Problems with Fillings

One of the first dental procedures people learn about as children is the use of fillings to repair cavities. When patients suffer from small bits of decay (known as caries), a white-colored filling can repair the appearance of their smile and prevent bacteria from hiding in a cavity. But while the tooth may be sensitive immediately after the decayed material is removed, prolonged pain is not normal and is a sign that patients should come in for an examination.

When a filling is first placed, it may be shaped badly and prevent the patient from closing their jaws together. It also may not be large enough to fill in the gap. These are both rare events but need to be fixed immediately. More commonly, the filling becomes painful years after it was placed due to the normal wear and tear of chewing having worn out the seal holding it in place. Fillings are not permanent solutions; they usually last for about ten years. Of course, trauma could cause a filling to come loose sooner. When the area around a filling is painful, it is probably because bacteria has entered through the cracks in the seal and are causing more decay. The sooner an old filling is replaced, the less likely it is that a larger restoration will be necessary.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Acid Reflux and Tooth Decay

Acid reflux is a painful condition, but most patients may not know how bad it is for their teeth. At All Coat Dental, we regularly see the ravages of this disease on enamel, and want our patients to better understand it and what can be done.

Stomach acid is extremely corrosive. The stomach has a thick mucus lining to protect itself, but when acid escapes into the esophagus, it causes burns which could turn into ulcers or tumors. If it gets as far as the mouth, the inward-facing surfaces of the upper teeth which are usually the most affected. Decay caused by acid reflux is a gradual process in which the teeth first appear glazed, then pitted and cracked. It painfully weakens enamel and reduces the teeth’s grinding surfaces, impeding their function.

Patients can reduce how frequently they suffer acid reflux by maintaining better diet and posture. Fried foods, garlic and onions, citrus juice, chocolate, and alcohol are known to be contributors to acid reflux. But to fix enamel erosion that’s already occurred, they may need restorations such as white fillings and partial crowns.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos operate All Coast Dental at 2180 Garnet Ave, Suite 1-K, Pacific Beach, California, 92109. To schedule an appointment, call 858-270-4904 or visit AllCoastDental.net and fill out a contact sheet.

 

Drink Water to Save Your Teeth

Fluoride is nature’s natural cavity fighter and can be found in the water that we drink. Choosing water over sugary beverages is a much better decision for your teeth. Water cleans the mouth with every sip, and because of this, our doctors at All Coast Dental encourage you to drink more to protect your teeth from decay. Water not only strengthens teeth, it delivers healthy nutrients to our bodies to keep us healthy.

If your dental health is a cause for concern, drinking more water may be the solution. Sugary beverages may wash down your meal, but they provide no nutritional benefits for tooth enamel. Drinking water, however, washes away leftover food particles that have been left behind. It also dilutes the acids produced by harmful bacteria in the mouth. Drinking water may improve your smile, but it won’t protect against cavities alone. Be sure to maintain a rigorous oral hygiene routine to protect your teeth from decay.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services provided at our practice, visit www.allcoastdental.net for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors at All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA, call 858-270-4904.