Rodney Kihara, DDS

Replace your toothbrush every three months to keep your smile clean. The bristles on your toothbrush wear down and become frayed over time. A fresh soft-bristled brush is always best for your smile!

Make sure you brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth! Bacteria collects on the tongue and can contribute to bad breath, dental decay, and gum disease. Keep your smile fresh by cleaning your tongue!

Soda can be seriously damaging to your teeth! Use a straw to help reduce its effects on your smile. Learn more about how soda impacts your enamel: https://bit.ly/3wrTGFu

Dental cleanings are so important for your smile! Tartar can not be removed without treatment from a professional. Make sure you are maintaining your regular appointments to keep your smile healthy!

Happy start to the summer! Early summer is the best time of year to visit the dentist because everything slows down before back to school season. Call our office to book your appointment!

Get a total smile transformation for 2021! Veneers are totally customizable, so you can choose the color, shape, and size of your teeth. Call our office to schedule a smile consultation so that you can get the smile you deserve for the new year!

Our oral health is directly correlated to overall wellness. Gum tenderness can often be a sign that you are experiencing an underlying health issue. There are several reasons why your gums may be irritated or sensitive. Check out some of the causes for gum irritation here: https://bit.ly/3aPb8vK

Mouthwash can help whiten your smile, fight off oral bacteria, strengthen your smile, and freshen breath. With so many options out there, it can be difficult to figure out which mouthwash would best suit your needs. Call our office for some more information about choosing the right mouthwash for your smile goals.

Brushing alone only cleans about 70% of your smile. Neglecting to floss daily leaves your smile at risk for oral health problems and even tooth discoloration. Make sure you don't skip this step in your dental hygiene routine!

If you'll be around sweet treats and holiday desserts, consider swapping them out for fruit! Fruit can be an excellent choice for a holiday treat, and some fruits can actually clean your teeth! Go for things like apples, strawberries to clean your smile while you snack.

A healthy smile starts at home! It is fairly common for children to develop cavities due to poor oral hygiene and high-sugar diets. Help your child achieve a healthy smile by encouraging proper dental care and providing lots of nutritious fruits & veggies.

A proper dental care routine requires you to brush for two full minutes twice per day. Fluoride toothpaste and flossing are necessary to protect your oral health and keep your smile merry & bright! Perfect your dental hygiene so that your smile can shine!

Damage done by dental decay and cavities can be halted with help from fillings. Dental fillings are necessary to prevent further harm to a tooth. Untreated dental decay can lead to serious oral health issues, so it is important to stop decay from progressing. Protect your smile with dental fillings!

Tooth discoloration can occur due to foods, drinks, medication, smoking, or even just naturally due to aging. Reverse tooth discoloration by using a whitening toothpaste and following a proper dental care routine. If you would like to explore further whitening options, call our office! We can help you achieve the white and bright smile of your dreams!

Mouthwash helps to reduce the spread of germs and promote fresh breath. Whether you are choosing a mouthwash that helps to whiten teeth, reduce sensitivity, or freshen breath, always look for the American Dental Association's seal of approval. That will ensure that your mouthwash is effective for your oral health needs!

Plaque that hardens on the surface of teeth turns into tartar, which can only be removed by a dentist. Make sure you are brushing and flossing regularly, and don't skip dental cleanings! Visit our office every six months to have your teeth properly cleaned so that your smile can stay healthy and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours! We are so grateful for our patients, and we wish you a happy holiday season!

This holiday season, skip the chewy desserts. Sticky foods can be damaging for your smile, especially if you have bonding or fillings. Instead, go for soft desserts like cookies, pies, or cakes. Just make sure you are properly cleaning your smile after eating!

Colorful veggies are great for your smile! Leafy greens and orange vegetables are especially great for teeth and gums. Most orange vegetables are high in vitamin C and green veggies contain high levels of calcium. These veggies help strengthen teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth.

The holidays are right around the corner! Thanksgiving is a time to enjoy food and good company, but don't neglect your oral health! Some of these foods are better than others. Turkey is packed with protein which is great for your smile, but other foods are high in sugar, like cranberry sauce. Enjoy everything in moderation, and be sure to brush and floss after eating.

Gum sensitivity and bleeding is a sign of gum disease, and it should be treated before damage can be done to your smile. If you notice tenderness, frequent sores along the gumline, or bleeding when you brush, call our office to schedule a dental cleaning. Gum disease can be an indicator of another health issue. Learn more about gum tenderness here: https://bit.ly/3kWFFKa

TMJ disorders affect about 15% of Americans, and they can be seriously harmful to your oral health. The temporomandibular joint allows you to open and close your mouth, but damage to this joint can cause pain and discomfort. If you suffer from frequent headaches, neck pain, or tooth sensitivity, call our office. Learn more about TMJ disorders here: https://bit.ly/3oX0ism

Cold & flu season can have an effect on your dental health for a variety of reasons. Make sure you are combating cold symptoms by drinking plenty of water and brushing often to remove oral bacteria. Also, go for sugar-free cough drops instead of sugary ones that may harm your teeth.