Archive | Dental Care

5 Tips for Every Sugar Addict to Use This Halloween

By Deer Park Smiles on October 15, 2017 in Dental Care

With the leaves changing and pumpkins gracing virtually every doorstep, Halloween is fun for just about everyone involved— except your teeth. With sticky candies such as taffy and caramel feeling trick-or-treat bags, it can be hard to avoid getting a cavity this time of year. Whether you have a sugar addiction or if you’re trying to protect your little one’s mouths, we have a few tips for you to use.

Lock It Up

“Out of sight, out of mind,” right? Rather than keeping candy out all month long, keep it hidden in your pantry or a cupboard. The less you see it, the less likely you are to crave it.

Brush Afterward

If you or your little ones are going to indulge in a little candy, make sure you brush right after. The longer the sugar has to sit on your teeth, the more likely it is to cause cavities or tooth decay.

Avoid the Sticky Stuff

Sticky candies such as Tootsie Rolls, taffy, and caramel apples may be your favorite treat, but they are terrible for your teeth. Not only are they notorious for pulling out dental fillings but they also adhere to your teeth for longer which makes you more susceptible to getting a cavity.

Try Healthy Snacks

While it’s okay to have a piece or two of candy every day, try filling up on healthy snacks instead. Snacks like string cheese and carrot sticks are great for your blood sugar, heart, and teeth. Plus, they are easy to eat while you’re on the go!

Curb Cravings

With sugar lurking behind every corner this month, it can be hard to curb your cravings for candy and other sweet treats. If you want to have something a little sweet without the extra calories or cavities, try chewing on some sugar-free bubble gum.

Get ahold of your sugar intake this Halloween by using the tips listed above. Schedule your next dental cleaning with Dr. Janice Scott today.

Back to Basics: Understanding Cavities

By Deer Park Smiles on August 15, 2017 in Dental Care

You’ve heard of them more than once, and you’ve likely feared them ever since you can remember, but do you know what cavities are? To help you gain a better understanding of cavities, we have created a brief guide. From learning about what they are to how something as simple as brushing can prevent them, this article will give you the basic ins and outs of cavities. Read on to learn more.

What Are Cavities?

In the most basic terms, a cavity or a dental carry is a hole in a part of your tooth. Typically treated with a simple filling, a dental cavity is one fo the most basic dental problems that our patients run into. If your cavity is more advanced or if the hole is extremely large, then you and Dr. Janice Scott can discuss other treatment options like an inlay, only, or dental crown.

How Do They Start?

Plaque is a sticky substance that is composed of a combination of saliva, food particles, and bacteria. If plaque is left too long on your teeth, it can start to erode away at your enamel and cause a hole in your tooth— leaving you with a cavity.

How does Brushing Help?

Although harmful and somewhat aggressive, the plaque is easily managed by simply brushing your teeth morning, night, and after some meals. By physically scraping the plaque off your teeth with a toothbrush and then building up your enamel with a fluoride toothpaste— toothbrushing is your mouth’s natural defense against cavities.

Even though you’ve heard about them for your entire life, you may not know what a cavity is— other than to fear it. Luckily, by understanding what they are, how they start, and how brushing can help, you can get a healthier smile. To learn more about cavities or other dental questions, contact Dr. Janice Scott today to schedule an appointment!

From Dusk Until Dawn: 3 Ways to Take Care of Your Teeth All Day Long

By Deer Park Smiles on January 30, 2017 in Dental Care

If you want to lose weight, you go to the gym. If you want to have a larger vocabulary, you read more frequently. And, if you want to have healthier teeth, you take better care of them. Just like with anything in your life, as soon as you get into a routine, it’s second nature. From morning until night, this article will discuss three ways you can take care of your teeth all day long. Read on to learn more.

Morning: Brush

If the first thing that you do when you wake up in the morning isn’t brushing your teeth, change that habit. Although you aren’t eating while you’re sleeping (unless you’re on Ambien), bacteria can build-up in your mouth throughout the night— leaving you with bad breath and enough germs in your mouth to make anyone gasp. Luckily, by brushing your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, you can clean up your mouth in no time.

