Not All Halloween Candy Is the Same | Yorba Linda Dentist

As soon as October hits, the air turns from Indian summer to chilly Fall. And just like that, out come the cutest little ghouls and goblins waiting to trick-or-treat. Yes, things may seem a bit different this year but nonetheless, the tiny humans in your family are especially excited about this sugary nightmare of a holiday and there is little a parent can do. After all, we know that too much of a sugary thing will only lead to dental issues in the future. But there is no need to deprive your child of this sweetest of holidays, just keep an eye on what it could do to their teeth. The following is a list of your child’s Halloween dental health enemies:

Sour. Sour candies can ruin your tooth enamel by combining sweet with sour for a pH level of 2.5, a level that high can cause serious damage to developing teeth so keep them clear of this fruity confection.

Sticky. It may seem fairly harmless, but sticky candy is some of the worst for teeth. Not only does the sticky texture stick to your teeth’s surface and in their crevices, but they can also loosen dental fixtures, like braces or fillings.

Gummy. Similar to caramels and other sticky candies, gummy candies also stick to the crevices of your teeth, making it difficult to remove with a brushing or a quick rinse of water.

Hard. Not only can hard candy damage teeth when bitten, but even if you don’t bite them, sucking on hard candy isn’t a quick process, making time for sugars to nestle into a tooth and cause cavities extensive.

For more information about veneers, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

Why Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed? | Yorba Linda Dentist

It’s believed by many that wisdom teeth are a byproduct of evolution and that it was once necessary for ancient humans, whose diet consisted mainly of raw and unprocessed meat, plants, nuts and seeds, to chew and digest their food properly.

Even if they are hidden under the surface of your gums, your wisdom teeth are not free from disease. In fact, the third molars are actually quite prone to cavities, abscesses, gum diseases, cysts and so on. Also, if they are impacted, your wisdom teeth may end up damaging any adjacent teeth.

To prevent any complication caused by wisdom teeth, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed almost immediately as they appear. Not all dentists, however, recommend extraction. At least, not in all cases. In fact, most dentists agree that wisdom teeth should be evaluated to see if extraction is really necessary.

As far as making a decision goes, it’s best to consult your dentist and ask what is best for your oral health. If your dentist sees no problem in you keeping your last set of molars, you should take it as a sign that you’re one of the lucky few who didn’t have to go through the painful experience of their wisdom teeth crowding or impacting the adjacent teeth.

Remember, the only way to remove a wisdom tooth is through surgery. Although relatively safe, all surgical procedures are at risk for some sort of complication, especially in this case because the surgery to have wisdom teeth removed requires the use of either local or general anesthesia.

For more information about wisdom teeth, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.

Is It an Emergency? | Yorba Linda Dentist

No matter how much we try to avoid it, accidents happen. And from time to time, this accident affects your teeth. And whether it needs immediate attention or can wait for an appointment, it’s time to visit the dentist. But how do you know? Here are some basic rules of thumb to keep in mind:

If a tooth is knocked out completely, immediate care is required to save it. It’s possible that the tooth can be re-implanted if you get to the dentist within an hour or so. If you lose a tooth, rinse it with water, making sure not to touch the root.

If you chip or break a tooth, call your dentist – they’ll likely ask you to visit the office in the coming days for inspection. It’s difficult to know the extent of the damage without x-rays and proper checkup, so even if you think it isn’t a big deal, make sure to prevent further damage.

If the tooth is pushed inward or outward, GENTLY try to straighten it but do not try to force it into its socket and call your dentist, making sure to stabilize the tooth with gauze or tissue on your way.

As with tooth pain of any kind, there are some simple things you can do at home while you wait for an appointment. Rinse with warm saltwater. If you’re experiencing swelling, apply a cold compress, and take a pain reliever. A typical toothache is likely not an emergency, but you should have the tooth checked as soon as possible.

Accidents will happen – but it isn’t time to panic. Rest assured, your dentist can help treat injuries as they happen.

For more information about dental emergencies, call Dr. Andrey Eng in Yorba Linda, CA at 714-779-2736 or visit www.andreyengdds.com.

Dr. Eng proudly serve patients from Yorba Linda and all surrounding areas.