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TEAM DARK CHOCOLATE Feb 14th, 2019

Valentine’s Day is the holiday to celebrate all the treasured relationships in your life. It’s a time to honor love in all shapes and forms with cards, social gatherings, and sometimes even binge eating of sweets. It's hard to look the other way when grocery stores and pharmacies are invaded...

WHEN TO BEGIN DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR BABY Feb 5th, 2019

Children’s oral health differs from the needs of adults in many ways. It’s vital for you to understand what your child needs to keep his or her teeth healthy. Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team are here to answer your questions to set you and your little one up for...

SLEEP APNEA: HOW WE CAN HELP Jan 29th, 2019

At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we understand that getting high-quality sleep is vital to maintaining your overall health. Insufficient sleep can lead to an inability to concentrate, motor vehicle accidents, and difficulty performing at work. Since approximately 18 million Americans suffer from sleep apnea, this poses a significant public...

HOW CAN VENEERS IMPROVE MY SMILE? Jan 22nd, 2019

Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team at Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek know your smile is an important part of your appearance; it can be a source of pride or embarrassment. Everyone deserves beautiful, straight teeth that complement their features, but few are born with natural dental perfection. Fortunately, cosmetic...

HEART DISEASE AND ORAL HEALTH Jan 15th, 2019

Is there a link between oral health and heart health? This is a question that has been receiving a lot of attention in recent studies. While as yet there is no definitive study that proves oral health has an effect on overall heart health, there is also no definitive proof...

WHY ADULTS ARE CHOOSING INVISALIGN® Jan 9th, 2019

These days, it’s become more common to see adults at our office getting their teeth straightened with Invisalign clear aligners . . . that is, if you can see them! Whether they are seeking to overcome the stigma that “braces are just for kids,” or simply want straighter teeth without...

TOOTH PROTECTION AND WINTER SPORTS Jan 8th, 2019

Just because it’s cold out there doesn’t mean you’ll give up keeping fit and active! Winter is the season for some of our favorite team sporting activities, and when you’re donning your protective gear, don’t forget to protect your teeth as well. Basketball This sport actually tallies one of the...

THINGS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT NEW YEAR'S EVE Dec 26th, 2018

It’s no secret that New Year’s Eve is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world. Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team love it too. It’s a fresh start, another year of surviving the crazy world we live in, a time to refocus on the things we want...

TEETH GRINDING: NOT JUST A BAD HABIT, BUT A DENTAL CONCERN Dec 19th, 2018

Perhaps you don't even know you grind your teeth. Maybe a spouse or loved one woke you up in the middle of the night and made you aware of what was happening. For many people, teeth grinding is a habit and a mechanical reflex; when they’re awakened and informed they...

OVERALL HEALTH CAN BE INFLUENCED BY ORAL HYGIENE Dec 12th, 2018

Keeping on top of your oral health is key when it comes to making sure your whole body stays healthy. The bacteria that occur naturally in your mouth can produce harmful bacteria such as strep and staph, which can lead to serious infections and sickness. When you follow good dental...

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED DENTURES? Dec 5th, 2018

The choice to get dentures is a permanent decision so there are several important factors you should take into consideration. Many people have teeth that are not able to be repaired due to a variety of reasons, but for those who have the option and the money to repair their...

AMALGAM FILLINGS VS. WHITE FILLINGS Nov 28th, 2018

Many varieties of fillings are available at our Walnut Creek, CA office. Most people are familiar with traditional amalgam fillings: those big silver spots on top of teeth. Made from a mixture of silver, tin, zinc, copper, and mercury, amalgam fillings have been used to fill cavities for more than...

UNDERSTANDING DENTAL INSURANCE TERMINOLOGY Nov 21st, 2018

If you have a hard time understanding your dental insurance plan, particularly the treatments and services it covers, you’re not alone. That’s why Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team have put together a cheat sheet to help you through them. It’s common for patients to get lost in the morass...

THE HAZARDS OF SMOKELESS TOBACCO Nov 14th, 2018

Many smokers believe that chewing tobacco is a safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. This simply isn't the case! In fact, smokeless tobacco can cause serious health concerns. Smokeless tobacco comes in many forms and goes by many names: dip, snuff, snus, or simply chewing tobacco. Use of these products usually...

THE FIVE MOST COMMON REASONS FOR EMERGENCY VISITS Nov 7th, 2018

An emergency usually evokes panic, and for good reason. Emergencies don’t discriminate when it comes to time or place. They’ll happen during your vacation, at home, while you’re shopping for groceries, at the movies … whenever they can. We’ve identified the five most common reasons for emergency visits to our...

