Happy Healthy Aging Month!

Did you know that Sep­tem­ber is Healthy Aging® Month? This is an annual health obser­vance designed to focus national atten­tion on the pos­i­tive aspects of grow­ing older.  To get you started on embracing your age and making the most of this month and the years to come here are some ideas from the edi­tors of Healthy Aging®Mag­a­zine. We especially like #6. Maybe these ideas will help you think out­side the box:

10 Tips for Rein­vent­ing Your­self dur­ing Sep­tem­ber - Healthy Aging®Month:

1. Do not act your age or at least what you think your cur­rent age should act like. What was your best year so far? 28? 40? Now? Pic­ture your­self at that age and be it. Some peo­ple may say this is denial, but we say it’s pos­i­tive think­ing and goes a long way toward feel­ing bet­ter about your­self. (Tip:  Don’t keep look­ing in the mir­ror, just FEEL IT!)
2. Be pos­i­tive in your con­ver­sa­tions and your actions every day. When you catch your­self com­plain­ing, check your­self right there and change the con­ver­sa­tion to some­thing pos­i­tive. (Tip: Stop watch­ing the police reports on the local news.)
3. Ditch the downer friends. Have neg­a­tive friends who com­plain all of the time and con­stantly talk about how awful every­thing is? Drop them. As cruel as that may sound, dis­tance your­self from peo­ple who do not have a pos­i­tive out­look on life. They will only depress you and stop you from mov­ing for­ward. Sur­round your­self with ener­getic, happy, pos­i­tive peo­ple of all ages and you will be hap­pier too. (Tip: Smile often. It’s con­ta­gious and wards off naysayers.)
4. Walk like a vibrant, healthy per­son. Come on. You can prob­a­bly do it. Ana­lyze your gait. Do you walk slowly because you have just become lazy or, per­haps, have a fear of falling? (Tip: Make a con­scious effort to take big strides, walk with your heel first, and wear com­fort­able shoes.)
5. Stand up straight! You can knock off the appear­ance of a few extra years with this trick your mother kept try­ing to tell you. Look at your­self in the mir­ror. Are you hold­ing your stom­ach in, have your shoul­ders back, chin up? Check out how much bet­ter your neck looks! Fix your stance and prac­tice it every day, all day until it is nat­ural. You will look great and feel bet­ter. (Tip: Your waist­line will look trim­mer if you fol­low this advice.)
6. How’s your smile? Research shows peo­ple who smile more often are hap­pier. Your teeth are just as impor­tant to your good health as the rest of
   
   your body. Not only is it the first thing peo­ple notice, but good oral health is a gate­way to your over­all well-being. (Tip: Go to the den­tist reg­u­larly and look into teeth whiten­ing. Noth­ing says old more than yel­low­ing teeth!)
7. Lonely? Stop brood­ing and com­plain­ing about hav­ing no friends or fam­ily. Do some­thing about it now. Right this minute. Pick up the phone, land­line, or cell and make a call to do one or more of the fol­low­ing: Vol­un­teer your time, take a class,  invite some­one to meet for lunch, brunch, din­ner, or cof­fee. (Tip: Vol­un­teer at the local pub­lic school to stay in touch with younger peo­ple and to keep cur­rent on trends, take a com­puter class or a tuto­r­ial ses­sion at your cell phone store to keep up with tech­nol­ogy, choose a new per­son every week for your din­ing out.)
8. Start walk­ing not only for your health but to see the neigh­bors. Have a dog? You’ll be amazed how the dog can be a con­ver­sa­tion starter. (Tip: If you don’t have time for a dog, go to your local ani­mal shel­ter and vol­un­teer. You will be thrilled by the puppy love!)
9. Get a phys­i­cal. Make this month the time to set up your annual phys­i­cal and other health screen­ings. Go to the appoint­ments and then, hope­fully, you can stop wor­ry­ing about ail­ments for a while. 
10. Find your inner artist. Who says tak­ing music lessons is for young school chil­dren? You may have an artist lurk­ing inside you just wait­ing to be tapped.  Have you always wanted to play the piano, vio­lin, or tuba? Have you ever won­dered if you could paint a por­trait or scenic in oil? What about work­ing in wood? (Tip: Sign up now for fall art or music classes and dis­cover your inner artist!)

