Dental Health Tips | Ross H. Dixon, DDS | Cosmetic Dentist San Diego

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Flossing Basics

What is Invisalign?

What is Invisalign?

Straighten your teeth with Invisalign. Dr. Dixon offers Invisalign, the clear alternative to conventional metal braces. Invisalign is the nearly invisible and easy way to straighten your smile without braces. Dr. Dixon is an experienced, certified Invisalign provider. Invisalign is a series of clear plastic retainers that straighten your teeth comfortably. They are convenient because they are removable, preventing food impaction, and allow for normal brushing and flossing.

Love your teeth on Valentine's Day

Love your teeth on Valentine's Day

Since most candies are packed with sugar, they are all capable of causing damage to your tooth enamel. However, some candies are much worse for your teeth than others. The worst candies for your teeth are sour candies. These products have high amounts of citric, fumaric and malic acids, all of which cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. The damage extends across all types of sour candies, from gummy sour candies to sour powders to hard sour candies. The differences betwee

Dental Myth: Knocked out teeth are lost forever

Dental Myth: Knocked out teeth are lost forever

Though many hockey players consider a lost tooth a badge of honor, it is possible to re-implant a knocked-out adult tooth. A severed root experiences damage to blood vessels and tissue, but the ligaments connecting the tooth to the bone can be re-formed. The key to a successful re-implantation is how the missing tooth is stored and for how long. Assuming you can find the tooth, avoid scraping off any dirt particles, as you risk damaging the root further. Instead, rinse it gen

Chew on this

Chew on this

Gum: When it comes to chewing gum, it's the type of gum you chew that makes a difference in whether it's helpful or harmful to your teeth. While chewing gum containing sugar may actually increase your chances of developing a cavity, there is clinical evidence that demonstrates just the opposite for sugar-free gum. And there's even better news when it comes to chewing sugar-free gum that is sweetened with xylitol. Sugar-free gum helps to clean teeth: Studies have shown that ch

Anatomy of a tooth

Anatomy of a tooth

Let’s start with the basic, teeth, in humans, have an external and internal structure: #tooth #teeth #dental #dentist #cosmeticdentistsandiego External Structures • Crown: The part of the tooth that is above the gums. • Root: The part that’s hidden below the gums. Internal Structures • Pulp: The innermost part of the tooth, which contains blood vessels and nerves. • Dentin: The layer that surrounds the pulp. • Enamel: A hard, protective outer layer that covers the crown. • Ce

What is tooth decay?

What is tooth decay?

Tooth decay is a degradation process that results in permanent structural damage to the infected tooth. It is also known as ‘tooth cavity’ and scientifically as ‘dental caries’. The tooth decay process occurs through varies phases. As each phase progresses, the infection spreads to the tip of the root. After each meal, food debris cling to the teeth. If you do not brush these debris away, the bacteria in the mouth transform the sugars in the food debris into acids. These acid

The 5 key phases of tooth decay

The 5 key phases of tooth decay

PHASE 1: White Spots ~ The first stage of tooth decay involves the appearance of yellowish spots or chalky white areas on the surface of tooth due to the loss of calcium. Such tooth decay is still reversible, with proper treatment. The decaying tooth can be saved by the application of fluoride and certain minerals present in the saliva. During the initial stages of tooth decay, the condition can be easily countered. PHASE 2: Enamel Decay ~ During this stage, the tooth enamel

Dry mouth, what to do when you have it

Dry mouth, what to do when you have it

Dry mouth is not a normal part of aging. If you have dry mouth, talk to your dentist or doctor. Dry mouth can be a sign of certain diseases or can be caused by certain medications or the result of medical treatments. If you have dry mouth: don’t use tobacco or drink alcohol drink water regularly—with and between meals avoid drinks that contain caffeine such as colas, coffee and tea since it can dry out your mouth chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless candy to stimulate sali

Healthy brushing technique

Weather and dental issues

Weather and dental issues

Undeniably, drinking hot chocolate, wrapping yourself up with a thick blanket or playing in the snow during winter are all fun-filled experiences which one wouldn't’t wish to miss. However, very cold weather can be damaging to the body. This can make our lips chapped, it can dry out or skin and this can even make us suffer from tooth pain or sensitivity. Many of us wonder if teeth also have winter blues. This is because countless of people notice that they usually feel sudden

How to treat canker sores

How to treat canker sores

There is no cure for canker sores but you may be able to reduce how often you get them by avoiding foods that irritate your mouth. Spicy foods, acidic foods like pickles and sauerkraut, and citrus fruits can cause irritation. If you have canker sores, help ease discomfort by eating bland foods until your sores heal, such as: low-fat milk and other dairy foods cooked, canned and frozen vegetables mashed potatoes (fortify by mixing in powdered milk to boost nutrition) cooked or

Handling dental emergencies

Handling dental emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit our office as soon as possible. Call the office and provide as much detail as you can about your condition so we can assist you. Common Dental Emergencies: Q: What do I do if I knock out my tooth? A: For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back i

Cavity prevention

Cavity prevention

Tooth decay is caused by bacteria. Bacteria use the sugars and foods that you eat to produce acid. This acid slowly removes the minerals from teeth, and a cavity is formed. There are several ways to prevent cavities from forming, and keeping existing cavities from getting bigger: The most important step you can take is flossing. Flossing is the only way to remove bacteria from between the teeth, where a majority of preventable decay takes place. The next step is fluoride. Flu

What is bruxism?

What is bruxism?

Bruxism refers to the clenching or grinding of teeth. This condition can occur at any age, but is generally thought to occur due to stress. Some people are aware of the process if it takes place during the day, but most occur at night. Because of this, most don't realize it is an ongoing problem. What are Bruxism's impact on the mouth? There are several conditions that can occur in the mouth when people are experiencing Bruxism: Wearing away the tooth enamel and possibly the

Receding Gums: Beware and Take Care

Receding Gums: Beware and Take Care

It can be scary and painful to have receding gums, but you don't need to worry. There are several steps you can take at home that may serve as effective treatment for receding gums, depending on the severity of the problem. The first step for addressing an oral health matter is to consult your dentist to find out whether your oral health requires further measures. Gingival recession, or gum recession, is what happens when gum tissue is recessed and lowers its position on the

A reason to smile

A reason to smile

Your smile is one of the first thing people notice about you — and when you feel good about it, it shows! We offer custom fitted take home bleaching trays, which are an easy and effective ways to brighten and whiten your smile. Each tray is fabricated using a detailed impression of the patient's teeth to ensure a custom and precise fit. The take home trays allow for a more customizable bleaching experience, particulary important for those patients with sensitive teeth. Ask us

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