Afternoon: Drink Water

It’s fair to say that brushing your teeth in the afternoon is virtually impossible. Whether you are in business meetings or on the go, brushing your teeth just isn’t always feasible to do in the middle of the day. But did you know that drinking water after lunch can protect your teeth against cavities? By rinsing plaque and tartar off of your teeth, water will act as a natural defense against potential dental problems.

Nighttime: Brush, floss, and rinse

Before bed every night, get into the habit of brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash. By doing a combination of these three things, you can get rid of tartar and plaque that has built up throughout the day and gear your mouth up for a long night’s sleep.

Take care of your teeth throughout the day by getting into the habit of brushing, flossing, using mouthwash, and drinking water, you can shield them from cavities. To learn more about your dental health or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Janice Scott today!

Clean It Up: The Importance of Bi-Annual Dental Visits

By Deer Park Smiles on September 15, 2016 in Dental Care, Dental Health

Did you know that you are supposed to visit the dentist every six months for a dental cleaning and checkup? If you haven’t visited Dr. Janice Scott in a while because you have simply been putting it off or you have forgotten, make sure that you start seeing Dr. Janice Scott on a regular basis in order to keep your smile lasting longer and looking better. Read on to learn more.

Why Every Six Months?
Just like a car that needs its oil change every 3,000-10,000 miles in order to function properly, your teeth need to be professionally cleaned by Dr. Janice Scott every six months and inspected in order to make sure that they are in the best shape possible. By getting your teeth cleaned every six months, you can help to stop a problem before it gets worse. For instance, Dr. Janice Scott will not only clean your teeth but will look to make sure that your gums are in good health, that you don’t have any cavities, and that you don’t have any signs or symptoms of oral cancer. If you do have any of those issues, if they are caught early on, you can help to prevent the damage from becoming too severe. Remember that preventative medicine, including dental care, will help to save you in the long run.

Additionally, because things like plaque and tartar build up on your teeth everyday, they can start to create a home on your teeth that can cause problems like cavities. However, by getting that plaque and tartar professionally scraped off by Dr. Scott, you can help to prevent against having to get a nasty cavity filled.

What Is Done?
If you have been putting off going to the dentist every six months simply for a lack of time, then you are mistaken. In fact, the longer you wait to see the dentist, the longer your appointment will take. However, if you go religiously every six months, your appointment should only last around 20-30 minutes. During your appointment, Dr. Janice Scott will inspect your mouth, teeth, and tongue for any signs of cancer or other illnesses. Then she will clean your teeth and polish them up. Depending on your oral history, you may have to have x-rays done on your teeth about once a year but often times you can go longer.

As you can see, getting your teeth cleaned every six months is very important for your oral health. If you would like to learn more or if you would like to schedule an appointment to see Dr. Janice Scott, contact our office today!

3 Things to Avoid When Whitening Your Teeth

By Deer Park Smiles on August 30, 2016 in Dental Care, Teeth Whitening

Whether you are getting your teeth professionally whitened by Dr. Janice Scott or you are whitening them with an at-home whitening solution, it’s important to understand that whitening your teeth is a process. Although it would be wonderful to simply wave your wand and all of a sudden have instantly whiter teeth, the process can sometimes take weeks. When you are in the process of whitening your teeth, try to get the best out of your whitening solution by avoiding the following three things.

