When permanent teeth get knocked out, there is a right way to triage the situation. First, pick up the tooth by the crown, better known as the white chewing part of the tooth. Make sure you do not touch or scrub the root to minimize abrasion and contamination.

If the tooth has been dirtied in the fall, gently rinse the tooth with saline or milk for a few seconds. Then, you want to try to place the tooth back into the socket immediately after the rinse.

If you are assisting someone with their tooth, have them bite gently on gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If you are unable to reinsert the tooth into the socket, keep the tooth in cold milk, saline, or a tooth preservation kit.

After you have followed of these steps, make sure you see a dentist or endodontist immediately so they can further evaluate the tooth and see if it will be viable.

Make sure when storing the tooth, you do not place it in a dry in tissue, cloth, or plain water for a long period of time. This can damage the delicate root of the tooth and the healing cells living in the root.

Being able to act fast can be a reliable option to save the tooth and allow you to keep the tooth longer.

It is import to also remember that baby should not be placed back into the socket. This could easily cause damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Regardless of the situation, immediate dental evaluation from a professional is still important and should be sought out after major trauma to any tooth.

Contact Pearl Family Dentistry at 209-383-6133 as soon as possible if you have a knocked-out tooth. We will make arrangements for an emergency visit with our dentists, determine if your tooth can be saved and provide you with the urgent treatment you need.

The post Can Knocked-Out Teeth Be Saved? first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

Biofilm is a collection of bacteria, viruses and other debris, like food particles. Biofilm also settles on the tongue. Dental biofilm is made up of different bacterial species than those that comprise tongue biofilm, because these species adapt to live on either the hard enamel of teeth or the warm environment of the tongue.

The tongue is coated in lots of little bumps called papillae. These help us do things such as speak and chew, and affect food preferences. Biofilm accumulates between and around papillae. This biofilm can act as a reservoir for bacteria, which can spread back to the other parts of the mouth and potentially lead to health concerns such as gum disease, explains Dr. Luana Dias, a dentist-scientist and postdoctoral associate in Shields’s lab.

While more research is needed, some evidence suggests this reservoir may be associated with other systemic health issues, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

An overgrowth of bacteria can also lead to bad breath. When sulfur-producing bacteria on the tongue break down, the process can produce compounds that cause bad breath. Indications that this might be happening include a white coating on the tongue and a constant metallic taste. Gentle tongue cleaning can help.

It’s better to use a tongue scraper than a toothbrush. Cross-contamination can occur if you use the same tool for both parts.

Toothbrush bristles can also create scar tissue on the top the tongue from over brushing.

A metal scraper, such as stainless steel or copper, rather than a plastic one may be better that plastic. Plastic can degrade over time, and plastic tools can leave micro-scratches on the tongue
A good rule of thumb is to replace rubber, plastic and bristle oral healthcare tools every three months, whereas metal scrapers can be sanitized.

Cleaning your tongue should be part of your daily routine, cleaning it twice daily as part of your dental routine, just like brushing and flossing: in the morning and before bed.

The post Cleaning Your Tongue Is the Missing Step in Your Oral Care Routine first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

Dental tori vary in number, size and placement. Healthcare providers call these bony growths palatal tori (torus palatinus) because they typically form on your palate (roof of your mouth).

Mandibular tori affect about 27 out of every 1,000 adults in the United States. Mandibular tori are much less common than palatal tori. In addition, about 80% of people with mandibular tori have these growths on both sides of their mouth.

One or more bony growths on your lower jaw, under your tongue can cause many different issues, such as:

• The tissue covering the bony growths could become irritated or inflamed.
• There also may be difficulty getting dental appliances to fit correctly, such as dentures and mouth guards. Food particles may get stuck around the bony growths. It may also impair speech and cause trouble closing your mouth all the way (rare).

Healthcare providers don’t really know what causes mandibular tori or why some people are more likely to develop them. There are, however, certain identifiable risk factors. These include:

• If you clench or grind your teeth, you might be more likely to have mandibular tori. The way your teeth fit together, as well as your jaw shape, can have an impact on the presence of dental tori.
• Poor oral hygiene. Tori that are near your teeth may make it difficult to brush and floss properly. This can result in a buildup of dental plaque and harmful oral bacteria.
• You’re more likely to have dental tori if there’s a family history of the condition. People over the age of 30 are also more likely to develop mandibular tori.

Though mandibular tori aren’t harmful or cancerous, they can cause complications in some people.

Contact our team today at 209-383-6133 to learn more about dental tori and explore your options during a consultation with our dentists.

