Mission View Dental

If you forgot to add dental cleaning to your spring cleanup list, here are some things you can do before summer to improve your oral health:

• Schedule a dental checkup: Regular dental checkups are essential for maintaining good oral health. Schedule a checkup with your dentist before summer to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy.
• Millions of School Hours Are Lost Due to Unexpected Dental Care. Over 34 million school hours are lost annually in the US due to issues with children’s teeth. This statistic from the CDC shows the sign of teaching kids the importance of good oral care at a young age. Parents can also schedule their kids dental appointments between school ending and your summer travels to help establish good dental habits.
• Get any necessary dental work done: If you need any dental work done, such as fillings or crowns, make sure to get it done before summer so you can enjoy the season without any dental problems.
• Eat a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for maintaining good oral health. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and avoid sugary and acidic foods and drinks.
• Drink plenty of water: Drinking plenty of water is important for maintaining good oral health. Water helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Wear a mouthguard: If you play sports or participate in other activities that could cause dental injuries, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums.
• Get a teeth whitening treatment: A teeth whitening treatment can help improve the appearance of your smile. A healthy smile can make you feel more confident and improve your self-esteem.

Did you know that most dental insurances cover 2 annual cleanings? Call us at 408-945-4333 or schedule your appointment online today by clicking here.

We hope you remembered to add dental exam and cleaning to your Spring Cleaning list. Did you know that most dental insurances cover 2 annual cleanings? Call your dental office to find out more.

Thank you for reading our first newsletter. In these newsletters, we will share relevant information about dental health, community developments and any office updates. – Priya Beedu DDS

Helpful hints to care for your teeth:

• Brush: You should use toothbrush with right size head and bristles to reach into all the crevices of your molars. Sometimes this may mean small or medium sized brush even for Adults.
• Enough: Many people don’t brush long enough during a hectic morning. You should brush for at least 2 full minutes, twice a day. Keep a low-cost two-minute timer where you brush.
• Technique: Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes to focus on the backs of your teeth of the front anterior teeth where plaque  builds up often
• Floss: Flossing gets to areas between teeth that are hard for bristles to get to. Floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward ‘C’ shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.
• Mouthwash:  Rinsing with mouthwash is the third part of your cleaning regiment. Mouthwash clears the debris that irritates the gumline and causes gingivitis.

You can find more information on maintaining your dental health on our website under Dental Health.

What age can kids brush their own teeth?

The age at which kids can brush their own teeth seems to be between the ages of 6 and 9. Some researchers concluded that 5 year-olds only brushed 25% of the surfaces of their teeth while 11 year-olds only brushed 50% of the surfaces of their teeth. Since every child is different, you will need to figure out when your child is ready to brush without any help.  You can use plaque disclosing tablets to decide when you need to stop checking on their cleaning regularly.

Procedure Spotlight:

Do you think you are too late for braces? You should consider Invisalign – The invisible alternative to quietly align your teeth back into shape. Learn more at https://www.missionviewdental.com/cosmetic-treatments/clear-braces/

In the Community

The Milpitas Bart station opening is now delayed to early 2019. We encourage and support our patients who use mass-transit to get to their appointments at our office. Ask the front desk for more details about travel credit.

Office & Staff Highlights

Did you know that our staff has been serving patients for over 100 collective years? Susanne, Diana and Shannyn have been working with patients of this office for over 15 years. Join me in thanking them for their dedication to the community.

Have a Question?

Have a dental question or feedback? Send your questions to [email protected] and we will do our best to answer your question promptly.

For feedback or topic suggestions on the newsletter, email [email protected]

Dr. Beedu

Are you ready for some Football?  An NFL watching party demands super snacks but not at the expense of your teeth.  Lost in the tradition of overeating and complaining about the referees is oral health. In fact, oral health is most likely the last thing on the minds of those watching Football on Sunday. That’s why we’ve put together a few tasty game day snacking ideas with healthy ingredients and also list snacks that are not so great for your teeth.  Of course, these are snacks, and none of them are perfect.  Regardless of what you eat, don’t forget to brush!

