tricky plaque spots in kids teeth

Common Tricky Plaque Spots

If you are looking to find the best dentist in the area for your child, these tips will help you in making a great decision. What questions to ask the pediatric dentist in your area and more.
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Unhappy With Your Dental Insurance?

If you’re unhappy with your dental insurance policy and want to find out how to get more out of your dental coverage. You are not alone, we will explain how to maximize your dental insurance benefits and much more.

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Tooth Trauma Guide

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Clarity Braces

Do you want straighter teeth that can last a lifetime and give you a whole new level of confidence? Clarity braces are the best of both worlds!

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Kits for Kids

Mother’s day has come and gone…but the awesome mom’s deserve recognition all year. We might not be able to have a giveaway for them everyday, but at least, we want to extend our love to mothers like you with this post mother’s day giveaway. See our facebook page for details and to enter.

Poor Oral Health Linked to Bad Grades

LOS ANGELES, Aug. 15 (UPI) — Poor oral health, cavities and tooth pain can put children at a serious disadvantage in school, resulting in lower grades, U.S. researchers say. Roseann Mulligan of the Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California, and colleagues examined nearly 1,500 socioeconomically disadvantaged elementary and high school children
For decades, antibiotics have greatly benefited the medical community’s efforts to fight bacterial infections. However, we now face a new challenge with bacteria becoming resistant to this treatment modality as a consequence of widespread (and often unnecessary) use. Providers are now learning to be more prudent in appropriate prescription of these drugs. Here’s some things

Choosing a Toothbrush

Never before has there been such a dizzying array of toothbrushes on the market. Consumers are inundated with new designs, materials, attachments, and colors. Whatever toothbrush design you choose, the most important thing is that you use the toothbrush-at least two or three times a day. Toothbrushes accomplish one major purpose: removing plaque. A good

Bridges

Bridges are natural-looking dental appliances that can replace a section of missing teeth. Because they are custom-made, bridges are barely noticeable and can restore the natural contour of teeth as well as the proper bite relationship between upper and lower teeth. Bridges are sometimes referred to as fixed partial dentures, because they are semi-permanent and
Pro-active Expecting mothers in San Diego ask us about considerations in oral health and pregnancy. There is a great deal to discuss. We recommend that if you are pregnant you see your general or pediatric dentist and consider the following: — Oral health education: Early intervention and counseling during the perinatal period from all health
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to parents, caregivers, consumers, and dental care professionals about reports of serious injuries and potential hazards associated with the use of all models of the Spinbrush, San Diego Pediatric Dentist offers free replacement option.

Problems with Braces and Retainers

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Problems with Braces and Retainers Sometimes, the wiring in braces causes irritation for your child.  I recommend that you wrap the end of the wire with a small piece f beeswax, gauze or cotton ball, until you can come and visit me in my

Trapped Debris

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Trapped Debris/Objects Between Teeth Sometimes, particles and debris will get stuck in between your child’s teeth.  I recommend that you floss your child’s teeth with care, making sure not to cut the gums.  If there is trapped debris that will not come off with

General Information About Braces

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist All About Braces Although it is more commonly known for braces, the field of orthodontics is a special discipline of dentistry that focuses on improving your child’s smile, and oral health by re-aligning the teeth and jaw of your child. With the fast advancement

Comfort at the Dentist

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Will It Hurt to Go to the Dentist? I can assure you that most of your child’s visits to my office will be pleasant. In fact, children who visit my office often have a pleasant experience.  The key is helping your child maintain strong

Space Maintainers

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Space maintainers Space maintainers are places where your child’s tooth has fallen out.  There are many reasons for tooth loss including injury and decay.  This vacancy can cause a shift in teeth alignment because a new erupting tooth can fill in an incorrect vacant
By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Numbing Your Mouth I will use an anesthetic to numb your child’s mouth to pull out a tooth, or to take out a cavity. I will rub a cotton ball dipped in a “local anesthetic” on your child’s gums on the area where I
By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Orthodontics Overview Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that deals with the correcting teeth alignment to better the overall oral health and facial structure of your child. Here is a list of ways which orthodontic treatment will help your child. Improves some speech

Sports Dental Injury

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Sports Injuries Overview What do the following things have in common? A ball A bat A hard surface (the hard bottom of a swimming pool or pavement) A knee or elbow This short list includes all of the possible objects that could lead to

Tooth Fracture/Knocked Out Tooth

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Broken, Fractured, Displaced Tooth Dental emergencies can happen at any moment.  If your child is injured and looses a tooth, it is imperative to stay calm.  Call my office immediately to assess whether the tooth is a primary or permanent tooth.  Permanent teeth should

Toothaches

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Toothaches Toothaches are no joke.  If your child experiences toothache, this may indicate serious problems.  Please, call my office to make an appointment so we may reserve the most convenient time for an appointment.  If toothaches are left untreated, more serious problems may occur.

