How Laser Dentistry is Changing the Dental Scenario?

Dentistry is exploring so rapidly and opting for new and innovative procedures. You must have heard about the use of laser beams in many treatments, Yes! It can also be used in dentistry. There are so many procedures where dentists prefer to use a laser. Some of the examples of such treatments include removal of some tissues inside the mouth, reshaping the overgrown tooth, teeth whitening, and much more.

A laser is sharp light beams that focus on the area one needs to treat. It is less painful and can be ideal for children as well as for those people who are fearful about the dental procedure.

Types of Lasers Used in Dentistry

Lasers are not only useful in dentistry but are highly useful in other medical practices as well. There is a wide variety of lasers used in dentistry. Here we will discuss some of them in detail.

Carbon Dioxide Laser

Carbon Dioxide Laser is commonly used for soft tissue removal. It works quickly and efficiently. The negative point associated with it is that it is quite expensive. Its use inside the mouth can cause damage to the hard tissues. But Carbon Dioxide Laser works quickly and efficiently on soft tissues. So it is preferred in many dental treatments.

Diode Laser

It is a kind of soft tissue laser. It is quite compact in size and is affordable. They are mostly used for:

  • Teeth whitening
  • Impression Troughing,
  • Gingivectomies and more

We provide effective laser dentistry in Petaluma with the right choice of laser for your dental treatment.

Hard Tissue Laser

Hard Tissue and Soft Tissue Laser is widely used in preparing the procedure for root-canal, veneers, and the one where some part of the bone requires cutting and reshaping for the adjustment of artificial materials.

Hard tissue laser involves a high wavelength and has the capacity to cut bones. So its use involves the reshaping and restructuring of teeth.

Situations Where Hard Tissue Laser Works Amazingly

  • Identification of cavities.
  • Repairing tooth sensitivity.
  • Preparing procedures for different treatments like filling etc.

Soft Tissue Laser

Usually, it involves the use of smaller wavelengths and is easily absorbed by hemoglobin. Soft tissue laser is considered the best thing to let the gum work. Their function is to cut soft tissues and seal those at the same time. While using soft tissue laser, there would be less bleeding and recovery would be much faster. If you want to experience a pain-free process, search laser dentistry near you.

The Procedures Where the Soft Tissue Laser Is Used

  • Correcting restricted tongue Moments
  • Reshaping of gums to improve aesthetics of the face.
  • Correction of folds of tissues inside after placement of Dentures
  • For lengthening of crowns.

Generally, all the lasers fall into two categories under soft tissue and hard-tissue lasers. Carbone dioxide laser is an example of hard tissue laser and diode laser is an example of soft tissue laser. The choice of laser depends on patient’s requirements and conditions of their oral health.

What You Can Expect from Laser Dentistry?

There are so many benefits patients get after indulging in laser dentistry in dental treatment. Only professionals can decide when and where the technique should be used.

  • Let’s complete the procedure with ease and comfort.
  • Anesthesia may not require when using laser for dental treatments.
  • Laser sterilization of the gums makes them less prone to infections and bacteria.
  • Less bleeding than traditional surgery.
  • No-less damage to the gums during the procedure.
  • Faster recovery to a normal lifestyle.
  • Ease the fear and anxiety and more.

Laser treatments can work wonders for patients who can’t take dental therapies or surgery without being panicked and anxious. Its use in dentistry may eliminate the use of sedatives used to keep patients calm and relax during different dental procedures. Overall, the use of lasers in dentistry is making it more available to patients. Its use is not restricted to some procedures but it can be used for oral to dental problems.

Laser dentistry can be used to deal with simple to severe dental procedures or surgeries involving less pain, bleeding, and a high recovery rate. In cosmetic procedures, it works amazingly. So if your dentist suggests the use of laser for recovering from dental issues, just go for it without thinking so much. If you are on the hunt for quality Laser Dentistry in Petaluma CA, let your search end at Petaluma Dental Group. It provides the best dental solutions at affordable prices.

Is Laser Dentistry Beneficial in Reality As It Is Claimed to Be?

