How Can I Tell If I’m Brushing My Teeth Well Enough?

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Cleaning your teeth at home is one of the most important things you can do to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your toothbrushing technique matters. Incorrect brushing can lead to plaque and tartar buildup, gum recession, bad breath, and more. Your dentist in Victorville, CA can show you the correct method for brushing your teeth. Below, we’ve listed some of the signs that your toothbrushing needs to be improved.

Signs Your Tooth Brushing Needs Improvement

Many factors can point to incorrect toothbrushing.

  • Gum recession. Gum recession can be caused by brushing too hard, or brushing with a hard-bristle toothbrush. Use a soft bristle toothbrush and, if possible, switch to an electric toothbrush to clean your teeth.
  • Plaque buildup. Brushing can help stop plaque buildup, but only if you’re brushing in the right places. If you’re skipping parts of your teeth, you’re likely to get plaque buildup in these areas. Your dentist can point out places where you should be brushing better during your appointment.

How to Improve Your Toothbrushing Habits

There are many things you can do to improve your toothbrushing habits.

  1. Get a tutorial from your dentist.
  2. Brush for two minutes every time.
  3. Get an electric toothbrush with an app that offers toothbrushing tips.

Do you need more information about toothbrushing? Want to keep your teeth healthier? Come to A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc for twice-yearly dental cleanings in Victorville, CA. Ask us about how you can improve your toothbrushing while you’re in our office. Our dental professionals will be happy to show you what you can do to improve your toothbrushing.

What is Periodontal Treatment for Gingivitis

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Patients who have been diagnosed with gum diseases, including gingivitis, may be good candidates for periodontal treatment. At A. Paul S. Bell, DDS Inc., our dental services include periodontal treatment for gingivitis in Victorville, CA. Learn more about periodontal treatment to see if you would qualify for this specialized type of dental cleaning and exam.

What is Periodontal Disease and Gingivitis

Periodontal treatment is a specialized and more advanced level of care for dental patients who are diagnosed with incurable oral diseases, including gingivitis. When in an advanced stage, gingivitis leads to periodontal disease, which causes bleeding and receding gums.

The disease progresses over time without a cure, eventually causing the patient to lose teeth due to a lack of gum tissue. However, with periodontal treatment for gum disease, patients can reduce the loss of gum tissue and save their teeth from falling out.

How Periodontal Treatment Helps

Patients suffering from periodontal disease should seek periodontal treatment. This treatment involves more frequent, routine dental exams and more advanced dental work. Services included in periodontal disease treatment include:

  • Root planning to reduce plaque and bacteria under the gum line
  • Waterpik treatments to eliminate matter from between tightly packed teeth
  • Thorough cleaning

We provide comprehensive periodontal treatment and examinations at Paul S. Bell, DDS, Inc. We start with a complete dental exam and check-up to see if you are suffering from gingivitis or another type of gum disease. If you suffer from symptoms like bleeding gums or loosened teeth, contact us for an appointment.

Choose Periodontal Treatment for Gum Disease in Victorville, CA

Call 760-245-8684 to schedule an appointment with A. Paul S. Bell, DDS, Inc.. We offer periodontal treatment for periodontal disease, gingivitis, and other forms of gum disease.

What Is the Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and an Adult Dentist?

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Are you looking for a pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA? If so, you’ve probably found other types of dentists in Victorville as well. The next question that probably came to mind was what is the difference between a pediatric dentist and an adult dentist?

Let’s talk about the differences. This will help you make an informed decision when choosing the best possible dentist for your child.

What Is the Difference between a Pediatric Dentist and an Adult Dentist?

All dentists have had schooling on the same general dentistry focus. But other dentists will continue their education when they decide to offer specialty dentistry services in addition to general dentistry.

  • General Dentistry Requirements

General dentistry requires an undergraduate degree and four years of dental schooling.

  • Pediatric Dentistry Requirements

Pediatric dentistry requires a dentist to complete an additional 2-3 years of additional schooling beyond their general dentistry degree. That schooling includes additional training that focuses on the dental needs of infants, children, and child development topics.

Specialty Training for a Pediatric Dentist in Victorville, CA

A pediatric dentist will have specific training and knowledge in the following areas of dentistry for children.

  • Oral developmental and growth issues (related to the jaw, mouth, face, and head).
  • Preventive and invasive oral care (tongue ties, thrust, enamel hypoplasia, baby bottle tooth decay, and more).
  • Pediatric dental sedation (treating children using sedation and anesthesia).
  • Dealing with special needs and medically compromised children (child psychology and how to work with special needs and medically compromised children).

What’s Next?

If you need a pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, please Contact A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S. Inc. today. We were voted the “Best in the Desert” by the Daily Press Newspaper for five years in a row. Come and see why. Your child will love the dentist and the staff, as well as the environment that feels more like a play date than a trip to the dentist.

Can I Get a Filling During a Routine Cleaning?  