Red Wine
If you are like most people then you may enjoy having an occasional glass of red wine with dinner or dessert. And although red wine comes with many health benefits— such as antioxidants— it also can cause your teeth to become stained or tinted. Rather than reaching for that glass of red wine, consider going for either a glass of white wine or a non-alcoholic drink altogether.
Coffee
Another thing to consider avoiding when you are in the process of whitening your teeth is coffee. Although coffee is filled with a large amount of caffeine that will help you get through your morning or day, it can also yellow your teeth in a matter of minutes— especially if you drink your coffee black. If you have to drink at least one cup of coffee a day in order to get through the day, make sure that you are drinking a little bit of water after every sip— this will help to break down the acidity in the coffee.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a great addition to virtually any kind of meal: Italian, Mexican, or American. However, did you know that tomatoes can actually stain your teeth as well? High in acidity, the juice in your tomatoes can cling to your pearly whites and cause them to look a little more dingy and less white than you want. Rather than ordering a salad with tomatoes or indulging in spaghetti with marinara sauce, consider looking for an alternative instead.

If you are in the process of whitening your teeth, then it’s important that you put in some additional work in order to keep them as white as possible. By avoiding the above three things, you can help to ensure that your teeth get the whitening love that they deserve. To learn more, contact Dr. Janice Scott’s office today!

Put a Stop to the Daily Grind

By Deer Park Smiles on June 30, 2016 in Dental Care, Restorative Dentistry

Jaw clenching and teeth grinding are habits that you probably think you do not do. According to statistics, you just might. Research demonstrates that a large number of men and women with problems like gum recession, tooth fractures, and worn enamel also grind their teeth. Why don’t they just stop? This seems like a logical question, and the answer is interesting.

The majority of people who have bruxism, the condition in which they clench and grind (often with alarming frequency), don’t know it. That being said, you may also engage in this activity without realizing it. Because bruxism can lead to dental problems and to TMJ disorder, it is crucial to obtain appropriate treatment. But first, you must understand the nature of this habit.

Stress can Cinch the Deal

Stress is one of the leading factors that can lead to chronic bruxism. It can cause you to unwittingly clench in the midst of a stressful situation at work or at home. Students may find that they clench their jaw during tests at school, or when studying. Because stress comes in so many forms, and it is often the small, daily stressors that do the most damage, it is important to identify how you can manage these seemingly innocuous events. If you don’t, your body will respond with grinding and clenching, quite possibly while you sleep.

One of the home care methods suggested to people with bruxism is to develop mindfulness techniques that can aid in stress reduction. This may include meditation of some sort, whether Qigong or traditional yoga, or just spending a few minutes outdoors breathing in the fresh air. Stress management can keep you from degrading your teeth, and it also offer numerous other health benefits.

The Problem may be your Mouth

Ideally, the oral structure would be in perfect balance. The row of upper molars would fit nicely into the grooves of the teeth below when chewing and biting occur. In many cases, this does not happen as it should. When teeth do not come together, the jaw adapts in order to achieve this necessary meet-up. As a result, tension builds and teeth grind against one another.

Bruxism is a problem that can be managed with home care as well as restorative dentistry. To prevent tooth and jaw distress, contact us to discuss how we can help you alleviate this problem.

How to Fix Diastema

By Jude Macapobre on May 15, 2016 in Dental Care

If you have a gap between your teeth (diastema) it is likely caused by things like genetics, thumb sucking, pacifiers, jaw misalignment, and teeth crowding. Although diastema can occur anywhere throughout the mouth, it is most commonly found between the two upper front teeth. If you want to have your gap fixed, Dr. Janice Scott can help to close in that gap and give you the straighter smile that you deserve. Read on to learn more about these options.

Braces

Braces are one of the best ways to get rid of your diastema. If you have gaps between your two front teeth, then you likely have some misalignment issues throughout the rest of your mouth. However, by getting braces or even partial braces, you can help to fix the problem from the inside out.

Rubber Bands

Dental bands are small rubber bands that are placed over the two teeth in order to squeeze them closer together and get rid of the gap. However, don’t just try any sort of rubber band or even dental band without seeing Dr. Janice Scott first, because if done incorrectly it could cause more harm than good.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is another procedure that can be done in order to get rid of the gap in between your two front teeth. By filling the gap in with a tooth colored resin, this solution works to give you immediate results. Dental bonding is especially useful for individuals whose gap isn’t very large and can easily be filled in.

