Everyone has plaque, a sticky film that forms on the teeth when bacteria mix with acid, sugar, or starches in the mouth. If you don’t remove plaque on teeth, it can harden to tartar, which can lead to cavities, gingivitis, and tooth loss. Regular dental exams and routine dental cleanings help protect teeth and teach patients how to prevent plaque buildup. An efficient at-home oral hygiene routine of brushing and flossing is important too. Learning no only what causes but also how to remove plaque can help patients at Your Oaks Dental to learn how to best care for their teeth. What causes plaque on teeth? Understanding the difference between plaque vs tartar helps patients understand why oral hygiene, and regular dental exams and dental cleanings are important. So, what is plaque? Plaque is a colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. It begins to form on the teeth up to 12 hours after brushing, which is why it’s so important to brush at least twice a day. When you eat, the bacteria on your teeth produce acids that erode tooth enamel and can lead to tooth decay. Tartar is what accumulates when plaque isn’t removed. When it’s left too long, it will harden to tartar and become much more difficult to remove. Tartar can only be removed by our dental professionals at Your Oaks Dental. Some of our patients may be more likely to develop plaque, including those who: Have a high-starch or sugar diet Have dry mouth due to antidepressant medication or other medical conditions Smoke

You know your tongue helps you taste, eat, and talk, but these 5 Things You Never Knew About Your Tongue which are fun facts just might surprise you (and #4 may gross you out!) Without our tongues, life would be quite a hassle. We wouldn’t be able to hold a conversation with each other… We wouldn’t be able to eat or swallow properly … But worst of all, we wouldn’t be able to taste our food. The thought alone is enough to make you shiver! But luckily, these lingual masterpieces of biology are right where they’re supposed to be. And as it turns out, there’s a whole lot more to them than their primary functions. Today, we’re bringing you a fun and informative article filled with little-known things you never knew about your tongue about one of the most important organs of the human body. Follow along as we share 6 Things You Never Knew About Your Tongue! 1. Your tongue is just as vulnerable to bacteria as your teeth While it’s not at risk of developing tooth decay, your tongue is still exposed to the same amount and types of bacteria as your teeth. And as you’ve likely noticed by now, it’s not smooth; there are little bumps and grooves all over it. Well, those bumps are called papillae, and the way they’re shaped and arranged on the surface of your tongue creates the perfect hangout spot for food debris and oral bacteria. Without proper care, that bacteria can encourage the development of dental plaque , potentially leading to tooth decay and gum disease. But that’s where your daily dental care habits come in. You’ve probably already heard that it’s essential to brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth. Now you know why. Tongue health is essential to dental health!

Do you have any of these habits? If so, you could be harming your teeth. Find out what they are and how to avoid them for a happy, healthy smile. When it comes to dental health, a little mindfulness in our day-to-day lives goes a long way. By adding a thing or two to your daily routine and removing some other common habits, you can help strengthen and shield your teeth from harm. Below is a list of things that many of us do — often without even thinking about it — that can harm our mouths. If you notice any that apply to you, don’t worry! We’ve included an idea or two under each item to help you break the habit. But be sure to look through the list carefully. You might find something you didn’t know was harmful! 1. Using Your Teeth as Nail Clippers Of all the items on this list, nail-biting has to be the most common dental health-damaging habit. It’s so popular that there’s even a scientific term for it: Onychophagia…and according to research by the Journal of Dermatological Treatment , anywhere from 20 to 30% of Americans compulsively bite their nails. This habit is a big promoter of local infections around the nails, and putting the dirt and bacteria from under your nails into your mouth also leaves you with a greater risk of developing illnesses more often, but how does biting your nails affect your dental health? Well, first, your teeth simply aren’t made for chewing on hard objects like fingernails. Your enamel, the protective outer layer of your teeth, is meant solely for natural foods. When you chew on your nails, especially frequently over a long period of time, you wear down your enamel and leave yourself vulnerable to chips , breaks, and even tooth decay. Not only that, but the position you put your mouth in can affect the alignment of your jaw. Usually, when you chew your nails, either your lower or upper jaw is extended outward. Combined with the force you put into biting down, this uneven position can lead to misalignment, clicking and popping when opening your mouth, and even jaw pain — also known as TMD .