Football Snacks Your Teeth Will Love

• Spicy Jalapeño Dip + Vegetables like Carrots and Celery: This dip with a kick will make your veggies disappear.  Raw veggies require lots of chewing which stimulates and promotes healthy gums.  Carrots contain beta-carotene that your body uses to create vitamin A which works to build strong teeth.  The sour cream in this dip gives your teeth a boost of Calcium which also helps to keep your teeth strong.
• Hummus with Cucumber: Protein rich chickpeas don’t contain any saturated fat or cholesterol, making hummus a good choice for your overall health.  Chickpeas are also rich in folic acid, which keeps your mouth healthy by promoting cell growth throughout your body.  As to the cucumbers, not only are they a healthy alternative to chips, but they are rich in vitamins B and C and have even been shown to help freshen breath and naturally whiten teeth!
• The Party Standard: The Meat & Cheese Tray: The cheese on the sidelines plays quarterback in this party tray.  Cheese is a tooth powerhouse with tons of tooth strengthening calcium and a protein called casein which is amazingly effective in protecting the surface of your teeth. One note about the crackers, however.  We chose whole wheat crackers for their beneficial fiber, but all crackers can stick to teeth and promote bacteria growth.  Again, just be sure to brush after the game!
• Healthy 7-Layer Dip: This dish has it all and it’s a great update of what is usually a calorie dense snack.  While tomato and citrus juices can be tough on your teeth because of their high acidity, the cheese and Greek yogurt help to balance that out.  Plus, this dish is high in vitamins E, A and C, which are all essential for a healthy mouth.  Choosing celery or another vegetable over chips would make this an even better choice for your teeth.
• Baked (Goat) Cheese Roll: If cheese made from cow’s milk is a powerhouse, goat cheese is a touchdown.  It contains more protein and calcium than cow’s milk cheese and yet has less fat and calories per serving.  The higher calcium of goat cheese means even more protection for your teeth.

These Classics are Terrible for your Teeth

• Chips and Other Starches: Chips, crackers, and bread are mainstays typically used for dipping. Unfortunately, starches like chips are terrible for teeth and contribute to tooth decay by wearing down enamel. This occurs when starch metabolizes into sugar, which is a breeding ground for bacteria that eats away at tooth enamel. If you’re looking for a mouth-healthy dipper, try substituting celery or carrots in place of starches.
• Hot wings: A true classic, hot wings seem like the perfect finger food for game day, however, they can be very damaging to your teeth. Spicy hot wings are particularly bad for teeth because of how acidic they are. The average spicy hot wing is made from buffalo sauce which contains a PH level of 2.8 – which is nearly as acidic as a lemon! Exposed acid attacks on teeth can decimate enamel and leave them vulnerable to tooth decay. If you must have hot wings on football Sunday, we suggest choosing a flavor that isn’t spicy.
• Soda: Soda and other carbonated beverages are loaded with sugar and other additives that can slowly destroy teeth. Sodas are awful for teeth because they are high in two of the worst things for teeth: sugar and acid. There are some sodas that contain more than the total recommended amount of daily sugar in one 20 oz. bottle! The high sugar and acid content can eat away the enamel that protects your teeth, and can lead to cavities. Instead of grabbing a soda, we suggest sticking to water during the game.
• The Fruit Tray: This may sound counterintuitive, since the fruit tray is often perceived as the most healthy thing at a football party, but some fruit can seriously damage teeth. Fruits such as oranges, grapes and pineapple all have elevated levels of acid that can damage teeth. If you decide to eat fruit during the big game, we suggest rinsing your mouth out with water to avoid prolonged exposure to acid.

Enjoy Football, and Eat Responsibly

It’s easy to overindulge during the game. This year, try to avoid foods that can harm your mouth. Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the game. It’s the primary component of saliva, which protects the teeth against “acid attacks” caused by bacteria, and it’s indispensable as the final rinsing agent for foods and sugary drinks. It’s also a good way to pace yourself if you’re drinking alcoholic beverages during the game. Remember, regardless of what you choose to snack on during the game, be sure to brush twice a day for two minutes each time!

Get in early! Schedule your appointments now before the schedule fills up!

It’s the end of the year and your family is probably busy, busy, busy. However, it is a good time to evaluate your dental health before you go into the holidays. Most dental insurance companies reset their “benefit year” starting on January 1st. This means you have until the end of December to get in any last-minute dental work.

The National Association of Dental Plans estimates only 2.8% of patients with PPO dental plans maxed out their dental coverage. Depending on your plan’s limits and coverage levels or your FSA contributions, you could be wasting thousands of dollars. Furthermore, if your plan has a deductible and you’ve already met it for 2022, it makes sense to get all the treatment you can before your benefit cycle renews.