Of late, much is being spoken about how laser dentistry is proving beneficial when providing dental treatments. Information is available that laser dentistry can treat hypersensitivity, tooth decay, gum disease, and even perform cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening. Does it indicate that a new form of dental treatment is now available for people with dental issues?

Lasers are being promoted as the next big thing in dentistry. Much is said about how laser dental treatments are making therapies efficient, comfortable, and cost-effective. The Food and Drug Administration approved laser dentistry as a modality of treatment for several dental conditions. Still, the American Dental Association is yet to do so, although they are hopeful about the potential of laser dentistry. However, you may not find it challenging to find a dentist offering laser dentistry near you, promoting different treatments with the benefits mentioned above.

Laser Dentistry — What Is It?

The use of lasers to treat various dental conditions is known as laser dentistry. Lasers became commercially available for use in clinical dental practices for procedures entailing the tooth tissue in 1989.

Laser dentistry offers a comfortable treatment option for many dental procedures involving hard or soft tissue than drills and non-laser tools.

Light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation is what the term laser stands for. The device creates light energy in a narrow and focused beam. A reaction is produced to the laser light by the tissue it hits, allowing it to remove or shape the tissue.

Performing Laser Treatments

Hard and soft tissue procedures are the two main types used in laser dentistry. Hard tissue refers to the teeth, and gums are identified as soft tissue.

The standard hard tissue procedures performed using laser dentistry are:

Detecting Cavities. Lasers detect cavities early by identifying evidence of tooth decay.

Dental Fillings And Tooth Preparations. When providing laser treatments, laser dentistry in Petaluma does not use local anesthesia or conventional drills. Lasers kill the bacteria in a cavity to help in the long term health of the tooth.

Treatment for Tooth Sensitivity. Sensitive teeth to hot and cold temperatures are treated by laser dentistry in Petaluma, CA, by sealing tubules in the tooth root.

Some standard soft tissue procedures benefiting from laser dentistry treatment are:

Treating Tongue Frenulum Attachment. People with a thick or tight frenulum can benefit from laser frenotomy. This treatment is beneficial for children with restricted frenulum causing them to be tongue-tied and facing challenges during breastfeeding or leaving them with a speech impediment.

Treating A Gummy Smile. Reshaping gum tissue associated with a gummy smile is also possible with laser dentistry.

Crown Lengthening. This procedure involves reshaping the gum tissue and bone to provide a healthier tooth structure, helping place other restorations on the teeth.

Other procedures benefiting from laser dentistry include removing benign tumors, treating obstructive sleep apnea, TMJ issues, teeth whitening treatments, nerve regeneration, and treating cold sores.

What Are the Advantages of Laser Dentistry over Conventional Methods?

  • Laser dentistry reduces the need for sutures when soft tissue lasers are used.
  • Patients experience minimal bleeding in the treated soft tissues because the laser promotes blood clotting.
  • The need for anesthesia is not essential for some procedures.
  • The chances of bacterial infections are reduced as the laser sterilizes the area.
  • Laser procedures don’t cause much damage to the surrounding tissues.
  • Healing of the wounds is faster, making it possible for tissue to regenerate.

Are There Any Downsides of Laser Dentistry?

  • Teeth with metal amalgam fillings cannot be treated with lasers.
  • The tooth pulp may incur injuries with hard lasers.
  • Anesthesia is still a requirement with some laser procedures.
  • Some processes cannot be done with leather dentistry depending on pre-existing surrounding tissue or components entailing the tooth comes.
  • The risk of injury exists in laser dentistry.

Finding a Dentist Offering Laser Dentistry

If you prefer laser treatments, you must look for a professional who has acquired relevant training and received educational courses. The professional must provide sources of education where they were trained. You can also receive recommendations from your insurance provider or inquire with friends and family who may have undergone laser treatments and have positive reviews about laser dentistry. Please do not rely on websites providing rating systems because it is challenging to determine whether the raters offer unbiased reviews.

