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What You Should Know About Oral Infections | Huntington Beach Dentist

Oral infections can occur as a result of not practicing consistent oral hygiene routines. If you aren’t brushing for two minutes a day, twice a day, and flossing, you may be at increased risk of developing an oral infection. Here are some of the most common oral infections that may result from poor oral hygiene.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease– Toddlers and school-aged children are the most susceptible to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. The virus Coxsackie A16 is spread by direct contact with saliva and mucus; children are particularly unconscious of their direct exposure to these fluids. Children may experience fever, sore throat, and the development of painful blisters on their body but should only last a few days.

Herpangina– Similar to Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, Herpangina typically affects children and presents itself with fever symptoms and difficulty swallowing. Yet, unlike Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease, it forms blisters on the back of the mouth that once ruptured, become ulcers. Symptoms typically only last a few days.

Gingivitis– Simply put, Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. It is the precursor to Periodontitis, the escalation of Gingivitis should it go untreated. Gingivitis is the result of plaque buildup that spreads from the gums to the ligaments that support the teeth.

Periodontal Disease– When left untreated, Gingivitis may spread below the gum line, affecting the supportive tissues and bone of our teeth. This progression is known as Periodontal Disease which deteriorates these support leading to the potential loss of teeth and may even spread to the lungs causing pneumonia.

Canker Sores– These are cuts that develop on the gums and other mouth tissues and are common in children and teens. Vigorous brushing, cheek bites, and sports injuries – as well as hormones and immune problems, may lead to canker sores.

Oral Herpes– According to centerforbeautifulsmiles.com, “50-80 percent of American adults” carry the Herpes Simlex Virus. This can lead to “blisters and ulcers on the gums and tongue, flu-like symptoms, or no symptoms at all.” While there are things individuals can do to keep the virus dormant, an outbreak may last ten days to two weeks.

If you would like to find out more about oral infections or understand how to better care of your oral health to avoid serious issues, 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 You Have Bad Breath Without Eating | Huntington Beach Dentist

When it comes to celebrating the holidays, we all tend to loosen our belts a bit to indulge in all the foods we love during this time of year. And some of those foods can give us bad breath. The solution is simple – a quick stick of gum or a brushing can do the trick. But there are some reasons you may have bad breath that has nothing to do with potent foods. Let’s take a look at bad breath – how we get it, how we get rid of it and what happens when it is something more serious.

There are certain causes of bad breath: your diet, the condition of your teeth and how you take care of them. Bad breath is generally caused by bacteria in your mouth. Now, every mouth has bacteria, some of which are good, and some which aren’t. By removing the bacteria, you are reducing the possibility of halitosis (bad breath), which is why good dental hygiene is imperative. It is also critical to see your dentist and hygienist on a regular basis so they can take x-rays, measure your gum pockets and determine the extent of the bacteria in your mouth, as they remove the bacteria from above your gums. Occasionally, it is noted that bacteria may be able to get inside the gums, which cause gum infections gum disease and tooth loss.

Once it has been determined you have gum disease, it is recommended to have cleanings done every 3 months to maintain the health of the gums. Generally, the gum measurements are made to determine how well the gums are responding to treatment and cleaned, to ensure the continued improvement of the bacteria removal.

If you would like to find out more about bad breath, 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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Mythbusters: LANAP Procedure Edition | Huntington Beach Dentist

When you develop gum disease, there are a few ways to treat the issue. In the past, there was traditional gum surgery. Not only is it painful, but the recovery time is also extensive. Nowadays, there is a new option that not only removes the use of a scalpel, but also has a quick recovery period. This is the LANAP procedure.

Because it is a new procedure, it comes with lots of myths behind it. Today we disprove the more common ones:

Myth #1: Any dentist can do it.

Only trained, qualified periodontists and dentists can use LANAP lasers on patients. They undergo a year-long, intensive training process that happens at the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.

Myth #2: LANAP is expensive.

LANAP costs roughly the same as traditional gum surgery. But if you consider recovery time, LANAP may make for a more financially reasonable option.

Myth #3: Insurance doesn’t cover LANAP procedures.

Most insurance carriers will cover LANAP. Contact your insurance provider and discuss your coverage.

Myth #4: Any laser can be used for LANAP.

No, LANAP uses a very specific laser, the PerioLase MVP-7, to treat gum disease. This laser only targets the diseased gums, destroying the bad bacteria while preserving healthy tissue.