As a reminder for all of our patients, remember to schedule dental exams for preventive care and don’t put off additional visits to our office if you experience any changes to your oral health.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS, Dan Gustavson, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Tooth Decay Isn't Something You Can Outgrow, But It Is Something You Can Prevent

Most Americans don’t make it into adulthood without at least a few cavities. In fact, more than 90% of adults over the age of 40 have had tooth decay in their permanent teeth. What many adults don’t realize is that the risk of tooth decay isn't something you can outgrow.

According to Delta Dental, "Changes associated with aging can make cavities a problem for people of any age." Receding gums are one of the culprits behind adult cavities. Whether due to gum disease or to overly vigorous tooth brushing, gum tissue can become swollen or damaged and expose the sensitive roots of teeth. Unlike the surfaces of teeth that are above the gum line, roots are not protected by hard enamel and are instead covered by a softer material known as "cementum." This makes the root surfaces more susceptible to the effects of plaque buildup, which can eventually lead to decay.

When gums recede and expose the roots of the teeth, it becomes especially important to maintain proper daily oral hygiene. Brush gently at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, giving special attention to the gum line. Gentle

brushing will do the trick and will help preserve the gum tissue while reducing discomfort due to sensitive exposed roots. Daily flossing and visits to the dentist for preventive care are other important tools for preserving oral health.

Existing fillings can also contribute to adult cavities. As a filling weakens over time, it tends to fracture and the seal between the filling material and the tooth loosens. Bacteria can accumulate in the cracks and crevices, causing acid buildup that promotes decay. Maintaining fillings is one way to protect teeth from further decay and to retain the integrity of restored teeth. As part of your routine exam we check existing fillings for wear and determine if a filling needs to be replaced. In some cases failed fillings need to be replaced with crowns or can require endodontic treatment involving a root canal or tooth extraction and replacement with a prosthetic tooth.

Any changes to your oral health, such as increased tooth sensitivity, swollen and painful gums or fillings that are loose, should be examined by our dentist to prevent possible damage or loss of your teeth.  Don't forget to schedule dental exams for preventive care and don’t put off additional visits to our office if you experience any changes to your oral health.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Skipping One Night of Brushing Won't Hurt, Right?

It's been a long day. You've brushed the kids teeth, read them stories and tucked them in. You are ready to just close your eyes and then you remember, "I didn't brush my teeth." You think to yourself, "one night of not brushing won't hurt. I'll brush extra long in the morning. It's not that big of a deal, right?"

The reality is that not brushing your teeth before bed is bad news. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your beautiful smile twice a day.  Skip a session, and you're on your way to encouraging the growth of bacterial buildup in the form of plaque, which can lead to cavities and even gum disease.

Chances are that you've felt plaque on your teeth throughout your day and haven't even realized it.  When you brush it disrupts that bacteria, so it doesn't stay on your teeth and your gums.  The problem is that when it is left in place it begins to attack your teeth.  The longer plaque remains on your teeth the more likely it is to become tarter, which leads to inflammation and bleeding of your gums.  The longer it remains untreated the more likely you are to loose a tooth.

By not brushing once you run the risk of skipping this nightly habit again and again. So, stick to the habit.  Follow the simple and easy guidelines of the ADA:  brush for two minutes, twice a day and floss at least once a day.  Regular dental visits will also help to protect your pearly whites.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Is Eating Fruit Bad for Your Teeth?

Eating fruit is healthy right? While eating fruit is definitely better than snacking on sweet treats, snacking on fruits and drinking fruit juices can contributes to tooth decay, plaque build-up and enamel erosion.

