What is gingivitis..

Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gum tissues surrounding the teeth, and is an early stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis may progress to periodontitis, which can be a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Gingivitis can sometimes be painless and, therefore, people may be unaware they have it. Come visit our dental office for an assessment to learn more about gingivitis and good oral hygiene.

What Causes Gingivitis

One of the primary factors contributing to gingivitis is plaque buildup, a sticky colorless deposit of bacteria that regularly forms on teeth. These bacteria build up and can create byproducts that can damage the gums.

While gingivitis is a milder and reversible form of gum disease, it may lead to more serious, destructive forms if left untreated.







       

The importance of dental sealants

                              SEALANTS
  Sealants are a very common dental treatment recommended for children to protect the areas of the teeth that are the most vulnerable.  They help prevent tooth decay in the newly erupted premolars and molars that will stay with your child for their lifetime.  Sealants are placed in the deep grooves and pits of the teeth where plaque can hide. Most children, no matter how well they brush, are unable to reach and clean these areas properly.  The sealant acts as a barrier and seals out food and bacteria. This helps prevent cavities!  Your dentist and dental hygienist will inform you of when your child’s adult teeth are ready for sealants.

T

Gingival Plaque

To prevent cavities, you need to remove plaque, the transparent layer of bacteria that coats the teeth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day. Brushing also stimulates the gums, which helps to keep them healthy and prevent gum disease. Brushing and flossing are the most important things that you can do to keep your teeth and gums healthy.

About 1 person in 10 has a tendency to accumulate tartar quickly. Tartar is plaque in a hardened form that is more damaging and difficult to remove. Using anti-tartar toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as spending extra time brushing the teeth near the salivary glands (the inside of the lower front teeth and the outside of the upper back teeth) may slow the development of new tartar.

Zoom Your Teeth Today!

Ask us how

White Teeth

Don't smoke , try to limit tea or coffee . Our office now offers teeth whitening solutions . Please call our office at ( 310 ) 322 - 1814 to set up an appointment today !!! (:

 15 Snacks to fuel your work day

 

1. Nuts

2. Whole grain bread with nut butter. Peanut, tahini or almond.

3. Apples with Peanut Butter

4. Olives

5.Edamame

6.Vegetables

7. Hummus

8.Fresh fruit

9. Dried Fruit

10.Apple Chips

11.Yogurt

12.Ricotta cheese

13. Trial Mix

14. Granola or protein bars

15.Tea green, black or herbal

 

 

 

 

 

 

What A Parent Really Needs To Know To Prevent Cavities For Their Children...

A few years ago there was a movie by the late Gilda Radner from Saturday Night Live. One segment was about how we learn so much in school that we do not really remember very much at all and how school should concentrate on teaching us the �stuff� that really matters so that after we graduate we have some useful knowledge. Of course it was a spoof, but the audience laughed because there really was some truth in it. Think about all the courses you took in school and how much you really remember or use very often. That seems like an interesting subject for this section about education.
So what do parents who want to help their kids avoid cavities and save time and money in the process, really need to know and do?
In other words, lots of things are really helpful and good to do, like brushing after meals. But most kids do brush after at least some meals and still get cavities, so that is obviously not it. How about not eating sugar for desert? Another good idea, but many parents are pretty good about avoiding deserts, and still their kids get cavities. So that is not it either. How about going for check ups at the dentist? Most kids do go to the dentist for check ups, and that still does not stop decay for many kids. So that is not it either. What is it that will help?
Well, like we used to have the 3 R�s in school, Reading, R�iting and R�ithmatic, there are the 4 F�s in dentistry. Flossing, Food, Fluoride and Frequency (of dental check ups.)

What is a dental crown?

 

 

 A crown is a type of dental restoration which completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant Crowns are often needed when a large cavity threatens the ongoing health of a tooth. They are typically bonded to the tooth using a dental cement. Crowns can be made from many materials, which are usually fabricated using indirect methods. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth.

