Call for an appointment: Oakland, CA 510-482-2799
  • For a detailed description of how to take care of your dog's teeth, go to dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com, go to current issue, and click on Nov. 2009
  • If you have untreated gum disease or decay you can easily pass these to your children when you taste their food, kiss them etc.!!!! Give them a good start by seeking treatment now! 
  • The protocol for premedication prior to dental visits for patients with artificial joints may be changing.  It is now thought that premedication may be necessary for life instead of 2 years.  Check with your orthopedic surgeon.
  • There is some concern about pomegranate and certain medications.  It is thought that pomegranate interacts with antiarrhythmics, calcium channel blockers, statins, immunosuppressants, and protease inhibitors. 
  •  We have heard reports that swine flu victims were vitamin D deficient.  Vitamin D3 supplements are readily available where vitamins are sold.
  •  Cavity rates among children and even adults are on the rise due to the consumption of bottled water.  Bottled water does not contain fluoride, which protects enamel.  If your kids drink mostly bottled water, please consider asking your dentist for a prescription for fluoride.
  •  For pain control, try 800 mg (4 tabs) of ibuprofen (Motrin) with 2 tabs acetaminophen (Tylenol) - for some this works better than Vicodin.
  •  Fluoride is deadly for dogs.
  •  Are your gums red and swollen?  Do they bleed when you brush?  Time to come in for a thorough cleaning and exam.
  •  74% of Americans believe that an unattractive smile can hurt an individual's career success.
  •  An OTC product such as Oragel can ease discomfort when pulling a loose baby tooth.
  •  A moistened teabag placed on an extraction site can help stop bleeding.
  •  There is a connection between gum disease and heart disease.
  •  Diabetics who control periodontal disease seem to have more control over blood sugar,etc..
  •  Triclosan in products like toothpaste and antibacterial soaps and wipes can cause tissue damage.
  •  The ADA recommends babies come in for a check-up before their first birthday.
  •  Kindergarteners are required to be under the care of a dentist prior to starting school.
  •   The acid in soda starts to break down tooth enamel in 20 minutes.
  •  The artificial sweetener xylitol is safe for humans, but DEADLY for dogs and may be dangerous for other pets as well. It causes their blood sugar to drop to life-threatening lows in just minutes, followed by liver failure. If you are using xylitol products keep them safely stored so your pets have no access to them.  Xylitol is great for preventing cavities in humans, so we recommend it regularly. It is available in chewing gum, mints, toothpaste, mouthwash and in bulk for baking and cooking.
  •  Studies have shown that women with periodontal disease are 7 times more likely to deliver low-birth-weight babies as women who don't have periodontal disease.
  •  Oral cancer rates are rising faster than any other type of cancer.  Oral cancer is showing up in populations where it was previously rare - young women and men who are otherwise healthy and are non-smokers.  Researchers believe this is related to HPV so be sure you dentist is checking you regularly for oral cancer.