Myth #5: LANAP is dangerous.

Keep in mind that there are inherent risks in any medical procedure Your healthcare professional will discuss those with you before beginning the surgery so that you’re fully informed. However, LANAP uses an FDA-approved, safe laser that only interacts with harmful bacteria. There’s no risk of radiation or interaction with other medications as well. You may have to take x-rays before the procedure, but the risk is minimal there as well.

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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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What You Need to Know About Periodontal Surgery | Huntington Beach Dentist

No one wants to have surgery, especially when it’s happening inside our mouth. If there is extensive bone loss with deep periodontal pockets that prevents thorough cleaning of the roots of the teeth, pocket reduction surgery is indicated. During the pocket reduction procedure, your periodontist folds back the gum tissue and removes the disease-causing bacteria plaque and tartar from the root surfaces of the teeth. Once the teeth and roots are clean, the tissue is secured back into place. Tiny fragments of your own bone, synthetic bone, or bone from a bone bank are placed where bone was lost. These grafts aid in the regrowth of bone & restores tooth stability. Here are some of the more common questions:

Will it hurt?

You should feel little or no discomfort during the procedure. Following surgery, the affected area will be tender or sore, but most patients resume their normal routines the day after surgery.

Will I be able to speak and eat normally after surgery?

You should be able to speak normally after the anesthetic has worn off, but you may need to avoid chewing certain foods for a bit.

When will I need to return to my periodontist?

Usually, patients return for post-surgical treatment in five to ten days to remove any stitches and cleanse the surgical area.

Will I ever need surgery again?

In most instances you will not need surgery in the same area again. However, in certain cases, re-treatment or additional surgery may be needed.

What can I do to help control the disease?

Nothing will help you maintain the results of professional treatment better than daily removal of plaque by proper brushing, flossing and other cleaning methods recommended for you.

If you would like to find out more about periodontal surgery, 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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Preventing Gum Disease Is Easier than You Think | Huntington Beach Dentist

Gum disease is one affliction that we all try to avoid but is one of the most common of all dental maladies. Most of us will have developed some form of gum disease in our lifetimes, but prevention isn’t as difficult as one might think. In fact, with proper dental hygiene and an examination by your dental professional you chances are quite minimal. Here is what you need to know:

Brush your teeth. The number one way to prevent periodontal disease is to brush for two minutes twice a day. And if you have a toothbrush handy, make it after every meal. Brushing after every meal prevents plaque from building up in the mouth.

Floss. The least favored of the dental hygiene tasks, flossing is extremely important in preventing periodontal disease by removing the plaque and bacteria that accumulates in the mouth.

Watch what you eat. Your diet is key is preventing periodontal disease. Keep things healthy by replacing your sodas and junk food with water and veggies.

In order to prevent periodontal disease, it is essential to keep your gums and teeth healthy. Extensive brushing and flossing are recommended, along with regular dental visits. Because whether we like it or not, taking preventative measures is the key to good dental health. It is our responsibility to look after our teeth, not our dentist. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms for periodontal disease, avoid waiting and make a dental appointment as soon as possible. By preventing or treating periodontal disease, you will not only save a significant amount of time and money, but your will save your smile from decay and permanent loss.

If you would like to find out more about gum disease prevention, 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 Gum Recession Becomes Unbearable | Huntington Beach Dentist

We’ve all heard the saying “long in the tooth”. It is generally used to describe someone in their later years, but gum recession is something that can affect us at any time in our lives. Why? Because gum recession can be caused by a lot of things – periodontal disease, aggressive tooth brushing, crooked teeth, body piercing in the lips or tongue and so on. When diagnosed with receding gums or if you’re already showing signs, your dentist may recommend a procedure known as Pinhole Surgical Technique. It’s an incision-free procedure that can help turn back the clock on your gums and make your smile beautiful once again.