Fruit is definitely an important part of a healthy diet, but fruit juice may be problematic. Whole fruits have fiber and are a less concentrated source of sugar (and sometimes acids). In addition, juices sometimes have sugar added to them, which can be even more damaging to your teeth. It is best to skip the fruit juices and choose the whole fruit instead

What about acidic fruits? Should you avoid lemons, citrus fruits and other acidic foods? While it is fine to eat these kinds of foods, it is important that you don’t suck on them or keep them in your mouth for a long period of time. The acidic juice in these foods can erode the enamel of your teeth. Citrus fruits and foods with tomatoes (including pizza, soup and pasta sauce), pickles, honey and wine can all be damaging to your teeth if they are consumed too often or held in the mouth for too long.

While it is important to eat all foods in moderation it is also important to brush twice a day and floss. While you may not be in a position to brush your teeth after every meal drinking a class of water will help to flush bacteria and food buildup from your teeth. In addition this will lessen your risk of gum disease, fewer cavities and fresher breath.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Summertime Foods and Beverages…and Your Smile

Summertime Foods and Beverages…and Your Smile

During the summer, you’re probably going to attend a lot of parties, and with parties come a variety of beverages and snacks. Summertime drinks include soda, sports drinks, wine, beer, and lemonade.  As you know, these drinks are loaded with sugar. A simple tip for counteracting the effects of these beverages, however, is to rinse your mouth with water regularly throughout the party. But don’t brush your teeth too soon after consuming acidic beverages. These drinks can soften enamel, and brushing while the enamel is soft can do more damage. Wait at least an hour before you brush!

Party foods can be dark in color and full of sugar as well. Dark foods contribute to stained teeth, and we all know what happens when you eat too much sugar! Cavities! But by rinsing your mouth after eating these dark and sugary foods, you can avoid staining and cavities — and a trip to the dentist during your summer for teeth whitening and a checkup can give your smile a boost!

It’s pretty simple to keep your smile healthy during these summer months. Brushing, flossing, rinsing after food or drink, and regular trips to the dentist can help keep you looking and feeling your best. 

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Are You Missing Teeth?

Do you suffer from the embarrassment and inconvenience of missing teeth. In addition to full and partial dentures, we offer dental implants.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants look, feel and function just like your own “natural” teeth. They are a vast improvement over full or partial dentures, as they are permanently affixed in the mouth, just like your natural teeth. You continue to brush and floss, just like you do with your natural teeth. Because the dental implants are integrated into the jaw, they help prevent gum recession and bone loss, a problem that routinely occurs with full and partial dentures. 

How are dental implants inserted?

There are several steps to implant dentistry. First, the dentist will surgically insert a titanium screw or post into the jaw. The patient returns to the dental office after the gums have healed, at which time a replacement tooth is attached, providing both the beauty and functionality of natural teeth.

If you are missing one or more teeth due to injury, illness, aging or periodontal disease (gum disease), call us for an appointment to learn about dental implants, 916-780-3000.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Summer is Fast Approaching...Time to Start Your Teens Invisalign Treatment

Summer is fast approaching, so what is on your teens to do list?  Sleep, vacation, volunteer, spend time with friends, work, straighten their teeth?  Wait, what was that last one??  While straightening their teeth might not be something you've thought of, it may be something your teen has considered.

Starting your teens Invisalign treatment at the beginning of summer is a great time to begin as it will help your teen develop their Invisalign treatment routine and get them excited about going back to school knowing they are working towards the smile they deserve.

Here are some commonly asked questions and answers about Invisalign teen, that will help you to learn more about this treatment option and to help you determine if you'd like to see if Invisalign Teen is right for your teen.

