If you visit our office during these difficult times, rest assured that your health and well-being are important to us and our team. That’s why infection control procedures are in place at our office.

During these times of worry regarding COVID-19, it is important to do everything you can to boost your immune system. Taking better care of your mouth will give you a better immune system. Enjoying a proper diet with essential nutrients helps to avoid diseases and chronic health conditions. A diet that is low in sugar will make it easier for your mouth to make less decay-causing plaque. Plaque is a byproduct of bacteria in your mouth and sugars in your foods and drinks. It’s also what leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Missing dental appointments due to phobias not only can prolong your dental discomfort, but it can also add to your anxiety because you may feel guilty for missing dental offices.

Chewing Your Nails This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. Placing your jaw in a protruding position for long periods of time can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction. Solution: Stress reduction and holding something to keep your fingers busy if certain situations are triggering. Brushing Too Hard Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage your teeth and irritate your gums. Solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. Don’t think ‘scrub’ think ‘massage’. Grinding and Clenching Grinding and clenching cause muscle tenderness and joint pain, not to mention chipping and cracking of the teeth. Solution: A mouthguard at night can help along with relaxation exercises and staying aware. You will have less pain, soreness and tooth damage. Chewing Ice Cubes Most of the time the ice will break when crushed between your teeth, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break. Solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you’re not tempted. The pleasure that comes from chewing ice is not as great as the risk of chewing it and breaking a tooth. Using Your Teeth As Tools Your teeth are not a pair of scissors, they are for eating. You put your teeth at risk for cracking or injuring your jaw when you use them as tools. Solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

1. “It doesn’t matter what time of day I brush.” Brushing at certain times of the day does have an impact on your oral health. Brushing your teeth at night prevents food particles from sitting on our teeth which contributes to tooth decay over time. Brushing teeth in the morning fights bad breath and decay. It is recommended that you brush right after consuming foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates to prevent cavities.

Whatever your December festivities look like, Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas wants to make sure you keep your oral health a priority even during all the holiday hustle and bustle. This time of year is actually an ideal time to schedule one of your bi-annual dental check-ups and here are some reasons why!

The holidays are filled with lots of laughter over shared meals with the people you love and with so much to be thankful for this time of year, your oral health should one of them! Here are some delicious fall indulgences that both your mouth and your Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas will thank you for! Know Your Seasonal Fruits – Fall produces some delicious seasonal fruits, like pears, persimmons and apples, to name just a few. These fruits are high in fiber, and their crispy, crunchy bite help naturally clean plaque from teeth while they’re being chewed. These raw treats are packed full of healthy vitamins which makes them a great source of nutrients for teeth and gums, so adding fresh fruits to your slice of pie can allow you to indulge a little while keeping your oral health a priority. These fruits are naturally sweet, so consider introducing them as an alternative to more sugar-filled or processed and packaged dessert options. Pumpkin Is The Season’s Healthiest Craze – As trendy as pumpkin-spiced- everything is this time of year, Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas recommends avoiding the artificial flavors and indulging in the real deal. Pumpkin is a nutritionally rich seasonal superfood, packed with oral health benefits. This veggie is filled with mouth-friendly nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. The versatility of pumpkin makes it a great addition to both sweet and savory recipes while boosting the nutritional value of the meal. Choose Nuts and Seeds This Harvest Season – This time of year offers a large variety of nuts and seeds to snack on. Crunchy snacks like this are great for oral health because they natural scrub your teeth and tongue of any plaque and debris. Roasting Pumpkin seeds is a seasonal tradition and a great way to get essential vitamins and nutrients, like calcium and iron, that help your teeth stay strong. Now that you know the benefits of some seasonal foods, you can feel even better about indulging this fall and through the upcoming holidays. By choosing whole foods and avoiding processed and sugar-filled options, your overall health and smile will shine! If you have questions about how to incorporate better food choices that will help maintain good oral health, or to schedule your next appointment with Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas, call 510-243-0213 today!

Learn how Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas makes the idea of a healthy Halloween less scary with these tips – and tricks!

In honor of National Gum Care Month Pinole dentist Dr. Perez-Salinas wants to encourage the health of all their patients with some educational information about oral care and gum disease.