Dentist Fair Oaks | Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?

Fair Oaks, CA Dentist

Dr. Kristina Kuprienko / Blog / Dental Hygiene

Tag: Dental Hygiene

Dentist Fair Oaks | Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?

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We often have visitors to our office ask about solutions for fixing stained teeth or filling in gaps between teeth. We sometimes suggest veneers. Veneers are one cosmetic option available for correcting your smile. Here’s what you should know about veneers, and whether they are right for you and your smile.

What Are Veneers?

A Veneer is a thin cover placed over the front of the tooth. Typically, they are made of dental porcelain and designed to cover your existing tooth, not replace it.

What They Do

Veneers are used to fix a broken or chipped tooth, shrink the noticeable gaps in between teeth, or reduce the visible stains on teeth. Our office specially sizes them to fit your teeth. Generally, the structure of your teeth is not altered since the veneers are placed over your teeth.

What You Need to Know

Those who get veneers sometimes experience a minor increase in sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold food and drinks. Veneers are typically nonreversible, as they often require a small amount of tooth enamel to be removed. After getting them, it is advisable to avoid drinks such as wine, coffee, or tea that are often culprits of causing staining. Taking care of them still requires you to brush twice each day and floss regularly as well. Your teeth are not invincible to staining or decay so be sure to continue to take care of them.

It is important to know that veneers are a solution to minor tooth issues such as discoloration, gaps, or misaligned teeth. They are not a substitute for braces, bridges, or other dental work. Schedule a visit to our office to meet with our dentist. Together our team can work with you to develop a plan to reach the goals and look you are hoping to achieve.

For more information on how to achieve the smile you have dreamed of, contact our office. We look forward to seeing you during your next visit with us!

Resources: http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=M&iid=713&aid=3190

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Dentist in Fair Oaks CA | Better Oral Health, Better Immune System

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Fair Oak Dentist Dr. Kristina Kuprienko •  Fair Oak, CA

During these times of worry regarding COVID-19, it is important to do everything you can to boost your immune system. Taking better care of your mouth will give you a better immune system. Enjoying a proper diet with essential nutrients helps to avoid diseases and chronic health conditions. A diet that is low in sugar will make it easier for your mouth to make less decay-causing plaque. Plaque is a byproduct of bacteria in your mouth and sugars in your foods and drinks. It’s also what leads to tooth decay and gum disease.

Preventative Dental Care

If you currently have gum disease or are susceptible, you should brush and floss more to reduce symptoms. The American Dental Association recommends brushing and flossing twice a day. If you have an autoimmune disease or diabetes, you should brush more often than this. You should also be seeing your dentist at least 2 times a year, if not every 3-4 months. Regular dentist visits can help keep your oral health in better check to reduce your immune system problems. Better oral health can lead to a significantly better immune system.

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Dentist in Fair Oaks | Break Bad Dental Habits This Year!

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Kristina Kuprienko DDS, Fair Oaks, CA

Break Bad Dental Habits This Year!

Chewing Your Nails

This nervous habit can chip teeth and impact your jaw. Placing your jaw in a protruding position for long periods of time can place pressure on it, which is associated with jaw dysfunction.

Solution: Stress reduction and holding something to keep your fingers busy if certain situations are triggering.

Brushing Too Hard
Brushing with a hard toothbrush, or brushing too hard, can damage your teeth and irritate your gums.

Solution: Use a soft toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance at the proper pressure. Don’t think ‘scrub’ think ‘massage’.

Grinding and Clenching
Grinding and clenching cause muscle tenderness and joint pain, not to mention chipping and cracking of the teeth.

Solution: A mouthguard at night can help along with relaxation exercises and staying aware. You will have less pain, soreness and tooth damage.

Chewing Ice Cubes
Most of the time the ice will break when crushed between your teeth, but sometimes the tooth or a filling will break.

Solution: Drink chilled beverages without ice, or use a straw so you’re not tempted. The pleasure that comes from chewing ice is not as great as the risk of chewing it and breaking a tooth.

Using Your Teeth As Tools

Your teeth are not a pair of scissors, they are for eating. You put your teeth at risk for cracking or injuring your jaw when you use them as tools.

Solution: Stop and find something or someone to give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you.

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Fair Oaks CA Dentist | Dental Myths Debunked!

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  1. “It doesn’t matter what time of day I brush.”

Brushing at certain times of the day does have an impact on your oral health. Brushing your teeth at night prevents food particles from sitting on our teeth which contributes to tooth decay over time. Brushing teeth in the morning fights bad breath and decay. It is recommended that you brush right after consuming foods that are high in sugar and carbohydrates to prevent cavities.

  1. “Diet sodas are okay to drink because they don’t have sugar in them.”

The acid in diet soda eats away at enamel which can cause tooth sensitivity. Some people tend to slowly sip their sodas throughout the day, which is actually more hazardous. The bacteria in your mouth begins to work with the acid from the soda and attacks your enamel. Other beverages like orange juice can cause similar damage. The best alternative is water, vegetable juice and milk.

