Dr. Josh McCormick DDS and his dental treatment team are pleased to provide professional and caring dental services to their patients from Concord CA, East Bay CA, Walnut Creek CA, Clayton CA and the surrounding communities in their dental office that is conveniently located in 'The Crossings' neighborhood. Our dental services include: adult, children's, cosmetic, family, implant, preventive, restorative and sedation dentistry.
What Is Gingivitis? Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. Who Can Get Gingivitis? Gingivitis is quite prevalent. But while almost 80% of adults will experience some symptoms of gingivitis, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s inevitable. It’s important to note that occasionally there might be no noticeable pain or apparent signs, leaving people unaware that they have it. That’s another good reason to schedule regular checkups with your dental professional every six months so he or she can identify it and suggest treatment options. Gingivitis Symptoms Some symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Chronic gingivitis can lead to periodontitis and chronic bad breath. If these symptoms persist, it's important to talk with your dental professional to determine the best treatment. In the meantime, learn what you can do to protect against gingivitis. To read the entire article visit OralB.com. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
#5: Watch out for starchy foods These are sneaky because they often get trapped in your teeth. If you choose to indulge in chips and cakes, take extra care when you floss that day to remove all the food particles that can lead to plaque build-up. #6: You can still have fun So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead. Holiday Activity Fun Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar. A Puzzling Treat Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
#3: Limit your alcohol intake ’Tis the season for egg nog, Brandy Alexanders and glog! If you choose to imbibe, try to drink water alongside your drinks. And remember: Too much alcohol can dry out your mouth. #4: Take it easy on the hard candies Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!) To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Elizabeth SanFilippo Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health. Why Is Sugar Bad for Dental Health? Whether your kids are eating chocolate cake, sugar cookies or peppermint candy, they are ingesting sugar. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar, and the byproduct is acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The more time teeth spend exposed to sugar, the higher the risk that your children will face dental health problems. Hard candies, and sticky candies such as taffy and caramel, can be worse for teeth than other treats such as cake and cookies. Brush after Eating a Sugary Treat In general, the ADA recommends that everyone brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should also be done at least once a day. During the holidays, encourage your kids to brush and floss even more than this, particularly right after they finish dessert. If a toothbrush is not handy, the next best thing to do is rinse. Encourage your kids to rinse their mouths with water - not soda or even sparkling grape juice ó which will help wash away sugar, acids and any other food that may be stuck to their teeth. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
#1: Timing matters Timing matters. While everything is fine in moderation, it helps to eat sweets and other sugary foods with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals and helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles. #2: Be picky if it's sticky When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were. An Element of Strength The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth. So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database. To read the entire article visit Colgate.com. The remainder of the article details the following:
The majority of dental insurance plans cover the treatment of periodontal disease. While in some advanced and severe cases surgery is still the best treatment option, there are now powerful NON-surgical procedures that, when combined with improved dental hygiene, can virtually stop the expansion of disease. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below is one way that diabetes can affect your oral health. Slow Healing
Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This can be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, see your dentist. To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
An effective oral hygiene routine starts with a few simple steps: A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth A proper brushing technique is the first step to maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Plus, it helps minimize the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, the major causes of tooth loss. Before You Begin While there are several tooth brushing techniques with a manual toothbrush, always ask your dental professional for their recommendation and be sure to follow their instructions. To start, use fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristle toothbrush, and don't forget to replace it every three months. Two Minutes, Twice a Day To brush your teeth correctly, spend at least two minutes using a recommended brushing technique, which includes 30 seconds brushing each section of your mouth (upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left), both morning and night. Since most manual toothbrushes don't have built-in two-minute timers, you may want to have a clock handy so you can be sure you're brushing long enough. Positioning the Toothbrush How you hold the toothbrush depends on which part of the tooth you're brushing. Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on manual brushing and flossing. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health. Change in Taste
Your favorite flavors might not taste as rich as your remember if you have diabetes. It can be disappointing, but take the opportunity to experiment with different tastes, textures and spices to your favorite foods. Just take care not to add too much sugar to your food in an effort to add flavor. Not only can this affect the quality of your diet, it can also lead to more cavities. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, see your dentist or doctor. Infections
Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). The yeast thrive on the higher amount of sugar found in your saliva, and it looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in people who wear dentures and can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection. To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
You can achieve better plaque removal and gingivitis reduction with an electric toothbrush that utilizes oscillating-rotating technology than with a regular manual toothbrush. This brushing action is very different from ordinary manual toothbrushes, as it does the job of brushing for you. Be sure to guide the brush head to all parts of your mouth. Rotating Electric Toothbrush Instructions Hold the brush parallel to the floor, against the side of your teeth. Guide the brush head slowly from tooth to tooth, following the curve of the teeth and gums. It isn't necessary to press hard or scrub. Simply let the electric toothbrush do all the work. Hold the brush head in place for a few seconds before moving on to the next tooth.