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No matter how you personally feel about the dentist, it’s normal to want to get all of your dental services completed in one visit. So you may be wondering if there are dentists who will spot cavities during routine exams and then quickly fill them so you don’t have to come back. We’ll look at whether this can be done and what you should know about teeth fillings in Victorville, CA.

Fillings During Exams

If you’re getting a standard exam or having a routine cleaning, the dentist will typically request a patient to come back if they require a tooth filling. Your experience will depend on the dentist’s schedule but, in general, the dentist usually won’t have time to do both services. If you have a very small cavity that needs filling, though, they may be able to squeeze you in.

Why You Shouldn’t Put Off a Filling

Dentists know that it’s not always easy to get people to schedule an appointment. It’s why you might be used to staff repeating the same information to you — they’re trying to impart the importance of taking care of your oral health. While you may have a packed to-do list every single day, putting off a filling just gives the cavity the chance to get bigger. This could lead to your needing a more involved procedure, like a root canal or a tooth extraction.

Find a Dentist in Victorville, CA

  1. Paul S. Bell, DDS Inc. knows how important your time is to you, which is why we’re here to help you find the most efficient ways to make your mouth as healthy as it possibly can be. If you’re looking for a dentist in Victorville, CA, who will respect your schedule, contact us today.

 

Infant Dental Care: What Parents Need to Know  

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Did you know that infants need dental care just like older children? Babies go see the dentist just like their older siblings! In addition, there are many things you can do as a parent to help your baby develop good oral hygiene early in life. Taking your baby to a good pediatric dentist in Victorville CA can help get your child off to the right start from an early age.

When to Bring Your Child to the Dentist

Bring your baby to the dentist when the first tooth erupts from the gums, or by the time your child turns one year old. Your child’s dentist will set the exam schedule following the first examination. This schedule will be based on your child’s oral health and any risk factors your child may have.

Clean Baby Gums and Teeth

You can take care of your baby’s teeth at home. Use a clean, damp cloth to wash your baby’s gums even before the first tooth comes in. When your child’s first teeth appear, use a soft-bristle toothbrush and unfluoridated toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth. Your dentist can give you more information about how to care for your baby’s teeth.

Know the Signs of Teething and What to Do

Your child’s first tooth should grow in when they are around one year old. Signs of teething include:

  • Fretful or cranky behavior
  • Drooling more than usual
  • Chewing on things a lot
  • Having difficulty sleeping

Bring your child to the dentist as soon as that first tooth appears!

If you haven’t yet identified a professional that provides pediatric dental care in Victorville CA, contact the professionals at A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc. We’re happy to answer your questions about infant dental care! Call today to make an appointment.

 

Do I Have to Brush My Child’s Teeth?

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Some parents don’t know if their child should brush their teeth on their own. Your child’s dentist in Victorville CA can tell you whether you should be brushing your child’s teeth for them, or if your child is capable of brushing their teeth on their own. Below, we’ll help you decide for yourself whether your child needs this kind of help.

When To Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Most children need their teeth to be brushed until they reach the age of about 7 or 8 years old. They need this help brushing their teeth because children don’t always have the manual dexterity to brush their own teeth properly, and many don’t have the discipline to brush their teeth for a full two minutes.

Left to their own devices, children may not brush their teeth for long enough, and may miss important parts of their teeth during the brushing process. Children are prone to cavities, and poor brushing habits can make that problem worse.

Best Practices When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

When brushing your child’s teeth, brush for two minutes with a tooth brush that is the right size for a child. If your child is not old enough to understand that they should not swallow their toothpaste, buy them non-fluoridated toothpaste. Your child’s dentist can show you how to brush your child’s teeth properly.

If you need help brushing your child’s teeth, bring your child in for a dental exam in Victorville CA. At A Paul S Bell, DDS Inc, we can help you learn how to brush your child’s teeth. During your child’s dental exam, we’ll show you the best techniques for getting their teeth on the sides, back and front. Call today to make an appointment.

3 Important Questions to Ask Your Dentist at the Next Visit

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Every time you visit your dentist in Victorville CA, you have an opportunity to ask your dentist questions that can help you take care of your teeth at home. Knowing which questions to ask is key. Below are some questions to ask your dentist the next time you come in for a general cleaning or a checkup.

1. Is My Oral Hygiene Routine Enough?

You should be brushing your teeth twice daily, and flossing your teeth once per day. It’s important to brush your teeth properly and to floss properly as well. Your dentist can tell you whether your tooth brushing and flossing efforts are paying off by examining your teeth.

If your oral hygiene routine isn’t enough, they’ll make suggestions for change. If you are brushing and flossing as often as you should be, it may be that you’ll need to make changes to how you brush and floss. Ask your dentist about your oral hygiene habits and get suggestions.

2. When Should I Come Back for My Next Appointment?

It’s common for dental patients to come in for dentist checkups in Modesto every six months. However, your dentist may suggest a different timeline based on the condition of your teeth and oral hygiene. Find out from your dentist when you should come back for your next appointment.