  1. “You only need to go to the dentist if your teeth hurt.”

You might be aware of the saying “prevention is better than cure.” What is relatively less heard of is that diagnosing and curing a tooth problem at an earlier stage is much easier and more cost-effective than if it were to be addressed later. Altogether, prevention saves you both time and money in the long-run. 

  1. “Oral health is not connected to the rest of the body.”

There are many correlations between your mouth and body. Tooth decay and periodontal disease can cause bacteria to enter the bloodstream and cause other issues in your body.

Studies show there is a link between periodontal disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer and more. 

Be Proactive About Your Dental Care

Fair Oak Dentist Kristina Kuprienko encourages you to seek preventative care to keep your teeth healthy. Putting off regular dental check-ups will likely lead to problems. A little time dedicated to caring for your teeth each day can save you time and money in the future.

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Fair Oaks Dentist | Why You Should Visit Your Dentist This Winter Season

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Whatever your December festivities look like, Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko wants to make sure you keep your oral health a priority even during all the holiday hustle and bustle. This time of year is actually an ideal time to schedule one of your bi-annual dental check-ups and here are some reasons why!

Winter Travel Plans

If you plan on taking a winter vacation, coordinating one of your bi-annual dental visits with your trip will allow for you to voice any concerns you might have, and Dr. Kuprienko can look for any signs of issues that could interrupt your get away. Not getting a check-up before your vacation can allow problems to go undiagnosed and lead to bigger, more complicated dental emergency that could ruin travel plans.

Flu Season is Here

If your body is busy fighting dental issues – even small cavities – your immune system can become compromised. Keeping up to date on regular dental visits and cleanings from your Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko, will help ensure your immune system is ready to keep you healthy during this flu season. If you find yourself battling a sickness this season chances are you taking over the counter medicines or cough drops. These remedies commonly contain large amounts of high fructose corn syrup which can have very damaging effects on your tooth enamel. Make sure that part of your healing and recovery routine includes keeping your oral health a priority.

Greet the New Year With a Smile!

You would be surprised at all the benefits improving your oral health routine can have on your daily life and overall wellness. Schedule a check-up with Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kurpeinko to get a clear understanding of the goals you should set for the new year. Our team will give you the best advice to help improve your overall oral health as well as help ensure a healthy 2020!

If you or a loved one has been putting off a dental visit, winter may be the best time to get back on track. Call (916) 675-3771 to schedule an appointment today!

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Dentist Fair Oaks CA | Fall Foods That are Great For Your Teeth

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The holidays are filled with lots of laughter over shared meals with the people you love and with so much to be thankful for this time of year, your oral health should one of them! Here are some delicious fall indulgences that both your mouth and your Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko will thank you for!

Know Your Seasonal Fruits – Fall produces some delicious seasonal fruits, like pears, persimmons and apples, to name just a few. These fruits are high in fiber, and their crispy, crunchy bite help naturally clean plaque from teeth while they’re being chewed. These raw treats are packed full of healthy vitamins which makes them a great source of nutrients for teeth and gums, so adding fresh fruits to your slice of pie can allow you to indulge a little while keeping your oral health a priority. These fruits are naturally sweet, so consider introducing them as an alternative to more sugar-filled or processed and packaged dessert options.

Pumpkin Is The Season’s Healthiest Craze – As trendy as pumpkin-spiced-everything is this time of year, Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko recommends avoiding the artificial flavors and indulging in the real deal. Pumpkin is a nutritionally rich seasonal superfood, packed with oral health benefits. This veggie is filled with mouth-friendly nutrients like iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin C and zinc. The versatility of pumpkin makes it a great addition to both sweet and savory recipes while boosting the nutritional value of the meal.

Choose Nuts and Seeds This Harvest Season – This time of year offers a large variety of nuts and seeds to snack on. Crunchy snacks like this are great for oral health because they natural scrub your teeth and tongue of any plaque and debris. Roasting Pumpkin seeds is a seasonal tradition and a great way to get essential vitamins and nutrients, like calcium and iron, that help your teeth stay strong.

Now that you know the benefits of some seasonal foods, you can feel even better about indulging this fall and through the upcoming holidays. By choosing whole foods and avoiding processed and sugar-filled options, your overall health and smile will shine!

If you have questions about how to incorporate better food choices that will help maintain good oral health, or to schedule your next appointment with Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko, call (916) 675-3771 today!

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Dentist Fair Oaks | Dental Emergencies and How To Avoid Them This Halloween

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We have some great tips – and tricks – to help ensure your Halloween festivities don’t end with a dental emergency. Some common dental emergencies are easy to avoid with preventative techniques or quickly resolved with the gentle and swift care from Fair Oaks emergency dentist Dr. Kuprienko.

Biting or lacerating your tongue or lip may cause inflammation and possible bleeding so make sure the oral injury is kept clean and clear of any debri that could cause further harm. Use ice or pressure to control the swelling or bleeding, and any swelling should subside within twenty-four hours. If bleeding or swelling persists or pain is severe contact Fair Oaks emergency dentist Dr. Kuprienko promptly.

