Dental Concerns at Every Age
November 22, 2014
Taking care of your teeth is important at every age. However, as our bodies change and we learn how to take care of our teeth, we can develop different oral health concerns. That’s why it’s so convenient to choose a dentist that specializes in family dentistry. No matter your age, the team at Blanco Circle Dental Care can address the needs of every member of your family, from baby’s first visit to helping you navigate whitening options, to fitting the grandparents for dentures. You can set up an appointment with Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco today at their Salinas, CA dentist office.
Children’s Dental Concerns
Children have a unique set of concerns as they grow and develop. After the teething stage, children will begin to lose their baby teeth. The most common concern at this point will be preventing tooth decay. The tooth enamel of a child is only about half as thick as an adult’s, which makes their teeth particularly susceptible to tooth decay. Once decay begins, it does more damage more quickly. If left undetected, it can rapidly form a cavity. It’s also important to keep your child’s plaque under control because if left untreated, it can make your children’s gums swollen so that they bleed when touched. This is the first stage of gingivitis (gum disease). Though these concerns are fairly common in children, improved brushing and regular cleaning by a dentist should combat these problems.
Teen Dental Concerns
As your child grows into a teenager, irregular tooth growth can become a major issue. The formation of over and under bites, crooked and misaligned teeth is a common problem among adolescents who may now require braces to correct these issues. Another common problem at this age is wisdom tooth extraction, or the removal of the third molar. Wisdom teeth come in sometime between the ages of 17 and 21. This process can be very painful if the teeth become impacted. Other dental problems may commonly arise at this age due to behavioral factors such as poor nutrition, eating disorders, smoking, oral piercings and illicit drug use. It’s extremely important to educate your teen on the added consequences of poor dental health when engaging in these behaviors.
Adult Dental Concerns
In addition to tooth decay, adult dental concerns may be aesthetic, or may be related to the development of certain dental conditions. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, occurs unconsciously while you sleep. It can cause serious damage to your teeth and jaw. Teeth grinding can be caused by stress or by sleep disorders. Teeth grinding can be treated by the dentist with a fitted mouthguard to protect your teeth while you sleep. A related disorder of the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ, is a common ailment for many adults. The TMJ is among the more complex joints in the body. Any misalignment of the teeth or jaw that prevents the TMJ from working properly may result in a painful disorder, also referred to as TMJ disorders or sometimes TMD. The cause of TMJ disorder is often unclear, but possible causes can include arthritis, dislocation, injury, or problems related to alignment or teeth grinding from stress. Symptoms of TMD include pain in or around the ear, tenderness of the jaw, clicking or popping noises when opening or closing the mouth and severe headaches.
Senior Dental Concerns
As we age keeping our teeth healthy can become more and more of a challenge. Seniors can have a particularly difficult time maintaining their oral health because of the side effects of their medical conditions or prescription drugs. Some medications and certain health conditions can lead to dry mouth. Dry mouth is a leading cause of tooth decay for seniors. It is not a normal part of aging, but it is a side-effect of more than 500 medications, including those for allergies or asthma, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain, anxiety or depression, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The dentist can help seniors relieve the symptoms of dry mouth and treat the condition. Oral cancer can also become a concern at this time. The average age of most people diagnosed with these cancers is 62. Since early detection is a vital part of ensuring that treatment is effective, it’s especially important for seniors to see the dentist regularly.
Addressing Family Dental Concerns in Salinas, CA
There are important steps to take to maintain oral health at every age. However, no matter how old you are, it’s vitally important to visit the dentist regularly. Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco at Blanco Circle Dental Care understand the unique needs of their patients. Contact them today to schedule appointments for the whole family. Blanco Circle Dental Care proudly serves families throughout Salinas, CA, Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City.
Study Shows Connection between Cavities and Oral Cancer
November 8, 2014
It’s widely recognized that having cavities is bad for your oral health. Recent studies, however, are shedding some interesting light on the correlation between dental decay and oral cancer. Your local Salinas, CA experts, Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco, can assist you in developing a healthy smile through preventative and restorative dental treatments.
Cavities and Oral Cancer Detection
A September 2013 study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery by researchers at the University of Buffalo found that people with the most cavities were the least likely to have oral cancer. The researchers compared 399 patients with oral cancer with 221 cancer free patients. They found “… an independent association between dental caries [cavities] and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma [oral cancer cells]”, citing that the lactic acid produced by bacteria in cavities actually stop the development of these cancer cells. Researchers state that the bacteria are similar to those found in yogurt. In addition to preventing head and neck cancer, they can also help lower the risk of inflammatory diseases, allergies and some other types of cancer. Critics of the findings say that the results are preliminary and don’t distinguish between the causes of the cavities (periodontal disease) and don’t address the associated consequences of dental diseases that carry their own health risks. Other experts agreed, but noted that the findings could lead to new ways to treat and prevent oral cancers.
Oral cancer is a serious condition that must be detected early for positive treatment outcomes. Dentists screen for oral cancers as part of your regular dental checkup which is one reason why visiting the dentist every 6 months is vital to your good health. During an exam, the dentist will check your head, neck and the inside of your mouth for abnormal lumps, bumps, lesions and discolorations. If an abnormality is found, the dentist will take a tissue simple for analysis or send you to a specialist for further investigation. Increased risks for developing oral cancer include excessive consumption of tobacco products, alcohol and contraction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Cavity Prevention and Oral Cancer Screening in Salinas, CA
Whether you are concerned about cavities or oral cancer, it’s important to have regular dental checkups to protect your teeth and your overall health. The doctors at Blanco Circle Dental Care are happy to help you do so today. Contact Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco today to schedule your next visit. The doctors proudly serve residents in Salinas, CA, Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City.
