Visiting our office regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Dental X-rays are an essential and invaluable tool to help assist us in evaluating your oral health. With X-rays, we can see what’s happening beneath the surface of your teeth and gums and identify oral health issues otherwise hidden during a visual exam, including:

• · small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
• · infections in the bone
• · periodontal (gum) disease
• · abscesses or cysts
• · developmental abnormalities
• · types of tumors

If left untreated, these problems can lead to expensive, time-consuming, and painful conditions, so it’s important to find and treat them early.

Dental X-rays are extremely safe, and our team is certified in the proper use of our digital X-ray equipment. The amount of radiation that you are exposed to from dental X-rays is very small compared to your daily exposure from things like atmospheric radiation and naturally-occurring radioactive elements, as well as medical X-rays you may have gotten at your doctor’s office or hospital. In fact our digital system dramatically decreases the already minimal amount of exposure even further.  We try to be as conservative as possible when prescribing x-rays but do need them to see what is going on where our eyes can't see.

At the office of Dr. Robert Walley, we know your dental health is closely connected to your overall health. We also know the mouth can oftentimes be the first place to indicate signs of health issues in the body. Recently, we found a helpful article that outlined seven warning signs that indicate it might be time to check in with Dr. Walley and team.

Flat, worn teeth plus headache (sign of stress)

Grind, grind, grind …. grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you’re probably familiar with this unpleasant sound. Emotional or psychological stress can definitely contribute to teeth grinding. In addition, headaches, which are caused by spasms in the muscles, can radiate from the mouth and head down to the neck and upper back. Night guards, which we proudly provide at our San Francisco office, may relieve the symptoms, as well as protect your teeth.

Cracking, crumbling teeth (sign of Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

As we age we may notice that the enamel on our teeth starts to chip at the edges of our front teeth or form hollowed out “wells” on the surface of our molars. These symptoms may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid—and occasionally, bile—flows back into your food pipe. Other signs and symptoms of GERD include acid reflux, dry mouth and heartburn.

Sores that won’t go away (sign of oral cancer)

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women are diagnosed with oral cancer annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those most affected include the elderly (most are over the age of 60) and smokers. The survival rate for oral cancer is 35 percent. When an open sore in the mouth doesn’t go away within a week or two, or when you experience unexplained bleeding or numbness, it’s always a good idea to visit Dr. Walley’s office so that we may rule out oral cancer. A lot of sores and ulcers may lurk underneath your tongue, where they are difficult to find.

Gums growing over teeth (sign of medication problems)

If you notice your gum growing over your tooth, and you’re taking a prescribed or other medication, please give us a call as soon as possible. Certain medications may cause the gums to overgrow; the dosage will need to be adjusted, but it’s important we take a look.

Dry mouth (sign of Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes)

Many things are known to cause dry mouth, but a lack of sufficient saliva is also an early warning of Sjogren’s syndrome, as well as diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 17 million Americans suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disease caused by high blood sugar. Other signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, tingling in the hands or feet, frequent urination, blurred vision and weight loss.

Sjogren’s syndrome, which affects approximately anywhere between 1-to-4 million Americans, causes white blood cells of the body attack—for unknown reasons—their moisture-producing glands. Symptoms also include dry eyes, as well as the mouth, but the rest of the body is affected by the disorder.

White webbing inside cheeks (sign of Lichen planus)

Lichen planus, whose cause is unknown, is an inflammatory skin disease that usually affects the skin, mouth, or both, according to the Mayo Clinic. On the skin it manifests with small purplish bumps while in the mouth it takes the appearance of a whitish, lacy pattern on the insides of the cheeks. The disease can’t be passed from one person to another. Lichen planus may require relatively simple at-home care or no treatment. When symptoms are severe, such as pain or significant itching, please give us a call.
Crusting dentures (sign of pneumonia)

Older folks are known to inhale debris around the teeth and dentures, and inadvertently breathe in other materials into the lungs and airway, causing dangerous (even fatal) inflammation. Be sure to remove and wash dentures on a regular basis.

Serving San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay Area, Dr. Robert Walley is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful smile by providing you with the highest quality care, most advanced treatments, and an open office environment where you'll feel comfortable! For over 40 years, Dr. Walley has been providing the highest quality general and cosmetic dental care in a professional and family-oriented environment. We’ve built a reputation in San Francisco and the Bay Area based on our excellence in care and customer service.

Whether you've visited Dr. Walley's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Walley World Dental. There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Walley create more beautiful smiles! Thank you in advance, and we hope you have a great day! You may write your review here.