Dental Veneers

If you do have a large gap between your teeth and want immediate results like dental bonding, then you may want to consider getting dental veneers. Dental veneers are porcelain caps that are glued to your existing teeth in order to give you the appearance of a straighter smile.

As you can see, there are several options available to treat diastema. If you have diastema and would like to learn more about how you can treat it, contact Dr. Janice Scott today!

Loose Teeth? What’s the Cause

By Jude Macapobre on April 30, 2016 in Dental Care, Dental Health

Having a loose tooth or teeth can be worrying. Most of the time, teeth are firmly implanted into the jaw and are difficult to remove without special tools. A small amount of movement is not unusual, but a completely loose or wobbly tooth is not normal. In some cases, extremely loose teeth can be prevented, in other cases, it might be beyond your control. Here are some common reasons why your tooth or teeth can be loose.

Gum disease

Gum disease is one most common reasons why teeth become loose in adults. Infections cause swelling and inflammation that could possibly spread to the tissue between the gums and the jawbone, causing the bond between them to weaken. Severely receding gums, even when not caused by disease, can cause the same issue. When gums recede, there is less tissue to keep the teeth firmly in place.

Problems within the tooth

Severely infected teeth that are so bad that an abscess has formed can cause teeth to loosen and possibly fall out. The same goes for tumors in or around the jaw area. Teeth can also become loose from biting too hard or when your teeth don’t bite down the way they should. Infections that spread down to the jaw line have the possibility to cause several teeth to become loose.

Trauma to the tooth

Teeth can be knocked loose through trauma, such as a hit to the teeth or jaw. You may be more susceptible to having a tooth knocked loose if you already have any of the previous issues mentioned above: gum disease or a diseased tooth. Chronic tooth grinding is also a contributor and if not addressed, can wear down the ligaments in the jaw or even crack a tooth.

Other health issues

Some reasons for a loose tooth don’t directly involve the teeth. Examples of such issues include diseases or conditions where bones can become thin or brittle such as osteoporosis. Pregnancy is also known to cause temporary problems with the ligaments in the jaw, but this is usually not serious if the gums are otherwise healthy. Poor nutrition can cause a variety of problems that can also lead to loose teeth.

The good news is that most of these conditions are preventable provided that you visit your general dentist regularly and take care of any problems before they start. This is especially true with gum and tooth diseases. Any time you have a loose, wobbly tooth, or you’ve had direct trauma to the area, see your dentist immediately. Teeth that suddenly become loose are considered an emergency. Otherwise, talk to your dentist if you are concerned that your teeth may be loose or you want to prevent it from ever happening.

Get Ahead On spring Cleaning with these Dental Tips

By Jude Macapobre on March 15, 2016 in Dental Care, Dental Health

If the thought of spring cleaning connotes images of cleaning out all of your cabinets, power washing the exterior of your house, and getting rid of old clothes, then you’re not alone. However, spring cleaning is about more than just getting your house in working order. Spring cleaning can actually be attributed to your dental care as well. Here are three ways that you can get ahead on spring cleaning your mouth this season.

Schedule Your Dentist Appointment

Did you know that you should have your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year? If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in who knows how long, Dr. Janice Scott can get your teeth back to the way they should be in no time. By cleaning your teeth, giving you a dental exam, and maybe even performing some x-rays on your mouth, Dr. Janice Scott will be able to properly assess the condition of your oral health.

Break Out the Whitening

Nothing is quite as distracting to someone’s physical appearance as a mouth full of yellow teeth. Whether you’ve been drinking too much coffee or black tea, or you’ve simply never whitened your teeth in your life, spring clean your teeth by breaking out the dental whitening. As the first step in whitening your teeth, try getting an over=the-counter box of whitening strips. Designed with a bleaching agent and fluoride, whitening strips are great at removing surface stains from your teeth in a small amount of time. If you don’t get the results you want after trying whitening strips, then you might need a different solution. Dr. Janice Scott can either create whitening trays for you that have a higher concentration of bleach in them or she can even perform laser whitening as well. Depending on the severity of your yellowed teeth and after a consultation with Dr. Janice Scott, you two can determine which whitening solution is ideal for you.