WHEN TO BEGIN DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR CHILD Oct 31st, 2018

Children’s oral health differs from that of adults in a variety of ways. Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team want you to understand how you can provide the best care for your son or daughter’s teeth. It’s essential to understand what your child will need from you when it comes...

WHAT EXACTLY IS A CAVITY? Oct 24th, 2018

We all know how discouraging can be it to hear you have a dental cavity. Knowing how cavities form can help you prevent them from popping up in your mouth. If you want to avoid a trip to see Dr. Antonio Margiotta, pay attention to the measures you can take...

HOW DO I HANDLE MY CHILD’S DENTAL EMERGENCY? Oct 17th, 2018

With children undergoing developmental dental changes and engaging in rough-and-tumble activities, dental emergencies can sometimes arise. If your child knocks out a tooth or experiences any type of oral discomfort, call Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek right away so we can provide you with a quick assessment and pain-free treatment....

AVOID BRUSHING AFTER EVERY SINGLE MEAL! Oct 10th, 2018

Here is some surprising yet worthwhile advice you might be hearing for the first time: Brushing after a meal can be incredibly bad for your teeth if you do it after eating certain foods. Enamel is an extremely hard mineral on the exterior of each of your teeth. It’s actually...

TEETH GRINDING CAN DAMAGE YOUR TEETH Oct 3rd, 2018

Grinding of the teeth, also known as bruxism, is a serious condition from which nearly ten percent of Americans suffer. It’s a mechanical reflex that often happens during slumber. Unfortunately, most people don’t recall grinding their teeth when they awaken. This makes it difficult to catch the condition before serious...

WHY YOU SHOULD AVOID ENERGY AND SPORTS DRINKS Sep 26th, 2018

In a world where everything moves so quickly and teens and young adults find themselves pulling “all-nighters” or working long hours, energy drinks have grabbed the spotlight. You’ll have one (or three) and suddenly you have the drive you need to keep going. The same can be said for sports...

DANGERS OF THUMB SUCKING Sep 19th, 2018

It’s common for children to suck their thumb at a young age. Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team want you to understand the potential issues that can surface down the road if the habit isn’t broken early on. It’s normal for infants to explore the function of their mouths by...

HOW TOOTH-COLORED FILLINGS IMPROVE YOUR SMILE Sep 12th, 2018

Today’s crowns, veneers, and tooth colored fillings are very natural looking compared to early counterparts. There was a time when dentists placed silver fillings exclusively. This material is still used, however the most common material used today in fillings is composite, tooth-colored fillings. Composite fillings can be made to match...

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF SUMMER? Sep 5th, 2018

It's the end of summer, and fall is just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team at Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek are sure that you’ll soon be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans...

BEEN A WHILE? COME SEE US! Aug 29th, 2018

Guilt is a powerful feeling. It can keep you from doing many things, including going to the dentist. The good news is that Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek is a judgement-free zone, and coming back (even after an extended period of being MIA) can be easier than you think. Our...

BEST TIPS TO MAKE YOUR TEETH LOOK WHITER Aug 25th, 2018

Your teeth were once naturally white and bright. Wouldn't it be great to keep them that way all of your life? Unfortunately, everyday living can dim our smiles. Food, coffee, some juices, and soft drinks can stain your teeth. Poor brushing and flossing can also leave tooth stains. Injuries to...

TOP REASONS PEOPLE CHOOSE VENEERS Aug 22nd, 2018

Dental veneers are a way to correct and transform your smile by using “contact lens”-thin shells of porcelain or ceramic material and bonding them to the front of your teeth. They are strong and durable, look and feel like natural teeth, and improve your smile immediately. Here are some of...

ASK US ABOUT THESE DENTAL TREATMENTS Aug 18th, 2018

There are a few dental treatments that Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team recommend for all patients to get if they wish to protect their oral health. Sometimes it’s hard for patients to decide which treatment plan would be best for their teeth. Learn about these three must-have treatments and...

MY CHILD HAS AUTISM. WHAT SHOULD WE EXPECT AT YOUR OFFICE? Aug 15th, 2018

At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we know that as many as one in 88 children today have some form of autism, a complex brain disorder that affects a child's ability to communicate or form relationships, and makes a child appear distant, aloof, or detached from other people or surroundings....

GETTING TO THE BOTTOM OF CHEWING GUM MYTHS Aug 8th, 2018

It's a moment many of our patients have experienced. One second you're chewing on a piece of gum, then suddenly you forget to keep chewing and swallow the entire rubbery gob whole! It's at this point you remember your mother warning you as a child that if you swallow gum...