1. WHAT IS INVISALIGN TEEN?

Invisalign Teen is the virtually invisible way to straighten your teen’s teeth without the restrictions that come with metal braces. Rather than wires and brackets, Invisalign® uses a series of clear, removable aligners that have been custom-made for your teen’s teeth. Your teen simply wears them over their teeth and changes them out for a new set of aligners every two weeks. Little by little, your teen’s teeth gradually shift into place, achieving that confident smile.

2.  IS INVISALIGN AS EFFECTIVE AS TRADITIONAL BRACES?

Yes. When worn according to the recommendations of an experienced Invisalign-trained orthodontist, Invisalign Teen can be as effective as traditional braces for the most common teeth-straightening issues. Invisalign can effectively treat mild to severe cases, including underbite, overbite, overcrowding and gaps between teeth. The chances are very high your teen will be a great candidate for Invisalign.

3. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE PRACTICAL ADVANTAGES OF INVISALIGN TEEN OVER TRADITIONAL BRACES?

If you’ve had braces yourself, you already know the issues associated with metal wires and brackets. With Invisalign, the aligners are removable, so your teen can play sports without the worry of being hit in the mouth by a ball, which can cause real damage in braces. They can also continue playing musical instruments properly, without braces getting in the way. With braces, there is a long list of foods your teen shouldn’t eat, from popcorn to apples and raw carrots. With Invisalign, there are no such restrictions. The removable aligners make it easy to brush and floss normally to maintain proper oral hygiene.

4. ARE THERE ANY EMOTIONAL CONCERNS TO CONSIDER?

Research¹ shows that moms underestimate the extent to which teens feel self-conscious about crooked teeth, and using braces as a solution can often make

this lack of confidence even worse. But with Invisalign Teen, no one needs to know your teen is straightening their teeth, removing a potential source of real anxiety for them and giving them the confidence to be themselves in front of everyone.

5. WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INVISALIGN TEEN?  

Invisalign can be used for teens who have erupting or erupted permanent dentition—this includes most teenagers. A trained Invisalign orthodontist or dentist should evaluate your teen’s specific dental issues to determine candidacy. If the orthodontist rejects your teen as a candidate, it is advisable to seek a second opinion, as each provider has a different level of experience treating with Invisalign.

6. HOW LONG DOES INVISALIGN TEEN TREATMENT TAKE?

The average treatment time is about the same as with traditional braces, but the actual length of your teen’s treatment depends on the severity of their condition and can only be determined by your orthodontic professional.

Our office is currently hosting an Invisalign Special Event. Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS will be providing FREE consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. For patients who participate, you will receive:

• $500 off Treatment
• Complimentary Whitening with Treatment
• Financing options available

If you have wondered if Invisalign treatment is right for your teen, make an appointment for this special event and relax knowing that your treatment is being diagnosed and carried out by an Invisalign-trained dentist.  Space is limited to the first 25 patients.  Call (916) 780-3000 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  This special offer will end April 30th, so please don't delay!

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

This information has been provided by Invisalign Teen

¹Source: Hall & Partners Quant Survey, April 2008

Having Properly Aligned Teeth Actually Provides Health Benefits

You may be surprised to know that the benefits of having properly aligned teeth extend far beyond a confident smile. According to the American Dental Association, straightening your teeth can actually significantly affect your overall dental health. Think about it — a smile can hardly be perfect if it's not a healthy one. Fortunately, with Invisalign®, having a confident smile and reducing your risk for tooth decay and gum disease go hand in hand.

This is why for the month of April Fountains Dental Excellence is hosting an Invisalign Special Event. Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS will be providing FREE consultations to answer your questions about Invisalign treatment, the clear way to straighten teeth. For patients who participate, you will receive:

• $500 off Treatment
• Complimentary Whitening with Treatment
• Financing options available

Invisalign braces provide an undetectable way to get straight teeth without metal braces or wires. Invisalign is a series of clear, molded removable braces that gradually achieve straight teeth. 

