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The Key to Dental Hygiene? A Clean Toothbrush | Huntington Beach Dentist

It is important to know that while your dentist is the professional at keeping your teeth clean and healthy, they can’t control what happens once you leave the dentist’s office. Most of the work depends on you and your daily habits. The more you work to prevent bacteria from settling in your mouth and causing damage, the better off your dental checkups are every year. But even more important than good dental habits is using the proper tools we need to keep our mouths the healthiest. 

The best way to limit the bacteria in your mouth is to brush your teeth. And what do we use to do this? A toothbrush. But brushing your teeth is not enough. The best way to keep those cavity creeps away is to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. In fact, the American Dental Association, or ADA, recommends throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you’re sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out even more often. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you’d discard a disposable toothbrush.

Every time you’re tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember how many bacteria lurk in your mouth – and that they cause gum disease, and decay, and bad breath. Make sure you’re brushing and flossing as often as possible to eliminate some of those bacteria. Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before or after brushing can also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to early forms of gum disease.

If you would like to find out more about toothbrushes, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Garlic: A Blessing or a Curse? | Huntington Beach Dentist

Let’s face it – food wouldn’t be the same without garlic. It is so beloved that there is an entire festival dedicated to garlic in Gilroy, CA every summer. But with every good comes a bad and garlic is no different. The more we enjoy it, the more it is invading our mouths, leaving us with some of the stinkiest breath around. No chance of getting that kiss at the end of the date. But man – is it not a tasty ingredient that blesses any meal. Yum!

But did you know that garlic is actually helping our smiles? It’s true! It may be hard to believe this pungent ingredient has a positive to our health but it’s true – garlic is one of the most multi-faceted foods we have. And since National Garlic Day is in April, let’s take a moment to celebrate our smile’s favorite smelly friend…

Gum disease prevention. Garlic has thiosulfinate, a bacteria-reducing compound that specializes in reducing the production of plaque, the first stage of gum disease.

Promotes dental hygiene. We all know that garlic is guaranteed to give us some of the worst breath, so garlic is actually helping us maintain healthy dental practices as we are more prone to brush after eating garlic.

Get a good night’s sleep. Did you know garlic helps you sleep? Those that suffer from sleep apnea can benefit from its anti-inflammatory properties that can also help open up your airways and reduce enlarged tonsils.

Toothache relief. If a toothache or headache has occurred, munching on a clove of garlic can help relieve some of your pain naturally.

If you would like to find out more about the effects of garlic, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Straightening Your Smile in Secret | Huntington Beach Dentist

If you have a crooked smile, there are lots of options you can try. But a newer option that has been available for a while now is invisible braces. There are a couple of options on the market, but in our office, we use the Invisalign system. Braces may be something you need, but if you’re an adult, it can be something that can cause you to feel self-conscious with traditional braces.

The Invisalign system straightens your teeth using clear plastic trays known as aligners to move teeth to their ideal places. The aligners are custom-made according to the shape of your teeth, similar to a traditional retainer. The trays or aligners are different in that they’re not perfect molds of the teeth to prevent them from moving but differ slightly from your teeth, so they move and shift to fit the tray.

When you have traditional braces, you will need to make a few lifestyle changes. Things like eating, dental hygiene and speaking will take a but of adjusting as you get used to them. If you don’t look after them, you will pop wires and brackets, which means an additional visit to the orthodontist. With Invisalign patients can remove them whenever necessary. Though, it is recommended that patients remove the aligners when eating or drinking, as well as when they brush their teeth after every meal. The patient should also have to clean the aligners to prevent staining resulting from the exposure to the remaining food particles in the mouth.

But the main reason why you should consider this type of orthodontic treatment is the discretion, making it ideal for those who don’t want to anyone to know that they are improving their smile.

If you would like to find out more about Invisalign, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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What Is Geriatric Dentistry? | Huntington Beach Dentist

Aging is a process we all deal with in the later parts of our lives. And with that, there are loads of changes that take place as we get to a certain age. Our bodies are beginning to break down and we need more to keep ourselves healthy. One area in our lives that may be neglected as we age is our dental health. Unfortunately, our dental health should be more of a priority since it is our first line of defense against our overall health.

Geriatric dentistry is the delivery of oral care to older patients, many of whom require diagnosis, management, prevention and treatment of dental problems associated with age-related diseases. According to research, more than half of all dental patients over 60 are on medication or are medically compromised in some way, while also showing increased sensitivity to medication used in dentistry, necessitating a specialized type of care.

