• Tooth decay: Cavities–caused by bacteria breaking down sugars and making acid that penetrates enamel–will eventually reach low enough in the tooth to cause either direct sensitivity of the nerve, or microcavities in the teeth that are sensitive to heat, cold, and different types of pressure.
• New teeth coming in: When adult teeth or wisdom teeth are erupting through the gums, the inflammation associated with it can make teeth sore.
• Fractured tooth: Accidentally biting the wrong thing can cause an external or internal fracture or crack in a tooth. In some cases a chipped tooth may be extremely painful, other times it may not cause any pain at all. Depending on how the tooth is damaged, it will be more or less sensitive.
• Losing a filling: Fillings may fall out or be knocked out, resulting in a previously filled and cleaned cavity being opened. Because this part of the tooth may be hard to clean, it generally will degrade faster than the rest of teeth due to buildup of food or acids.
• Gum infections: If there is inflammation, swelling, or other signs of infection, pain in the gums can sometimes be felt as pain in the tooth. It is important to treat infections soon because they can quickly damage the mouth or spread beyond it.

Brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash are generally good ways to avoid degradation of the teeth and complications leading to tooth damage. Healthy gums are also crucial to maintaining proper overall oral health, and preventing toothaches. There are many other causes of a toothache, and many will vary in terms of sensitivity to temperature, sensitivity to sweets, and pain when applying pressure.

If you have a toothache that lasts for more than a few days, or is painful, call the office of Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs at San Luis Obispo: (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles: (805) 238-4222

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery‎
620 California Blvd # L
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2545
(805) 545-9400

Typically, impacted wisdom teeth come in a variety of forms:

• Mesioangular impaction, where the tooth is angled towards the front of the mouth, accounts for half of all impacted wisdom teeth.
• Vertical impaction is also common, found when the wisdom teeth do not break through the gum line.
• Distoangular impaction and Horizontal impaction are the least common, being found in only 3-5% of all wisdom teeth. These types of impaction are when the tooth is angled backwards or sideways, respectively.

Because of the plentiful amount of bacteria in the mouth, it commonly leads to pericoronitis, an infection of the gums mostly found in young people. When a tooth partially erupts from the gum, it exposes a flap of gum that can trap bacteria and lead to infection. Brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash is especially important while wisdom teeth are coming in.

Usually, wisdom teeth are removed quickly and easily. For many people, wisdom teeth may be impacted and modify the bite or position of other teeth, and are generally considered to be unneeded. Others may not have wisdom tooth problems, or may not grow the teeth at all.

If you or someone you know is having issues with a wisdom tooth affecting dental work, teeth, or gums, call the office of Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs at San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222.

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery
620 California Blvd # L,
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Phone: (805) 545-9400

Vitamins A, C, and D are vital to the wellbeing of your teeth, both for building and protecting them.
Vitamins A and D help to develop and maintain healthy and strong teeth. The antioxidant vitamin C helps keep gums and connective tissue healthy, aiding in the healing process of cuts or scrapes in the mouth. Calcium is also important for the teeth, creating a strong jawbone and foundation for the teeth. In order to maintain good oral health, make sure that your diet includes sources of these vitamins, or foods that contain them.

The following is a list of easily found sources of these vitamins/minerals:

• Vitamin A: Found in dark green vegetables, eggs, fortified dairy products, and liver. Also sweet potatoes, pumpkin, cheddar cheese, cantaloupe melon, apricot, and papaya.
• Vitamin C: Found in citrus fruits, raspberries, spinach, plums, gooseberries, garlic, kale, and raw green cabbage. Animal sources include raw liver, raw oysters, and cod roe. Vitamin C supplements are also a good option.
• Vitamin D: Found in salmon, anchovies, eel, eggs, and fish or vegetable vitamin D supplements. It is additionally added to many calcium supplements, as these vitamins and minerals are harder to find in common foods than vitamins A and C.
• Calcium: Found in milk, soymilk (when calcium is added), nuts such as almonds, and sesame seeds. Because dairy is the most common calcium and vitamin D source, vegans or those who avoid dairy due to lactose intolerance may need to include blackstrap molasses, beans, figs, quinoa, collard greens, or okra.

Also, foods that are high in sugar are most often not good for the teeth. Sticky sweets like candy can get stuck on tooth surfaces for extended periods of time, breaking down the tooth surface and causing cavities.

To learn more, or to set up an appointment, call the periodontist office of Dr. Sayre-Carstairs at San Luis Obispo: (805) 545-9400 or at Paso Robles: (805) 238-4222.

