smilematters

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October is National Dental Hygiene Month, an effort to celebrate the work dental hygienists do and to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health! When was the last time you saw a dentist? If it's been a while, don't wait! Call (510) 744-9009 to make your appointment today!

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September is National Gum Care Month! It's vital to your oral health to ensure your gums are healthy. We can help with that by providing regular cleanings and exams to ensure your smile is healthy. But it's also important to do your part at home. Learn more about what you can do to keep your smile as healthy as possible! Smile Matters! - Preet Sahota DDS 39572 Stevenson Place, Suite 131 Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 744-9009 google.com/maps?cid=221793582787796093

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Set every August for the first seven days of the month, World Breastfeeding Week aims to highlight the huge benefits that breastfeeding. It requires no preparation and contains all the nutrients your baby needs. However, when your baby's teeth begin growing in, it is important to remember that nocturnal breastfeeding and bottle-feeding can cause tooth decay in infants without proper care. After feeding your baby at night, make sure to wipe their erupted teeth and gums with a finger-toothbrush or a soft washcloth to prevent early-onset tooth decay.

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Summer is here and so is wedding season! Get your smile shining! Call today to schedule your appointment at (510) 744-9009

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With the end of the school year almost upon us, it's never too early to start thinking about scheduling in dental exams for your children! Give us a call to get your appointments on the calendar at (510) 744-9009 Smile Matters! - Preet Sahota DDS 39572 Stevenson Place, Suite 131 Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 744-9009 google.com/maps?cid=221793582787796093

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April marks Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Have you recently been screened, and do you know your risk? Make sure to schedule an appointment and talk to your dentist today! (510) 744-9009 Smile Matters! - Preet Sahota DDS 39572 Stevenson Place, Suite 131 Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 744-9009 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=221793582787796093

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February is Children's Dental Health Month! Are your children brushing and flossing as long and as often as they should be? Talk to your kids about proper oral hygiene, and if you haven't seen us in a while, give us a call to schedule a checkup! (510) 744-9009

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Let the new year ring in a new you! New to the area or interested in a new dental provider? Start off 2020 by scheduling a new patient exam! Give us a call to start! (510) 744-9009 Smile Matters! - Preet Sahota DDS 39572 Stevenson Place, Suite 131 Fremont, CA 94539 (510) 744-9009 https://www.google.com/maps?cid=221793582787796093

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How to Treat Gum Disease

How to Treat Gum Disease

Gum disease is extremely common, with many adults – especially those over age 40 – having this issue. It’s caused by bacteria, plaque, and tartar that remain on the teeth for too long. In its early stages, gum disease starts with inflammation, and if it’s not properly treated, it can progress to damage to the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Teeth can even become loose and eventually fall…

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What Is Forensic Dentistry?

What Is Forensic Dentistry?

Are you interested in becoming one of those people on crime shows who can identify the remains of people who were the victims of a horrible accident, or other tragic circumstance? An often overlooked, but critical part, in the identification of human remains is forensic dentistry, which is a profession that involves much more than identifying people from their dental records. What is forensic…

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Having Chipped and Damage Teeth Repaired

Having Chipped and Damage Teeth Repaired

For millions of Americans, chipped or damaged teeth make them cover their mouth when they smile, or worse yet, rarely smile at all. If that sounds like you, or someone you know, consider one of these tooth repair options. Bonding Bonding is an excellent choice when your teeth have been cracked or discolored, chipped or decayed. There are different types of bonding, but composite bonding will last…

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The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

The Duties of a Dental Hygienist

Dental hygienists play an important role in a dentist’s office. They work with the dentist to meet the oral needs of patients and face a wide range of challenges every day. There’s a variety of benefits that come with being a hygienist – from the personal satisfaction of providing valuable health care services to establishing long-lasting relationships with patients. Here’s a closer look at the…