Common dental issues corrected by Invisalign:    

• Overly crowded teeth        
• Widely spaced teeth
• Crossbite (bottom teeth are shifted forward or backward)
• Overbite (top teeth over-project)
• Underbite (bottom teeth project over top teeth)

How does Invisalign work?

Invisalign’s clear removable aligners straighten your teeth over time, as you repeatedly switch the “old” aligner for a new one.  They are essentially invisible.
Invisalign braces are removable when eating, brushing & flossing.  There is no metal that to irritate teeth or gums.

If Invisalign is right for you, we’ll take an impression of your teeth during your office visit. This impression is sent to Invisalign where, with advanced 3-D technology, they produce a series of clear removable aligners. (The number of aligners necessary for treatment is based upon your treatment plan.)

We will instruct you about your Invisalign aligners and make sure they fit properly.  You’ll wear each set of aligners continuously, except when you eat, drink, brush and floss, for approximately two weeks.  When you have worn the entire series of aligners your treatment is finished! During the treatment period, office visits will be scheduled to ensure your correction is progressing properly.

Throughout your treatment period we will schedule for check-up appointments approximately every six weeks to make sure that treatment is progressing as predicted. As treatment nears completion, we will design a retention plan to help you maintain your new smile.

Finally, after completing your treatment, you can enjoy the beautiful smile you've always wanted.

If you have wondered if Invisalign treatment is right for you, make an appointment for this special event and relax knowing that your treatment is being diagnosed and carried out by an Invisalign-trained dentist.  Space is limited to the first 25 patients.  Call (916) 780-3000 to schedule your complimentary consultation.  This special offer will end April 30th, so please don't delay!

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Spring Cleaning Tips for a Healthy Mouth

It's that time of year again, time for Spring cleaning. You've got your checklist: have the carpets cleaned, dust the ceiling fans, clean the patio furniture, take an inventory of your dental cleaning routine... Wait, what was that last one??

Yes, annual spring cleaning rituals should also include taking inventory of teeth cleaning routines, according to experts at the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The following are a few simple habits dentists, including myself, recommend that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.

1. Use an Electric Toothbrush

At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.

Dr. Kellee Kattleman Stanton, a Minnesota cosmetic dentist and Sustaining Member of the AACD says, “Regardless of whether or not you have cavities, using an electric toothbrush over time prevents gum inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease.”


2. Floss at Night

The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans—one out every two adults ages 30 and older—have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

“My recommendation is to floss at night,” says Ronald M. Goodlin, DDS, past president, AACD. “During sleep cycles, less saliva is produced to naturally clean teeth and gums, so oral bacteria are free to do more damage. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss and scrape your tongue every night to get rid of bacteria and go to bed with your mouth as clean as possible.”

3. Select the Right Toothpaste

Dr. Jack Ringer, immediate past president of AACD who practices cosmetic dentistry in Anaheim, Calif., cautions his patients to be skeptical of any toothpaste that promises to "whiten" teeth. The reality is that removal of surface stains by a toothpaste will make the tooth "look" lighter but not change its inherent color. To lighten or "bleach" teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment or use over-the-counter name brand bleaching products that work on the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does.


4. Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth 

Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them. The AACD developed nine nutritious recipes from breakfast to dinner using these key ingredients:  

• Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash.

• Veggies like Kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth
structure and prevent 

enamel erosion (or yellowing).

• Onions and wasabi, a type of Japanese horse radish, both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria.

• Quinoa has minerals including Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.

Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team would like to wish you all a wonderful and mouth healthy Spring.  Enjoy the season and all that is has to offer.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

You Deserve to Smile

We absolutely love doing smile makeovers for our patients and changing people’s lives! We have seen quite a few patients over the years become more self-confident, more radiant and more willing to show off their smile in social situations having fixed chipped teeth or having closed spaces with veneers.