The post Understanding Torus Mandibularis and Mandibular Tori first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

Your mouth isn’t separate from your body. It’s connected through your bloodstream and immune system. What happens in your mouth can impact the rest of you.

Here’s how:

Gum disease allows harmful bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation in the body.

This inflammation has been linked to:
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Respiratory infections
• Pregnancy complications

If you have diabetes, gum disease can even make blood sugar harder to control.

And it works the other way too.

Your overall health can show up in your mouth first:
• Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease
• Some medications cause dry mouth and cavities
• Acid reflux can wear down enamel
• Stress can lead to teeth grinding and jaw pain

Your mouth is part of your body. Taking care of your teeth and gums isn’t just about a bright smile. It’s about protecting your long-term health.

The post Holistic Dental Care: How Parts Affect the Whole first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

A Brief History of National Children’s Dental Health Month

Did you know that the month of February is National Children’s Dental Health Month? National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) started in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 3, 1941. What began as a one-day, one-time event evolved into a month-long celebration by 1981. It was once a fairly small and unrecognized initiative and has since grown into a nationally recognized awareness month.

How Communities Celebrate NCDHM

NCDHM spreads across various communities throughout the United States, offering vital dental health education and services. Many communities observe the month by providing access to pamphlets, resources, health fairs, dental screenings, and more. Additionally, many dental professionals take time to engage with schools and local organizations to teach children about the importance of oral hygiene and dental care.

Why Early Oral Health Matters

It is incredibly important for young children to have a healthy foundation for their oral health. Building good oral hygiene habits early in life helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues in the future. Stressing the importance of routine dental visits, proper teeth cleaning techniques, and consistent at-home care empowers children and their families to prioritize lifelong oral wellness.

Setting Children Up for Success

When children are taught the value of good oral hygiene from a young age, they are more likely to maintain those habits into adulthood. Early education about brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist helps reduce dental anxiety and improves overall health outcomes. National Children’s Dental Health Month serves as an excellent opportunity for parents, educators, and dental professionals to come together and reinforce these positive habits.

The post National Children’s Dental Health Month: Building Healthy Smiles Early first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

This comes from studies conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology pertaining to cone-beam computed tomography (CBT) and its effects.

The technology of modern dental X-rays already has a very minimal amount of radiation. CBT limits the reach on the radiation by only transmitting to the actual area being captured in the image. This recommendation can be applied to patients of all ages regardless of their health conditions, this includes pregnancy.

Adding a lead apron does very little to further protect against radiation. In fact, using an apron may interfere with the quality of the imaging which will result in more radiation necessary to retake the images.

Many dental offices still offer lead aprons at patient request but they are no longer a necessity.

The post Safe Imaging With Modern Technology first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

When the tooth is gone it also causes alveolar bone resorption, which is the shrinking of the jawbone. The lack of jaw stimulation in that area often leads to density loss in the bone and can often lead to premature aging in those with loss of multiple teeth.

The gapping can also cause gum recession in the surrounding area, leading to gum disease, tooth decay and further tooth loss.

Even just the loss of one tooth can lower the maximum chewing efficiency. This causes extra wear on the surrounding teeth that have to pick up the slack. It ultimately leads to wear, sensitivity and even cracking in those teeth. In some severe cases. The unevenness in the bite can lead to severe and long-lasting jaw pain, clicking and restricted movement.

Replacing the missing tooth with an implant, partial denture or bridge can restore the bite and maintain your oral health in the long run. Even the small gaps that seem like no issue can become detrimental dental issues in the long run. Early prevention is the key to keeping yourself healthy!

The post The Perils of Missing Teeth first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) refers to a group of inflammatory disorders that affect the gums and structures that support the teeth. It starts with gingivitis, a mild, reversible inflammation of the gums, and, if not treated properly, can progress into periodontitis, a serious condition that can destroy gum tissue, the bone under the gums, and eventually lead to tooth loss.

How Common Is It?

• Nearly 42‑47% of U.S. adults aged 30 and over show some form of periodontal disease.
• About 8% have severe periodontitis.
• The prevalence increases with age: for adults 65 and older, it’s much higher.

Why Is Gum Disease “Scary”?

1. Irreversible Damage

Once periodontitis sets in, bone loss and tissue destruction can’t always be undone. Gum recession, loose teeth, and even tooth loss may follow.

2. Often “Silent” Until Late

Symptoms in early stages are subtle: red or swollen gums, occasional bleeding, mild bad breath. Many people ignore these signs. By the time pain, loose teeth, or gum pockets appear, significant damage may already be done.

