unique oral structure and health. The perceived risk of radiation exposure or physical discomfort of holding the backing may make people uncomfortable, and that’s completely understandable. Thankfully, the physical discomfort passes quickly, and x-rays only release about the same amount of radiation as a day’s worth of sunlight exposure.

Preparation

While there is no official preparation to receive an x-ray, there are measures dentists take to ensure your safety and theirs. Whoever takes your x-rays will outfit you with a lead vest to protect your internal organs and other essential body parts from radiation exposure. It effectively blocks the radiation from your person without hindering the ability to produce an image.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Do You Think You Have Sleep Apnea? | Dentist in Riverside

Now that we are beginning a brand-new year, many of us have begun to make subtle lifestyle changes. One aspect that can really work wonders for our overall health is our sleep patterns. The more sleep we get, the more time our bodies have to heal and refresh. However, if you have a sleep condition, like sleep apnea, it is difficult to get those sleep benefits. For many of us, life’s stressors leave us sleepless more than we’d like. For others, the issue is far deeper than that. If you are one of these people, taking the time to figure out why you are having these issues and ways to improve those issues.

Facts are facts, one in five people have obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a sleeping disorder that is caused by the constriction of throat muscles while you sleep, causing the inability to breathe. Once the brain realizes there is no breathing, it jolts the body awake to restart it. Breathing is restored, but sleep has been interrupted.

Unfortunately, it’s likely someone sleeping around you is more bothered by it than you are, but if you find you have the following symptoms, it’s time to get checked out:

  • Loud snoring
  • Sleepiness or fatigue during the day
  • High blood pressure
  • Choking or gasping during sleep witnessed by others
  • Headaches, sore throat, dry mouth when you wake
  • Frequent urination at night
  • Poor concentration, reaction time, and/or memory
  • Poor decision-making
  • Loss of motivation, moodiness, loss of sex drive and work efficiency

A sleep study is the surefire way to diagnose any sleep issues you may have. If they find that it is OSA, there are ways to help you get your good night’s sleep back.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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What You Need to Know About Getting a Dental Crown | Riverside Dentist

Dental crown procedures are recommended to patients mainly because of the reasons: First, is that you have a weak tooth that requires a bridge or something else to hold it together; second is if you have a tooth has already been so discolored that it can no longer be fixed through conventional means; the third is simply for cosmetic reasons.

It’s important that you take the time to do research on the pros and cons of each type of dental crown, based on what is best for your teeth’s specific situation.

During the initial visit, the dentist will examine the problem tooth and make sure that it is still able to support a crown. After this, the dentist will begin filing it down in preparation of the crown. Though, in cases of severely damaged and broken teeth, the dentists may have to fill the tooth in first so that it’s large enough for the crown to fit in.

Once the dentist has finished filing or filling the tooth, the dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and its surroundings, then sent to a dental lab where a permanent crown will be made according to its measurements and a temporary crown is set.

Your dentist will notify you once the permanent crown is finished and ready. By then, you will have your second visit, where the temporary crown is removed and the dentist will then position, as well as fasten the permanent crown. To do this, dentists will use a special adhesive and take extra care to make sure that the crown is placed properly.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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Custom Design Your Smile | Dentist in Riverside

Preventing tooth decay for a perfect smile

Now that we are in the midst of celebrating the holiday season with friends and family, is your smile everything you want it to be? After all, if there is a holiday party, chances are there are loads of photos being taken and laughter is filling the room. Have you ever thought about a smile makeover? Nowadays, there are lots of options when it comes to improving your smile – all it takes is a visit to the dentist to discuss a treatment plan.

Some of the more common cosmetic dental options are bonding and porcelain veneers. But what is the difference between the two? Because both bonding and veneers are used to cover dental imperfections, but the procedures are quite different.

Dental bonding uses a smooth tooth colored solution which is applied to teeth. It covers stains and fills in small chips and gaps. After the dental bonding solution has been applied and shaped a specialized dental light is used to harden the bonding material. Once the bonding solution is dried and cured additional layers may be applied depending on your situation. When the process is complete the tooth is then polished. Bonding is used on patients who need one or two teeth corrected.

Porcelain veneers are fabricated from a solid piece of porcelain. They fit over the front and underside of your tooth covering the entire surface of visible tooth. Veneers can be fitted to lengthen or widen teeth to close gaps or fill in chips. Porcelain veneers are generally used for patients who have several cosmetic problems or want their entire set of front-facing teeth made over.

So, as you can see, regardless of your dental ailment, there is a solution to remedy it. Time to schedule an appointment to discuss!

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.

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When It’s Time to Get a Filling | Riverside Dentist

When we don’t take care of our teeth, we can develop cavities. Now it’s time to get a filling. When it comes to what your filling is composed of, there are a few options. And one of these options is amalgam fillings.

Amalgam fillings consist of a combination of metals, including silver, tin and copper, but the mercury allows the filling material to be soft enough to mix and press into the teeth. The compound hardens quickly and is durable enough to withstand the constant pressure of daily activities, such as biting and chewing, making it ideal replacement material.

Dentists have used this combination of metals to restore teeth and fill cavities for more than a hundred years. While it no longer is the only material available, as tooth-colored materials have also become a popular alternative, mercury fillings remain a popular choice because it is generally cheaper and more durable.

In recent years, it’s been shown that as the mercury filling wears, which happens over time, very small amounts of mercury in the form of vapor are slowly released into the human body. Just how much this affects the human body, if it does at all, is debatable and there are experts that conclude that the amount of mercury released is very low to pose any threat. Still, there has yet to be any conclusion as to whether or not mercury fillings are truly safe.

Thankfully, there are alternatives. You can choose from a wide variety of materials, such as composite resin, porcelain and gold. There are also dental amalgams that contain both iridium and mercury, as well as high-copper dental amalgams, both of which contain much less mercury compared to conventional dental amalgams or mercury fillings.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton’s office in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or through the website. 

Dr. Gerald Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside and all surrounding areas.