When dental patients ask if mouthwash cures bad breath, we tell them that treating bad breath with a mouthwash is like drenching yourself with cologne instead of taking a shower. Mouthwash is only a temporary mask for odor caused by poor oral hygiene, tongue bacteria, or digestive conditions. The best-selling mouthwashes have a significant amount…
Family Dentistry
Who’s Afraid Of The Big, Bad…Dentist?
People that suffer from dental phobia (Dentophobia) may take comfort in the fact that it is a fairly common diagnosable mental condition. At least they know they are not alone and that the medical community takes it seriously. Phobias like Pteromerhanophobia: (the fear of flying) and Acrophobibia (the fear of heights) can be difficult, but…
When It’s Better Not To Brush
Though thin and partially translucent, tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body and has the critical job of shielding teeth from constant use and the continual assault of chemicals in food and drink. Enamel also safeguards tooth nerves from hot and cold food and beverages. That’s why enamel loss often causes tooth sensitivity.…
How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit
Brushing your teeth on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Healthy teeth make a beautiful smile. Brushing can also help with gum health and even keep your breath smelling sweet. For some of us, brushing can be a loathsome chore that gets in the way of…
Is Your Mouth Sore Something Serious?
As a dentist, one of my roles is to help you take care of your mouth. Some of my patients have dilemmas with mouth sores, thus the topic of today’s article. If you have a mouth sore that lasts more than a week or two; it is important to come in for an exam. Mouth…
What is an Orthodontic Pacifier?
Infants are born with a natural sucking reflex, and it is common for this reflex to evolve into a comforting behavior. Pacifiers can soothe a crying baby. However, parents often worry that a pacifier is dangerous for a baby’s teeth. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises parents that pacifiers are generally safe for babies…
Baby Talk (About Oral Health)
Taking care of a baby can be exciting, exhausting, and confusing. (All within the space of an hour.) You worry about your son or daughter’s safety. “Did I cover all the outlets?” “Are the medicines locked away?” You worry about your baby’s development. “Is he growing on schedule?” “Shouldn’t she be talking by now?” And…
Do You Have A Thumbsucking Toddler?
For years, Carlsbad parents have been warned that thumb-sucking can cause future dental problems for their thumb-loving toddlers. One of these problems is a type of malocclusion called an open bite. An open bite occurs when the front teeth in the lower and upper jaw have been moved forward; often to the extent that they…
Work With Your Pediatric Dentist To Monitor Wisdom Teeth
Even if your youngster practices proper oral hygiene and has no known problems, it’s important to schedule twice-yearly exams and X-rays. One of the reasons for this is to keep an eye on wisdom teeth. If your child’s wisdom teeth emerge during adolescence, it’s important to work with your pediatric dentist on a course of…
8 Things You Should Know About Your Baby’s Teeth
Life is hectic for new moms and dads and some function on very little sleep for several months. At La Costa Dental Excellence, we don’t want the first year to fly by in a blur without parents giving a thought to their baby’s teeth. Unfortunately “out of sight, out of mind” is often the case.…