Teeth are built tough. With regular care they can last a lifetime. Still, the daily grind of chewing and brushing, along with injuries, can take a toll. Teeth that have fillings or root canals are at a higher risk of chipping or fracturing when you bite down on something hard.  In addition, accidents or injuries from sports can cause chipped, damaged or even broken teeth.  Furthermore, long-term grinding can cause very small cracks in your teeth's enamel, making your smile more susceptible to decay and may even wear down the surfaces of your teeth, especially your molars.

These chips, cracks, missing teeth and discoloration can impact your self image and your smile.  Worn-out or worn down teeth can look especially poor, and may leave you self-conscious about smiling, speaking, or even laughing.

In these cases, cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers and dental bonding or restorative treatments such as inlays, onlays, and dental crowns can make you look much younger.

Occasionally, patients have a bite that is broken down after years of wear and tear on the surface of the teeth. We have special training that enables us to rebuild these teeth to create a comfortable, functional and aesthetic bite.

Our Fountains Dental Excellence cosmetic dentistry office provides smile makeovers to achieve the beautiful, natural look you seek. We can reshape your natural teeth to make them straighter or more youthful in appeal.  We believe that everyone deserves to smile and that everyone deserves to love their smile.

  
Interested in options available to you to improve your smile? Simply, contact our office and we'll be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss the right options for you and your smile, 916-780-3000.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Breath Rx Starter Kit Giveaway

Join us on Facebook and join in our giveaway for our Breath Rx Starter Kit Giveaway - just in time to have kissable breath for Valentine's Day.

National Children's Dental Health Month: 5 Stages of Teething

February is National Children's Dental Health Month.  This is a great month to focus on the importance of starting a solid dental health routine for your child.  By establishing a dental routine early on, the chances of your child experiencing dental hygiene problems lessens dramatically. 

According to the American Dental Association(ADA):

"While all children are born cavity free, statistics show that caries, the disease that causes tooth decay, is the most common, chronic childhood disease in the United States—five times more common than asthma. Yet unlike asthma, tooth decay can be prevented."

Since your child didn't come with an instruction manual here are some great tips to guide you in the right direction to starting out on the right path with caring for your child's teeth, per the ADA:

First tooth = first dental visit. When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup and continue check-ups as recommended. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.

There’s no such thing as “clean” spit. Cavity-causing bacteria are passed through saliva. When parents or caregivers “clean” a pacifier or use the same utensil to taste food before feeding their child, the bacteria can be passed along.

Three years old, going on 20! By the time children are three years old, most will have a full set of 20 baby teeth. But don’t wait till then to start brushing; begin as soon as a child’s first tooth grows in. Visit MouthHealthy.org for recommendations on how to brush at every age, including how much toothpaste to use. 

Brushing doesn’t have to be boring. Keep a sticker chart to track and reward brushing and play two-minute long videos to help kids get into the habit of brushing for a full two minutes. Get a free, downloadable sticker chart and videos at 2min2x.org.

We are also Roseville parents, who understand that a child’s relationship with a caring and kind dental team will set the tone for both present & future interactions with dental professionals. Establishing good feelings about dentists and dental care will help your child develop good dental habits that last a lifetime.

Our highly skilled, friendly dentists & support staff provide basic and advanced children’s dental care in a safe, comfortable environment, with the latest technologies in dental treatment. We are you partners in keeping your child’s beautiful smile, which is a reflection of a happy & healthy child!

Happy Brushing,

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Do You Truly LOVE Your Smile?

When you love something you want to share it, right?  You also want to draw attention to it and show it off.  So, ask yourself this:  Do you LOVE your smile?  If you don't love your smile have you considered the options to transforming your smile into something that you will truly LOVE?  If you thought that you were stuck with your smile that you hide, think again.  There are options for you.  One of these options is Veneers.

Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.  They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long lasting smile.

Reasons for porcelain veneers:

• Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile.
• Crooked teeth.                            
• Misshapen teeth.
• Severely discolored or stained teeth.
• Teeth that are too small or large.
• Unwanted or uneven spaces.
• Worn or chipped teeth.