Why Children’s Dentistry is Exceptional

Have you found a pediatric dentist for your child? The pediatric dentist near you ensures your child preserves that appealing smile that’s free from dental caries and discoloration. Children’s dentistry is a specialty that encompasses various oral care procedures for your child upon the onset of the emergence of the first tooth from the gum line until the teenage years. It’s crucial to make dental appointments for your child to facilitate the proper growth of permanent teeth.

What’s Children’s Dentistry?

Children’s dentistry involves providing care for your children from birth until the teenage years. Our Children’s dentistry in Petaluma offers specialized treatment for both your infant and adolescent child. A pediatric oral surgeon ensures your child finds ideal treatment for all dental emergencies. If your child requires specialized treatment, the pediatric dentist near you may refer your child to other specialists.

The development of both primary and permanent teeth requires proper oral care to prevent them from oral infections and decay. It would be ideal for taking your kid to the Children’s dentistry in Petaluma, CA, to find specialized help and ensure they overcome dental complications that may potentially occur. Pediatric dentistry incorporates therapeutic, preventive, and emergency care.

Services provided by the Children’s Dentistry near You

Pediatric dentists offer your child holistic oral health care, and some of the treatment procedures performed include:

  • Emergency dental care due to injuries and severe dental conditions
  • Early assessment and treatment for improper bites and misaligned teeth
  • Dental exams for your infant to assess the risk of having dental caries
  • Handling periodontal diseases
  • Diagnosing oral health conditions that are life-threatening
  • Preventive oral care through fluoride treatment, cleaning, and making nutritional recommendations
  • Curbing oral habits that might cause dental complications

What to Expect During a Pediatric Dental Appointment

Scheduling a dental appointment for your child is a crucial step in keeping tabs on proper oral hygiene. Your child’s specialist performs specialized procedures based on your child’s age. Pediatric dentists near you use advanced tools that are friendly to the oral tissues. It’s vital to accompany your child to the dental exam office to ensure your child feels comfortable during the appointment. Once you nurture your kid on the right oral health practices, dental health will be easy to manage, and dental visits stress-free. It’s essential to provide relevant information concerning your child’s dental health history to ensure the kid finds a suitable treatment plan and well-preserved oral tissues.

The children’s dentistry near you aims at ensuring that the dental visit is enjoyable for your kid. Your child’s specialist handles all dental issues for your child until the teenage years. A proper dental health regimen prevents the decay of permanent teeth. Your child’s teeth are vulnerable to dental caries and oral infections at a tender age, and it’s ideal to find a pediatric dentist for appropriate oral hygiene measures.

Your child’s specialist can take x-rays of your child’s mouth and perform an oral exam to prevent potential dental health issues that may become severe. At our children’s dentistry in Petaluma, we ensure that all the dental appointments are anxiety-free by providing a calming and friendly environment.

When is the Ideal Time for Your Kid to Visit the Children’s Dentistry?

At our Children’s Dentistry in Petaluma, CA, we recommend you to take your child to the dentistry once the first tooth emerges from the gum line. The pediatric dentist examines the growth and detects abnormal development on time. The initial dental appointments are vital in ensuring the other dental visits are comfortable. Examining the gums and cleaning using a soft cloth keeps the gum tissues bacterial-free. It would be best to prepare your child for dental appointments for routine assessments and ensure underlying issues are identified and treated at the early stages. The dental visits take less time, and our pediatric dentists may advise you to make the visits every six months.

What’s the Role of Primary Teeth?

Primary teeth are vital in preserving the space that’s occupied by permanent teeth. If milk teeth prematurely fall off, the developing permanent teeth may become crooked. They are the first set of teeth to provide your child with the initial dental structure, give the facial symmetry, and support your kid’s speech. For an infant, you need to wipe the gums gently to prevent bacterial infection. Once the first teeth emerge, your specialist may recommend you to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and grain-sized fluoride toothpaste regularly. Please schedule an appointment at our children’s dentistry in Petaluma, CA, and preserve your child’s primary teeth, since they are crucial in developing permanent teeth.