Cavities occur as a result of the destruction of tooth structure, called tooth decay. Tooth decay can affect both the enamel (the outer coating of the tooth) and the dentin (the inner layer of the tooth). While it is very important to brush and floss every day to remove food particles and plaque, regular cleanings and checkups at Dr. Walley's office is the best way to help avoid cavities.

Dr. Walley can discover cavities during your regular dental checkup. The tooth surface feels soft when probed with a dental instrument. X-rays can also show cavities before they become visible to the eye. In advanced stages of tooth decay, you might experience a toothache, especially after consuming sweet, hot, or cold foods or drinks. Other signs of tooth decay are visible pits or holes in the teeth.

Don’t wait for a toothache!

Remember, the longer you wait to treat a cavity, the more extensive your treatment will be. A small cavity can be treated with a filling, while a large cavity that weakens the structure of your tooth may require a crown. If the decay is so bad that it causes the nerve or pulp of the tooth to die, a root canal or tooth removal may be your only options. If you think you may have a cavity, contact our San Francisco office and schedule an appointment. We’ll make sure you leave with a healthy, pain-free smile!

Thanks for the question. Simply put, yes! Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is essential to keeping your smile in tip-top shape. At Dr. Walley's office, we offer a number of preventive services to ensure the health of your mouth and the beauty of your teeth. We’d like to think that your smile is just as important to us as it is to you!

Another good reason to visit Dr. Walley every six months is to check for “hidden” problems you may not even realize you have. Tiny cavities can form in the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and may only be found through a professional exam. If left untreated, these cavities can get worse, needing more extensive treatment, and costing you even more time and money. During your routine exam, one of our hygienists will also check to make sure your fillings or other dental restorations are in good shape.

It’s important to prevent problems before they start. If it has been more than six months six your last visit, please contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule your routine checkup! See you soon!

Did you know February, which is almost here, marks National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting the office of Dr. Walley. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit our San Francisco office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Dr. Walley every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February, Dr. Walley and our team focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Our staff will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our San Francisco office, please give us a call!

Check out what Ray had to say about his experience at Dr. Robert Walley's office! For over 40 years, Dr. Walley has been providing the highest quality general and cosmetic dental care in a professional and family-oriented environment.

We've built a reputation in our community based on our excellence in care and customer service. Let us help you get a healthy, beautiful smile you'll be proud to show off for the rest of your life!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at the office of Dr. Robert Walley believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2012!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at the office of Dr. Robert Walley

Dr. Robert Walley and our team want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If the answer is yes, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit our Fresno office every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups at our San Francisco office are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Walley can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

• Show you how to properly floss

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Happy Holidays from all of us at Dr. Walley's office!

Dr. Walley and team have built a reputation in the Bay Area based on our excellence in care and customer service. Let us help you get a healthy, beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off for the rest of your life!

And speaking of smiling, in a poll conducted by Glamour Magazine earlier this year, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?”

Well, 44 percent of folks out there chose teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of one’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Improving your smile is one of the best investments you can make. Please feel free to contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Walley today!

At the office of Dr. Robert Walley, we know your dental health is closely connected to your overall health. We also know the mouth can oftentimes be the first place to indicate signs of health issues in the body. Recently, we found a helpful article that outlined seven warning signs that indicate it might be time to check in with Dr. Walley and team.

Flat, worn teeth plus headache (sign of stress)

Grind, grind, grind …. grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you’re probably familiar with this unpleasant sound. Emotional or psychological stress can definitely contribute to teeth grinding. In addition, headaches, which are caused by spasms in the muscles, can radiate from the mouth and head down to the neck and upper back. Night guards, which we proudly provide at our San Francisco office, may relieve the symptoms, as well as protect your teeth.

Cracking, crumbling teeth (sign of Gastroesophageal reflux disease)

As we age we may notice that the enamel on our teeth starts to chip at the edges of our front teeth or form hollowed out “wells” on the surface of our molars. These symptoms may be a sign of gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is a chronic digestive disease that occurs when stomach acid—and occasionally, bile—flows back into your food pipe. Other signs and symptoms of GERD include acid reflux, dry mouth and heartburn.

Sores that won’t go away (sign of oral cancer)

More than 21,000 men and 9,000 women are diagnosed with oral cancer annually, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those most affected include the elderly (most are over the age of 60) and smokers. The survival rate for oral cancer is 35 percent. When an open sore in the mouth doesn’t go away within a week or two, or when you experience unexplained bleeding or numbness, it’s always a good idea to visit Dr. Walley’s office so that we may rule out oral cancer. A lot of sores and ulcers may lurk underneath your tongue, where they are difficult to find.

Gums growing over teeth (sign of medication problems)

If you notice your gum growing over your tooth, and you’re taking a prescribed or other medication, please give us a call as soon as possible. Certain medications may cause the gums to overgrow; the dosage will need to be adjusted, but it’s important we take a look.