Potential drug interactions. Elder patients may take medications that make them more vulnerable to drug interactions, medication errors and drug reactions, requiring special precautions to protect the safety and well-being of older patients.

Compassion. Geriatric-focused dental professionals take great care to minimize noises and distractions during treatment. And since older patients with cognitive limitations are easily overwhelmed, geriatric-focused dental professionals are also careful to communicate using short, simple sentences that relax the patient and ease the treatment process.

Patience and consideration. When dealing with elder patients suffering from dementia or physical impairments, experienced dental professionals understand that patience may not be enough and may need to delay a procedure for a later time.

If you would like to find out more about improving geriatric dentistry , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Explaining Root Canal Therapy | Huntington Beach Dentist

If the idea of getting a root canal scares you from seeing a dentist, you may want to rethink this position. Even though it is tough to deal with a toothache, some patients think it isn’t as bad as getting the procedure itself done. Unfortunately, if you let it go untreated, it will only get worse. And contrary to what you may believe, root canal therapy actually relieves pain, it does not cause pain. The pain comes from the infection in the root canal. The endodontic treatment removes the infection and leaves you feeling better after the procedure. The best part is you get to keep your natural tooth.

A root canal is a procedure that treats the inside of your tooth. If you have an untreated chip or cracked (or other trauma), it can expose the pulp which then can become inflamed and infected. Thus, the pulp inside of your tooth becomes damaged. Left untreated leads to the pain you’d feel with a toothache. This left further untreated can result in an abscess.

When your dentist performs a root canal, the damaged pulp is removed entirely from the inside of the tooth. After it is removed, your tooth will be cleaned and disinfected and sealed. Afterwards, the tooth is restored with a crown or a filling for protection.

But don’t be scared – modern root canal treatment is similar to having a routine filling and may be completed in one or two appointments depending on the condition of the tooth. The procedure isn’t as grim as it is made out to be. With proper care, most teeth that have had root canal treatment can last as long as other natural teeth and often for a lifetime.

If you would like to find out more about improving root canal therapy , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Reasons to Resolve to Improve Your Dental Habits | Huntington Beach Dentist

Here we are again – on the brink of a new year. And while things may not be normalized in the world, we can have some type of control in our lives. And the new year is always the time we stop and reflect on what improvements we’d like to see in the new year. One area that is generally overlooked when considering resolutions is our dental routine. Dental health is important because it can influence other health issues. 

Did you know that the average person spends around 30 seconds brushing their teeth, compared to the recommended two minutes? Yes, the same amount of time you should be washing your hands is the same amount of time that you should be brushing your teeth. So, let’s start these new routines with a refresher course:

  • Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each session
  • Floss once a day before you sleep
  • Rinse with a fluoride mouthwash before you brush to loosen particles
  • Limit the daily snacks consumed, especially those full of sugar
  • Visiting the dentist every 3-6 months for regular checkups and professional cleaning

When brushing your teeth, make sure that every surface is brushed and cleaned as thoroughly as possible. Use short, gentle strokes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying extra attention to your gums, the back teeth and areas around dental work.

As for flossing, start with about 18 inches or so of floss, hold it between your thumbs and index fingers, then gently slide it in between the gaps of your teeth. Slowly move the floss back-and-forth to bring it away from your teeth without causing any harm. Keep up the good work!

If you would like to find out more about improving your dental health , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Keeping Your Smile Bright During the Holidays | Huntington Beach

Now that we are smack dab in the midst of the holidays, it is important that we don’t let holiday festivities to come in between you and a healthy smile. It’s a crazy time of year – and with loads of things to do, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks. While enjoying all of the delightful food and beverages the holidays have to offer, keep in mind these simple steps to maintain a healthy mouth this holiday season:

Keep stress to a minimum. Holidays can be a stressful time of year. From trying to choose the perfect gifts to the cooking the perfect holiday meal, your mouth can take a hit from the excess anxiety and stress, like jaw clenching and teeth grinding.

Celebrate mindfully. Candy canes and gingerbread men will create more bacteria from the excess sugar, which leads to cavities. Make sure to brush and floss twice as day, drink lots of water and chew sugar free gum to increase your saliva flow to wash away excess bacteria.

Raising a toast. White and red wines are extremely high in acidity, which are no good for your teeth. Acid can eat away at your tooth enamel, leaving your teeth more prone to tooth decay and cavities. If you’re enjoying wine this holiday, make sure to drink water in between glasses to rinse your teeth of any excess acid. 