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, "Porcelain veneers are a very successful option in many situations where the original tooth has developed poor color, shape, and contours. It is also a good choice for fractured teeth, gaps between teeth, and in some situations where the tooth position is compromised and there are minor bite-related problems. For some people, superficial stains do not respond well to tooth whitening or bleaching. In these situations, a porcelain veneer may be the best option."

Whether you want to correct crooked teeth, remove uneven spaces between teeth or simply to create a more uniform, white and beautiful smile, veneers may be the perfect option for you. Interested to find out more? Simply, contact our office and we'll be happy to schedule a consultation to discuss the right options for you and your smile, 916-780-3000.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Smile for Your Health

2015 is in full swing, so how are you doing at keeping up with your resolutions?  Are you staying more organized?  Exercising more?  Taking better care of your teeth and obtaining the smile that you deserve??  Well, taking care of your smile may not be at the top of your list, but it is definitely at the top of ours.  We understand that your dental health is more than just brushing twice a day and flossing regularly.  Loving your smile is also an important part of your dental health.

When you love your smile you are more confident, more willing to speak in social settings and most importantly more willing to smile.  According to "Inspiyr" there are numerous benefits to smiling.  Some benefits that stand out are:
                                                   

Smiling strengthens your immune system

Smiling even makes your immune system stronger by making your body produce white blood cells to help fight illnesses. One study found that hospitalized children who were visited by story-tellers and puppeteers who made them smile and laugh had higher white blood cell counts than those children who weren’t visited.

Smiling lowers stress and anxiety

It’s not easy to keep smiling in stressful situations, but studies report that doing exactly that has health benefits. When recovering from a stressful situation, study participants who were smiling had lower heart rates than those with a neutral facial expression.

Whether you are seeking a complete smile makeover or simple teeth whitening, we are committed to your comfort and to helping you achieve the smile that you deserve.  

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

Does Santa Claus Really Deliver Toothbrushes?

Year in and year out there were always toothbrushes in my Christmas Stocking come Christmas Morning.  Now that I am a parent and a dentist, this tradition has continued.  Needless to say this tradition does come with the question from inquisitive and bright children, "Does Santa Claus really deliver toothbrushes?"  Such a great question and one that we enjoy answering.  

Dr. Dan I both answer this questions with a resounding "Yes!" Like everyone else Santa practices excellent oral hygiene. Considering that this time of the year he, along with the majority of us, indulge in some extra sweets and treats. So if Santa is enjoying treats more often than usual how does he keep up with taking care of his teeth?

As we suggest to all of our patients, Santa does pack his toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in his sleigh before heading out to deliver toys to girls and boys around the world. 

He also packs Trident, sugarless gum.  After enjoying a treat and before headed to the next home to deliver presents Santa takes a nice drink of water and chews a piece of gum.  Since he is in a rush and is unable to brush after every treat/toy delivering stop, chewing Trident and drinking water is a great way to increase the production of saliva, which helps protect his teeth by keeping them clean and by helping to strengthen enamel.

So, what are Santa's favorites items to leave in Christmas Stockings?

Toothbrushes

• Toothbrushes are a stocking staple.  He tends to include a variety of brushes in his big bag that range from the basic brush, electric model or even a singing toothbrush! With a wide variety of colors and designs, he always seems to know the perfect toothbrush fit for every member of your family.

Smile Sidekicks

• Team up your toothbrush with complementing items. Floss & toothpasteare essential for a healthy grin. While he enjoys giving the traditional minty flavor he understands that some boys and girls might need something a little less strong tasting.

Mistletoe Mouth

• Give your significant other a minty mouth with items like gum (look for one that contains xylitol), lip balm/gloss or sugar-free mints.

