Posted on

Gingivitis: What You Need to Know | Riverside Dentist

Woman Smiling

If you know anything, you know that proper dental care will prevent major dental issues from arising. One of these dental issues that can lead to more is gingivitis. According to the ADA, gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums, usually caused by a bacterial infection. Doesn’t seem so bad, right? The problem is, if left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis and can cause tooth loss.

Your gums attach to the teeth at a lower point than what we can see. This small space is called a sulcus where food can get trapped and cause an infection or gingivitis as your gums separate from the teeth. This can cause injury to the soft tissue and bone supporting the teeth, causing the tooth to become loose and unstable. If infection progresses, you may ultimately lose your tooth or need a dentist to remove it.

Now that you know what happens, take a look at common symptoms. Know what to look for can help keep your smile healthy.

  • Gums that are red, tender, or swollen
  • Gums that bleed when you brush or floss your teeth
  • Loose teeth
  • Pus between teeth and gums
  • Pain when chewing
  • Sensitive teeth
  • Foul-smelling breath, even after you brush your teeth

The good news is gingivitis can be prevented by proper and consistent oral hygiene, so keep a balanced diet and visit the dentist regularly. And of course, brush your teeth twice daily and floss. Prevention is key to keeping your smile bright and healthy.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or visit www.gmdental.com.

Dr. Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

ZOOM Your Way to a Whiter Smile | Riverside Dentist

teeth whiteningEveryone loves having a freshly whitened smile. You just naturally smile more. But did you know they aren’t all the same? Teeth whitening restores natural tooth color and bleaching whitens beyond the natural color. There are many methods available, such as brushing, bleaching strips, bleaching pen, bleaching gel, and laser bleaching.

But even if you brush, floss and visit your dentist regularly, the outer layers of your teeth get stained over the years by consumption of beverages with certain foods, wine and smoking. When stains are left to sit on the teeth all day until your next brushing, the dentin on your teeth becomes yellowish or darkened. Contributing factors to yellowing, stained teeth:

  • Tetracycline based antibiotics used before the age of 8 years old
  • Excessive exposure to fluoride as a child
  • Internal bleeding due to trauma
  • Discoloration due to a health condition
  • Natural aging- as time goes by enamel gets thinner and thinner and will get a yellowish hue
  • Soda
  • Wine
  • Smoking

The most popular and convenient method is with the Zoom whitening technique. This procedure is done in our office in about an hour. Our trained clinicians first place a protective barrier on the cheeks and gums. The Zoom whitening gel is then applied to the teeth. This gel is used with the Zoom light which together gently penetrates the surface of the teeth to break up stains and discolorations. The gel is applied for three 15 minute sessions for a total of 45 minutes to 1 hour.

To set up an appointment, call Dr. Middleton in Riverside, CA at 951-688-3442 or visit www.gmdental.com.

Dr. Middleton proudly accepts patients from Riverside, Corona, San Bernardino, Redlands, Moreno Valley, Lake Elsinore and all surrounding areas.