Tongue Cleaners

When people engage in their dental routines, they often focus on the teeth and gums. Yet the tongue is just as important to your oral health. That’s why Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos recommend tongue scrapers/cleaners. These small dental appliances are sold at most grocery stores. They scrape residue and bacteria off your tongue, removing bad breath and coatings. To learn more about them, contact All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA.

 

Start off by removing the tongue scraper from its packaging. Place it at the back of the tongue and move it slowly forward. After each movement, rinse off the scraper and your mouth with water. Do this as many times as necessary. Coated tongues are caused by dry mouth, yeast infections, smoking, medications, and poor dental health. The coating itself consists of layers of dead cells and bacteria. Using the cleaner gets rid of these detrimental substances.

 

There are many documented benefits to using a tongue cleaner. The biggest is an improvement in your breath. It’s also shown to heighten your sense of taste. Overall, it leads to a cleaner and healthier mouth.

 

Use your tongue scraper with caution. Do not go so far back on your tongue that you gag. Don’t apply too much pressure, especially in certain areas. You can cut the surface of your tongue if you aren’t paying attention.

 

To learn about tongue cleaners and your dental health, contact All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.

The Benefits of Mouthwash

Mouthwash is often the most underused but important aspect of your dental health routine. It isn’t a replacement for brushing or flossing, but a useful additive to your oral health. Certain areas of your mouth can’t be reached with brushes and floss. Mouthwash is the solution. It neutralizes the bacteria, keeping your mouth fresh. Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos recommend mouthwash to their patients in Pacific Beach, CA.

 

Two types of mouthwash are available, cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic is best for just treating bad breath. Therapeutic focuses on controlling gingivitis, plaque, and tooth decay. There are many different types of therapeutic mouthwash. Each one has specific benefits. It may seem overwhelming, but your Pacific Beach dentists can offer guidance.

 

Your mouthwash container comes with specific instructions. Here are some general steps to follow:

 

-Read the instructions and pour the specific amount into your mouth.

-With your mouth closed, swish it around your mouth. Do so for the recommended amount of time on the label.

-Spit, never swallow the mouthwash! It contains certain substances, like fluoride, which can be detrimental in large doses.

-Avoid drinking or eating for at least thirty minutes afterward.

 

Here are a few general tips for purchasing a mouthwash. If you have a sensitive mouth, pay close attention to the ingredients. Invest in a sensitive mouthwash. There are also alcohol-free and natural types available. There are even mouthwashes that help you prevent plaque and tartar.

 

Prevention is the key to a healthy life. Mouthwash is just one step in the right direction. To learn more about keeping a clean mouth, contact All Coast Dental in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Joseph and Julie Boulos, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.

Dental Crowns

As we age our teeth naturally begin to lose their lackluster. They begin to weaken, and as a result, teeth can crack, decay, and become discolored. Dental crowns are the solution, restoring the functionality and appearance of your teeth. Drs. Julie Boulos DDS and Joseph Boulos DDS of All Coast Dental offer dental crowns to our patients.

 

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials. The most common are porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and full gold. The recommended option is porcelain. It is the strongest and the most natural looking. It blends in well with your other natural teeth. Dental crowns can last ten to fifteen years, especially when made from porcelain.

 

The complete process for dental crowns takes between 2-3 appointments with Drs. Boulos. At your first appointment, a local anesthetic will be applied to the afflicted tooth. Any decayed material will be removed and then the tooth will be reshaped. A mold or impression will then be taken of the tooth. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory to create your customized dental crown. It will take between 2-3 weeks for your permanent crown to be completed. In the meantime, you’ll receive a temporary crown.

 

At your final appointment, the local anesthetic will be reapplied to the area. The temporary crown will be removed. We will check to make sure that the crown fits properly. If so, it will be permanently bonded to your teeth with cement.

 

To learn more about our dental crown or other services, contact All Coast Dental today. We are located in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Julie Boulos DDS or Joseph Boulos DDS, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.

Dental Appointments For Seniors

As we grow older, our teeth naturally begin to weaken, just like any other bone in the human body. Which is why it's important to make sure our teeth can last a lifetime. Practicing good oral hygiene is critical to your health, regardless of age. That’s why it's important that senior citizens have their bi-annual checkups. Whether you have all of your natural teeth, dentures, or partials, Drs. Julie Boulos DDS and Joseph Boulos DDS of All Coast Dental are here to help.

 

For senior patients, we discuss your health history and perform a thorough examination of your mouth at your appointment. During the exam, we will check your face and neck, bite, jaw, lymph nodes, salivary glands, inner cheeks and the inside of your oral cavity. This may seem excessive, but it's only because your health is a high priority when you grow older. It’s important that we check for any sign of infection or oral cancer symptoms. Prevention and early detection are the keys to fighting cancer. If you wear or have dentures, you can also address any problems you might be having with them. We will examine them to make sure that they fit and are functioning correctly.

 

Remember to practice good dental hygiene daily. Make sure to brush twice a day for at least two minutes each. Flossing once a day is important as well. If you have problems maintaining a routine, talk to us about different options. We can provide you with recommendations for different products and techniques.

 

All Coast Dental is located in Pacific Beach, CA. To schedule an appointment with Drs. Julie Boulos DDS and Joseph Boulos DDS, visit our website or call 858-270-4904.