Let’s talk toothbrushes. More specifically, sonic toothbrushes. Why sonic? Because they clean in areas that a conventional brush cannot –– like between teeth and below the gum line. They’re also more effective in plaque removal. And because there’s something so easy about them, people tend to brush more and brush longer. The majority of sonic users say that it makes their teeth feel professionally cleaned and that they have better checkups.

Not that we have anything against a traditional, old-fashioned toothbrush. On the contrary, we’re huge fans. But the proof is in the numbers: 300 strokes per minute for an old fashioned toothbrush vs 30,000 strokes per minute for sonic.

Whichever you choose all you really need to remember is this: twice a day for two minutes. Happy brushing.

With an intimidating amount of information out there on teeth whitening, we thought we’d make it simple. All you really need for gorgeous white teeth are three things — two of which come from your dentist:

1) a custom-fitted tray
2) a strong prescription gel (like Zoom or Opalescence)
3) time (15-30 minutes/day)

It’s that simple. And depending on the strength of the gel and the amount of time allotted each day, it can take anywhere from 3 days to 2 weeks. With bright white results, of course. If you’re interested, let us know. It’s really as simple as one, two, three –– with the end result being beautiful, clean, healthy, natural-looking teeth.

*Although it’s referred to as teeth whitening, whitening is actually just removing stains to return your teeth to their natural color. Bleaching is changing the natural color of your teeth to a brighter white than they were before.

From top to bottom, our office has been remodeled, complete with the most modern state-of -the-art equipment. Many thanks for your patience during the construction. We look forward to seeing you as we continue to provide the highest quality of care in the most comfortable setting.

One trip to the grocery store and it’s clear what season it is.  It’s candy season.  So how to navigate your way through the sugary minefields?   How to skip the really bad stuff and substitute it for the not-so-bad stuff?

Read on for what to get, what to skip, and how to make it through this season of sticky with the least amount of damage possible.

What to skip:
– Gummy candies, caramels, taffy. Why? The candy sticks to the teeth and stays around long after your child has finished it.

– Hard candy like lollipops and suckers. Why? Again, it’s prolonged sugar on your teeth.

– Sour candies like lemon drops or sour patch anything. Why? The high amount of acid breaks down the tooth enamel quickly.

What to get:
– Chocolate. Why? Because of a natural anti-bacterial compound in the cocoa bean which lessens some of the harmful effects of sugar in the mouth, chocolate is (surprisingly) less harmful for teeth than other sugary foods.

The best bet:
– Gum or candy with Xylitol. Xylitol is a naturally-based sugar that actually helps prevent cavities.

What else:
– Make candy a dessert rather than a between-meal snack. And brush after every sugary run in.

We’re extremely pleased to announce that Johnson Dentistry has transitioned to Johnson & Genc Dentistry. Dr. Robert D. Genc (Dr. Kimberly Johnson’s husband) has joined the office as a highly experienced addition to our team of dental experts.

Dr. Robert Genc studied economics at Stanford University and received his doctorate of dental surgery from the University of The Pacific, College of Physicians and Surgeons. He is a member of the American Dental Association, the California Dental Association, the Orange County Dental Society, and the Newport Harbor Academy of Dentistry. He is also a member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Prosthodontic Society, the International Congress of Oral Implantology, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Dr. Genc has been in private practice since 1994 and has been dedicated to excelling in the art of providing scientifically based conservative patient care. He is focused on preventive, family, cosmetic, and reconstructive dentistry. He has an exemplary record for patient welfare with the highest standards of clinical excellence.

We look forward to seeing you at your next visit to our office!

So what exactly is xylitol (zy-li-tall)? It’s a naturally occurring sugar substitute found in the fibers of many fruits and vegetables. And what’s so good about it? It turns out that it’s actually good for teeth as it helps to prevent cavities.

Xylitol is an ingredient in various dental products as well as a key ingredient in some sugarless mints and gum — which means that a piece of sugarless gum after a meal (when a toothbrush isn’t close by) is a very good thing.

With porcelain veneers.

This patient had bondings placed when she was younger, over the entire front surface of her teeth –– to correct mis-shapen teeth, and to close spaces between her undersized teeth. But bondings are a temporary solution because they break easily, pick up stains, and have a flat looking, unnatural color that worsens over time (bondings are unbleachable; only natural teeth can be whitened). Porcelain veneers were the best and most permanent solution because they never change color, they’re strong, and can be beautifully matched to existing teeth. Translucent porcelain shades look natural and beautiful because they reflect light like the enamel of natural teeth.

(Before at left: stained bondings with a dull surface; and after at right: with four porcelain veneers)

Why is it that Halloween candy now makes its debut in August — a full two months before the actual costume-filled holiday?  Perhaps it’s so we buy tons of candy. Eat it. And then buy tons more. The downside? Your teeth and your kids’ teeth.

How to avoid adding cavities to this festive day? Brush and rinse well after a run in with sugar, or … just say no.

P.S. Don’t get us wrong — we LOVE Halloween.  But better to wait until October 31st to buy candy.