Visit Our Youtube Channel for Important Dental Information – Riverside, Ca

Posted on April 12, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Visit our Youtube channel where we feature educational videos of dental services and conditions. You can find out how to prevent diseases such as gingivitis and how procedures like composite fillings are done. We know that dentistry can be complicated, that is why we feature these videos. Curious as to what cavities are? Wondering what procedure would be best for your smile? Look no further, we have videos that will give you a detailed description in a short amount of time. So visit our channel and visit often, we are always adding new interesting content.

Posted in Oral Health | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Who is that Masked Man?

Posted on April 10, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Two local dentists recently provided free dental care to uninsured children in Riverside County through Project K.I.N.D.

On March 30, Gerald Middleton, DDS , of Riverside, located at 4234 Riverwalk Parkway, hosted a Project K.I.N.D. dental day in his office. He provided a total of 157 services to 21 children at a cost equivalent of $8,232. He provided services such as x-rays, exams, cleaning, sealants, fillings and extractions.

Country entertainer Brandon Shepard, who is donating a portion of all of his CD sales to Project K.I.N.D., stopped in.

Shepard has a performance coming up at 7 p.m. April 20 at the American Legion, 3888 Old Hamner Road in Norco. Admission is free and CDs cost $10. Reservations: 951-686-1976.

On March 19, Jesus Martinez, DDS, of Norco, provided free care to 19 patients equivalent to $11,650. Martinez loves his profession and giving back to the community by partnering with Project K.I.N.D. Children received exams, x-rays, sealants, cleanings and restorative care as necessary. They also received goody bags which included toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, toys and school supplies. A special thanks to Sullivan Schein, Iverson Dental Labs and Patterson Dental supply.

Project K.I.N.D. is a nonprofit whose mission is to provide medical, dental and optical care to the uninsured children of Riverside County.

Information: www.projectkind.org

This article was published in the Press Enterprise on Saturday, April 7, 2012.

Posted in Newspaper Article | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Your Plate in Shape!

Posted on March 1, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

NNM Widget Small (2012) We are proud to join the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics during March in celebrating National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape” and encourages consumers to remember to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy on their plates every day.

You may notice when you come in to our office this month that there are no fresh baked cookies – in place of them them we are offering healthy alternatives. If you have any suggestions let us know!

Here are a few ways to “Get Your Plate in Shape” from the food and nutrition experts: 

  • Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.
  • Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods.
  • Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.
  • Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as the protein at least twice a week.
  • Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.
  • Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. When eating out, choose lower calorie menu options.
  • Be physically active your way: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy, and start by doing as much as you can.

We hope this helps you towards healthy eating habits! Keep us posted on your progress!

 

 

Posted in National Nutrition Month, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

How Pregnancy Affects Dental Health – Riverside, CA

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Dr. Middleton of Riverside, CA understands that pregnancy puts womens’ bodies through a lot of changes, however most women are unaware of the fact that pregnancy can affect their dental health as well. Most changes are associated with a surge in hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which can intensify the way gum tissue reacts to plaque. A build up of plaque can turn into gingivitis that, if not treated, can become periodontitis, a more serious form of gum disease. Most women will get a certain degree of “pregnancy gingivitis” while pregnant, but it can be prevented or be less severe by keeping teeth clean, flossing, and eating healthy. Another dental complication pregnant women are at risk of developing is pregnancy tumors. Pregnancy tumors are inflammatory, non-cancerous growths that develop when swollen gums become irritated. Most of the time these tumors are left alone and usually shrink on their own after baby is born; however, if a pregnancy tumor is uncomfortable or getting in the way of dental hygiene, Dr. Middleton may decide to remove it. If oral health is neglected, bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the gums and travel to the uterus developing the production of chemicals called prostaglandins which can induce premature labor. If you are unsure about your dental health and are planning to get pregnant, call the office of Dr. Middleton at (951)688-3442 to understand what dental health procedures you should follow to keep you and your baby healthy.

Posted in Oral Health | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Pediatric Dental Disease

Posted on February 17, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Here are some startling facts regarding children and their dental health. According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundaton:

-Pediatric dental disease is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever

-44% of American children will suffer from pediatric dental disease before they reach kindergarten

-73% of preschoolers and 48% of primary school age children who have experienced cavities currently have unfilled cavities

-4.5 million children develop pediatric dental disease every year

-While the American Academy of Pediatric Dentists recommends that every child establish a dental home by their first birthday, only 1.5% of 1-year-olds have had a dental office visit compared with 89% who have had an office-based physician visit.

Join us in our effort to promote dental health and overall well being for children!

Posted in National Children's Dental Health Month, Oral Health, Pediatric Dentistry | Leave a comment

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk


Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Our office goal this month is to ensure that all our patients know about the importance of developing good habits at an early age; and that scheduling regular dental visits helps young people get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

All month long we’ll be focusing on answering your questions about children’s oral health and providing fun activities for kids to do when they come in to our office. Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong.