Getting ahead on spring cleaning is a great way to ensure that you are looking your best. By following the above steps, you can get a healthier looking smile in no time. To learn more, contact Dr. Janice Scott’s office today to schedule an appointment.

The Truth Behind Mouthwash

By Jude Macapobre on February 9, 2016 in Dental Care

TV commercials with individuals rinsing their mouths with some sort of new type of mouthwash flood living rooms every day. Claiming to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel, does mouthwash really work or are you just better off sticking with your normal toothbrush and toothpaste? Read on to learn more.

Don’t Supplement

Some individuals might assume that if your mouthwash can freshen your breath, help protect you from cavities, and rid your mouth of bacteria that there is no point to actually brushing your teeth. However, that is far from the truth. Mouthwash isn’t designed to supplement tooth brushing but is designed to use in addition to daily brushing and flossing. In order to get the best results possible for your oral hygiene and dental care, try creating a system that consists of brushing, flossing, and mouthwash both morning and night.

It Freshens Bad Breath

Let’s face it, everyone who bites into a garlic burger or onion rings is going to have breath that is less than appealing to your neighbors— that’s where something like mouthwash comes into play. You can excuse yourself to the restroom after a meal, swish with mouthwash, and come out feeling like a new and better smelling you.

However, if you have chronic bad breath and notice that even after you’ve brushed your teeth, had some water, avoided potent foods, and swished with mouthwash that you still have rancid breath, then you likely have some sort of oral infection or disease like gingivitis. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott right away to learn more about the root of your problem.

It Strengthens Teeth

Yes, it’s true that some mouthwashes can help to strengthen your tooth enamel because they are packed with fluoride. However, as mentioned above, simply using mouthwash on its own won’t do you any good— it needs to be used in conjunction with other things like tooth brushing and flossing.

As you can see, when used correctly, mouthwash can be a great addition to your oral health routine. To learn more about your oral health or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott, contact our office today!

Dental treatment & considerations before & after Radiation treatment

By Christopher Connor on January 20, 2016 in Dental Care

What considerations do I need to worry about with my teeth before radiation treatment?

Radiation treatment can cause dry mouth all the way to destroying the salivary glands in the mouth

leaving very little saliva to bath the teeth and buffer the acids in the mouth. You should consult with

your physician on where the radiation is and how much of the mouth salivary glands might be affected.

What are the oral side effects from radiation treatment?

Patients experience increased cavities, dry mouth and sore gums. Sometimes teeth cannot be extracted

after having radiation treatment as the bone does not always heal properly. This is more common on the

lower arch. It is often recommended to see an oral surgeon after your dentist has diagnosed your oral

condition if a tooth needs to be removed. If an extraction is not recommended, then sometimes a root canal

is done to minimize infection.

What dental work should I have done before having radiation treatment?

Be sure to have a dental exam and full mouth x-rays prior to having any radiation treatment. Our Stockton

family general dentists will consult with your physician to evaluate the side effects after radiation treatment.

Some patients have opted for full mouth extractions and dentures. Many others can be managed with

more frequent cleanings, good oral hygiene and special rinses and fluoride pastes to minimize dental caries.

Some restorations or fillings are more cavity resistant than others. We will discuss with you all your options

and the risks, benefits and side effects of treatment or no treatment.

Can I have a beautiful smile after radiation treatment?

It is still possible to have a beautiful smile. Your home care and diet are critical to the success of your

dental restorations.

If I have to have teeth removed, what can I do to replace the teeth so I have a beautiful smile?

If all the teeth are removed then you can have a full upper and lower denture. These can be customized with

various shades of teeth from very white to a shaded depending on your desire and complexion. Also teeth can

be porcelain or plastic and there are various types of denture teeth that look very natural. Your Deer Park Dental

dentist will evaluate if a full denture prothesis is necessary or a removable partial denture. The removable partial

denture clasps onto the remaining teeth for stability. These clasps can be metal and strong or plastic and more

flexible.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a full denture compared to a removable partial denture?

