Dental Gum Disease Treatment

An Easy Treatment for Gum Disease

The use of laser technology for dental problems has evolved to an almost miraculous level! It produces positive results, and its use is patient friendly and minimally invasive. It has successfully been used in treatment of gum disease, in place of surgery. This FDA-approved procedure is virtually painless and additionally helps to regenerate bone mass in the jaw that may have been lost due to chronic gum infection.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about understanding your dental plan.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Dental Teeth Whitening

Dazzling White Teeth

Is your smile healthy, but not as white as you'd like it to be? Dr. Berger creates custom whitening trays that mold to your teeth to deliver beautifully white teeth in just 1 – 14 days. You follow the instructions using the supplies we send home with you. This safe, effective approach is FDA approved and very affordable!

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Chew on this: Six dental myths debunked

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.

In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”

Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay

It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.

Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.

To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Three Oral Hygiene Tips for Men

When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.

Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.

Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.

Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.

To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com 

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Children's Dentistry

No More Dental Fears

We want every generation of children to feel relaxed for their visits and be relieved of any fears. As parents have told us, we are very successful at achieving this goal. If you are concerned about an active three-year-old or scared seven-year-old, we can take care of those problems.

A Dentist Is an Essential Part of Your Child's Good Health

We take care of your children, just like a pediatrician does. We trust you understand that oral health plays a vital role in a person's overall health.

It is well known that children's teeth are more susceptible to cavities than an adult's teeth. There are various factors that contribute to the easy onset of cavities. Children eat frequently throughout the day. Every time food is consumed, acids are produced in the mouth. A build-up and prolonged exposure to acids provide the right environment for cavities to develop. And even the smallest amount of decay is permanent damage to a tooth. 

As children do not brush or floss well, we advise parents to be a part of their daily dental hygiene until they learn to take care of their teeth properly on their own. We also encourage healthier food choices, and one application of a mineralizing sealant to keep their teeth healthy for a lifetime.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com

A New Year's You: Dental Health Resolutions

Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.

Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.

To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com

Artisan Dental   
Jeff Berger, DDS   
19604 Mono Way   
Sonora, CA 95370   
(209) 532-2915   
ArtisanDDS.com