5 Essential Things You Need to Know About Holistic Dentistry

The ADA recommends a visit to the dentist at least twice a year. However, some people may need to visit the dentist more, depending on your oral health. What you need to decide is the type of dentist you want to visit. Do you want services from a holistic or a general dentist? In this blog, we will discuss holistic dentistry more to help you make an informed decision about the approach.

What is Holistic Dentistry?

The major difference between a holistic and general dentist is their approach to dental treatments. A holistic dentist works under the fact that there is a connection between a patient’s oral health and overall health.

For that reason, a holistic dentist cannot use any material believed to cause any health issue, for example, amalgam. Instead, he will find an alternative to improve both your oral and overall health. Holistic dentist believes in:

  • Use of non-toxic and biocompatible materials
  • Eliminating dental illnesses
  • Promoting optimal health between your teeth, jaw, head, neck, and whole body

A holistic dentist aims to determine what areas of oral infections may be affecting your general health. After discovering that, he uses holistic approaches to treat the issues. Holistic dentists use the least invasive and non-toxic treatment options. Their approach supports a patient’s body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.

What Happens During the First Visit to a Holistic Dentist?

Each patient is unique, so the visits are usually tailored to meet a patient’s needs. The time and money you will need to use will be discussed while scheduling the visit. While booking the appointment, you will be provided with all the facts you need.

You will probably be asked to make notes of your symptoms beforehand. Also, you may be asked to bring copies of your medical record.

The dentist will ask you questions about yourself, not just to know about your health concerns, but also what you expect and your values. The dentist will conduct a dental exam and take records to accurately diagnose your condition. You can ask the dentist questions and choose whichever treatment option you feel comfortable using.

How Long Does A Holistic Dental Appointment Take

Again, each patient is unique. Your needs will determine the amount of time you will need to spend in the dental clinic. For a rule of thumb, expect to spend between two and two and a half hours.

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Do Holistic Dentists Help Children?

Yes, a holistic dentist is just like a general dentist with a different approach. Feel free to seek help from holistic dentistry near you for your child. The ADA recommends taking your child to a dentist by the time she’s one year old. You can count on us if you require holistic dentistry in Petaluma.

We will develop a great strategy for your child to ensure she grows cavity-free. We will also be with her when she needs orthodontic treatment, and we will use the best orthodontic approaches.

Benefits of Holistic Dentistry

More people are seeking holistic dental approaches, and it is because they come with many benefits. These benefits include:

Improves Your Overall Health

Holistic dentistry sees your mouth as a part of your body. Any problem with the mouth means there is something wrong with your general health. It is not just normal to get cavities. A holistic dentist will treat that as an indicator of other health concerns. For instance, gum disease-causing bacteria is associated with heart disease. With a holistic approach, the dentist will ensure both your mouth and body are healthy.

No Fluoride Treatments

There is still a huge debate about the usage of fluoride treatment. It is effective, but it does come with some harmful side effects. For that reason, holistic dentists use topical ozone therapy, which effectively prevents cavities but does not have any harmful effects.

No Use of Amalgams

Amalgams have been found to have harmful effects, and holistic dentistry is campaigning against its use on children, pregnant, and nursing women.

High Tech

Holistic dentists use advanced technology to diagnose and treat dental conditions. For example, laser treatment for gum disease.

Petaluma Dental Group

If you are looking for holistic dentistry in Petaluma, CA, you are in the right place. We focus on whole-body health, and our services are patient-centered. We are open on Saturdays, and we are ready to help you. Book an appointment now.

6 Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures That Can Dramatically Alter Your Smile

Since time immemorial people have tried to enhance the appearance of teeth. Procedures like teeth whitening have been there for ages. Now, we live in an era where we have the technology to make these procedures effective and comfortable.

Cosmetic dentistry in Petaluma, CA, has made significant leaps and bounds to ensure that your smile is not just beautiful, but healthy too. Cosmetic dentistry near you is a blend of science and art. It’s science in that our dentist is well vast in human anatomy and knows how to use technology to make the treatment effective. It’s an art because we have to improve your smile and make it look sublime.

Our cosmetic dentist aims to “paint over” your damaged teeth to dramatically improve the appearance and restore the function of your teeth. We have a plethora of options when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Petaluma. Let’s sample some of them.