Please read the entire article, found at DentalCare.com, to see more detailed information on how to use an electric toothbrush. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
Dr. McCormick is excited to offer his patients a powerful weapon in the battle against gum disease. It's called ARESTIN™. Available in a powder form that contains invisible microspheres, ARESTIN furnishes a time-released antibiotic directly to the site of the infection (the spaces between the gums and teeth). ARESTIN destroys the bacteria that cause gum disease! Even better, it's pain-free!
November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health. Gum Disease
Notice some bleeding when you brush or floss? That may be an early sign of gum disease. If it becomes more severe, the bone that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet. Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, so do your best to keep it in check. Dry Mouth
Studies have found people with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty. (Medications and higher blood sugar levels are also causes.) Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva to wash away leftover food, can lead to cavities. To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.
Welcome to dentistry in the 21st century! Dr. McCormick is pleased to offer his patients crowns made with CEREC™. This very precise computer milling machine creates your crown while you wait. No more temporary crowns to deal with, multiple visits to inconvenience you, or crowns that don't fit quite right. These modern restorations provide excellent function as well as convenience and beauty. Cracking is dramatically reduced, lowering the risk of future root canal treatment. CEREC™ restorations bond to the tooth with optimum strength. Learn more on our CEREC™ page. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
An Affordable Alternative for Multiple Missing Teeth
If you have more than one missing tooth, creating a gap within your mouth, a bridge may provide the optimal solution for filling the space. Custom made with the same cutting-edge materials as our crowns, a bridge is anchored between crowns to span the gap, returning full function and comfort to your mouth, as well as restoring your smile. Josh McCormick, DDS 4455 Cowell Road Concord, CA 94518 (925) 685-3043 MyEastBayDentist.com
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease caused by the buildup of plaque bacteria on the tissues that surround the teeth. Plaque, a naturally occurring biofilm containing bacteria, can lead to gingivitis if not removed by daily brushing. 
So, what can you eat? Lots of stuff! Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish and vary your diet. Eat whole grains and choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods. The holidays are a great time of year to start thinking about healthier habits. If you do snack, make it a nutritious choice-such as cheese, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables-for your overall health and the health of your teeth.
Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.
Some candies are more problematic than others. Hard candies can put your teeth at risk because in addition to being full of sugar, they’ve also been known to cause broken or chipped teeth. (Be careful not to break or chip your teeth when eating nuts as well!) 
Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health.
When it comes to picking healthy snacks, many people put dried fruit at the top of the list. But many dried fruits are sticky and sticky foods tend to stay on the teeth longer than other types of food. If you find yourself eating a lot of dried fruits such as cranberries, make sure to rinse with water and brush carefully. 
You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were.
The majority of dental insurance plans cover the treatment of periodontal disease. While in some advanced and severe cases surgery is still the best treatment option, there are now powerful NON-surgical procedures that, when combined with improved dental hygiene, can virtually stop the expansion of disease.
A Proper Brushing Technique for your Teeth 
Dr. McCormick is excited to offer his patients a powerful weapon in the battle against gum disease. It's called ARESTIN™. Available in a powder form that contains invisible microspheres, ARESTIN furnishes a time-released antibiotic directly to the site of the infection (the spaces between the gums and teeth). ARESTIN destroys the bacteria that cause gum disease! Even better, it's pain-free!
Welcome to dentistry in the 21st century! Dr. McCormick is pleased to offer his patients crowns made with CEREC™. This very precise computer milling machine creates your crown while you wait. No more temporary crowns to deal with, multiple visits to inconvenience you, or crowns that don't fit quite right. These modern restorations provide excellent function as well as convenience and beauty. Cracking is dramatically reduced, lowering the risk of future root canal treatment. CEREC™ restorations bond to the tooth with optimum strength. Learn more on our CEREC™ page.
If you have more than one missing tooth, creating a gap within your mouth, a bridge may provide the optimal solution for filling the space. Custom made with the same cutting-edge materials as our crowns, a bridge is anchored between crowns to span the gap, returning full function and comfort to your mouth, as well as restoring your smile.