Causes of Tooth Sensitivity in Children

We welcome children at All Coast Dental and are happy to help them with tooth aches and sensitivity. As with adults, there are several different potential causes which should be investigated, but some are more likely to occur in children and could be the first sign of a more general health issue.

Teeth are usually a little sensitive when they first erupt, but this should dissipate within a few days. If a child is suffering from a persistent toothache, the most likely reason is a cavity. Also known as caries, cavities are caused by a certain type of bacteria that feeds on sugar and produces acid which then demineralizes tooth enamel.  This disease process usually can be prevented by better hygiene and reducing the frequency that a child eats foods high in fermentable carbohydrates (like candy, sugary drinks, cookies).

It is also possible that the child is brushing too hard and causing gum recession. This would leave the sensitive tooth roots exposed, which would make drinking hot and cold liquids painful. A dull ache in the upper teeth could be caused by a sinus infection. A toothache might also be caused by jaw grinding or clenching, which could also cause headaches and pain in the ear, jaw, and neck, as well as tooth damage.

Drs. Julie and Joseph Boulos practice at 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.

 

Prevent Periodontitis

If you’ve been told you have symptoms of gingivitis, it’s time to start brushing better. Gingivitis occurs before periodontitis and unlike gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible. Periodontitis is defined as inflammation around the tooth. This serious gum infection damages the soft tissue and bone that surrounds the tooth, eventually leading to decay. Our doctors at All Coast Dental want you to keep your permanent teeth forever, so allow us to tell you how you can prevent periodontitis.

Periodontitis begins with plaque – a sticky biofilm that wreaks havoc on tooth enamel. To prevent plaque buildup, the solution is simple – keep your mouth as clean as possible. In addition to visiting us twice a year for routine cleanings, you should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing at least once a day. If you notice that your gums are bright red/purple, are receding, or if your gums are bleeding while brushing, call us immediately so we can treat the problem before it progresses.

If you have questions or concerns regarding periodontal disease, 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. 

ClearCorrect Braces

If your crooked smile is leaving you with a lack of self-esteem, have no fear, our doctors at All Coast Dental are here with ClearCorrect. ClearCorrect is an alternative to traditional braces and uses a series of clear aligner trays to shift teeth into their correct position. These virtually invisible aligners are custom-made for your mouth and your mouth only so that you can build a revitalized look without anyone noticing.

While visiting All Coast Dental for a consultation, one of our doctors will take impressions and X-rays of your teeth. These will then be sent to the ClearCorrect laboratory where an exact 3D model of your teeth is created. Once you are given the aligners, you will need to wear them for a recommended 22 hours a day to maximize their potential. Because they are removable, you will be able to eat, drink, brush, and floss, as you normally would. Treatment time can vary from one to two years depending on the severity of the malocclusion.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding our orthodontic services, 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. 

How to Care for Dentures

As part of commitment to our senior patients at All Coast Dental, we want to ensure that they understand how to care for their dentures. Getting full or partial dentures will require a major change in a patient’s oral hygiene routine, but it’s nothing to be afraid of.

Regardless of whether or not dentures are supported by implants, they should be removed on a nightly basis. If the dentures aren’t supported by a bar, this will give the gums a chance to rest, but even if they are, the gums and tongue still need to be brushed (don’t forget to get in between abutments). Doing this before putting the dentures back in each morning will increase blood flow, preventing numbness.

Dentures must always be kept moist. They may be left to soak in cleaning solution or clean water, but never water that is hot enough to warp them. Like the natural parts of a patient’s mouth, dentures should only be brushed with a soft-bristled toothbrush; however, dentures also require specially-designated toothpaste. This is because they lack the natural protective film on teeth which protects them from gritty minerals. The entire denture needs to be brushed, not just the false teeth.

Damage to dentures should only be repaired by a professional. It is expected that they will have to be refitted from time to time, so it is important for denture patients to maintain their relationship with their dentists.

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.

 

Eliminate Dental Plaque

Have you ever licked your teeth and felt a “fuzzy” buildup? That fuzz you feel is a sticky, colorless film of bacteria that forms on teeth called plaque. Plaque develops when foods containing carbohydrates such as milk, soft drinks, and other food and beverages that are high in sugar and starches are frequently left on the teeth. If you don’t practice proper oral hygiene on a daily basis to remove this residue, the plaque will harden into tartar, which only our hygienist at All Coast Dental will be able to remove.

Everyone develops plaque because bacteria are constantly forming in our mouths. Plaque that is not removed from around the gum line can cause inflammation and irritation to the gums around your teeth. If you’re not sure if you see some plaque on your teeth, all you have to do is scratch the enamel with your fingernail. If residue appears, go grab your toothbrush. It’s important to brush your teeth twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque from tooth surfaces and protect your teeth from decay.

If you are due for a dental checkup, please give us a call and schedule your appointment. 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.  

Don't Delay Dental Treatment

It’s important for people to remember that maintaining proper dental care habits not only reduces the risk of periodontal disease and tooth decay but can also save you money in the long run. Visiting the dentist twice a year and maintaining basic oral health is far less expensive than replacing a lost tooth or undergoing an extensive procedure to cure dental disease. Here at All Coast Dental, our doctors can teach you the importance of oral health and help you sustain a healthy smile.

Taking care of oral health now can help you save money and avoid paying for expensive procedures later. One example of the cost of avoiding dental care is that oral health problems if left unchecked, may lead to losing your teeth. Something that could be a simple fix, such as filling a cavity, may turn into receiving dental implants down the line because your tooth has become decayed and rotten.

If you have been avoiding the dentist for financial reasons, please give us a call to discuss your insurance options. 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.  

Warning Signs of a Failing Implant

We’re proud of the implant work we do at All Coast Dental. Implants allow us to vastly improve patients’ quality of life and have a very high success rate. However, it is possible for things to go wrong over years of wear and tear or for us to have to correct work done elsewhere. A failing implant is a dental emergency which patients should know how to recognize.

In the immediate aftermath of an implant placement, some pain and bleeding are expected. However, if a patient’s pain is severe and does not improve, the implant may have been placed on a nerve. This is excruciating and will not result in proper fusion of the implant into bone. If the incision wound does not stop bleeding after a few days patients should seek help, and if they seem to be having an allergic reaction, it may be caused by the implant’s metal.

No matter how old an implant is, it should not move. If it does, it needs to be replaced. We will also want to monitor the amount of jawbone tissue a patient has for the first few years following the implant’s placement. If too much bone tissue is lost, there is a great risk of the implant failing later on.

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.