  1. Dental Implants

At times, accidents happen, and you might lose a tooth. A dental implant can be used to replace the tooth. Dental implants are the premier tooth replacement options. They are comprised of three essential parts: the implant, the abutment (connector) and prosthesis (tooth replacement).

The implant is a titanium screw-like post that our dentist surgically inserts in your jaw. It is typically the same size as the tooth root. This is why implants are referred to as a permanent tooth restoration option.

After the implant has been inserted, a prosthesis (a crown, denture or bridge) is fixed on it. This gives you a perfect smile, and in no time, you can confidently smile again.

Remember, when you lose a tooth, the underlying bone deteriorates. Implants are the only option that helps maintain your jawbone.

  1. Dental Crowns

If you have a severely damaged tooth because of tooth decay, a crown can be used to restore it. A dental crown is typically custom made to match your teeth and then it is made to fit over your whole tooth.

They are designed to fix dental issues such as misshapen teeth, discolored teeth, and cracked teeth and can be used to cover large fillings. They can be made from various materials including porcelain, metal and composite resin.

  1. Dental Veneers

You might have some minor dental issues such as tiny cracks, discolored teeth, and gaps between teeth. They are ultra-thin shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin. They are designed to bond to the front surface of your teeth to transform your smile completely.

The procedure is straightforward, but it is permanent since your teeth have to be filed down to accommodate them. Veneers don’t last forever, so once you go down this road, you will have to keep on getting them for the rest of your life.

  1. Teeth Shaping

Teeth shaping or contouring is done to alter the shape of your teeth. It is a pain-free procedure, where our dentist careful files your teeth to attain the desired shape. Our dentist does not just file away your teeth. It requires skill and an artistic eye to bring out a perfect smile.

  1. Orthodontic Treatments

For a long time, adults have shunned away from orthodontic treatment because of metal braces. But this is not the case anymore. We have options that can straighten your smile discreetly. Invisalign® are clear aligners that adults can wear and will not have to endure wearing metal braces.

You can alter your smile in nearly half the time you would use when wearing traditional braces. They are virtually invisible. If you decide to straighten your teeth with these clear aligners, you will be given customized trays. You will wear a set every two weeks then discard them. When you slip them on, they fit snugly and gently push your teeth to the desired position.

Metal braces have also come a long way. Nowadays, you can find self-adjusting braces that use the heat in your mouth to adjust as they should. Having an underbite, overbite, crossbite or any other improper bite is not an option when we have such solutions.

  1. Teeth Whitening

This has to take the lead when it comes to cosmetic dentistry in Petaluma, CA. Having a dazzling smile can boost your confidence. Who wouldn’t want a whiter smile? We have different solutions that can dramatically change your teeth. These are Zoom! Professional and Zoom! Quick Pro. After these teeth whitening sessions, your teeth will be up to eight shades whiter.

As you have seen, different options can change your smile. If you are in the market for cosmetic dentistry near you, contact us at Petaluma Dental Group, and we would love to transform your life.

What to Do in A Dental Emergency

Life happens. Life can change on a dime, so it’s good to prepare by knowing what to do in a dental emergency.

At Petaluma Dental Group we have dental information sheets to help you on a variety of subjects. When you come in, take a look or pick up a copy of this flyer to have at home.

Remember, we are always here for you with Same-Day Emergency appointments and after-hours call line. We care about you!

Freshen Your Breath – Bad Breath Stinks!

Bad breath (also known as halitosis or malodor) can be embarrassing and can affect your relationships or even your job.

We all know that certain foods can cause bad breath (think coffee, onions, garlic and others). Other causes can be health problems: sinus infections, acid reflex and colds to name a few and certain medications.

However studies show that 80 – 90% of bad breath comes from an oral source. Here are some common causes:

Cleanliness: When a person does not brush or floss his/her teeth regularly, food particles remaining in the mouth can rot and cause bad odors. Your mouth also acts like a natural hothouse that allows these bacteria to grow. When you eat, bacteria feed on the food left in your mouth and leaves a foul-smelling waste product behind. 