 Travel-Sized Favorites

• Mini-sized toothpaste and floss make great travel go-tos. Some brands even release limited-edition scents specifically for the holidays. For a full(er) stocking, pick out a stylish travel tote or toiletry bag.

Stuffers for Small Ones

• There are several books that teach kids the importance of oral health. For the young athlete, pick out a mouthguard in his or her favorite color. Get children excited about brushing – stuff their stocking with a fun toothbrush holder.

Happy Holidays,

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

The End of the Year is Fast Approaching...Have You Used Your Dental Benefits?

The end of the year is fast approaching, and if you and/or your family still have treatment to be completed, there may be unused dental insurance benefits available to you.If you want to maximize your benefits please call today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mai-Ly or Dr. Dan. Our staff will be more than happy to help you determine if you have any remaining unused benefits available.


Many dental plans run on a calendar year and you can save hundreds of dollars by using your benefits before the end of the year! Here’s 5 reasons why making an appointment now can help you make the best of your dental plan:


Try to Use Your Yearly Maximum Benefit

Most dental plans allow a yearly maximum benefit. This is often around $1,000 per insured person. If you haven’t used all of your benefit, it will not roll over to next year. So, if you need covered dental services and have unused benefits, you will want to use them up before the end of the year.


New Year = New Deductible

If your dental plan has an annual deductible, you will have to pay it again next year. If you’ve already paid your deductible for this year, any additional dental work done before the end of the year won’t require a new deductible payment.

Take Care of Small Problems Before They Get Bigger

Dental problems don’t go away. A small, easy-to-treat cavity today can become a painful toothache tomorrow. Use your dental benefits to stay ahead of dental problems and have a healthy and happy smile for the holidays!


Covered Services

If you pay premiums for your dental insurance, you should be taking advantage of all covered services including screenings, x-rays, cleanings, etc. Not only will this help you maintain excellent dental health, but you will be getting the benefits you paid for too!

Make Your Appointment Sooner Rather than Later

Waiting until the last minute could cost you money. As many patients rush to use up their benefits before the end of the year, appointment slots will fill up quickly. If you wait too long, you may not be able to get the appointment time you want. Call (916) 780-3000 today to lock in your appointment time!

November is National Diabetes Month: Diabetes and Your Oral Health

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month.  According to the American Diabetes Association, "In 2012, 29.1 million Americans, or 9.3% of the population, had diabetes." But, did you know that Diabetes impacts your dental health?

For the nearly 30 million Americans who have diabetes, many may be surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition. Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

The best way to prevent dental problems associated with your diabetes is first and foremost, control your blood glucose level. Then, take good care of your teeth and gums, along with regular checkups every six months. To control thrush, a fungal infection, maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear them, remove and clean dentures daily. Good blood glucose control can also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.


The most common problem affecting gums and teeth for people with diabetes is gum disease. But diabetes also makes you prone to other mouth problems, such as oral infections.

An oral infection is a cluster of germs causing problems in one area of your mouth. Here are some warning signs.

-Swelling or pus around your teeth or gums or any place in your mouth.  Swelling can be large, or as small as a pimple.
-Pain in the mouth or sinus area that doesn't go away.
-White or red patches on your gums, tongue, cheeks or the roof of your mouth.
-Pain when chewing.  Teeth that hurt when you eat something cold, hot or sweet, or when you chew.
-Dark spots or holes in your teeth.

Infections can make your blood sugar hard to control. By planning ahead and discussing a plan of action with your dentist and doctor, you will be prepared to handle needed adjustments.

Your Fountains Dental Excellence team understand that our patients with diabetes have special needs and we are equipped to meet those needs—with your help. Please inform our staff of any changes in your condition and any medication you are taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.

Mai-Ly Ramirez, DDS & Your Fountains Dental Excellence Team

(The above information is from the American Diabetes Association.  We thank them for their committed and continued effort to end diabetes).

Tips For A Mouth Healthy Halloween

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