• Use it or lose It: If your dental coverage is part of a benefits package paid for by your employer, it’s like throwing away part of your paycheck! When you have dental insurance, you pay a monthly premium that entitles you to dental care at a free or reduced cost, once your deductible is met. These dental plans specify a maximum amount that insurance providers will pay toward preventative and/or restorative dental services after the deductible’s been reached—often that figure is between $1,000 – $2,000. Let’s say, for example, that you’ve already paid your plan’s deductible and your dental benefit is $1,500. If you don’t use that amount before the end of the calendar year, you’ll lose it and be required to meet a new dental deductible in 2020.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA): If you participated in an FSA through your employer this year, you were able to deposit untaxed money into your FSA account to use toward out-of-pocket medical expenses. However, most FSA plans require you to use the money in your FSA account by the end of the year or lose it. Suppose your dental insurance covers a root canal at 80%, you could use your FSA to pay for the remaining 20% and not incur any out-of-pocket expense.
• Plan Ahead: Don’t wait until mid-December to schedule an appointment. Traditionally, November and December are packed with patient appointments, as many people like to use all their dental benefits before the calendar year ends. If you need dental work—and want to schedule it for this year —we encourage you to make your appointment today. By planning ahead and scheduling early, you can be on the books before the end-of-year rush. A quick call to your dentist’s office will let you know if you have any outstanding treatment or if you are overdue for a cleaning or exam.
• Future price increases: Scheduling sooner rather than later could also save your pocketbook before any fee increases take place in the new year. Dental offices have some of the highest overhead expenses of any industry, and most of them happen behind the scenes. Liability insurance, the cost of state-of-the-art equipment to enhance the patient experience, training for that equipment, and single-use items like gloves and sterilization pouches continue to increase. Many offices are forced to raise their fees simply to keep up with the rising cost of doing business.
• Splitting treatment between two years can also help you get the treatment you need. Many treatments can max out your annual dental benefits quickly. Some offices will let you schedule your root canal in December and the permanent crown in January. This repairs your tooth before there is any further damage, reduces your out-of-pocket cost, and uses up any remaining benefits.

What Types of Services Should I Spend My Dental Benefits on Before Year-End?

• The answer to that question depends on your specific insurance coverage. We recommend that you view your plan to see what’s covered—or contact your insurance provider—before selecting the dental service you’d like to schedule.
• Assuming your plan coverage permits it, we’d encourage you to come in for a dental checkup if you’re due, or consider having restorative work done like bridges, fillings, or crowns. You may even want to consider teeth whitening if the money in your FSA or dental benefits can be applied toward it.

However, we’d encourage you not to delay. We do tend to fill up appointments quickly at this time of year so we recommend you call now or schedule your appointment online today by clicking here. By scheduling your appointments now, you can catch up on any outstanding treatment and maximize your 2022 dental benefits. You can start 2023 with a fresh, healthy smile!

We look forward to seeing you!

It can certainly be embarrassing to be caught with bad breath, whether it’s in the morning or after you’ve had a particularly potent meal with some extra garlic and onions. Usually, a quick piece of gum or a mint can battle the smell, or a quick swish of mouthwash, but that may only be temporary. There’s more to bad breath than just eating a pungent meal and your Milpitas, CA dentist is here to help break this down.

Millions of Americans suffer from bad breath every day, usually in random intervals of their daily routine, but there are around 80 million people who suffer from chronic halitosis, affecting them at all times of the day and causing embarrassment and self-consciousness. So what’s the real cause of halitosis? Where does it come from and why is it worse than the average “bad breath”?

When halitosis occurs, the bacteria in your mouth, as well as the bacteria and particles from the things you eat and drink throughout the day, build up on your tongue, gums, and teeth. This can cause a bad smell and if it’s not properly cleaned by brushing, flossing and rinsing, then it will eventually be harder to get rid of. When bacteria builds up after a certain amount of time, it will be almost impossible to break it down and clean your mouth without visiting your dentist.

Most of the bacteria that causes bad breath lives on the far back of your tongue. After you eat and drink all day and don’t properly brush that area, you’re likely to have both a bad taste and a bad smell sticking around for much longer than you would like. Here are some tips that can help battle halitosis:

• Time yourself brushing your teeth: all professionals recommend to brush your teeth for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Although it may seem boring, it’s very important to make sure you’re getting the best cleaning that you can!
• Purchase a mouthwash catered to bad breath: there are certain mouthwashes that have specific ingredients to help fight against halitosis. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t be afraid to ask us!
• Purchase a tongue cleaner/scraper: if you’re unable to properly brush the back of your tongue, look into tongue scrapers that are small enough and give you the ability to reach back and bring forward any lingering bacteria. Don’t forget to rinse!

