Pregnancy Seminar

I am currently hosting educational seminars in my office quarterly on how pregnancy effects your teeth, health, and your baby's health. You do NOT need to be a patient of the office to attend, however, space is very limited, so you do need to sign up to attend.

The next seminar will be held on November 13th at 10:00am. Please call the office to reserve a space for yourself. 949-748-7373.

Dr. Shery

How Pregnancy Effects your Teeth

How many times have you heard a woman say "pregnancy ruined my teeth"? Is this true? Well, yes and no. There is nothing the baby does directly that can or will ruin your teeth. Everything the mother does however, does effect the teeth and gums! I have recently started speaking on the topic in local businesses, women's clubs, in addition to always having offered this here in my office because I feel that all women should know this vital information. I strongly encourage women to seek a pregnancy consultation with their dentist before pregnancy to discuss oral hygiene, dental cleanings, and eating habits before they become pregnant. All dental treatment should be completed before pregnancy begins to ensure a healthy mother and child as well. Did you know that of all spontaneous preterm and low birth weight deliveries, 7% of them are simply because of bacteria in the mouth! This could easily be avoided with a Cleaning!



Please check my blog and website again to see when I will offer a complimentary informational talk on the topic here in my office. It will be in the very near future.

Scared about going to the Dentist?

This is nothing new to you if you are one of the MANY people who are afraid of the dentist. Truth be told, I meet at least one person a week who tells me the dentist is the last person they want to see. Whether it was a bad childhood experience, or even something that happened as an adult, the experience does NOT have to be so horrifying! I'll be the first to admit that injections are no comparison to being at Disneyland, but they should not prevent you from going in for a check up either. A dental exam consists of x-rays, and an exam. That's it! Unless you want something more, that's all it is. There is no reason to be afraid of it. Even x-rays have gotten easier. For example, in my office, we have digital x-rays where the sensor is much smaller and MUCH more comfortable than the old fashion hard films. Not only are the more comfortable, but they expose you to much less radiation. It's a win-win situation.

Now that your x-rays are done, and you have the dentist ready to examine your teeth, remember this...they are there to HELP you, NOT hurt you! If something bothers you, speak up and let them know. Your dentist is only going to look at your teeth so that they can tell you what condition your teeth and gums are in. Most dentists do oral cancer screenings as a part of their exam as well.

Once your dentist has all the information, he/she will present a "Treatment Plan". It may sound intimidating, but it's not. It could be as simple as you need cleanings twice a year, or you may need the following work done. At the end of the day however, just remember this...it is your mouth! You can do whatever you want. Whether it means that you do all of the recommended treatment, or none of it. It is your choice! Just remember, it is in your best interest to take care of your mouth just as it is to take care of your body. Find the person who makes you feel comfortable, and who you trust!

Even in my office, I have massage dental chairs and TV's above the chair to distract patients and keep them entertained while I work, but at the end of the day, they need to trust me as their dentist for it to be a healthy relationship!

Dental Makeovers Improve Sex Appeal

Everyone is interested in looking better to improve their sex appeal. There are numerous ways to improve your looks by improving your smile. You can do it via completely non-invasive ways as well as more invasive procedures. It all depends on what you are looking for as an outcome, as well as the condition of your teeth. Simply whitening your teeth can make you look better and younger, and it does NO damage to your teeth. Invisalign is a clear form of braces that can change your smile for the better without having any restorations at all. There are also Lumineers, which are contact lens thin restorations, which can change the shape and color, and you don't need injections or to file your teeth. There are Veneers, which are thin layers of porcelain that can change the color and shape by reducing very little of your tooth structure. And finally, there are Crowns, which can do wonders with the shape and color of teeth, but they are more aggressive.

Insomnia due to Teeth Grinding or Clenching

If you are suffering from bouts of insomnia because yoe are grinding or clenching your teeth, there is a very easy solution for you. It's called a nightgaurd. It will not only help you sleep better, but it will help protect your Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). If you wear out the cartilage in the TMJ, the only cure is surgery (which is never the fun choice)! The only two ways to stop grinding or clenching while you sleep are STOP STRESSING, and a nightgaurd. Now, I've explained to ALL my patients that if they know how to eliminate all stress form their lives to let me know how, but in the meantime, to get a nightguard! A nightguard should be custom made by your dentist, becuase if it is not a perfect fit, it will actually do more damage than good. If you are are not sure wheather or not you are grinding or clenching, see a dentist.

Mercury Fillings

Mercury fillings, also known as silver fillings, over time create microfractures in teeth. This can cause your teeth to frature, and if it happens below the gumline, you may not be able to save the tooth. The best way to address the matter is to have them removed. There are safe ways for the removal of mercury fillings, so this should be discussed with your dentist before it is done. NOT ALL dentists do mercury removal in a safe manner. Some fillings can be replaced with small composite, or white, fillings. Others may need to be replaced as inlays, onlays, or crowns. This depends on the size of the existing filling as well as the condition of the tooth.

Teeth Whitening

There are numerous ways to whiten teeth, but the best results are obtained by in office ZOOM bleaching. The best one currently on the market is the New Advanced ZOOM 2!, also known as ZOOM 3. Make sure to have a thorough consultation by a dentsit to ensure you don't have excessive sensitivity issues afterwards.