Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 3 of 3)

Don’t replace fillings just because they’re old 












When you have a cavity, the dentist removes it and puts in a filling. These fillings can last for many years, but some people get silver fillings removed because they don’t like the color. However, the process of removing a filling can weaken the tooth. Additionally, insurance may not cover the removal. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

Choosing Wisely: 5 Things Every Family Should Know About Dental Health (Part 1 of 3)

Use toothpaste with fluoride for infants and children 












For children younger than 3 years, you should begin brushing a child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste in an amount no larger than a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years of age, use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Consider sealants to prevent decay or treat beginning cavities on the back teeth 












Dental sealants act as a barrier to prevent cavities. They are a plastic material applied by a dentist to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth where decay occurs most often.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

Stress & Oral Health

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about Stress and your 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

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

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

To Floss or Not to Floss..

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about flossing and if it is good or not! Kind of reminds me of coffee, some studies say is good for you and others say it isn't.

Our dental office believes that flossing is beneficial to a person's general oral health. Our staff is trained to address the issues of proper flossing to our patients on an individual need basis. We promote many different tools used to effectively and safely clean between the teeth.

If you are concerned with the recent news reports, please give our office a call to schedule an appointment. We will be happy to review your concerns and make sure you are properly caring for your teeth.

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

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

• Sugar-Free Trinkets
• Story-A-Day

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

3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.”

Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth. 

• Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
• Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
• Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.

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

Girl's Sports Mouth Injuries

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about mouth injuries due to sports.

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 Tool Sterilization

Our Cleanliness Meets the Highest Standards

All reusable tools are sterilized according to specific health standards. They are placed in an autoclave after each use. This sterilizing unit is monitored by an outside lab to ensure safety for your health. Other one-use tools are discarded after use. We want you to be assured that we never take any risks with your health.

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

Advanced Dental Care Technology

Thorough, Early Cavity Detection

We are pleased to now provide our patients with multiple tools in the fight against cavities. Along with digital X-rays, the laser scanner and the DEXIS CariVu™ combine to give the doctor a complete picture of your teeth. The laser scanner allows us to detect even tiny, early cavities in the surfaces of your teeth. The CariVu's bright light shines through your tooth so the doctor can see cavities between your teeth. This technology allows us to detect future problems to keep an eye on, issues that need immediate attention...and a clearer picture of your dental health for more accurate diagnoses.

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

How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?

Learn what the American Dental Association's answer is to the question: "How Often Should a Senior Citizen Go to the Dentist?".

 

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

Preventative Dental Care

The Importance of Patient Education

We want you to be well informed about any dental work you will need. Often you won't know what to ask, especially with regard to a new procedure. That's why we have the CAESY™ information program. It provides comprehensive information on every procedure and preventive care. No matter what your questions or concerns, whether about restorations, cosmetic techniques, or periodontal treatments, you will have the answers you need.

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

Custom Mouthguards

Don't Lose Teeth while Playing Sports

A custom-made mouthguard will prevent most loss of teeth due to injury or trauma while participating in sporting events. A personalized fit will protect and not interfere with breathing during exertion. The mouthguards sold in stores are not specific to your personal needs and may not be enough protection to guard against the loss of teeth. 

The American Dental Association recommends wearing custom mouthguards for the following sports: 

Acrobatics, basketball, boxing, field hockey, football, gymnastics, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, roller hockey, rugby, shotputting, skateboarding, skiing, skydiving, soccer, squash, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, and wrestling.

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

Prevention Dentistry for Seniors

Our Focus for Seniors

Our teeth show the signs of wear and tear and age, just like our bodies. We watch for the specific problems seniors often develop. Plaque can build up and lead to decay, or even worse, gum disease. Stains from food, drink, and tobacco can tarnish the whiteness of teeth. Fillings start to loosen, allowing decay to set in. We emphasize good nutrition and essential daily cleaning to ward off problems and to keep gums and teeth healthy. With regular check-ups, we can stay on top of any developing problem before it becomes a more serious condition.

If you ever experience loose teeth or bleeding gums, please contact us immediately.

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

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

Dental Digital X-Rays

Digital Imaging Technology for X-rays

Digital X-rays are an advancement from the traditional method, with 75% less radiation and no developing chemicals that are harmful to the environment. A sensor placed in your mouth takes an image that is available on our computer screen almost immediately, another feature that reduces your time in the dental chair.

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

Children's Dental Sealants

Lessening the Chances of Tooth Decay in Children

Even careful brushing sometimes misses the contours of back teeth. As plaque forms and exposure to acids continues, a cavity will form. We offer an excellent preventive technique that will help in the fight against cavities. Dr. Berger can apply a thin layer of a dental sealant, which adds an extra measure of protection against cavities.

It is a quick and easy treatment that is pain free with no shots, drilling, or tooth removal necessary. This is how the sealant is applied:

All teeth are cleaned properly and sterilized. A thin coating of the sealant is applied. It is invisible, as it is clear or white. With a curing light, the coating is bonded to the surface of teeth. And that is the whole procedure that takes just minutes! This is one of the best preventive measures to help children and adolescents keep their mouths cavity free! 

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

Dental Technology

An Advancement in Patient Comfort

Your comfort is our first concern, and we are very pleased to provide Isolite^® to make your treatment easier. This device is a combination of a brilliant light and vacuum that allows you to spend about one-third less time in the chair. Saliva won't build up in the mouth and the jaw won't become fatigued from continuously being held open. There are no worries about debris being swallowed, as the suction will both remove debris and keep the mouth dry, which is what is needed for best results. The bright light reduces shadows in the interior of the mouth and allows for greater accuracy during procedures.

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

Diabetes and Your Mouth # 1 : 4 Signs You May Have a Problem

Diabetes puts you at risk for dental problems. It impairs the ability to fight bacteria in your mouth. Having high blood sugar encourages bacteria to grow and contributes to gum disease. You may have gum disease if you have:

• Gums that are red, sore, bleeding, or swollen, or that pull away from your teeth
• Loose teeth
• Chronic bad breath
• An irregular bite or dentures that don't fit well

The above article is from: WebMD.com

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