You need to know that gum recession is serious. Because when gums recede, the root structure of the affected teeth is left exposed. This makes your teeth and gums more susceptible to dental problems such as tooth decay and many others.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique is a procedure that restores your gum lines without requiring the use of scalpels and stitches. This makes it one of the most comfortable and convenient gum recession procedures today. PST can be performed for any number of affected teeth by manipulating the connective tissues and repositioning your gums. More importantly, though, the PST requires patients to have little to no downtime at all and the results are evident almost immediately! More than that, however, PST has a lot of benefits, included of which are the following:

  • Natural-looking, long-lasting results
  • No need for the use of invasive surgical tools such as scalpels
  • No need for the use of sutures, which are known to be uncomfortable
  • Faster recovery times for patients as compared to grafting
  • Far less discomfort for the patients during and after treatment

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

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

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Diabetes and Its Effects on Your Smile | Huntington Beach Dentist

Diabetes is a condition that affects more and more Americans every day. And while we know that there are lots of health issues that may arise because of this condition, many do not assimilate diabetes with dental health. Unfortunately, there are lots dental issues that can arise if you don’t take care of yourself. If you are diagnosed with diabetes, there are a few things you need to look out for…

Because your diabetes effect so many areas – from eyes to kidneys, it is necessary to know to that you are at risk for a lot of unwanted dental health issues. If you do find that dental issues are arising, make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to ensure your smile is doing okay. After all, high glucose levels will inevitably make the perfect environment for all of those cavity-causing bacteria. If you find that you are a victim of one of these symptoms, make sure you let your dental professional know to find out how you can keep your smile as healthy as possible:

  • Dry mouth
  • Gum disease
  • Bad breath
  • Tooth decay
  • Salivary gland dysfunction
  • Burning mouth syndrome
  • Thrush
  • Taste impairment

Just so you know, all hope is not lost – there are ways for you to control the effects of diabetes on your mouth. It’s just going to take a few subtle changes to your lifestyle. The most important rule of thumb? Keep up with your dental health. Brush your teeth twice a day, make sure you don’t forget to floss, and keep those dental appointments – visit the dentist twice a year.

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

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

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Repair Your Smile with Pinhole® Surgical Technique | Yorba Linda Dentist

If you have severe gum recession, your dental professional may suggest the Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique. But what exactly is it? And how will it repair gums that have already begun to recede? The Chao Pinhole® Surgical Technique is a way to repair gum shrinkage through a pinhole in the gum without having to cut. To make you more familiar with the procedure, here are some common questions patients have asked:

Is gum recession common? A lot of patients need gum rejuvenation, but don’t realize it. If it isn’t causing pain, patients don’t address the issue. Before the PST, patients needed to decide whether they should fix it with a very painful gum grafting procedure, try to ignore it, or try a temporary fix by placing a filling on the exposed root.

How long does the standard gum grafting procedure take? The standard procedure requires cutting out a graft of the gum from the palate and grafting it to where it’s needed. Generally, it’ll take at least an hour for just one or two teeth with recovery time of two or three weeks.

What’s the key to the procedure? With Pinhole Surgical Technique we don’t have to perform the gum grafting anymore. A pinhole is made by a needle, so there’s no scalpel or cutting at all. Then we shift the tissue down with very little trauma to the tissue and no open wounds to deal with. The tiny pinhole shrinks away by the next day.

Will I have to do this often? This is expected to be permanent and lasts long as any other procedure. Nothing is forever as the normal aging process goes on but it can last years.

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

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

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As We Begin to Get Long in the Tooth | Huntington Beach Dentist

It happens whether we like it or not – as we get older, our gums begin to recede. It’s a fact of life we all need to deal with, regardless of who we are. The good news is, we also don’t need to live with it. All we need to do is make an appointment with your dental professional to discuss treatment options. Today we are going to give you the ABCs of gum recession and treatment options available.

Gum recession usually happens when gum tissue surrounding the teeth starts to pull back, making the tooth appear longer and in worse cases, showing the root of the teeth. The problem is, if this happens, gaps or so-called “pockets” start to form in between the teeth, allowing disease-causing bacteria to build-up in the mouth, become infected, and will eventually result in the loss of teeth.

Now for the solutions – gum grafting and Pinhole Surgical Technique.

Gum grafting is considered the more traditional option. And until quite recently, it was the only option. The process involves taking a tissue sample from the roof of your mouth, transferring it to the problem area and stitching it up for healing. The process involves a lot of stitching, which can cause soreness, discomfort, and in many cases, scarring.

Pinhole Surgical Technique, a groundbreaking patented procedure, does not involve stitching. Rather, it requires only a single pinhole of entry placed at specifically chosen location and involves having the tissue under the gums moved around to slowly fill in the affected areas – all without stitches. The whole procedure consists only of a pinhole and no transfer of tissue is required, drastically cutting down on recovery time to 48 hours.

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

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