Periodontics

While taking care of your teeth is an essential part of your oral hygiene routine, your gums are also an important aspect of your health and require periodontal cleaning and treatment to stay at peak health. With Dr. Shital Kazi of Lewelling Dental Care, our patients in San Lorenzo, CA can be sure their gums are well cared for.

 

Periodontal disease is responsible for 75 percent of all adult tooth loss cases in the United States. This means it is critical to check for and treat periodontal issues when they first arise. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts as plaque and hardens into tartar. As the tartar accumulates, bacteria collects and attacks the soft tissue in the surrounding gums. This early stage is called gingivitis, and if it is left untreated, gingivitis will become periodontitis. Periodontitis can destroy tissue around the teeth and even lead to loss of bone mass in the jaw bone. Tooth loss can result, and heart disease, stroke and diabetes have also been linked to poor periodontal health.

 

It is important to prevent periodontal disease or catch it in its early stages, and Dr. Kazi is extremely knowledgeable and experienced with periodontal therapy. She will work hard to ensure that you maintain optimal oral health. If you notice that your gums are red, swollen or tender or they bleed during normal brushing and flossing, schedule an appointment with our practice by calling (510) 276-6040. For more information, visit www.lewellingdental.com.

Invisalign

Invisalign is one of many orthodontic services provided by Dr. Shital Kazi here at Lewelling Dental Care. Invisalign uses plastic aligners that are nearly translucent, are comfortable, and are removable. Patients here at our San Lorenzo, CA office with mild to moderate spacing, overcrowding, and bite issues are great candidates for Invisalign.

 

Invisalign is worn at all times, except during meals and while brushing or flossing your teeth. Every few months, you’ll return to our office for a new set of aligners, which continue moving your teeth to the correct position. By the end of the process, you are left with straight teeth and your overbite or underbite corrected. It is a simple process, with a fabulous end result of a beautiful smile.

 

Patients that choose Invisalign often report they enjoy how easy they are to use and that they did not stain their teeth. Another benefit to Invisalign is that wearers tend to wear them for less time than other types of orthodontics.

Sports Mouth Guards

With baseball and softball season starting up again, we thought it would be a good idea to talk about protecting yours or your children’s teeth with sports mouth guards. Mouth guards are made to protect teeth, but not many people know that they are also used to protect the head against a blow to the jaw that could result in a concussion and loss of consciousness. At Lewelling Dental Care, we provide custom fitted mouth guards for athletes to protect their mouth and head.

 

While most people think that mouthguards are only used in “contact” sports, many athletes across all sports are utilizing mouth guards. Mouth guards can be worn by athletes of all ages who participate in sports such as:

• Football
• Hockey
• Lacrosse
• Wrestling
• Basketball
• Baseball/Softball
• Soccer

Traditionally, mouth guards cover your upper teeth only. If you have braces or any other fixed dental appliances on your lower jaw, Dr. Kazi will make a mouth guard for your lower teeth as well. Dr. Kazi will evaluate each patient to determine what kind of mouth guard is best for you.

 

A custom-made mouth guard will be comfortable, durable and easy to clean. Over the counter mouth guards often restrict breathing and speech. Custom mouth guards are made of thin plastic that is hardened to protect your teeth. The thinness of a custom-made mouth guard allows for easy breathing and does not hinder speech skills whatsoever. If you are interested in a sports mouth guard for either yourself or your child-athlete, make sure to give us a call!