Do you have any more questions about getting rid of bad breath or would like to make an appointment to see Dr. Beedu? Call your Milpitas, CA dentist today at (408) 945-4333 to speak with our office and pick the best date and time for you!

Back to School Dental Tips

Summer is almost over and school is here. Back-to-school can be an exciting time for kids—and parents too! As summer starts giving way to fall, your to-do list begins to fill up: there are clothes to buy, supplies to gather, and get-togethers with friends both old and new. Here are a few tips that can help keep your kids oral health in great shape through this busy season…and all year long.

Avoid soda or sugary snacks
Soda, processed foods and sweet treats are loaded with sugar and are not a healthy choice. In addition to promoting obesity, sugar provides food for the harmful oral bacteria that can cause cavities. Even 100% juices have loads of sugar—so go easy on the sweets for better checkups!

Ensure kids brush and floss regularly
That means brushing twice a day (2 minutes each) with fluoride toothpaste, and flossing once a day—every day! Brushing and flossing daily is the most effective way to fight cavities at home. If your kids need help, take time to show them how…and if you need our advice on the proper techniques, just ask us to demonstrate.

Do pack kids a healthy lunch
In addition to a protein, a healthy lunch may include crunchy vegetables such as carrot or celery sticks, dairy like cheese or yogurt, and fresh fruits. Add a bottle of water and your kids will be all set to go!

Do not let kids chew on pencils or fingernails
Fidgety kids often develop habits like these to help themselves feel calmer. But chewing on things that don’t belong in the mouth is a recipe for dental problems—like chipped or broken teeth. Try giving them sugarless gum instead; if the problem persists, ask us for help.

Use mouthguard if they play sports
It’s not just for football or hockey—baseball, basketball and many other schoolyard sports have the potential to damage teeth and gums. A custom-made mouthguard from our office is comfortable enough to wear every day, and offers great protection.

Remember to schedule routine dental visits
With the hustle and bustle of a new school year it’s easy to let things slide. Don’t put off regular dental checkups until end of the year! Professional cleanings and dental exams can help keep those young smiles bright, and prevent little problems from getting bigger.

If you would like more information about children’s oral health, please contact us or schedule an appointment.

When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? We throw out expired foods, restock vitamins and supplements, and replace our beauty products often, but when it comes to health and beauty, it’s our dental hygiene that doesn’t get as much attention or thought as other areas of our regimen. However, there are important rules and tips you should follow for maintaining optimal dental health.

When To Change Your Toothbrush

Most dentists, and the American Dental Association (ADA), recommend changing your toothbrush every 3 months. Overtime, toothbrushes go through normal wear and tear and become less effective with removing plaque from teeth and gums. Studies have found that around 3 months is when the bristles break down and lose effectiveness.

One other consideration we don’t typically think about (and probably don’t like to think about) is that germs can hide and build up in toothbrush bristles. This makes it important to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold, or risk possible reinfection.

Fungus and bacteria can also develop in the bristles if not taken care of properly. After use, make sure you rinse off and dry your toothbrush thoroughly, storing uncovered in an upright position and keeping it away from other used toothbrushes. When traveling, be sure to cover your toothbrush head to protect it and reduce the spread of germs.

If you can’t remember exactly how long it’s been, pay particular attention to the condition your toothbrush head is in – whether the bristles are worn out, fan out, or frayed, or especially if you see dark color changes, which is a sign of mold.

What Happens If I Don’t Change My Toothbrush Often Enough?

If knowing that bacteria and fungus accumulates on your toothbrush bristles overtime isn’t enough reason to replace your toothbrush more often, there are also a number of other risks and uninviting issues involved with not replacing your toothbrush. One risk includes damaging your gums, as old toothbrushes become ineffective with removing plaque from your teeth, which leads to gingivitis. Left untreated, gingivitis leads to infection, which can cause teeth to fall out.

Even more unappealing, you can get sick from overused toothbrushes (see: bacteria and fungus build up), your toothbrush can grow mold, or possibly the least appealing, you can ingest unwanted particles if stored near a toilet.

I don’t know about you, but I’m going to go change my toothbrush right now and schedule a deep cleaning with my dentist.
What To Consider When Shopping for Dental Products

Ask your dentist during your next dental checkup and cleaning for recommendations about what you should be buying based off your individual needs, your particular dental health state, etc.