Munch your way to a clean smile. There are some vegetables and fruits that can naturally clean our teeth and mouths by stimulating saliva flow, which is a natural defense against cavities. So, make sure to mix it up this holiday season.

If you would like to find out more about holiday dental health , contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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Caramel Apples Are the Epitome of Autumn Goodness | Huntington Beach Dentist

If you ask me, there is nothing nicer than a crisp autumn walk, enjoying the leaves on the trees changing from green to gorgeous yellows, oranges and reds. And if there is ever a perfect snack to accompany this lovely season, it’s the apple. The trusty apple is with us throughout our lives, from apple sauce as babies to apple pies as adults. But there is something about a caramel apple that really sets off the season off on the right foot. And thankfully for us, the apple is one of our smile’s best friends.

Now, it isn’t just the sweet snack that has captured our hearts – apples also have loads of health benefits that range from our bones to our heart, but it also greatly improves our smile. It’s true – this crispy fruit is fantastic for producing saliva, which is our natural way of keeping our mouths clean and bacteria free. Additionally, the fibers within the apple play an added role in cleaning our teeth in a way similar to a toothbrush. Now, it’s not a substitute… Apples are a healthy snack but shouldn’t replace your daily dental hygiene routine. These are just natural ways that you can improve your smile while enjoying a tasty treat.

But during this most bewitching of holidays upon us, what would be better than a homemade caramel apple as you take your family trick-or-treating? Look no further – here is a recipe that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but will also give your smile a real treat.

To find out how to make the perfect Halloween sidekick, the caramel apple, click here.

If you would like to find out more about the health benefits of apples, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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When It’s Time for You to Get a Root Canal | Huntington Beach Dentist

Dental appointments are a cause of stress for many people. So much so, many of us dodge our regular checkups – a habit that only leads to more painful dental visits. But when your dental visit turns into a root canal, it’s time to rethink your dental habits.

But what exactly is a root canal in the first place and why does it hurt so much? Well, a root canal in your tooth can become infected due to a cavity or fracture that allows in bacteria. When a root canal becomes infected, it can die. At this point, you will begin to feel pain and pressure in and around the infected tooth. This is generally your first sign and when you become irritated by the sudden pain growing inside your mouth and you make that appointment. Without treatment, the infection spreads and could lead to tooth loss.

When you get treatment, expect the following steps: When the damaged pulp in the root canal of the tooth is cleaned out of all the diseased pulp and the canal is reshaped. Next, the canal is filled with material to prevent re-contamination of the tooth. Lastly, the tooth is permanently sealed with a post or crown to prevent issues from reoccurring.

We should maintain good dental hygiene practices in order to keep our mouths healthy, and this includes visiting the dentist regularly. But if things happen, you can rest assured that a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort, involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

If you would like to find out more about root canals, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.

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What Are Impacted Wisdom Teeth? | Huntington Beach Dentist

We begin to get baby teeth around our first year. They fall out and our permanents come in. But many of us forget the third set of teething that we need to undergo at some point in our young adult lives, generally emerging at some point between the ages of 17 to 25 – wisdom teeth. Now, if you have seen any type of media regarding wisdom teeth, it is rarely a pleasurable experience.

Some people have wisdom teeth that emerge without any problems and line up with the other teeth behind the second molars, making it simple, easy experience. For many of us, this is the exact opposite of the case. The case many of us experience happens because our mouth is too crowded for third molars to develop normally. These crowded third molars become trapped (impacted), which can become very painful. Wisdom teeth (third molars) become impacted because they don’t have enough room to come in (erupt) or develop normally. It is at this time you will likely take a trip to the dentist, because you will possibly need them to be extracted.

An impacted wisdom tooth may partially emerge so that some of the crown is visible (partially impacted), or it may never break through the gums (fully impacted). Whether partially or fully impacted, the tooth may:

  • Break gums at an angle toward the next tooth (second molar)
  • Come in at an angle toward the back of the mouth
  • Grow at a right angle to the other teeth
  • Develop straight up or down like other teeth but stay trapped within the jawbone

If you find that your wisdom teeth may be coming in, make a plan to visit the dentist to find out if you need to have them removed.

If you would like to find out more about wisdom teeth, contact Dr. Gamarnik at 714-842-5626 to schedule a consultation or visit www.hbadvanceddentalspecialists.com for additional information.

Dr. Rudy Gamarnik proudly serves Huntington Beach and all surrounding areas.