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery‎
620 California Blvd # L
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2545
(805) 545-9400

However, dental plaque doesn’t stay harmless for long. At first, the plaque is soft enough to scrape or brush off, but past 10 days on the teeth, plaque becomes calculus, or tartar. Tartar is rocklike and hard to remove, and while tartar and plaque are on the tooth, various fermentations and reactions caused by the bacteria produce acid that can cause cavities. Cavities are the primary danger of plaque and tartar buildup.
Saliva makes for a perfect environment for bacteria to grow in, acting as a pH buffer and maintaining a pH of around 7. Nutrients are also provided in saliva, giving the bacteria a food source. In order to prevent cavities and damage from plaque buildup, brushing your teeth is essential- saliva cannot penetrate the surface of the biofilm to balance the acid level on teeth.

Here is a short list of oral hygiene habits to reduce acidic buildup, plaque, tartar, and cavities:

• Brushing your teeth (plaque removal)
• Flossing
• Tongue cleaning
• Gum care
• Foods that contain beneficial nutrients, such as fluoride, calcium, and phosphate.
• Sugar-free gum chewing after a meal.

Regular teeth cleanings and checkups will remove tartar and plaque buildup better than you can at home. Getting a professional cleaning twice a year is recommended to properly remove built up tartar. The application of a fluoride treatment is another common dental post-cleaning treatment that will help strengthen the teeth.

If you think you may have a cavity or want to ask about tooth cleanings, call the Laser Periodontist of San Luis Obispo: (805) 545-9400 and Paso Robles: (805) 238-4222 today and schedule an appointment.

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery‎
620 California Blvd
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401-2545
(805) 545-9400

Watch this video where we explore the benefits of laser surgery.

Laser surgery is usually far less traumatic than other surgery because there is less bleeding. It’s also quieter and because it cauterizes blood vessels as it moves over the gum area your Periodontist may indicate laser surgery for you if you are on prescription blood thinners.

In fact, there are many prescriptions and conditions that may indicate laser surgery is the best option for you. Talk with your Periodontist about all of your concerns and questions. They will want to make any treatment or surgery as comfortable, safe and effective as possible.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222

Take a look at this video that explains many of the reasons for laser surgery.

Using the controlled beam of heat and light allows your Periodontist to clean deep inside the periodontal pockets, remove infections, and perform gum surgery and more. The laser is even able to destroy viruses inside of your mouth and sterilize the infected area.

The benefits of using a laser to treat your Periodontal Disease goes beyond medical benefits. Most patients are much more comfortable during treatment when a laser is used, and they experience less bleeding and infection issues afterwards.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222

If a gum graft is something your Periodontist thinks will help control your disease, it is a good idea to consider this treatment. Take a look at this video where we give you more information on gum grafts.

Even though a gum graft is a serious procedure but by undergoing this procedure you will protect the exposed roots of your tooth and thereby protect it from harmful bacteria and keep that bacteria from causing even more bone loss. So while a gum graft is a serious procedure it is needed to prevent even more serious problems from occurring and, most importantly, to prevent the possible loss of your teeth.

We hope this video has helped you understand more about gum grafts and how they are used to treat Periodontal Disease.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222

Watch this video where we give you a clearer understanding of the relationship between your general dentist and your Periodontist.

It is extremely important to follow the directions of both your general dentist and your Periodontist. They will work together to get control over your Periodontal disease, maintain your gum health and continue proper treatment for your teeth as well.

If you continue on the schedule of having a cleaning and exam four times a year then any changes in your gum can be caught quickly and treated efficiently. In this way your dentist and your Periodontist can help you keep your natural teeth for as long as possible.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222

Take a look at this video that explains why you may need to continue your cleanings at the Periodontist’s office.

There is no cure for Periodontal Disease, but it can be controlled. Your dentist and your Periodontist will work together to keep it under control. They may decide that sharing your cleanings is a good option for your dental health. Or the Periodontist may prefer to have you continue coming to them for cleanings.

Your schedule of cleanings will be worked out so that you get the best treatment. The goal is to maintain your dental health and help you keep your natural teeth.

Best Wishes,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222

Having your teeth cleaned every 3 months does a lot to prevent the advancement of Periodontal Disease. Watch this video to find out more.

The areas where bone-eating bacteria hide are virtually inaccessible by cleaning at home. Coming in every 90 days so that a dental professional can disrupt the growth of those bacteria is the best way to ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy, and the best way to keep your natural teeth.

If you’ve been told to return every 3 months for cleanings but your insurance only pays for 6-month cleanings, we recommend that you opt to pay for the extra cleanings. In the end it will help maintain your dental health and help you keep your smile for as long as possible.

All the Best,

Dr. Lynn Sayre-Carstairs

Coast Periodontics and Laser Surgery in San Luis Obispo (805) 545-9400 or Paso Robles (805) 238-4222