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The Benefits of Mouthwash

The Benefits of Mouthwash

Want to really get your mouth into great shape? Check out mouthwash if you aren’t already using it. And if you are already using some, double-check that the one you’re using is right for your needs. Mouthwash is a quick addition to your daily dental care routine that offers some distinct benefits. Knowing what the mouthwash can provide, and what you need to do for your specific dental health,…

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Where Dentistry Has Been

Where Dentistry Has Been

The field of dentistry, in one guise or another, has been around a very long time. Many historians and anthropologists think that dentistry is as ancient as the history of modern man in that there’s evidence of dental services, of a kind, being rendered literally 9,000 years ago! What’s incredible is that the BBC recently forwarded evidence showing that civilizations in South Asia’s Indus Valley…

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Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

Is Sedation Dentistry Right For You?

It is not really that uncommon a phenomenon for many patients to greatly fear the dental chair – even though the vast majority of dental procedures are fairly routine and extremely safe. Nevertheless, the fear exists and is quite tangible for those affected. For these folks, sedation dentistry is the obvious solution when needing to have dental work performed. What exactly is sedation dentistry?…

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The Negative Aspects of Tooth Whitening

Teeth are supposed to be white, right? Certainly white looks cleaner and more attractive than teeth with yellow or dark stains when a person smiles. Photographs can document tooth stains and once they circulate on social media, it can be very embarrassing for some people. That's why many individuals turn to their dentists for tooth whitening as a solution. Before rushing to get this done, however, consider the possible side effects of this process. 

Common Reasons For Discoloration

coffee, tea, soda and red wine 

tobacco smoke

deterioration of tooth's outer enamel layer 

tooth injury

lack of brushing and flossing

medications or chemotherapy

Sensitivity And Irritation

One of the main methods of whitening teeth involves the use of peroxide-based bleaching agents. Common side effects of this process include tooth sensitivity and irritation of soft tissues such as the gums. These problems, however, are relatively minor and go away following treatment. But there are rare cases when this discomfort can develop into permanent tooth damage. Presently, the dental industry lacks sufficient studies on the long-term effects of repeated bleaching. 

Whitening Effectiveness

Teeth whitening works for many dental patients, but it's not the right decision for everyone. It doesn't necessarily improve every type of discoloration. While bleaching tends to be a reliable solution for yellow teeth, there's no guarantee it will work for gray or brown stained teeth. It will also probably be ineffective for caps, crowns and fillings. If the discoloration is due to medicine or tooth injury, then it probably isn't going to help.

Maximum Safety

As long as a dental professional with the proper training handles the whitening process, there should not be issues of concern. Keep in mind that beauticians are not qualified for the process unless they have been through adequate dental training. But turning to amateurs can lead to permanent damage of both the teeth and gums. It can also result in pain from chemical burns if the bleach leaks from the mouth guard. Swallowing the bleach can also lead to illness.

It's crucial that your dentist knows about your medical background before agreeing to perform the bleaching process. Your dentist needs to make sure that your teeth and gums are in good enough shape to handle the treatment. Individuals who should avoid bleaching include pregnant women and people with porcelain or composite dental crowns, which can lead to an uneven smile.

Financial Considerations

Ask yourself if you can afford the process and to what degree, it will help improve your smile. Is it worth the investment? For professionals such as media celebrities, models and public figures, it makes perfect sense. But individuals who are struggling financially or do not have the insurance to cover it may want to wait until they build up enough savings beyond an emergency safety net. 

Home Bleaching 

It's important for you to remember as a patient that teeth whitening is more of a want than a need. The intent usually has to do with enhancing your appearance. You can save money by doing your own bleaching at home with OTC solutions, but it's still a good idea to first check with your dentist.

There are multiple simple teeth whitening solutions to choose from. The two most common selections are bleaching products and toothpaste. Other options include gels and paint-on materials, which are available through dentists as well as retail outlets. For maximum safety, it's best to only use products that display the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It's also wise to consult with your dentist first to ensure that the product or process is appropriate for your specific dental conditions.