3. Am I At Risk for Any Oral Hygiene Conditions?

Depending on your age, whether you smoke, your physical health and other traits, you could be at elevated risk for certain oral health conditions. Knowing your risk can help you take care of yourself. Ask your dentist what conditions you should be watching for, what the signs are, and what you can do to prevent these conditions.

5 Possible Reasons For Bleeding Gums

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If you’ve started to notice the presence of blood following the brushing of your teeth, there’s no need to panic. However, it’s also something you shouldn’t ignore. If you want to learn if it’s something simple that you can take care of yourself, or if you need to schedule a visit with your dentist, here are five possible reasons for bleeding gums.

1. Gingivitis

The first stage of gum disease, gingivitis occurs when plaque on your gum line and teeth is not removed by brushing and flossing and is characterized by tender and swollen gums that bleed during brushing. By seeking dental treatment, the situation can be reversed.

2. Medications

If you are taking blood-thinning medications, these can also cause your gums to bleed. Should this be occurring, contact your dentist and physician to let them know what is happening. Should the bleeding become worse, visit your physician as soon as possible.

3. Changes in Dental Routine

If you are new to flossing or perhaps are using a new toothbrush with very firm bristles, these changes in your dental routine may cause your gums to bleed. Usually, the bleeding stops within a week or two. If it doesn’t, visit your dentist.

4. Brushing Too Hard

If you have a habit of brushing and flossing your teeth very vigorously, you may be causing your gums to bleed. Along with using a slightly lesser touch on your teeth when brushing, you may also want to switch to a soft-bristled toothbrush.

5. Pregnancy

Should you be pregnant, the hormonal changes your body is experiencing can inflame your gums and cause what’s known as “pregnancy gingivitis.” As with anything else related to your pregnancy, make your dentist and doctor aware of this as soon as possible.

If your bleeding gums have worsened, don’t hesitate to contact us today to book your appointment.

 

Are At-Home Teeth Whiteners Safe?

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Having white teeth is highly desirable these days. Many people are increasingly conscious of the way their teeth look, both in person and in photographs. Whether or not you’re in the public eye, you may be interested in using one of the many at-home teeth whiteners that you see advertised. But there are some safety issues involved with these DIY teeth whiteners.

At-Home Teeth Whiteners Are Convenient

It’s plain to see why at-home teeth whiteners are popular. They are very convenient to use because you don’t need to make a visit to your dentist. You can use them in the privacy of your home in your spare time. They’re also fairly affordable and can be purchased at most drug stores or department stores.

The Dangers of At-Home Teeth Whiteners

At the same time, you might want to reconsider the use of at-home teeth whiteners. Here are some potential hazards:

  • Fewer dentist visits means dental problems won’t be addressed – When you visit your dentist for teeth whitening, that gives your dentist a chance to notice potential teeth and gum problems and take care of them before they have a chance to escalate in severity.
  • Too much whitening can destroy enamel – Using at-home whiteners is almost too convenient. If you whiten teeth too much, you could destroy your teeth enamel, which is the barrier that helps protect your teeth against bacteria.
  • Whitening ingredients can be irritating – You may inadvertently get the whitening gel on your gums, which can cause irritation or even a wound. There’s the chance that this irritation can become infected, which causes even more problems.

Your Victorville dentist understands that you want your teeth to look shiny and white. But you need to know the dangers of using at-home teeth whiteners. For more information, please contact us today.

Pediatric Sedation Dentistry: FAQs About “Laughing Gas” 

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Often referred to as “laughing gas” for its association with a sort-of giddy, giggly state, nitrous oxide gas is one of the most commonly used types of sedation for pediatric patients. Younger children can be especially prone to dental fear and anxiety, so mild sedation can be extremely beneficial for the child and the dentist providing treatment. As a parent, you are naturally going to have questions about laughing gas, its safety, and how it is used.

Is laughing gas safe?

Laughing gas is considered a safe treatment for most pediatric patients. It simply promotes a more relaxed state and may induce a bit of a euphoric feeling. While extremely rare, some children may experience side effects with the sedating gas, such as shivering, mild nausea, or sweating. The gas is not known to cause long-term side effects. To ensure the safety of the treatment for your child, the dentist will discuss any concerns you may have and thoroughly examine your child’s allergies and medical history.

How is the sedative administered to the child?

Nitrous oxide gas is administered via the respiratory system. The dentist will place a “nose hood” over the child’s nose, which delivers the gas through small internal outlets so it will naturally be inhaled as your child breathes. The nose hood is worn throughout the treatment.

How long will the effects of the laughing gas last?

Laughing gas is a fast-acting sedative, which means the effects tend to also subside rather quickly. Usually, your child will be back to a more alert state within a few minutes of removing the nose hood. Some children may experience a bit of grogginess after the treatment, but even that effect should subside quickly.

Work with a Good Pediatric Dentist in Victorville

When used appropriately, mild sedation is an invaluable tool for pediatric dental treatments for younger children. As your child gets older, they will naturally grow to be more comfortable in the dentist’s chair and sedation will no longer be involved. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Victorville, CA, reach out to us at the office of Dr. A. Paul S. Bell, D.D.S.

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