Full dentures generally be more esthetic because no clasps will show. The right height of the denture is critical

to speaking well, being able to chew properly as well as eliminating many of the wrinkles that one sees when a

denture is not in place. The denture is a replacement for the missing teeth and gums and bone. A removable partial denture that has metal clasps will be much more stable. It can also be very esthetic. If a lot of teeth are missing, then the clasps might show and be less esthetic. This type of removable partial denture is made of a lightweight and very strong metal base with gum colored plastic and natural looking teeth. This type of partial can be repaired and often a tooth added to it if one is lost.

Are their partial with no metal?

There is a type of partial called ValplastTM that is all plastic and flexible. The clasps are also plastic and light colored.

The advantages to this type of partial is that it is very thin and light and has no metal clasps. The disadvantage to

the ValplastTM removable partial is that you cannot add to it and it is very difficult to adjust. If you lose a tooth,

you have to start over. It also just rests on the tissue and not on the teeth, so chewing is not as effective and it

can cause more sore spots.

Before & After Photos

The first four photos are of the upper teeth of a patient who continued to have problems with dry mouth and dental caries after Radiation Treatment. From the fifth photo you can see that the patient had 4 crowns placed and due to the crown margins being sub-gingival (below the gum line), the patient has maintained without new cavities.

Here are additional photos with and without a partial denture.

Contact our office today to schedule a consultation at Deer Park Dental.

Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way: How to Pick the Right Toothbrush for Your Teeth

By Jude Macapobre on January 15, 2016 in Dental Care

There is a right way and a wrong way to do just about anything, especially when it pertains to your oral health. As one of the most important ways to ensure that you’re brushing your teeth the right way, make sure that you have a toothbrush that is suitable to your mouth and oral hygiene routine.

Regular Toothbrushes
Good, old fashioned regular toothbrushes are a cheap and effective way of getting your teeth properly cleaned everyday. By brushing at least both morning and night for two minutes at a time, you can help to drastically cut down on things like plaque and cavities. However, with extra soft, soft, and medium bristled toothbrushes available on the market, how can you know which one is right for you?

Extra Soft Toothbrushes
If you have noticed that your gum tends to bleed a lot after you brush your teeth or if your gums are starting to recede, you might be brushing with a toothbrush that is too hard on your teeth. Instead, switch to an extra soft toothbrush.
Soft Toothbrushes
Soft toothbrushes are the type of toothbrush that most people should be using. By having bristles that are soft enough that they won’t damage your gums, yet hard enough to rid your teeth of plaque and tartar, soft toothbrushes are great for just about everyone.
Medium Toothbrushes
Medium toothbrushes are meant for people who don’t suffer from any gum issues and who enjoy a firmer feeling toothbrush.

Electric Toothbrushes
If you have the money, invest in a high quality electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are great at giving your mouth a 360 degree cleaning that you sometimes can’t get with a regular toothbrush. Just make sure that you are switching out your bristles as recommended.

To learn more about oral health or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today!

Fear Candy Season? How to Get Your Kids to Practice Healthy Halloween Habits

By Jude Macapobre on October 15, 2015 in Dental Care

With Halloween just a few weeks away, kids and adults of all ages are preparing their Halloween costumes and are practicing their best frightening tactics. However, as a parent, nothing can seem quite as frightening as the amount of cavities your children can get by consuming all of that Halloween candy they get after a full night of trick-or-treating. By following these easy tips, you can help to reduce the likelihood your child will receive a candy induced cavity and keep your kids out of the dentist’s chair.

Limit their Intake

“It’s like a kid in a candy store” is a saying that boasts quite true especially after your kids go trick-or-treating. With a bag or bucket full of their favorite candies, it can be hard for your little monster to limit their sugar intake. Make a rule that as soon as you get home from trick or treating, that they can pick 3-5 pieces of candy to enjoy that night and then they have to put the rest away. Once it is out of sight, it will hopefully be out of mind as well.