Gum Disease: Bad breath that just won’t go away or a constant bad taste in your mouth can be a warning sign of advanced gum disease, which is caused by a sticky, cavity-causing bacteria called plaque. Gum disease is an infection in your gums and like all infections, needs to be treated right away.

Cavities, rotten teeth, cracked fillings and oral infections can also cause bad breath that cant be “fixed” with mouthwash. These conditions need to be addressed as the further they deteriorate the more they will affect your body’s overall health.

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What are treatment options and home remedies for bad breath? What can be done to prevent bad breath?

Treatment of bad breath depends on the cause.

The American Dental Association recommends the following:

  • Brush and floss teeth regularly. Remember to brush the tongue, or use a tongue scraper, to remove bacteria from its surface. Brushing the tongue can help with bad breath caused by foods a person has eaten.

  • See a dentist regularly for checkups and to ensure dentures and braces are properly fitted and cleaned (and clean dentures thoroughly each night). This prevents bacteria from growing.

  • Quit smoking or using chewing tobacco.

  • Keep the mouth moist by drinking water and chewing sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy to stimulate the production of saliva. Eat a diet of foods that need to be thoroughly chewed to keep saliva flowing. Foods that require a lot of chewing, such as apples or carrots, are good options.

  • Over-the-counter mouthwash can help kill bad breath-causing bacteria and may temporarily mask bad breath odors, but it may not treat the underlying cause.

  • Natural remedies used in the treatment of bad breath include chewing on mint or parsley.

If bad breath is due to a health problem such as a sinus infection, diabetes, acid reflux, GERD etc., then the underlying medical issue needs to be treated.

If bad breath is a side effect of taking a medication, discuss with a health care professional whether there are other options for medication that can be taken. Never stop taking a medication without first consulting your health care professional.

For patients who suffer from dry mouth (xerostomia), artificial saliva may be prescribed by a dentist.

We are here to help you. If you would like to set up an appointment for a checkup please call us at: (707) 762-0067

3 Good Reasons to See a Dentist BEFORE Cancer Treatment

Feel better…Save Teeth and Bones…Fight Cancer

1.FEEL BETTER

Cancer treatment can cause side effects in your mouth. A dental checkup before treatment starts can help prevent painful mouth problems.

2.SAVE TEETH AND BONES

A dentist will help protect your mouth, teeth and jaw bones from damage caused by head and neck radiation and chemotherapy. Children also need special protection for their growing teeth and facial bones.

3.FIGHT CANCER

Serious side effects in the mouth can delay, or even stop, cancer treatment. To fight cancer best, your cancer care team should include a dentist.

PROTECT YOUR MOUTH DURING CANCER TREATMENTS

Brush gently, brush often

  • Brush your teeth, and your tongue, gently with an extra-soft toothbrush.
  • Soften the bristles in warm water if your mouth is very sore.
  • Brush after every meal and at bedtime.

Floss gently – do it daily

  • Floss once a day to remove plaque
  • Avoid areas of your gums that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.

Keep your mouth moist

  • Rinse often with water
  • Don’t use mouthwashes that contain alcohol.
  • Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.

Eat and Drink with care

  • Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods.
  • Protect your mouth from spicy, sour, or crunchy foods.
  • Choose lukewarm foods and drinks instead of hot or icy-cold ones.
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Stop using tobacco

  • Ask your cancer care team to help you stop smoking or chewing tobacco. People who quit smoking or chewing tobacco have fewer mouth problems.

We are here to help. We have more information on this subject. If you would like to additional information, just let us know or contact us.

Should You Replace Your Toothbrush Every 3 Months?

Your toothbrush looks a little sad. The ends are frayed and sticking out, it looks a little faded and used. Should I pick one up at the store or order one on Amazon? I’ll just get new one when I get my cleaning. It’s probably okay. Sound familiar? What’s the worst that could happen from using an old toothbrush anyway, right?

As we know, a healthy mouth starts with having good a dental habits. Part of a good dental routine is making sure you change your toothbrush every three months because believe it or not, using an old toothbrush can negatively affect your oral health. From causing sickness to damaging your gums, an old toothbrush could be your mouth’s downfall.