A toothache is a very common dental emergency and is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth. Avoid the ache this Halloween by making sure to brush and floss after the festivities and treats. If the pain becomes severe, lasts for longer than 24 hours or if you see signs of swelling, contact your Fair Oaks emergency dentist promptly.


If you chip or fracture a tooth immediately rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to combat potential swelling. If your tooth is broken you should avoid sugar, hot or cold food and drinks, and eat only soft foods until you can visit your emergency dentist.

If a permanent adult tooth is knocked out you will need to schedule an appointment with Fair Oaks emergency dentist Dr. Kuprienko for urgent care. Take care to not touch the root of the dislodged tooth and put the tooth in a container of milk or water if milk is not available to help preserve it. The likelihood of saving the tooth decreases after about 30 minutes so immediate response is crucial.

Most importantly, visit Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko regularly! Let them know any oral concerns you might have, and Dr. Kuprienko can look for any signs of issues that could interrupt your celebration plans. Not getting regular check-ups and cleanings can allow problems to go undiagnosed and lead to bigger, more complicated dental emergency.

To learn more on how you can prevent any dental scares this October, call your Fair Oaks emergency dentist Dr. Kuprienko at (916) 675-3771 today!

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Dentist in Fair Oaks CA | September: National Gum Care Month!

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In honor of National Gum Care Month Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko wants to encourage the health of all their patients with some educational information about oral care and gum disease.

Gum disease – or periodontal disease – is a long-term infection in your gums that if left undiagnosed and untreated results in loss of gum tissue, the underlying bone, and eventually loss of your teeth in the infected areas. Over 80% of Americans suffer from periodontal disease-inflicted damage to their gums, teeth, and surrounding bone by the age of 45.

Early signs of gum disease are:

  • Red or swollen gums
  • Gums are tender to the touch, or hot / cold
  • Gum noticeably receding from teeth
  • Bleeding easily from brushing or flossing
  • Changes in bite

Plaque is the primary cause of gum disease and bacteria found in plaque produce toxins or poisons that irritate the gums. They may cause them to turn red, swell, and bleed easily. Plaque can also harden into a rough, porous substance known as calculus – or tartar. This can occur both above and below the gum line. As periodontal diseases progress, the supporting gum tissue and bone that holds teeth in place deteriorate. If left untreated, this leads to tooth and bone loss. Your Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko and their dedicated staff will make sure you leave their office with plaque and tartar free teeth and the knowledge and tools to help keep your smile disease free.

The health of your gums plays a key role in your overall physical health. You can prevent periodontal disease with regular checkups with your Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko and of course with daily brushing and flossing. If you notice your gums are red or bleeding easily, call your Fair Oaks dentist at (916) 675-3771 today for a periodontal checkup and cleaning.

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Dentist in Fair Oaks | Dental Emergency Travel Tips

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Sunscreen ✓

Travel Pillow ✓

Toothbrush ✓

Dental Emergency?!

No one ever plans on having a dental emergency, especially while on vacation. Whether you are traveling for fun or for work it’s important to know what you can do if one pops up on your itinerary. Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko has some tips that can ensure you are prepared for common dental accidents.

Research:

Any small accident or issue can develop into an emergency if left untreated, so your first step in preparing for potential dental travel emergencies is to research the area for local same-day or emergency dentists, should your require urgent care.

Toothache:

A toothache is often a sign of infection in or around a tooth and is a very common dental emergency. Make sure to pack some Tylenol or aspirin to help in comforting the pain. If the pain becomes severe, lasts for longer than 24 hours or if you see signs of swelling, contact a local emergency dentist promptly.

Chipped or fractured tooth:

After a tooth is chipped or cracked rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to combat potential swelling. If you break a tooth you should eat only soft foods and try to avoid food and drink that are hot and cold to the touch for the remained of your trip. If the fracture is painful or if swelling lasts longer than 24 hours contact a local urgent care dentist.

Adult tooth falls out:

If a permanent adult tooth is knocked out you will need to go directly to an emergency dentist. While in route try to place the tooth back in place and hold it there. If that’s not impossible, take care to not touch the root of the dislodged tooth and put the tooth in a container of milk or water if milk is not available. The likelihood of saving the tooth decreases after about 30 minutes so immediate response is crucial.

Tongue or lip laceration:

Biting or lacerating your tongue or lip may cause inflammation and possible bleeding. Use ice or pressure to control the swelling or bleeding, and any swelling should subside within twenty-four hours. If bleeding or swelling persists or pain is severe contact a local emergency dentist immediately.

Most importantly, visit Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko before your trip! Coordinating one of your bi-annual dental visits with your travel plans will allow for you to voice any concerns you might have, and Dr. Kuprienko can look for any signs of issues that could interrupt your plans. Not getting a check-up before your trip can allow problems to go undiagnosed and lead to bigger, more complicated dental emergency that could ruin travel plans.

Planning your next adventure? Call Fair Oaks dentist Dr. Kuprienko at (916) 675-3771 to schedule a check-up today!

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