Dry mouth (sign of Sjogren’s syndrome, diabetes)

Many things are known to cause dry mouth, but a lack of sufficient saliva is also an early warning of Sjogren’s syndrome, as well as diabetes. According to the American Diabetes Association, 17 million Americans suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, which is a metabolic disease caused by high blood sugar. Other signs of diabetes include excessive thirst, tingling in the hands or feet, frequent urination, blurred vision and weight loss.

Sjogren’s syndrome, which affects approximately anywhere between 1-to-4 million Americans, causes white blood cells of the body attack—for unknown reasons—their moisture-producing glands. Symptoms also include dry eyes, as well as the mouth, but the rest of the body is affected by the disorder.

White webbing inside cheeks (sign of Lichen planus)

Lichen planus, whose cause is unknown, is an inflammatory skin disease that usually affects the skin, mouth, or both, according to the Mayo Clinic. On the skin it manifests with small purplish bumps while in the mouth it takes the appearance of a whitish, lacy pattern on the insides of the cheeks. The disease can’t be passed from one person to another. Lichen planus may require relatively simple at-home care or no treatment. When symptoms are severe, such as pain or significant itching, please give us a call.
Crusting dentures (sign of pneumonia)

Older folks are known to inhale debris around the teeth and dentures, and inadvertently breathe in other materials into the lungs and airway, causing dangerous (even fatal) inflammation. Be sure to remove and wash dentures on a regular basis.

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Robert M. Walley and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our San Francisco office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Robert M. Walley, DDS, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Did you know that October is National Dental Health Month? For our staff at Dr. Walley's office, that means only one thing: Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient San Francisco office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the American Dental Association website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Dr. Walley's offce? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr Walley.

At Dr. Robert Walley's office we know one thing no patient likes hearing when visiting our office is “root canal.” But what, exactly, is a root canal, and when might you need one? A root canal is a treatment Dr. Walley uses to repair and save a tooth that is infected or badly decayed to the point where the nerve is involved. In the past, if a patient had a tooth with a diseased nerve, dentists in most cases would recommend an extraction. Today, however, with a procedure called root canal therapy, available at our office, you may save that tooth—and your beautiful smile—after all!

Here are some symptoms that indicate a decayed or infected tooth, courtesy of WebMD:

• Severe toothache pain upon chewing, biting or application of pressure
• One tooth consistently more sensitive to hot or cold than other teeth
• Pain that hurts without any stimulus, keeps you awake or wakes you up at night
• A tooth that feels loose
• Discoloration (a darkening) of the tooth
• Pain that persists weeks following a filling or replacement of a filling
• Chronic pain and/or pressure that may extend to the ear, eye or neck

If any of these symptoms apply to you, we recommend you schedule an appointment with Dr. Walley.

The best way to avoid a root canal is to practice good oral hygiene at home, and that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing to reduce plaque and bacteria. For more tips on how to avoid root canal therapy or for general questions about your dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Walley during your next visit at our convenient San Francisco dental office! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Robert Walley and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook! Happy brushing!

Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Below you'll find a video that our team at the office of Dr. Robert Walley found which explains the three stages of gum disease, what to watch for and some simple preventive techniques.

If you have any more questions about gum disease or how to maintain good oral health, please feel free to give us a call at our convenient San Francisco office.

Can you believe it’s already June? Today, our team at the office of Dr. Walley thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our San Francisco office!

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
* Visit us regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by Dr. Walley)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask our team during your next visit or ask us on Facebook!

Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

Serving San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay Area, Dr. Robert Walley is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful smile by providing you with the highest quality care, most advanced treatments, and an open office environment where you'll feel comfortable! For over 40 years, Dr. Walley has been providing the highest quality general and cosmetic dental care in a professional and family-oriented environment. We’ve built a reputation in San Francisco and the Bay Area based on our excellence in care and customer service.

Whether you've visited Dr. Walley's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Walley World Dental. There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Walley create more beautiful smiles! Thank you in advance, and we hope you have a great day! You may write your review here.

We hope you had an outstanding Memorial Day weekend!

At the office of Dr. Robert Walley, we know good dental health requires only a few minutes a day. We thought we’d provide some practical advice on how to improve your or your child’s smile between your visits with Dr. Walley.

Start by brushing your teeth twice a day. Proper brushing techniques are an essential part of maintaining good oral health, as well as preventing gum disease. Brushing daily helps remove decay-causing plaque from tooth surfaces. Please consult Dr. Walley if you would like us to review brushing techniques with you or your child. Flossing daily will also prevent plaque to build up between the teeth and prevent stains between your teeth. Research has shown the bacteria of gum disease has been linked to coronary artery disease, stroke, diabetes and memory loss. Lastly, we encourage you to throw away old toothbrushes and replace them every 2 or 3 months, or after an illness.