3. Linked to Other Health Problems

Gum disease is more than a dental issue. It’s been connected with systemic health issues like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, respiratory problems, complications in pregnancy, and more. The inflammation and bacterial load from the gums can affect overall health.

What Increases Your Risk?

While gum disease can affect anyone, some people are more vulnerable due to:

• Poor oral hygiene: Infrequent or ineffective brushing/flossing allows plaque to build up.
• Smoking or tobacco use: Strong risk factor; slows healing and worsens gum disease.
• Diabetes and other systemic diseases: Especially if not well controlled.
• Age: Older adults are more likely to have gum disease.
• Genetics: Some people have inherited susceptibility to gum disease.
• Medications, hormonal changes, dry mouth: These also contribute.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

• Gums that are red, swollen, or tender
• Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath or bad taste
• Receding gums, making teeth look longer
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Loose or shifting teeth, changes in how your teeth fit together
• Sensitivity around the roots of teeth, especially to hot, cold, or sweets

Prevention: What You Can Do Right Now

The good news: in many cases, gum disease is preventable — especially if you catch it early. Here’s how to protect your gums and preserve your smile.

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, for at least two minutes each time. Make sure to reach all surfaces of your teeth and gently along the gum line.
• Floss daily to clean between teeth where brushes can’t reach. Alternatives like interdental brushes or water flossers work too.
• Use antimicrobial or antiseptic mouthwash if recommended by your dentist, particularly if you have early signs like bleeding gums.
• Stay on top of professional cleanings and dental check‑ups — ideally every 6 months, or more often if your dentist advises. These visits can remove tartar (which you can’t remove yourself) and let the dentist detect early signs.
• Quit smoking / avoid tobacco products. This is one of the single most impactful lifestyle changes you can make.
• Manage systemic health conditions like diabetes, because they increase suscepti
  

  The post The Scary Truth About Gum Disease — And How to Prevent It first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

  ]]> https://www.drbadwalz.com/how-to-protect-your-teeth-during-fall-sports-mouthguards-more/ Tue, 23 Sep 2025 21:05:00 +0000 https://www.drbadwalz.com/how-to-protect-your-teeth-during-fall-sports-mouthguards-more/ Why Fall Sports Pose Risks to Your Oral Health As the temperatures drop and leaves change color, many athletes gear up for fall sports—football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, even skateboarding and biking. While these activities bring excitement, fitness, and camaraderie, they also increase the risk of dental injuries. Collisions, falls, and direct blows to [...]

  The post How to Protect Your Teeth During Fall Sports: Mouthguards & More first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

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  Why Fall Sports Pose Risks to Your Oral Health

  As the temperatures drop and leaves change color, many athletes gear up for fall sports—football, soccer, field hockey, cross country, even skateboarding and biking. While these activities bring excitement, fitness, and camaraderie, they also increase the risk of dental injuries. Collisions, falls, and direct blows to the face can lead to chipped or cracked teeth, knocked‑out teeth, injuries to gums and soft tissue, and even jaw or facial bone injuries. Preventive care is key: a single moment of trauma can lead to costly, painful treatments and long‑term dental problems.

  Mouthguards: Your Best First Line of Defense

  What the Experts Say

  The American Dental Association (ADA) strongly recommends that athletes wear properly fitted mouthguards during sports with collision, contact, or even high‑velocity movements. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} A mouthguard helps absorb and distribute the force from impacts, helping to prevent orofacial injuries (teeth, lips, tongue, cheeks) and reduce severity of damage. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

  Types of Mouthguards

  • Custom‑made mouthguards: Created by a dentist, molded to your specific mouth structure. Best fit and comfort. Excellent protection. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
  • Boil‑and‑bite (mouth‑formed): Purchased in sporting goods stores, softened in hot water, then shaped in your mouth. Better than stock, though fit and comfort vary. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
  • Stock mouthguards: Pre‑formed, ready to wear. Least expensive, but often bulky, hard to fit well, and may interfere with speaking or breathing. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

  Special Consideration: Braces & Orthodontic Appliances

  If you’re wearing braces or other fixed dental appliances, the risk of cuts, damage to brackets/wires, and mouth injuries increases. You’ll want a mouthguard designed to accommodate braces—one that offers enough space, protects soft tissues, and doesn’t interfere with the orthodontic treatment. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}

  How to Choose & Fit a Mouthguard

  • Make sure the mouthguard covers all the teeth in the arch (usually the upper jaw) and can stay in place without struggling. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
  • Check that you can breathe and speak (enough to communicate) while wearing it—if it’s too bulky, you may be tempted not to use it.
  • Look for products with ADA Seal of Acceptance, or equivalent safety and performance approvals. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
  • For growing kids, check fit regularly—mouth shape changes, new teeth come in, braces shift things. What fit well last year may not fit well now.

