Dentist in La Mesa, CA | Dr. Meghan Toland, D.M.D. > Dental Blog > Oral Health

What is Plaque? How to Fight Back!

April 7, 2018 Blog, Education, Oral Health No comments yet

Have you ever run your tongue across the front of your teeth and felt a sticky coating? That is the buildup of bacteria, also known as plaque. If you let the bacteria stick around too long, it can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

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8 Everyday Habits That Harm Your Smile

March 7, 2018 Blog, Education, Oral Health No comments yet

Your teeth are supposed to last a lifetime. But some common habits could be reducing the durability of your teeth without you even realizing it.

By recognizing the habits that can compromise the structure and health of your smile, you can take steps to protect it.

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The Mouthwash Mistake You Could Be Making

November 25, 2017 Blog, Education, Oral Health No comments yet

It can freshen up your breath faster than brushing, but does mouthwash really make a big difference when it comes to your oral health? You may be surprised to find that looks–or in this case, smells–can be deceiving! Oral rinses are not created equal, and if you’re not careful, some can actually be more harmful than helpful. Find out whether your go-to for gargling is doing you any good, or if another mouthwash makes sense for you.

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High-Tech Toothbrushes: Is It Worth Going Electric?

November 15, 2017 Blog, Education, Oral Health No comments yet

The verdict is in: electric toothbrushes are here to stay, and they mean business for your teeth! By now, you’ve probably seen them on the shelves, on TV or in magazines. Dentists endorse them, and most are ADA-approved — but if you still swear by your manual toothbrush, these benefits just might convince you otherwise.

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Toothache Trouble? How to Make the Wait Less Painful

July 17, 2017 Blog, Oral Health No comments yet

It can happen to anyone: the sudden onset of a throbbing toothache at the most inconvenient of times. Perhaps it arrives in the middle of the night, or worse, at the start of your weekend–when a whole lot of time and agony seem to stand between you and the next available dentist appointment.

You’ll live, of course, but there is no need to suffer so badly! With a little observation and resourcefulness, the wait for professional care can be a lot less excruciating.

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X-Rays: Is There Really Cause For Concern?

July 7, 2017 Blog, Education, Oral Health No comments yet

Would you sacrifice a complete picture of your dental health in order to bypass X-rays? If you’re struggling to decide, you’re not the only one! Radiation concerns are giving trypanophobia (fear of needles) a run for its money around the dentist’s office, but skipping this important step in your checkup could be a costly gamble.

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