Introducing Bacteria

Your toothbrush is constantly exposed to water and the bacteria that is found in your mouth. It makes sense then that bacteria are transferred onto your toothbrush and establish colonies thanks to the wet environment, which allows the bacteria to thrive. That’s the same bacteria that causes cavities. With bacteria living on your brush, it can be continually transferred back to your mouth instead of being rinsed out each night.

Reintroducing bacteria into your mouth on a daily basis can cause damage to your teeth and oral health by causing infections or tooth decay. Replacing your toothbrush every three months can help ensure you are not introducing harmful bacteria into your mouth on a regular basis.

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Cleaning Ineffectively

Using your toothbrush twice a day for three months can quickly wear down its bristles. A frayed toothbrush cannot stand up to the cleaning power of a new brush because its bristles aren’t as sturdy. When the bristles of a toothbrush wear down, they cannot reach into crevices as well to clean the bacteria and plaque off of your teeth. It’s best to keep a toothbrush that is in good condition so you clean your teeth as effectively as possible.

Causing Illness

Three months is longer than you may think. In that time, several sicknesses can come and go. While it is best to dispose of your toothbrush right after you recover from an illness, taking the extra precaution of disposing of your toothbrush every three months can help ensure you stay healthy. Bacteria and viruses can live for variable amounts of time including a few hours to several months according to National Health Services.

The Story of our Why: “Live wisely, love well, and serve greatly.”

The passion of Petaluma Dental Group is to provide a unique and exceptional experience for everyone who comes through our doors and to leave a positive impact on their lives.

This has been the commitment of the Petaluma Dental Group since I purchased it in 2009; but, truly, our hope is to do more than that. Not only do we want to leave a positive impact on those who come through our doors, we want to do so for our wider community and the world, and I think it’s important to share with you the story of our WHY.

The Story of Why

My early life was fraught with my own dental difficulties and plenty of moving — between having a gummy smile until the age of 10, to moving over 13 times in a 4-year span as a teenager, every single experience I had growing up was shaping me and setting me up for what I’m doing now.  The challenges I experienced built character, grit, and passion and helped put my life on the path to become not only the first dentist in my family, but the first to go to college.

Fast forward to the year 2009 — I was working with my own solo practice in Sonoma, and when the opportunity to purchase Petaluma Dental Group arose, I realized something.

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My husband and I have two children (who were 2 and 4 years old at the time), and I thought back to my childhood, and I wondered…If my kids live in the same house their whole life and don’t have any exposure to the world, then how will they develop their own grit?  

It has been a dream of mine to be able to teach my kids about living a life of purpose and to be able to actually show them what it’s like to give back to those in need.

Purchasing Petaluma Dental Group was an opportunity to fulfill that lifelong dream of mine. When you have a group working together, like we do with the absolutely amazing team and leaders working together at Petaluma Dental Group, we’re able to support each other and allow one another to live our purpose.  

As such, Petaluma Dental Group is well-equipped to be able to serve and support the community locally and globally.

For example, in addition to our Give Kids a Smile and Super Kids Day events, at least two of our dentists travel 6 weeks out of the year to fulfill their passions, and I have also been able to pursue my calling of giving back with organizations like Missions of Mercy (a domestic philanthropic dental association), as well as international missions, such as the most recent ones this year, where my entire family and I went to serve in places like Haiti (in January), and Vietnam (in March).  

These most recent trips to Haiti and Vietnam were amazing experiences, and presented a bigger opportunity than just allowing me to use my skills to give back and serve others.

It was the opportunity for my children to experience the wider world — its challenges, pains, and needs — and to not only inspire gratitude within them, but also show them the positive impact of a supportive mindset and a servant’s heart.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing some amazing stories from our trip to Haiti and Vietnam (as well as the contributions that our children made), and I would love to hear your stories of passion, too.

I believe we are capable of inspiring servants’ hearts across generations that can lead and support and contribute to a better world, and I believe that when we all give, the world gives back.

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