Tooth-Colored Fillings Can Change Your Smile!
January 22, 2014
There is no doubt people are very particular about how they want their smile to look. After all, a smile is a first impression, and you want to make the best first impression possible. At Blanco Circle Dental Care, we are here to make sure your smile looks exactly the way you want it to, which is why we offer tooth-colored fillings.
There are many reasons why people choose tooth-colored fillings. One of the more popular reasons is because tooth-colored fillings help you avoid the look of having a mouth full of metal. Many people want a more natural look when it comes to their dental work, and tooth-colored fillings are able to give you that look. The important aspect about fillings is the fact that it saves your tooth. When there is a cavity or decay, our doctors remove the decay and fill the space with your desired filling. If not treated in the proper amount of time, the problem can worsen, even leading toward bone loss.
One of the benefits of having tooth-colored fillings is that it gives you back the confidence you may have lost feeling insecure about your smile. If you aren’t proud of your smile, it can completely alter the way you interact with people and how you view yourself. There is no doubt our experience team is able to restore your confidence and bring your smile to the next level. If you’re interested in tooth-colored fillings, contact our office and will be happy to help you on your journey of dental health!
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Blanco Circle Can Help You with Root Canals
January 8, 2014
Regardless of what you may have heard, root canals get rid of your pain; they do not cause pain. An infected tooth not only causes an immense amount of pain, but can be more of an expensive investment down the road if nothing is done. At Blanco Circle Dental Care, we want to make sure we take care of all of your dental needs, and Dr. Klugman and Dr. Bianco is able help you along that journey!
Having a root canal done not only helps in getting rid of your pain, but it also benefits your teeth. A root canal is performed when there is an infected or decayed tooth, and the decomposition has to be removed before it gets any worse. The doctors commence your root canal by accessing the infected tooth, and removing the pulp. When the tooth is infected, it also infects the pulp of the tooth, causing it to exacerbate. Once the pulp of the tooth is removed, our doctors will fill the tooth with a tooth-colored filling, and top it with a crown to prevent any further corruption. In the end, you’re left feeling refreshed and in better oral health!
When you leave your teeth infected, not only can your mouth get worse, but it can affect you in other areas of your body. By delaying getting a root canal, the bacteria infecting your teeth can enter your blood stream, possibly causing destruction to the rest of your body. It’s better to take care of your oral issues sooner rather than later or it may get worse! If you’re wondering how Dr. Klugman or Dr. Bianco can help you by performing a root canal, contact our office and make an appointment!
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Sedation Dentistry with Dr. Klugman
December 23, 2013
A lot of people have different phobias and fears, each unique to the other. A common phobia is fear of the dentist, called dentophobia or odontophobia. Thankfully at Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Klugman is here to calm your qualms about going to the dentist by offering sedation dentistry.
Dr. Klugman is one of only 500 dentists in the state of California certified in sedation dentistry, so you are sure to be in excellent hands. We offer oral conscious Sedation, Nitrous Oxide sedation, IM (intramuscular) and IV sedation. Oral conscious sedation involves orally taking medicine before your appointment, and gives you the relaxed feeling you need. You remain conscious during the procedure, so that you can answer any questions the doctor may have. Nitrous Oxide sedation, also known as laughing gas, is administered through a nasal mask. Dr. Klugman controls the amount of Nitrous you receive, allowing you to have a comfortable experience. As soon as the mask is removed, the effects diminish, leaving no residual drowsiness. IM or IV sedation is often used during long procedures. Being a controlled form of sedation, Dr. Klugman gives you the right amount depending on your anxiety level. Great for patients with a sensitive gag reflex or who suffer from TMJ disorder, this form of sedation allows you to keep your mouth open for long periods of time.
No matter what form of sedation is right for you, here at Blanco Circle, Dr. Klugman and the rest of the team are here to make sure your experience at the dentist is top notch.
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.
Welcome the New Year with Porcelain Veneers
November 25, 2013
From the birds in the sky to the trees planted in the ground, everything in life ages and weathers. Unfortunately, your teeth are no exception. Over time, things like coffee, tea, and certain foods can drastically alter the look and luminosity of your smile. Luckily at Blanco Circle Dental Care, porcelain veneers are a wonderful option to bring your dull smile back to life in as little as two appointments!
With years of experience and knowledge, Dr. Bianco or Dr. Klugman are experts in cosmetic dentistry, assuring you’ll be in excellent care from beginning to end. We begin your transformation with our knowledgeable team assessing the state of your smile. We ask you questions about how you would like your end result to look, aftercare, and any other concerns you may have. Once we’ve determined if you’re a candidate, we take impressions of your mouth and send them to a lab for you custom made veneers. When your natural teeth are prepared and ready to go, we wrap a thin layer of porcelain around them, and apply dental resin cement to make the veneer permanent. In the end, you’re left with nothing but a beautiful, impeccable smile.
Some of the reasons why porcelain veneers are such a popular choice are because they are stain resistant and can last for many years. They can be used to protect an already damaged tooth, fill in gaps between, and lengthen teeth. Porcelain veneers look very natural, not making it obvious you had cosmetic work done; they can change the way you look at yourself and interact with others. A simple process with everlasting results, schedule an appointment to change your life and your smile forever!
At Blanco Circle Dental Care, Dr. Gary Klugman and Dr. Christina Bianco provide quality general, cosmetic and sedation dentistry services. Our Salinas, CA dental office serves patients from Hollister, Monterey, Seaside, Prunedale, Marina, Greenfield, Gilroy, and King City. Call us today to schedule your next appointment.