Should You Ignore Bleeding Gums? Your mouth can talk, but your gums can’t. Or can they? What are your gums trying to say if they bleed when you floss or brush them? Are they pleading with you to stop brushing or flossing? No, just the opposite is true! Bleeding gums...
Oral Maintenance
Maintenance…sounds like a chore, right? Read about easy tips on dental maintenance such as what type of toothbrush you should use, how to avoid cavities, and how often you should visit the dentist.
When Good Breath Goes Bad
You've probably seen or performed the polite test for bad breath. Cupping your hand in front of your face, you blow air from deep in the back of your throat. The bounce back of expelled molecules tells the story. Was it pasta sauce loaded with garlic, a salad full of...
The Long and Too Short of Brushing Your Teeth
How Long Should I Brush My Teeth? If you are in the habit of brushing your teeth at least twice a day, you are doing your mouth and body a huge favor. If you floss at least once a day too, reach around and give yourself a big pat on the back while smiling wide....
Relaxing at the Dentist
If you think about a relaxing place, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Perhaps a sandy beach or a forest trail? A day at the spa. Sitting by the pool with your favorite beverage. But visiting the dentist and relaxation? The majority of our Placerville dental...
Does Neem Mouthwash Really Work?
Our article on the toothbrush tree, Salvadora persica, was very popular with our Placerville readers, so this week features a discussion of the neem tree, Azadirachta indica. Neem is native to India and has been used there to treat bacterial disorders, including those...
Don’t Be Too Picky!
You’ve just had a great meal with friends and family in your favorite Gold Country restaurant. The food was delicious, the atmosphere lovely and all went perfectly. Except for one thing – a hunk of food the size of a nugget is firmly wedged between your back molars....
Meet the Toothbrush Tree
Salvadora persica — the World's Toothbrush Tree It’s a tree. It’s a toothbrush. It’s a toothbrush tree! Do you ever see pictures from certain developing nations and wonder how everyone has bright, white and healthy smiles? They can’t possibly be picking up the latest...
Questions for Our Dentists
Should You Use Triclosan in Your Dental Products? Answer: “I don't recommend triclosan.” What is Triclosan? Triclosan is a very common antibiotic. The Food and Drug Administration says this about triclosan on it's website: Triclosan is an ingredient added to many...
Gum that Strengthens the Teeth
Product Encourages Enamel Remineralization Oral bacteria are always present in your mouth. Some are worse for your teeth than others, but all of them, left unchecked, create tooth decay by releasing acids onto your tooth enamel. These acids break down the enamel by...
Do Ultraviolet Toothbrush Sanitizers Work?
Bacteria! Microorganisms! Danger, disease, sickness abound! Manufacturers use phrases like this to convince you that going “antibacterial” is the best thing for you and your family. Part of this march to a 100% sanitary environment is the encouragement to buy a UV...
Floss Before You Brush!
A Worthwhile Dental Habit Most everyone flosses their teeth after brushing them. This practice is so ingrained that to some people it may seem to make as much sense as putting on your socks before you put on your shoes. While it is true that the most important thing...
Fluoride is Beneficial!
Fluoride — A Tooth's Best Friend Forever Fluoride is one of the best friends your teeth can ever have for the following reasons: Fluoride fights the growth of harmful oral bacteria. Fluoride helps repair enamel damaged by oral bacteria. Enamel repaired by with...
Should I Use An Electric Toothbrush?
The electric toothbrush was first introduced in the United States in the 1950's. While a plain toothbrush works just fine for cleaning your teeth and applying fluoride to your enamel, the electric toothbrush does have two benefits. These benefits both lead to greater...
Dental Floss and Interdental Brushes — A Winning Team!
Solve Multiple Problems with Multiple Flossing Methods Walk down the dental hygiene aisle of any pharmacy or grocery store and you will find dental floss. Another type of common tool featured nearby is the interdental brush. Made of tiny brushes affixed to a little...
Should You Change Your Toothbrush?
This week many of our Placerville dental patients have enjoyed a really big meal. To accomplish any major task, you need the right tools. Flimsy plastic forks and wimpy paper plates are no way to tackle a major culinary experience. Afterwards, the same principle...