Some common suggestions among dental professionals are to look for toothbrushes with soft bristles, as hard bristles damage your teeth and gums, choose a toothbrush head size that touches one or two teeth at a time, use a toothpaste containing fluoride approved by the ADA, consider using mouthwash to further fight plaque and gingivitis, and don’t forget floss!

Consider investing in an electric toothbrush, as these have been proven to improve oral health beyond what a manual toothbrush can do by removing plaque, reducing gingivitis and eliminating teeth staining. They’ve also been shown to minimize the amount of plaque on the teeth of people with periodontal disease.

Do your research on what products fit your needs best, and don’t forget to ask your dentist for recommendations.

Need an appointment? We’d love to see you. Request an appointment

Mouth ulcers are small sores that form on your gums, lips, inner cheeks or palate (roof of mouth).  Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious and mostly harmless. However, anyone who’s had one knows how unpleasant they are.

They can be triggered by several different factors, including minor injuries, anxiety, stress, biting the inside of your cheek, smoking and hormonal changes. What you eat is a huge contributor as well. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious — and they go away on their own — but there are treatments to help ease pain and discomfort.

Mouth ulcers are different from cold sores. Mouth ulcers form inside your mouth due to irritation, injury, vitamin deficiencies or other factors. Cold sores, on the other hand, appear on your lips and are caused by a virus. Mouth ulcers aren’t contagious, but cold sores are.

If you experience frequent mouth sores and they are not going away, this may have to do with your diet. It’s important to visit a dentist that knows how to identify the source of your canker sore problem and offer fast treatment. This way, you can get some professional advice that is also personalized to you.

In the meantime, read on to find out what major foods can cause mouth ulcers.

Acidic fruits

Fruits that are acidic, or particularly citrusy, can cause your mouth to break out in ulcers. Pineapples, oranges, lemons, and limes are some examples of fruits with high acidity. Strawberries, in particular, tend to cause mouth irritation.

These fruits cause mouth tissue stress and can aggravate your gums. This is especially true if you already have a sensitive mouth. Any juices made with these fruits will also have the same effect.

Bananas, watermelon, and apples are good fruits to eat – you will avoid abrasion.

Nuts

As nutritious as nuts are, they are surprisingly bad for your teeth. Nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, cashews, and almonds are dangerous territory for your gnashers. It is the amino acid L-Arginine in these nuts that contributes to canker sores.

Salted nuts are especially bad, as the sodium dries your mouth out and cause the lining to become slightly inflamed.

Chocolate

Deal breaker! Chocolate, unfortunately, is a top food that causes mouth ulcers. This is mainly because of an alkaloid in chocolate called the obromide. The mouth is quite sensitive to this ingredient and it can lead to something similar to an allergic reaction. Some people who have this mild allergy will develop canker sores on their tongue and/or inner cheeks.

You don’t have to cut out chocolate completely, but if it causes you pain in your mouth, then consider cutting down on the cocoa.

Spicy Foods

Spicy foods can disrupt the lining inside your mouth, causing an ulcer. A bit like acidic fruits, spicy foods have high acidity and therefore are more likely to distress the skin.

You’ll want to avoid foods like curries, hot sauce, jalapenos, and spicy chips to save yourself from oral pain. Most of these are a double whammy, as they tend to have high salt content as well.

Hard Foods

This is quite a broad range of foods. Yet, it is foods classified as “hard” that are abrasive, sharp, and sore-forming:

• Raw vegetables
• Toast
• Potato chips
• Pretzels

It’s best to avoid these when you can if you’re prone to canker sores.

Alternatively, eat these in smaller sized mouthfuls. You could also combine the foods with something that takes the dry and hardness away. Applying extra butter to toast, and having raw vegetables or potato chips with dip may help your mouth cope better.

Foods You Are Allergic To

We briefly mentioned chocolate allergies. If there is a certain food that is giving you mouth ulcers time and time again, you may be allergic.

Try and note down what foods trigger your mouth ulcers. Experiment with the foods you eat each week, cutting back on certain items and increasing your dosage of others. This way, you can figure out what ingredients are the most harmful.

If you’re in pain from eating a small quantity of a certain food, then see a doctor for allergy testing.

Dairy

Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are all common contributors to canker sores. Some doctors think that there is an ingredient in cow milk proteins that links to mouth ulcers. A flare-up could be due to an adverse immune reaction to cow’s milk.