Mix In Healthier Alternatives

Kids— especially growing kids— are known for eating just about anything and everything that is placed in front of them. If your kid has a hankering for their Halloween candy as soon as they get home, make it a rule that they can’t dive into that candy stash without first having a healthy snack such as apple slices or carrot sticks.

Get them to Brush

The sooner you get your kids into the habit of brushing their teeth after they eat a sugary treat, the easier it will be to protect the against cavities. That way every time they eat some candy or a treat, they will immediately think to go into the bathroom and brush their teeth, thus eliminating the time that the sugar will have to set into their teeth and cause plaque or dental cavities.

The only thing you should be spooked about this Halloween season is the thought of the neighbor kids jumping out of the bushes to scare you. Don’t let the thought of too much candy and sugary treats get you worried about your child’s dental health.

To learn more or to schedule an appointment, contact our dental office today!

Dealing With Dental Anxiety

By Jude Macapobre on September 15, 2015 in Dental Care

Dental anxiety is something that plagues millions of people each year. Not only are six-month check-ups a virtual nightmare but just the mere thought of them can make some people lose sleep. If you suffer from dental anxiety, but know that you need to visit your dentist, here are some tips and tricks to help prepare you for the big day.

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the biggest things that patients who suffer from dental related anxiety fail to do is to relay their feelings to their dentist. Remember that dentists aren’t mind readers and they aren’t going to know about the severity of your anxiety unless you let them know. Before you sit in the dentist chair tell your dentist about how you’re feeling and that you’re really nervous about the cleaning. Many dentists will then help to calm your anxiety by either distracting you through conversation or by explaining every step of the process so that there aren’t any surprises.

Use Breathing Techniques

One of the best ways to control anxiety is through practicing slow and controlled breathing techniques. During an anxiety attack, it can feel like your breathing is out-of-control and that your heart might pop out of your chest at any moment. However, by slowly inhaling and exhaling, and trying to control every breath you take, you can help to reduce the anxiety that you are feeling.

Ask About Sedation

If you are really suffering from severe anxiety attacks in regards to going to the dentist, consider asking your dentist about sedation dentistry. With multiple forms and strengths of sedation dentistry available, you and your dentist can discuss if one of these methods is suitable for you and your needs.

When it comes to dental anxiety, it can seem impossible to reign in your feelings and calm down. However, by following these tips you can help to feel calm and relaxed during your next dental cleaning.

To schedule an appointment for a dental cleaning or any other type of dental procedure, contact our office today!

4 Natural Ways to Keep Your Teeth Pearly White

By Jude Macapobre on April 15, 2015 in Dental Care, Teeth Whitening

It doesn’t matter why your teeth are yellow or stained. Chances are you want them to be whiter. But what if you don’t have the money to pay for an expensive dentist treatment or a long-lasting store-bought method? Or what if you don’t feel comfortable putting all those extra chemicals into your mouth of all places?

If this sounds like you, here are 4 natural teeth whitening solutions you might want to look into.

Charcoal
It may seem counter-intuitive at first. After all, charcoal is black. Won’t that rub off onto your teeth? Actually, the charcoal is actually just abrasive enough to remove plaque and yellow stains from your teeth.

Rub the charcoal onto your teeth for about a minute, being careful to not touch your gums. Then follow up with a normal brushing session. If you do this often, you will start to notice that your teeth look whiter.

Baking Soda/Hydrogen Peroxide
Many store-bought toothpastes use baking soda as a whitener. You can add some to your toothpaste to do the same thing! If you mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, you can make your own whitening toothpaste. Just be careful that the substance you end up using isn’t too gritty, as that can damage your teeth. You want to whiten them, not erode them!