Everyone has their preference, but are electric toothbrushes better than manual ones? Find out the pros & cons of each & who comes out on top below Two minutes twice a day. That’s the golden toothbrushing standard. And the research is clear. Cleaning your teeth for a solid 120 seconds is proven to remove much more plaque and decay-causing bacteria than a mere 45. Essentially, the longer you brush, the more food particles you get rid of and the more likely you are to hit those hard-to-reach areas. But could the brush you’re using have an impact on how effective your brushing sessions are? After all, electric toothbrushes can vibrate, rotate, oscillate, and perform all kinds of complex movements that the human hand can’t hope to mimic. Are manual brushers truly at a disadvantage? Or are all those fancy automatic brushes just for show? This week, we’re hosting a dental care showdown between electric and manual toothbrushes to see which is best for your smile. Who do you think will win? Let’s find out!

The start of the New Year is a time for you to reflect on where you were last year, how far you’ve come, and where you want to be in the future. It’s a time to think about your personal growth, set new goals… and go to the dentist. That probably wasn’t on your list, was it? Well, it should be. We’ve put together this guide to show you why finding a dentist in the Santa Maria, Pismo or Paso Robles area and scheduling an appointment should be your priority this year. So let’s get started!

It’s the most wonderful time of the year… or not. The holiday season is actually the busiest time of the year for most people. The average American spends nearly two straight days Christmas shopping. Mix that in with the other chores and family gatherings, and people don’t have a lot of free time. That leaves the dentist office wide open. In other words, this is the perfect opportunity to catch up on your dentist appointments. Keep reading to learn why December is the best time to think about your dental care. Understanding Your Dental Insurance Most dental benefit plans start over on the first of January. Any unused benefits don’t roll over to the next year. So if you don’t see your dentist at the end of the year, you’re wasting money. You already have the insurance, so you may as well schedule one last appointment before the deadline. Double-Check the Date You should double-check the deadline for your insurance before you schedule an appointment. While most plans end on the last day of December, that’s not true for everyone. If you have a dental benefit plan through your employer, ask them about the cut-off date. If your employer doesn’t know, you can also get in contact with the insurance company directly. More Benefits of End-of-the-Year Dental Appointments Insurance is the main reason to schedule an end-of-the-year dentist appointment, but it isn’t the only one. Heading to the dentist during December can sometimes be easier than trying to schedule appointments any other season. Here’s why: You Skip the Crowds - Between Christmas shopping and hosting relatives, the dentist is often the last thing on people’s mind during December. If you schedule an appointment for this month, you won’t have to share the waiting room with the crowds. You Protect Your Teeth from the Holiday Treats - Desserts and sugary sweets are a big part of the holiday season, but they aren’t good for your teeth. An appointment at the end of the year gives your dentist a chance to spot and treat any signs of decay before they become a serious (and expensive) problem. You’ll Look Your Best - A dentist visit will also help you look your best for the holidays. No more hiding that smile during parties or the traditional Christmas pictures. You Need Regular Visits to the Dentist You should visit the dentist twice a year, or once every six months. If you haven’t had an appointment sense the beginning of summer, you need one more before the year ends anyway. December is the perfect time to schedule this visit. Book Your Appointment Now To take advantage of the benefits that come with your insurance, you need to schedule your dentist appointment now. Book your appointment as early as you can to ensure your dentist still has openings. The longer you wait, the higher the risk that you’ll miss your chance. Are you ready for your visit? Our doors at Your Oaks Dental are always open. Get in touch with us today to schedule your end-of-the-year dentist appointment!