Dental Emergencies

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Emergency Care It is important to keep calm in emergency situations such as having your child knocking out a tooth or biting his/her tongue.  It is imperative to maintain calm in these dental emergencies and to also learn preventive measures for unnecessary dental restoration

Canker Sores/Cold Sores

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Canker Sores/Cold Sores There is difference between cold sores and canker sores (also known as RAU, or aphthous ulcers).  Unlike cold sores that grow outside of the mouth (usually on the lip), canker sores grow inside of the mouth. Canker sores are tiny ulcers

Bulimia Nervosa

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Bulimia Nervosa Estimates show that out of 100,000 people, 14 suffer from bulimia nervosa.  This eating disorder mainly affects women and adolescents.  If left untreated, your child could develop serious problems with their teeth.  Statistics show that one third of people who suffer from

Pacifiers/Thumb and Finger Sucking

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Pacifiers and Thumb and Finger Sucking After the age of four, I recommend that you wean your child off of pacifiers, and thumb sucking.  If not, your child could develop grave problems such as bite problems, and crooked and overcrowded teeth. Teething occurs in

Jaw Disorders/TMD

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Jaw disorders/TMD The term TMJ (temporomandibular joint) refers to our jaw.  This joint connects the mandible, or lower jaw, to the temporal bones, or side bones on our head.  This highly flexible joint allows for smooth movement of our jaw, enabling us to talk,

Wisdom Teeth/Impacted Teeth

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Wisdom Teeth/Impacted Teeth Your child’s “wisdom teeth” are no different from the rest of the teeth except that this set of teeth erupts around the ages of 18-20.  Molars are the third set of teeth, and are called “wisdom teeth” because they do not

Latex Allergy

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Latex Allergy Latex is a naturally occurring chemical that has recently been linked to allergic reactions.  An example is allergic reactions to latex gloves.  Latex proteins can cause breathing and dermal problems for people when the latex proteins become airborne.  Some reactions are very

Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) Bruxism is the clinical term for teeth grinding and it is often viewed as an annoying and harmless habit.  In reality, most children and adults develop bruxism because of unbearable anxiety and stress. Bruxism, also known as teeth grinding, is a

Oral Cancer

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Oral Cancer Oral cancer is one of the most lethal caners, and it also has one of the lowest survival rates.  Less than half of all the people who are diagnose with oral cancer are ever fully cured. There are several complications due to

Sensitive Teeth

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Sensitive Teeth People who suffer from sensitive teeth feel pain when they drink or eat cold and hot foods, an even breathing in puffs of air can cause pain and discomfort. Causes for sensitive teeth can include an abscessed tooth or an unnoticed cavity. 

Fluorosis

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Fluorosis Fluorosis is a medical condition where your body is exposed to high levels of fluoride.  In regular doses of fluoride (such as the regulated amounts in ADA-approved toothpaste and fluoride found in the drinking water system), fluoride is a safe and healthy for

Dry Mouth

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Dry Mouth One of the natural defenses of your body is saliva.  Saliva is our body’s natural defense against plaque because it rinses out the bacteria in our mouth, which causes cavities as well as other harmful particles.  The medical term for dry mouth

Abscessed Tooth

  By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Abscessed Tooth When your tooth becomes infected, it is clinically known as an abscessed tooth.  The main reason for an abscessed tooth is tooth decay.  An abscessed tooth can lead to serious damage including rotting of the pulp, and core of the tooth. 

Gingivitis/Gum Disease

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Gingivitis/Gum Disease Periodontal disease refers to the breakdown and infection of the tooth’s structure, including the surrounding bone and gums.  Your child’s natural response to the bacterial infection also influences the periodontal disease.  Prevention is the key because periodontal disease can later cause gum

Cavities and Tooth Decay

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Cavities and Tooth Decay The term “caries” is the more commonly know disease called tooth decay.  The disease caries is the result of the destruction of the enamel, dentin, or cementum of the tooth due to the long-term exposure to noxious bacteria. Many diseases

Diabetes

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Diabetes People who live with diabetes are susceptible to a multitude of systemic problems throughout their body.  Like the rest of the body, for people with diabetes, the mouth and teeth are vulnerable to problems and complications.  Sometimes these problems go undiagnosed. Some common

Tobacco

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Tobacco There are many questions about oral health that relate to smoking and tobacco.  Are products of smokeless tobacco safe?  Are cigars really a safe alternative to cigarettes?  The ADA (American Dental Association) has posted several alarms related to smoking and tobacco and its

Tongue and Oral Piercings

By: J. Shahangian, DDS, MS- San Diego Board Certified Pediatric Dentist Tongue Piercing Is Not Cool Some children are allowed to have small piercing (usually steel balls) on the lower or upper pare to the tongue.  Like a pierced ear, a tongue piercing is a small perforation on the tongue. I do not recommend that
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