Fruit
Many fruits, especially citrus, can help make your teeth brighter too. There are a few different methods you can use. First, take the peel of an orange or lemon and rub the inside on your teeth. However, if you choose this way, make sure to brush after, as the acid can cause damage to your teeth if left on. You will also need to use it every time you brush your teeth for at least a week, as it takes a while to work.

If citrus isn’t your thing, try mashing strawberries and leaving that paste on your teeth for a few minutes. Again, make sure to brush afterwards!

Oil Pulling
Although it’s effectiveness is often questioned, oil pulling is a new trend in the natural dental world. However, even though the trend is new, the method is old. Basically, you take a spoonful of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10-15 minutes before you brush your teeth.

Try out some of these methods, but remember to always keep brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist, no matter what whitening routine you apply in your life!

Dental Done Right

By Jude Macapobre on January 31, 2015 in Dental Care, Dental Services

At Deer Park Dental, we are committed to our patients. Our team of specialists have been in the teeth business for years and know that your teeth are just as special as you.

Services
We offer a variety of services from cosmetic to medical. We even do root canals…don’t worry, it’s not as scary as everyone says!

Health
Your teeth say a lot about your overall health. In fact, they have even been linked to your heart. Keeping your teeth healthy can keep your heart healthy. A healthy heart means you live longer.

We help you look well, feel well, and be well. Our dental health specialists will shape your service to fit your personal needs and make sure you receive the services that work best for you, whether it is cosmetic or medical.

Be Your Best Self
We aim to make you feel good. When you look and feel good, you are happy.
We work for complete patient satisfaction all the time.

Look and Feel Good
We aim to make you feel good and keep you healthy. Because it is only when you feel good that you feel free to be your best self.

We enhance your smile to show the world what a strong person you are. We are firm believers in the idea that everyone deserves to feel great.

Clients Come First
Our staff puts your needs first, ensuring that you are happy every step of the way. We go out of our way to make you feel good. Our tools are the best and we take every precaution to make sure our clients leave healthier than they came in.

Our practice is state of the art and top notch.

Can’t be Beat
We are here for you. Your teeth are important. Every year, we help thousands of people perfect their smiles. We do it, not because it is our jobs, but because a healthy smile makes for a happier world.

So come on in. We’d love to see your smile. And we guarantee we will make it brighter.

How to Choose the Right Dental Care

By Jude Macapobre on December 31, 2014 in Dental Care

Looking for a dentist in the Stockton area? Look no further than Deer Park Dental. Dr. Janice G. Scott DDS, Dr. Christopher J. Von Tersch DDS, and Dr. Michael R. Moreno DDS are our favorite dentists in the area!

With a roster of highly-skilled medical professionals and clinic staff, we promise you will be in good hands. Trust us with your dental concern, and we’ll do the rest.

At Deer Park, you can expect:

Personalized oral health plan
An office staff that treats you with respect, integrity, and kindness
Doctors and hygienists that promote proper oral care hygiene
Availability of financial options

Experience Long-lasting Quality Dental Care

Each patient has unique dental concerns. With our team, we find the best solution for you to achieve the healthier, picture-perfect smile you’ve always wanted. We specialize in:

Family dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry
Periodontics
TMJ treatment
Root canal therapy

We feel privileged to serve Stockton and nearby areas by providing optimal oral health. Your trust is of great value to us, so we provide a comfortable environment, safe treatment procedures, and an overall dental experience like no other.

The Deer Park Dental Difference

We have been providing dental care to Stockton and nearby areas since 1986. Our quest to build a healthy community will never stop. We guarantee our clients a quality dental experience through:

A patient-centered approach
Thorough assessment of your condition
Quality dental care through up-to-date technologies
Treating patients as part of our ever-growing family
Establishing open communication with patients

For inquiries or for setting up initial consultations with our resident dentists, you may call us at 209-478-3036. You are also welcome to fill out our inquiry and request forms online at www.deerparksmiles.com. New patients are encouraged to fill out a New Patient Form on our website for faster processing and scheduling of your request. Your dental needs will always come first! Call us now!