Pregnancy and Oral Health

Pregnancy and oral health are two things that go hand in hand when you are expecting a baby. We encourage all of our patients to take good care of their dental hygiene and oral health when they become pregnant.

 

Most women know how vital it is that they take good care of their physical health, but often don’t consider the impact oral health has on their overall health. A surge in hormones can exasperate the way a pregnant woman’s gums react to plaque. As a result, there is an increased risk of tooth decay, loose teeth, and gum disease if proper oral hygiene isn’t maintained.

 

The following steps are important to follow while you are pregnant.

 

1. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes each session.

2. Floss your teeth regularly, preferably once a day.

3. Visit dentist Shital Kazi for a check-up and cleaning.

4. Inform Dr. Kazi that you are pregnant and avoid getting x-rays.

5. Avoid eating sugary snacks as it increases the risk of tooth decay.

 

By following these steps, pregnant women have a better chance at maintaining their good oral health during pregnancy. Contact our dentist, Dr. Shital Kazi in San Lorenzo, CA to discuss pregnancy and oral health in more detail.

Sports Mouth Guards

Mouth guards are essential in any type of contact sport regardless of how old you are. Most people believe that mouth guards are just for sports like football and hockey because they’re high contact, but in reality, you should be wearing one during any sport where contact is even a possibility. We provide custom-fit mouth guards to our patient-athletes to help prevent structural damage to their teeth and jaws. Mouth guards also help prevent lacerations to the cheeks, tongue and lips.

 

One of the most beneficial aspects of wearing a mouth guard is that it can greatly decrease the risk of concussions. There’s been a lot of news lately about the large number of concussions in professional and amateur sports. That’s because we’re finally seeing the negative impact concussions have had on these athletes. Mouth guards will not prevent concussions, but they can decrease the chances of sustaining one. The material we use to create our custom-fitted mouth guards is extremely shock absorbent and reduces transmitted forces caused during your athletic event.  

 

But you can get a mouth guard at any sporting goods store, why would you need one from us? Over-the-counter mouth guards, also known as “stock” mouth guards come in very limited sizes and are considered the least protective. There are also “boil and bite” mouth guards that claim to be “custom.” While these mouth guards are “molded” to your mouth, they do not cover the entire area, and often leave the posterior teeth exposed. Both of these over-the-counter options are bulky, uncomfortable and interfere with speaking and breathing.

 

Custom-fitted mouth guards are the only way to fully protect your teeth. If you schedule an appointment with us at Lewelling Dental Care, we will create a custom mouth guard that is specifically designed to protect your mouth. Our goal is to keep your teeth healthy. If you’re an athlete and you’re using an ill-fitting uncomfortable mouth guard or no mouth guard at all, it’s time to consider one. 

Veneers

Veneers

If you’re unhappy with the way your teeth look, veneers are an effective method for reshaping and redesigning your smile. Whether your teeth have stains, gaps, crack, chips or other issues, you can get the smile you've always wanted with veneers. Veneers are thin, ceramic shells that cover the existing tooth structure in your mouth, and we can use them to transform your smile.

Having veneers placed usually only takes two to three visits. During the first visit, we can discuss the shape and look of the smile you want to accomplish, and then we will prepare your teeth. We prepare teeth for veneers by removing some of the enamel on the surface of your teeth. The amount of enamel that is removed will be nearly equal to the thickness of the veneers. This ensures that your smile will still feel natural and not bulky after the procedure.

Once the enamel has been removed, an impression is taken of your mouth so that the veneers can be fabricated to fit your existing teeth. This fabrication process takes between 10 to 14 days and is done in a laboratory of the highest standards. You will be provided with temporary veneers during your wait. Then the final veneers are bonded to your teeth to create an attractive smile that looks and feels natural.
To learn more about veneers in San Lorenzo, CA, call Lewelling Dental Care at (510) 276-6040 or visit www.LewellingDental.com.

Languages Spoken

I always want to make sure that my patients feel comfortable and that they are able to communicate their dental needs effectively.   For this reason, there are a wide number of languages spoken at my practice.  Clients that communicate in Spanish, Hindi, Gujarati, Tagalong, and Portuguese can rest assured that my staff and I will be able to accommodate you throughout your procedure.  If you or someone you know is in need of dental care, but is having difficulty communicating due to a language barrier, let them know about our office.  We strive to effectively communicate to all of our patients their dental needs.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

Our Caring and Professional Staff

When you visit the dentist you should feel comfortable and confident that you are in good hands.  I always want to make sure that my patients know that my staff truly cares about their dental needs.  There is no need to feel uneasy or nervous during a dental visit at Lewelling Dental Care.  You are never going to be treated as just a number.  When you come in for a dental appointment, whether it is for a specific problem or just for a checkup, you can feel comfortable knowing that our caring and professional staff is there to help you and understand your specific needs.  We are always here to alleviate dental discomfort and better your oral health.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

Advanced Training – FAGD

I am always striving to stay up-to-date with the latest dental advancements and technologies.  In recognition of these efforts I am very thankful to have been awarded the prestigious Fellowship Award from the Academy of General Dentistry.  After more than 900 hours of education and preparation, I am now trained in modern general dentistry, Invisalign, TMJ, and sleep apnea and snoring.  With this knowledge and experience, I look forward to helping my patients with their dental care every day.

 

My commitment to dentistry and to my patients does not mollify after receiving this award.  I am currently pursuing a Mastership Award through the Academy of General Dentistry that requires another 600 hours of continuing education and training.  I look forward to learning more and more about how I can better the health of my patients’ smiles.

 

Yours in good smile health,

Dr. Shital Kazi

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