Wednesday 31 May 2017

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Chewing Ice Cubes

The habit: “Tooth enamel is a crystal. Ice is a crystal. When you push two crystals against each other, one will break,” Dr. Messina says. “Most of the time it’s the ice, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.”

The solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you're not tempted. “The risk of chewing ice is greater than any pleasure that comes from chewing it,” he says. “Besides, ice is really cold!”

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Tuesday 30 May 2017

Single Tooth Anesthesia

'I Didn't Feel a Thing!'

The Wand™ is the high-tech delivery system for single tooth anesthesia Prior to the Wand's introduction, the syringe, a 150-year-old technology, was the primary method of delivering anesthesia. The Wand is so much more comfortable, it doesn't just feel better in process, any anxiety you might experience over treatment that needs anesthetic just fades away! Our patients almost always say, "I didn't feel a thing!" You no longer have to be fearful or anxious of the traditional dental needle when you visit our office.

Josh McCormick, DDS 
4455 Cowell Road 
Concord, CA 94518 
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Saturday 27 May 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'How Should I Clean and Store My Toothbrush?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'How Should I Clean and Store My Toothbrush?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Thursday 25 May 2017

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Constant Snacking

The habit: Grazing all day, especially on sugary foods and drinks, puts you at a higher risk for cavities. When you eat, cavity-causing bacteria feast leftover food, producing an acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: Eat balanced meals to feel fuller, longer. If you need a snack, make sure it's low in fat and sugar. If you indulge in the occasional sugary treat, follow it with a big glass of water to wash away leftover food.

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   

MyEastBayDentist.com

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Intra-Oral Dental Cameras

Intra-Oral Camera Makes You a Part of the Team

Dr. McCormick believes in a united approach to dental care. One of the ways he achieves this is through the use of a high-tech intra-oral camera. This miniature video camera delivers a close-up image of the interior of your mouth direct to our computer screen. Now you can see what work needs to be done and which teeth are doing fine, making you an active participant in each dental decision. You'll be amazed by what you see!

Josh McCormick, DDS  
4455 Cowell Road  
Concord, CA 94518  
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Wednesday 17 May 2017

3 Things All Athletes Should Do for Their Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Dentist Dr. Thomas Long has seen firsthand what can happen when “the puck stops here.” In addition to seeing everyday athletes in his private practice, Dr. Long (a former college hockey player himself) is the team dentist for the National Hockey League’s Carolina Hurricanes.

No matter what sport or skill level, Dr. Long says athletes need to take care of their teeth both on and off the field. “Most athletes are careful about what they eat and their workout routine. Part of that routine should include taking care of your mouth and teeth every single day,” he says. "It would be a shame to miss practice or a game because you are in the dentist's office receiving treatment or recovering from a dental surgical procedure.”

Here, Dr. Long shares his playbook for a healthy mouth. 

  • Make a Mouthguard Part of Your Uniform
  • Sideline Sugary Sports Drinks
  • Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

To read the entire article, including more detailed information on the three steps listed in Dr. Long's playbook for a health mouth, please visit MouthHealthy.org.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Monday 15 May 2017

6 Habits That Harm Your Teeth (And How to Break Them): Using Your Teeth As Tools

The habit: Your teeth were made for eating, not to stand in as a pair of scissors or hold things when your hands are full. When you do this, you put yourself at a higher risk of cracking your teeth, injuring your jaw or accidentally swallowing something you shouldn’t.

The solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

To read the entire article please visit MouthHealthy.org


Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   

MyEastBayDentist.com

Thursday 11 May 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Do Bad Teeth Run In the Family?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Do Bad Teeth Run In the Family?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Wednesday 10 May 2017

Natural Teeth Whitening: Fact vs. Fiction

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

When it comes to teeth whitening, you may see many different methods featured online and in magazines-from oil pulling to charcoal, and even turmeric. It's no surprise that DIY whitening is top of mind, either. When the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry asked people what they’d most like to improve their smile, the most common response was whiter teeth. 
Healthy smiles come in many shades, though it's tempting to think ingredients in our own kitchens could hold the key to a brighter smile. Still, just because a method is natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy. In fact, DIY whitening can do more harm than good to your teeth. Here’s how:  

Fruits











Fiction:
The approach maintains you can make your teeth whiter and brighter household staples that are naturally acidic (like lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar), contain digestive enzymes (such as pineapple or mango) and something that is abrasive (like baking soda).
Fact: 
When eaten as usual, fruit is a great choice. However, fruit and vinegar contain acid, and you put your pearly whites at risk when you prolong their contact with your teeth or use them to scrub your teeth because acid can wear away your enamel. Enamel is the thin outer coating of your teeth that protects you from tooth sensitivity and cavities. 

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article reveals fact vs. fiction for the following:

  • Scrubs
  • Spices and Oils
  • Still Interested in Whitening?

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Sunday 7 May 2017

Dental Implants

Dental Implant Restoration for a Perfect Smile

Dental implants are the best option for replacing lost teeth. From the front of the mouth, where they can be seen, to the back, where they provide chewing stability, implants can help you restore an inviting and healthy smile. Unlike bridges or removable dentures, which rest on top of your gums, dental implants are anchored beneath your gum line. The "tooth" installed on an implant appears life-like, because it pokes through the gums just like the original did – it's like growing a new tooth!

Implants can replace multiple lost teeth. Even people with no teeth can benefit from implants, because they can exchange their dentures with teeth that don't shift when they talk and don't need to be removed at night. After an oral surgeon installs a titanium post, Dr. McCormick will custom-create a natural-looking restoration. Get the smile you deserve – permanently!

Josh McCormick, DDS  
4455 Cowell Road  
Concord, CA 94518  
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com

Wednesday 3 May 2017

8 Non-Dairy, Calcium-Rich Foods for Your Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org 

Caring for your teeth means more than brushing and cleaning between them every day. It also means paying attention to the foods you eat. 

One of the most important nutrients for healthy teeth is calcium. Calcium strengthens the hard outer shell of your tooth called enamel, which is your teeth’s defense against erosion and cavities. To protect your teeth and get the 1,000-2,000 mg daily recommended amount of calcium, many people turn to dairy products like milk, cheese and yogurt. 

If you’re lactose intolerant or need to limit dairy, there are a number of foods that can still give you the calcium you need. Calcium is found naturally in some foods, while others - such as juice, tofu and even waffles - are now fortified with added calcium. 

Here are some non-dairy options from the USDA Food Composition Database to help keep your body and smile strong.

Orange Juice with Added Calcium











Oranges naturally have a bit of calcium, but many varieties of orange juice (already a top source of vitamin C) now come fortified with calcium. For example, frozen orange juice from concentrate with added calcium contains 1514 mg of calcium per cup. That’s your daily recommendation in just one glass! Juice, however, can be high in sugar, so drink it in moderation.  If your child drinks juice, make sure to serve the recommended, age-appropriate limits.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article highlights 7 over non-dairy, calcium-rich foods that are good for your teeth:

  • Whey Powder
  • Tofu with Added Calcium
  • Canned Fish
  • Beans
  • Almonds
  • Leafy Green Vegetables
  • Soymilk

Josh McCormick, DDS   
4455 Cowell Road   
Concord, CA 94518   
(925) 685-3043   
MyEastBayDentist.com