  Other Ways to Protect Your Teeth During Fall Sports

  Mouthguards are essential, but protection doesn’t stop there. Here are additional steps to help keep your teeth and mouth safe:

  • Use helmets, face shields, and other protective gear appropriate to your sport. These complement the protection of mouthguards.
  • Good technique and training: Learning how to fall safely, how to tackle correctly, or body positioning can reduce risk of facial impact.
  • Avoid using teeth as tools: Don’t bite down on pens, helmets, or other gear; that puts stress on teeth and can lead to fractures.
  • Maintain strong dental health: Healthy gums, strong enamel, and regular check‑ups mean your teeth are more resilient. Problems like cavities or gum disease weaken teeth and make injuries worse.
  • Hydrate and rest: Dehydration and fatigue can increase mistakes, collisions, and slower reaction times—indirect but real risks.

  What to Do in a Dental Emergency

  Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. Knowing how to act fast can make a difference.

  • Knocked‑out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth):
    1. Find the tooth, pick it up by the crown (top), avoid touching the root.
    2. Rinse it gently under water if dirty. Do *not* scrub.
    3. If possible, try to reinsert it into the socket—bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, store it in cold milk or a tooth preservation product.
    4. See a dentist immediately. The sooner, the better. Ideally within 30 minutes.
  • Chipped, Cracked, or Fractured Teeth: Rinse the mouth, preserve any fragments, apply cold compress to reduce swelling, and get to the dentist as soon as possible.
  • Injured Soft Tissues (lips, cheeks, tongue): Rinse with clean water, apply gentle pressure or cold compress, avoid further irritation. If cuts are deep or bleeding heavily, seek medical attention.

  Caring for Your Mouthguard

  • Rinse it before and after each use with clean water.
  • Brush it gently with toothpaste or mild soap and a soft toothbrush.
  • Store it in a rigid, ventilated container—not in direct sun or hot car trunks where heat can warp it.
  • Inspect for wear, holes, or changes in fit. Replace when showing signs of damage or if it becomes uncomfortable.
  • Bring it to your dental check‑ups so the dentist can verify if it still fits well and is still protective.

  Conclusion

  Fall sports bring energy, team spirit, and healthy competition—but protecting your teeth should always be part of the game plan. A well‑fitted mouthguard, appropriate protective gear, good technique, and knowing what to do in an emergency all contribute to keeping your smile safe. If you or your child participates in fall sports, schedule a visit with your dentist to get a custom mouthguard, talk about safety gear, and make sure you’re set up for a season of sports and smiles.

  Together, let’s make this fall the season where your performance shines—and your smile stays strong.

  The post How to Protect Your Teeth During Fall Sports: Mouthguards & More first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

  ]]> https://www.drbadwalz.com/safe-precise-imaging-with-dental-x-rays/ Fri, 12 Sep 2025 23:40:32 +0000 https://www.drbadwalz.com/?p=1329 Many people put off X-rays at the dentist office because they are afraid of the radiation, but the truth is there is less radiation in a modern X-rays than there in in a number of everyday items and activities. For example, eating a banana will expose you to natural radiation through a vitamin called potassium. [...]

  The post Safe & Precise Imaging with Dental X-Rays first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

  ]]> Many people put off X-rays at the dentist office because they are afraid of the radiation, but the truth is there is less radiation in a modern X-rays than there in in a number of everyday items and activities.

  For example, eating a banana will expose you to natural radiation through a vitamin called potassium. Eating a few bananas will ultimately expose you to more radiation than a single X-ray. This is also true for standing in the sun for a few minutes and taking a short plane ride. Both of which expose you to several times more radiation than a full set of X-rays at the dentist.

  Recent technology has allowed for dental x-rays to cut down 90% of the original omitted radiation from older film-based X-rays . There are also principles in place to reduce radiation, this being the ALARA principle. This stands for, “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.”

  This makes it so X-rays are only taken when necessary to treatment or diagnosis, never without purpose. The advances in technology have also allowed dentists to see imaging more clearly to diagnose and treat problems earlier.

  Dental X-rays have minimal radiation that is controlled and allows more benefits than it does harm. X-rays are helpful modern technology that helps keep you healthy.

  The post Safe & Precise Imaging with Dental X-Rays first appeared on Pearl Family Dentistry.

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