Posted in National Children's Dental Health Month, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Understanding Laser Dentistry in Riverside, CA

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Laser dentistry performed by Dr. Gerald Middleton in Riverside, CA can relieve and cure several conditions with added benefits.  A laser is a device that emits a very narrow, intense beam of light energy. When that beam of light comes into contact with tissue, it causes a reaction that can remove, vaporize, or shape tissue. Lasers have been used in several other industries; however, in 1990 they became a common tool for dentists.  Some of the scenarios where lasers can be used in dentistry are: correcting tongue speech problems, uncovering partially erupted wisdom teeth, removing decay from a cavity prior to filling, removing muscle pulls, managing gum tissue, performing biopsy procedures, reducing the amount of bacteria in periodontal pockets, treating infections, reducing discomfort from canker or cold sores, and activating whitening chemicals when bleaching teeth.  When using lasers instead of traditional tools, there are a few advantages that can make your office visit more pleasant. Some of these advantages are: no need for anesthesia or drilling, reduction of symptoms and healing times as well as bacteria in gums and teeth, and controlling bleeding during a surgery. Using lasers is not suitable for all dental procedure therefore, make sure to call the office of Dr. Gerald Middleton at (951)688-3442 and he will be glad to discuss which treatment options are right for you.

Content Received from KnowYourTeeth.com

Posted in Laser Dentistry, Oral Health | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Dramatically Change your Smile with Minimally Invasive Veneers – Riverside, CA

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Dr. Gerald Middleton knows that not all patients need severe changes to their smile therefore, procedures such as minimally invasive veneers can make a huge difference without damaging existing teeth structure.  Minimally invasive veneers are thin ceramic veneers that cover the surface of the tooth they are attached to. Since minimally invasive veneers are applied on the surface of teeth, patients can keep their enamel intact. One main difference between minimally invasive veneers and traditional veneers is that with traditional veneers anesthetic is required and changes cannot be reversed. Dr. Gerald Middleton usually recommends using minimally invasive veneers on patients that have mild to moderate tooth discolorations, minor misalignment, or need teeth reshaped. If you are unhappy with your smile, but are not sure which procedure is best for you, Dr. Gerald Middleton can aid you in choosing which treatment option is right for you. For an aesthetic evaluation call today at (951)688-3442 and Dr. Gerald Middleton will review which option is better for your smile.

Content Received from KnowYourTeeth.com

Posted in Cosmetic Dentistry, Porcelain Veneers | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Pediatric Dentistry in Riverside, CA

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Dr. Gerald Middleton of Riverside, CA recommends starting an oral regimen on children even before teeth appear by wiping a baby’s gums or using a baby toothbrush and water. As toddlers, it is a good time to begin brushing and flossing since teeth are in contact with each other and can begin to develop bacteria as well as plaque. Considering not all children need their teeth flossed at this age, it is a good idea to ask Dr. Gerald Middleton for advice. When children reach age two, foster them to brush their own teeth, but make sure to follow up to make sure they are clean. Using fun games or a themed toothbrush can make children more willing to follow a positive oral hygiene routine.

Call us today at (951)688-3442 to learn more.

Content Received from Oral B

 

Posted in Pediatric Dentistry | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Diabetes tied to Oral Health

Posted on November 19, 2011 by Gerald Middleton DDS - Parkside Dental at Riverwalk

Many are aware of serious diabetes-related complications such as heart disease, nerve damage, and limb amputation. But are you aware of the link between diabetes and your oral health?

November is National Diabetes Month, and we urge you to schedule regular checkups. For those of you who are not aware that you may have diabetes, certain signs and symptoms can help diagnose the disease.

One quarter of the 26 million Americans with diabetes, and 90 percent of the 79 million adults with pre-diabetes, are unaware of their condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As your dental provider we know that your mouth is the window to your health, and we are trained to look closely for signs that may indicate diabetes.

Periodontal disease, an infection that affects the gum tissue and bone that hold one’s teeth in place and can lead to bad breath, abscesses and tooth loss, may be a first indicator that a person may not have control of his or her blood sugar level. “Often it’s a problem both ways. Diabetics have difficulty controlling their periodontal disease, and people with periodontal disease have difficulty controlling their diabetes,” says Dr. Middleton. “We find that if we are able to control the periodontal disease, then the patient finds that their blood sugar levels are also much more in control.”

Diabetes also makes people more prone to other dental problems, including oral infections, thrush and dry mouth. A small amount of plaque on a non-diabetic patient may lead to gingivitis, but on a diabetic patient it may lead to rapid bone loss and the loss of teeth.

We recommend regular dental visits, where we can work closely with you to regulate the disease’s impact on your dental and overall health.

Posted in Oral Health | Leave a comment