We’re all human; we’re bound to mess up. But avoiding these 5 common dental care mistakes can save you a lot of time, money, and toothaches With all the dental care products and information out there, knowing right from wrong can be challenging. What toothpaste should you use? Is it okay to brush right after you eat? Is mouthwash a proper substitute for flossing? There are a lot of little nuances that can adversely affect your dental health if you’re not careful. But today, we’re going to clear up the confusion once and for all. Read on to see if you’re making any of these five common dental care mistakes and, if so, learn how to fix them. 1. Brushing too vigorously You would think that the harder you brush, the better you can clean and remove teeth stains, but this isn’t the case. In fact, brushing too hard can wear down your enamel and damage your gums, causing them to recede. If you don’t let up, your gums may recede enough to expose the nerves in your teeth, causing tooth sensitivity. If you find that you a lot of force when brushing or you notice your gums are receding, try using these two simple tips to ease up and give your teeth a break: Use gentle movements – Lightly press the brush against your teeth and move it back and forth in short strokes (about the width of one or two of your teeth). Make sure to clean both the outer and inner parts of your teeth, as well as the surfaces! Take it slow – Slowing down a bit can help you focus on the pressure you put into brushing.

On a hot summer day, it is common to find yourself seeking a cool refreshment to make you more comfortable in the heat. What is not as common is feeling a sharp pain through your teeth once you take a bite or sip of a cool treat. We aren’t talking about brain freezes–we are talking about sensitive teeth! It is estimated that 45 million Americans struggle with sensitive teeth annually, which makes it an extremely common condition. WHAT IS TOOTH SENSITIVITY? Tooth sensitivity can be triggered by hot or cold temperatures, sweet or sour foods and drinks, or deep cavities and fillings. Your teeth are protected by a layer of enamel that protects the exposed portions of your teeth below the gumline. If the enamel layer thins or wears down, it exposes dentin. Dentin is more porous and contains microscopic canals known as tubules which when exposed can allow fluid to flow through them and irritate the nerves within your teeth. COMMON CAUSES  Various factors can cause or increase your risk of developing sensitive teeth. Some of the most common causes include: Acidic foods and beverages can eat away at your enamel and make your teeth more prone to erosion. Certain dental conditions may also increase your risk of tooth sensitivity such as overcrowding, crooked teeth, and misaligned bites. Over brushing with a hard bristle brush or firm hand can wear down on your enamel and expose porous surfaces that lead to your tooth’s nerves increasing sensitivity. Patients who grind their teeth may create small fractures in their teeth that may irritate nerves and increase sensitivity as well. Poor oral health habits such as not brushing properly or flossing may also cause plaque and bacteria to build up and break down your tooth’s enamel, weakening them and making them more susceptible to sensitivity. Receding gums can also expose areas that are normally protected by your enamel and increase nerve sensitivity in your teeth. Tooth decay, cavities, or deep or broken fillings that penetrate deeply close to the nerve may also cause irritation and the development of tooth sensitivity.

Some severe dental emergency cases can make you realize that you can’t bear the pain for a week or longer than that. In such a situation, you need to be checked right now! It might be because you are in unbearable pain or have some oral problem that is uncontrollably impacting your everyday life. You might be facing an issue with your teeth, gums, or mouth. In any such situation, you must do the right thing by seeking care for an emergency dental visit. To Alleviate Pain The most common reason why patients seek an emergency dental visit is to receive care for their dental pain. The kind of pain can be distinct, i.e., it can be either dull and throbbing or sharp and constant. One of the primary services provided by an emergency dentist is to alleviate the intense discomfort or pain that you have. As soon as the pain gets in control, it gets easy for the dentist to assess the problem and take the immediate next step. The dentist will start the treatment once the case is diagnosed. If the problem identified isn’t that severe, then the dentist would prescribe you with some pain management medications. The dentist would schedule your consultation for a more routine visit to treat your problem. With those medications, you will be able to get back to your normal life. To Repair Damage If you face significant damage from an injury, and you think you cannot wait for another day, then, an emergency dental visit is possible. The common reasons are related to an injury that can be chipped or cracked teeth, which hurts a lot. It could also be a split-open lip, which is usually caused by rushing into someone while involved in active sports activities. The injury can be any mouth-related damage scenarios.