We hope this helps! If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact our convenient San Francisco office or ask us on Facebook!

Periodontal disease, known also as gum disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and our staff at the office of Dr. Robert Walley have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains

In addition to these foods being gums-friendly, they are healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your diet. We hope these tips help and we hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend!

Did you know that people have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years? In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about toothbrushes and toothpaste that Dr. Walley and team found recently:

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Visiting the San Francisco office of Dr. Robert Walley on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

As your dentist, Dr. Walley is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Here at the office of Dr. Walley, our team will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But the question remains: which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying or frayed - frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, avoid using fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Dr. Walley and team have built a reputation in the Bay Area based on our excellence in care and customer service. Let us help you get a healthy, beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off for the rest of your life!
And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Improving your smile is one of the best investments you can make. Please feel free to contact our San Francisco dental office to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Walley today!

Dr. Walley and team hope you are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you’re not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Dr. Walley and team will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup at Dr. Walley’s San Francisco office? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Walley, your San Francisco dentist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath, and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Dr. Walley's office, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay.

Enjoy!

Dr. Walley and team found this video late last week, and realized that it’s just what folks in San Francisco and the Bay Area considering Invisalign might be interested in watching. Invisalign sure gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who actually has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At the office of Dr. Robert Walley, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign, and always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is really something else!

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Walley, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Dr. Robert Walley is an Elite Invisalign® Provider in San Francisco, and ranks in the Top 1% in the U.S.

It’s almost spring. Tulips are almost blooming, the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from the nearest baseball field and the world is almost awakening from its winter sleep. What a great time for a wedding! If you are gearing up for a wedding this winter or spring, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At the office of Dr. Robert Walley, we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring and let Dr. Walley and team add some extra sparkle to your “I do” this spring!

You may remember our post from last week, when we discussed February being National Dental Health Month. But did you know February also marks American Heart Month at the office of Dr. Walley?

It’s a great time of the year to take notice of the health of your heart – cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our San Francisco office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages, and a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Dr. Walley's office. In observance of Heart Month, it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your ongoing treatment at our office, please don’t hesitate to give us a call.

Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting the office of Dr. Walley. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit our San Francisco office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Dr. Walley every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February, Dr. Walley and our team focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

At the office of Dr. Walley, we know everybody loves a bright white smile. And at our San Francisco office, we offer a variety of products and procedures to help you improve your look. Many people are satisfied with the sparkle they get from brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing once a day, and regular cleanings at the dentist's office. However, if you decide you would like to go beyond regular care to make your smile look brighter, you should investigate all of your options.

We gladly provide Zoom!®, which is a professional teeth whitening treatment that gets your teeth an average of eight shades whiter - in just one hour. The treatment is safe, simple, and relaxing! Plus, Zoom! is championed by dentists and patients as a pain-free process.

Learn more about teeth whitening here on our website! Improving your smile is one of the best investments you can make. Please feel free to contact our San Francisco office to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Walley today!

Serving San Francisco, Oakland and the Bay Area, Dr. Robert Walley is dedicated to helping you achieve a beautiful smile by providing you with the highest quality care, most advanced treatments, and an open office environment where you'll feel comfortable! For over 40 years, Dr. Walley has been providing the highest quality general and cosmetic dental care in a professional and family-oriented environment. We’ve built a reputation in San Francisco and the Bay Area based on our excellence in care and customer service.

Whether you've visited Dr. Walley's office for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about Walley World Dental. There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice, but we encourage you to head to our Google Places page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Dr. Walley create more beautiful smiles! Thank you in advance, and we hope you have a great day! You may write your review here.

At Dr. Walley's office, we know the rumors going around that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Give us a call at our convenient San Francisco office if you have any questions!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from Dr. Walley and team!

Dr. Robert Walley and our team want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If the answer is yes, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit our Fresno office every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups at our San Francisco office are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Walley can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

• Show you how to properly floss

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Happy New Year!

Thanks for the question. Our staff will tell you one of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for periodontal disease, also known as gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

Our friends at the American Academy of Periodontology created a helpful self assessment test that can help you determine what your risk is at home. Early detection is critical to avoiding serious and costly dental problems.

Of course, the best way to know for sure what the health of your teeth and gums is would be a visit to our San Francisco office. For over 40 years, Dr. Robert Walley has been providing the highest quality general and cosmetic dental care in a professional and family-oriented environment. We’ve built a reputation in our community based on our excellence in care and customer service. Let us help you get a healthy, beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off for the rest of your life!