Rialto Family Dental Center, Patricia Pompa, DDS, and Associates

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Rialto Family Dental Ctr News Seniors at Higher Risk for Dental Cavities You may think that as an adult you don't have to worry about cavities anymore -- but dental cavities aren't just child's play! As we entered the new millennium, it was discovered that seniors were actually getting more dental cavities than children. Today, children and seniors are still the two highest at-risk groups for tooth decay....Continue reading

Good Oral Health Elevates Overall Health In the last decade, scientists and researchers discovered that the mouth and its health (or lack of) weigh heavily on overall health. Any type of infection, such as periodontal (gum) disease or dental abscesses, can affect many areas of the body and impact negatively upon our general health. In fact, periodontal disease is connected with coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pre-ter...m, low birth weight babies. Periodontal disease affects about 75% of the adult population in the U.S. and is most common among smokers, the obese and diabetics. Consider these different conditions and how oral health affects them. Coronary Artery Disease Researchers found that people with periodontal infections are almost twice as likely to suffer coronary artery disease (such as clogged arteries). Periodontal infections also aggravate existing heart conditions such as mitral valve prolapse, aortic stenosis or endocarditis (a serious infection of the heart from bacteria), causing serious complications, even death. Stroke Periodontitis increases the risk of stroke. Periodontal bacteria enter the bloodstream, invade the blood vessel walls and ultimately cause atherosclerosis (clogging of the arteries). Periodontal infection raises plasma levels of fibrinogen (which creates clots), c-reactive proteins and several cytokines. These all increase inflammation in the blood vessels, causing clots to form, which then get caught in the clogged arteries, causing a stroke. Diabetes People with diabetes are more prone to developing periodontal infections as well as cavities since when diabetes is not well controlled excess sugar gets released around the necks of their teeth. This excess sugar is a food supply for the oral bacteria and they grow rapidly. Periodontal infection also makes it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar levels. Chronic Lung Conditions People with lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema or pulmonary fibrosis face even greater health risks with periodontitis. By inhaling periodontal infection bacteria, they may develop aspiration pneumonia and other associated health problems. Pre-term low birth weight babies Pregnant women with periodontitis often give birth to pre-term, low birth weight babies due to the infection. The rates of preeclampsia also increase in pregnant women who have gum infections. Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and infant illness and death. Take control over your heath and call our office today to make an appointment. We are here to help.

Lemon Juice May Squeeze Away Important Tooth Enamel A healthy lifestyle not only means eating well, but also exercising regularly and replacing your soft drinks with water or tea -- and perhaps a wedge of lemon for taste. But unfortunately, lemons can create a sour experience for your teeth. Drinking lemon juice can put you at risk for tooth erosion, a condition where the thin, protective layer of enamel slowly wears away from your teeth. Lemon juice contains acid, which irri...tates gums and softens tooth enamel. Frequent consumption of products that contain acid will eventually destroy the enamel and expose underlying dentin, leaving your teeth vulnerable to sensitivity and tooth decay. In fact, enamel erosion is one of the most common causes of cavities and tooth loss. The Bad Seed With a high acid content, lemon juice is one of the most erosive materials you can consume. But lemons aren't the only bad apples! Any acidic food or drink can contribute to enamel dental erosion, and you should be aware of how much acid you're consuming on a daily basis. Some of the foods and beverages that cause enamel erosion include: - Other fruit juices: orange, apple and grapefruit juice - Fruits and vegetables: citrus, tomatoes and pickles - White wine - Soda - Sports drinks - Tea - Coffee Lemon-Aid Your Habit If you can't go without your daily coffee or other acidic items, there are some ways to ward off impending dental erosion. Drinking acidic beverages through a straw will limit the liquid's contact with teeth. Drinking water frequently throughout the day will help wash away acid and prevent dry mouth, as saliva is needed to neutralize acid. Once you're done eating, don't brush your teeth immediately afterwards. It sounds odd, but the abrasive materials in toothpaste can further damage tooth enamel weakened by acid. Instead, try washing your mouth out with water, eating cheese or drinking milk to neutralize the acid. Consuming dairy products after acidic foods or drinks also can reduce the possibility of dental erosion. In the meantime, wait at least an hour to brush, and use a fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth and reduce sensitivity. The Balancing Act Of course, you may need the nutrients and vitamins found in some acidic foods and drinks. When creating a meal plan, don't rule out foods that are good for you, but do take your dental health into consideration. Eat a well-balanced diet and visit your dentist regularly to check for signs of dental erosion. Once enamel is lost, it never grows back, so take the steps necessary to preserve your enamel for a lifetime of healthy, strong teeth. When life gives you lemons, be sure to protect your dental health. If you have any questions regarding how you can get the best out of your diet without affecting your dental health, speak with your dentist.

Extra Cavity Protection for Kids You might think that cavities are inevitable for kids, but in truth, they’re not. A healthy diet mixed with good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing) plus regular dental visits can prevent tooth decay. Dental sealants can reduce the risk even more. In fact, studies show that dental sealants can reduce decay in school children by 70%. Dental sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the grooves of back teeth, where tooth decay is u...sually a problem for kids and teens. Sealants act as a barrier between the chewing surfaces by blocking pieces of food and germs. Sealants work best on permanent molars, which usually erupt at age 12. It’s best to have sealants applied soon after the permanent molars erupt so that decay doesn’t have a chance to develop. Because they’re so thin, dental sealants won’t have an effect on your child’s speech or make chewing difficult. Sealants can be clear or slightly tinted; either way, they’re virtually invisible to the naked eye. Though they don’t take much time to apply, sealants can last 5-10 years. Dental sealants are some of the most comfortable, cost- and tooth-saving solutions around!

Have you ever lost a tooth from decay, injury or disease? If you’re missing one or several teeth and feel your smile is incomplete, dental implants can fill in the gaps and get your mouth looking great again. While factors such as bone density, medical conditions and gum health can determine your candidacy for implants, they are a popular, and in some cases, a life changing solution for healthy patients. Our team, including our oral surgeon Dr. Apel Keuroghlian, can help you choose the best course of treatment to transform your smile. Your smile is in good hands! If you have questions about dental implants, we can help. Call our office!

It's Dental Hygienists' Month! Our favorite hygienist, Meredith, has been with us for over 16 years. Voted the best Dental Hygienist in Rialto! Thank you for all of your hard work and devotion to our patients, Mer!