If your mouth sores are recurring, it is definitely worth cutting out dairy products, especially those containing animal milk. Opt for soy and oat milk-based products and vegan cheese and see if these changes make a difference.

Coffee and Alcohol

There are certain drinks that, if consumed, bring a risk of oral ulcers. Coffee and alcohol (preferably not together!) are both very acidic. These are both drinks we often take in large quantities, and we’re least likely to give these up. It might be necessary to decrease your dose if you’re experience chronic mouth pain as a result.

The Food You’re Not Eating

Now, let’s shift the focus away from the foods you should avoid to foods you should pay attention to!

People get mouth ulcers if they are lacking certain vitamins and minerals in their diet. If your body is low on zinc, iron, B12 and/or folate then there’s a high chance you will get recurring sores.

To boost your levels of these, get more of these foods in your diet:

• Zinc: oysters, whole grains and legumes
• B12: meat, nutritional yeast, and yeast extract, and fortified cereals
• Iron: dried fruit, green vegetables, red meat, beans and lentils
• Folate: bread, rice, chickpeas, beans, and fresh fruit and vegetables

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many items that cause mouth ulcers and irritate the tissue. It’s best to eat these foods in moderation. Cut down on the foods that contribute to canker sores; you don’t have to ban them entirely.

However, if you do find that you have an underlying allergy it is best to cut those foods out altogether. Make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need too. Like we said it’s not always about what your eating, but what you’re not eating that causes problems.

If you have altered your diet to eradicate your mouth ulcers, but they are still recurring, schedule an appointment with your Milpitas, CA dentist Dr. Beedu today.

As a community, things are slowly coming back to normal from the pandemic. You have probably finished your spring-cleaning, you may be in the process of updating your wardrobe, and planning to go on vacations this summer again. And you know what happens on vacation. Photos and videos. People love to record every stop along the way, every plate of food, and moments they want to cherish. You’re no different. Make sure your smile is ready for all those moments. Our dental hygienists and dentists at Mission View Dental in Milpitas, CA will make certain that your oral health is where it needs to be.

Here are the best smile tips we can offer you to get back your summer smile.

WHAT IS A SUMMER SMILE?

I am sure you are wondering, “What exactly is a summer smile?” When you think of summer time, what comes to mind? Bright colors, happiness, and yes, a lot of smiling! A summer smile is simply a bright, healthy smile. Because smiles are contagious, it is important that those pearly whites are healthy, and the best way to maintain a healthy smile is through proactive dental care.

THE BEST SUMMER SMILE TIPS

So now that you know what a summer smile is, let’s get down to the basics of how to maintain and take care of your smile.

• In order to maintain your healthy smile, it is important that you maintain or begin regular dental check-ups. It is recommended that you visit your dentist for cleanings and exams every six months.
• In order to avoid yellowing or staining of the teeth, cut back on drinking red wine, coffee, teas, and sodas. If you are a cigarette smoker, this also causes yellowing of the teeth, so it is recommended that you also avoid that or quit if possible.
• Teeth whitening is a procedure that any dentist can do these days. There are even over-the-counter home whitening kits available at your local drugstore or pharmacy.
• Flossing is another great way to keep a beautiful summer smile. Flossing your teeth not only promotes healthy gums, but it also helps to remove unwanted food from in between your teeth. The last thing you need is for today’s lunch to take center stage in your picture!
• The last tip for your summer smile is to always keep some sort of mouth rinse on hand for quick after-meal rinsing. This not only helps to keep your teeth sparkling white, but it keeps your breath fresh and helps to prevent plaque buildup as well.

Before Vacation, Visit Mission View Dental

At our dentist office in Milpitas, we want to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy for the long term. Our Milpitas dentist will sit down with you and conduct a thorough dental exam and discuss any treatments. This is the time to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and free of cavities and periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Our dental hygienist will remove any hard-to-remove plaque buildup along your gumline, and then polish your teeth for a smooth and clean feel.

Get your smile completely ready for your summer vacation and for the rest of 2021. We know that with all the great summer time activities that take place, a camera is always nearby. You want to make sure that your smile is the very best! Call us and schedule your appointment, or simply visit our Request Appointment link. We look forward to getting you and your family ready for a great vacation.

Mission View Dental

Milpitas, CA

Can’t wait to put 2020 behind us? Remember to schedule your annual visit before time and insurance runs out.

Countdown to 2021