SUFFER FROM DENTAL ANXIETY? NOT A PROBLEM. Aug 1st, 2018

If you suffer from dental anxiety, we understand that paying a visit to our office can seem like a nearly impossible mission. Regardless of what the root of that anxiety might be, we’re here to tell you that at Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, you have no need to be...

PERIODONTICS AND PREGNANCY Jul 25th, 2018

Periodontal health — which refers to the condition of the structures that support your teeth — is an important part of your oral and overall health. However, periodontal health becomes even more important when you're pregnant. Bad oral health can have detrimental effects on the health of your unborn child...

POST-PROCEDURE CARE Jul 18th, 2018

As with any surgery, post-procedure care is of utmost importance after getting periodontal surgery. Bleeding, pain, swelling, and other sensations are common and should be expected to a degree. This can manifest as small amounts of blood in your saliva, pain after anesthesia wears off, and swelling around the lips...

COMMON EMERGENCY CARE VISITS: TOOTHACHES OR ABSCESSES Jul 11th, 2018

Dental problems do not always wait for normal office hours. Broken fillings or damaged teeth are common reasons for emergency treatment. Toothaches and abscesses can also require prompt attention. Dr. Antonio Margiotta can provide you with the information and treatment you need to prevent the problem from becoming worse. Emergency...

TELL US ABOUT YOUR SUMMER! Jul 4th, 2018

The dog days of summer are upon us, and what better time for Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team to ask our patients about their summer! Whether you visited our nation’s capital, went on a camping trip, or just stayed in Walnut Creek, CA and relaxed, we want to know...

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF VISITING A DENTIST REGULARLY? Jun 27th, 2018

Your regularly scheduled dental checkups with Dr. Antonio Margiotta are not just meant to make your smile prettier and healthier. Your mouth’s health has an important impact on your overall physical health as well! While you may brush your teeth twice a day and even floss, we would like to...

WHY SHOULD I HAVE MY CHILD’S WISDOM TEETH REMOVED? Jun 20th, 2018

The wisdom teeth are the last of the permanent molars to emerge from the gums. This can occur as early as age 17 or as late as 21. Though some teens and young adults experience a completely normal tooth eruption with ideally aligned molars that pose no health threat, this...

WOMEN'S HORMONES AND ORAL HEALTH Jun 13th, 2018

At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we know that hormones affect a woman's mood, but did you know they can also impact the health of a woman’s mouth? Women are susceptible to gum disease at different times in their lives, and research shows that hormonal highs and lows are part...

JUNE IS NATIONAL SMILE MONTH: SHOW OFF YOUR SMILE! Jun 6th, 2018

The community health awareness group Oral Health America has reported that 82 percent of adults are unaware of the role that infectious bacteria can play in tooth decay or cavities, and almost three out of five children aged 12 to 19 have tooth decay. Since June is National Smile Month,...

POST ORAL SURGERY: SIGNS OF INFECTION May 23rd, 2018

Oral surgery can be intimidating, especially if you show any signs of an infection afterwards. Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team want you to be informed about what to watch for after you’ve undergone surgery. Oral surgery procedures are intended to reduce pain and prevent infection. Sometimes complications occur after...

THE PERKS OF DAIRY May 20th, 2018

We all remember hearing this: “Finish your milk, it’s good for your bones!” If you have kids of your own now, you may catch yourself repeating many of the things you were told growing up. Though parents occasionally exaggerate to get their kids to do certain things (such as eat...

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MOUTHWASH May 16th, 2018

As we all know, or should by now, the key to maintaining great oral health is keeping up with a daily plan of flossing, brushing, and using mouthwash. These three practices in combination will help you avoid tooth decay and keep bacterial infections at bay. At Dental Artistry Of Walnut...

BREAKING BAD ORAL HABITS May 9th, 2018

The effects of bad oral habits are something our team sees all too often. You might have bad oral habits that stem from childhood, possibly because your parents did not know about proper oral care or force you to follow it. Or, your bad habits could develop gradually, like slacking...

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR TMD May 2nd, 2018

Temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) refers to a diverse range of disorders that relate to muscular function in the jaw and face — the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). That could mean difficulty opening your mouth, pain in the jaw or face, or any sort of problem with the jaw joint. TMD can be...

THE BEST SNACKS FOR A HEALTHY SMILE Apr 11th, 2018

One of the most frequent questions that Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team hear is about what kinds of snacks are best for a child’s dental health. Sugary snacks are inevitable sometimes, but it’s vital for you as a parent to monitor how frequently your child is eating the kinds...

ORAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH Apr 4th, 2018

Happy Oral Cancer Awareness Month! We know oral cancer can be kind of a scary topic, but it’s worth using this opportunity to learn about the disease and spread knowledge so everyone becomes more aware. The more we know, the better we can work to prevent it! Oral cancer is...

BEST WAYS TO PREVENT BAD BREATH Mar 28th, 2018

Nobody likes bad breath, and although it can sometimes be difficult to tell if you have it, it is always better to practice good oral health than risk having a smelly mouth. There are many ways to reduce or eliminate bad breath, some are definitely more effective and longer lasting...

SURPRISING WAYS TO PREVENT CAVITIES Mar 21st, 2018

There are numerous ways to prevent cavities. Some, like brushing your teeth regularly and visiting our Walnut Creek, CA office, are more obvious than others. Beyond the standard methods of preventing cavities there are a number of different ways to keep your mouth healthy that you might also find surprising....

IS COFFEE DAMAGING YOUR SMILE? Mar 14th, 2018

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. Many people have a cup, or two, or even three a day. It’s common to drink it in the morning to wake up and get ready for the day, as an afternoon pick-me-up, or just to catch up with...

THE HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY OF THE TOOTH FAIRY Mar 7th, 2018

While the last baby teeth generally aren’t lost until age ten or 11, most children stop believing in the tooth fairy by the time they're seven or eight. Of course, children are more than happy to play along with the game when there’s money at stake! While it is impossible...

STEER CLEAR OF THAT CANDY! Feb 28th, 2018

At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we know how tempting candy can sometimes be on our sweet tooth, but it’s important to remember that every candy and sugary treat you consume elevates your risk of developing tooth decay, which can break down your teeth. While not all bad in moderation,...

SEALANTS: WHAT ARE THEY AND HOW DO THEY HELP? Feb 21st, 2018

Molars are made up of canyons, caves, pits, and seemingly endless caverns that are a breeding ground for decay. The protective solution is a sealant. When done correctly, a sealant from Dr. Antonio Margiotta of Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek can be most effective in preventing cavities. A sealant is...

THE ORIGINS OF VALENTINE'S DAY Feb 14th, 2018

When we think of Valentine’s Day, we think of cards, flowers, and chocolates. We think of girlfriends celebrating being single together and couples celebrating their relationship. We think of all things pink and red taking over every pharmacy and grocery store imaginable. But what Dr. Antonio Margiotta and our team...

FAMOUS DENTISTS IN HISTORY Feb 7th, 2018

Every six months or so you head down to your local dentist for a teeth cleaning, but have you ever thought that your dentist could one day be famous? Well, the chances are unlikely, however, there have been a number of dentists throughout history that have achieved acclaim and celebrity...

ALLEVIATE TOOTH SENSITIVITY Jan 24th, 2018

If a sip of ice water, spoonful of ice cream, or piping hot latte is enough to send shivers up your spine from tooth sensitivity, be assured you are not alone. It’s estimated that as many as one in eight adults suffers from tooth sensitivity. What causes sensitive teeth? Some...

I DRINK A LOT OF COFFEE. COULD IT BE HURTING MY SMILE? Jan 17th, 2018

At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we know most of our patients enjoy a cup of coffee or two throughout the day. But what many of you don’t know is that coffee can be especially tough on your teeth because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches...

MY TEETH FEEL GREAT. DO I STILL NEED TO SEE THE DENTIST? Jan 10th, 2018

Absolutely. Checking in with Dr. Antonio Margiotta on a regular basis—usually every six months—is essential to keeping your smile looking its best. At Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek, we are proud to offer a number of preventive procedures to ensure the health of your mouth and the beauty of your...

ORAL HEALTH CONCERNS SPECIFIC TO PREGNANT WOMEN Jan 7th, 2018

A lot of changes occur in a woman's body during pregnancy. Hormone fluctuations are responsible for many of those changes, including the need for additional attention to the teeth and gums. Women who are expecting are at an increased risk for oral health complications, including gingivitis and tooth decay, which...

FIVE TIPS FOR TAKING TOTS TO THE DENTIST Jan 5th, 2018

Toddlers are notoriously balky about strangers. But their first dental visit should not be cause for fear and tears. Nor should you assume that getting your toddler to Dental Artistry Of Walnut Creek is going to involve a full-blown tantrum or Mafia-style bribery. “Honey, don’t worry. We’ll go get ice cream...