Brushing your teeth

Here are some tips for taking care of your child’s teeth:

• Choose a small, child-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush. Soaking the brush in warm water for a few minutes before brushing can soften the bristles even more.
• Many dentists recommend using only plain water for brushing up to the age of 2. This is because young children swallow toothpaste and swallowing too much fluoride may lead to tooth discoloration in permanent teeth. Ask your dentist if toothpaste should be used. Also, check the manufacturer's label; some toothpastes are not recommended in children under age 6. If a toothpaste is to be used, squeeze out about a green pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste onto the toothbrush.
• Brush your child's teeth twice a day – in the morning and just before bed. Spend 2 minutes brushing, concentrating a good portion of this time on the back molars. This is an area where cavities often first develop.
• Replace the toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, or sooner if it shows signs of wear. Never share a toothbrush with others.
• Start flossing your child's teeth once a day as soon as two teeth emerge that touch. The use of floss sticks or picks instead of regular string floss may be easier for both you and your child.
• Ask your dentist about your child's fluoride needs. If your drinking water is not fluoridated, fluoride supplements or fluoride treatments may be needed.
• Ask your dentist about dental sealants. These are thin, plastic protective barriers that fill in the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, protecting them from tooth decay.

What is a night guard?

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

What is a Night Guard?

What is a Night Guard?

A night guard is an appliance much like a retainer that people put in their mouths to protect their teeth while they are sleeping. This device is commonly used by people who suffer form Bruxism, or excessive nighttime toth grinding or clenching . This grinding and clenching puts pressure on the jaw, which can cause temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems, severe headaches, ear pain and neck pain as well as causing excessive wear to the teeth.

Thin transparent, and horseshoe-shaped, dental night guards are created from hard but moldable plastics. The night guard fits over either the upper or the lower teeth, creating a cushion between them and absorbing the impact of the grinding or clenching. Night guards can help reduce enamel damage, jaw joint inflammation and irritation to the gums . Overall, most night guard wearers report they have less pain and sleep better.

In order to be truly effective, night guards need to be custom-made for each individual. It typically takes two dental appointments to receive a night guard. During the initial visit, the dentist takes a bite record and makes an impression of the patients teeth. These will be used to create a customized night guard that allows for proper teeth alignment.During the second appointment, the patient gives the night guard a test run and the dentist makes necessary adjustments. Night guards can last up to ten years if they are given proper care.Night guards should always be rinsed just before and just after wearing , and they need to be brushed with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive tooth paste or denture cleaner once a day. They should also be soaked in a mild dish washing soap such as 'Dawn" once a week to keep them clean and fresh.

Many people view the night guard as a simple solution for protecting teeth and jaws form the damaging effects of bruxism. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of repairing or capping worn down teeth will be even more expensive than one of the these nighttime dental appliances.

Advancement through Lasers in Dentistry

 


Lasers are a device that uses light energy to aid in dentistry. They are unique because they can treat targeted tissue while leaving surrounding tissue unaffected.
 

Dental uses of laser:

*periodontal therapy
*teething
*irritation from orthodontic wires
*denture sores
*extraction sites
*injury
*canker sores

Call us today to receive a touch of our most current technology.

(310) 322-8984

Happy Tuesday Everyone! 

Did you know that your oral health has a direct link to your overall health!

People with diabetes are 2x more likely to develop serious gum disease. Gum disease and other oral health problems are also linked to heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease, ulcers, osteoporosis, arthritis, and pre-term births.  

We are here to not only help you achieve oral health but overall health. Please contact us today to begin your journey to health.

(310) 322-1814

3-6-2013 1_16_12 PM

  

Happy Wednesday! Spring is quickly approaching us! We are now offering a NEW patient special for $129. This includes a comprehensive exam, x-rays, and a regular cleaning! Referrals are always welcomed! Hope to see you soon! Call us for more details. (310) 322-8984

2-14-2013 10_13_40 AM

  The gift of dental implants

Once we lose a tooth, everything starts going downhill. Teeth support each other, so when one is lost, all the other ones start seeking elsewhere for support.

Replacing the missing tooth with an artificial root that anchors into the bone in a very similar way than an implant would, is the ideal solution to an age old problem.

Come see us today for a free consultation and give yourself the gift of excellent oral health.

1-21-2013 8_42_47 AM

  7 steps to happiness

So, you may wonder what does dentistry have to do with happiness?

It has a lot to do with it. Our oral health is both a reflection and a major contributor to our overall mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health.

According to the great Teachers of humanity, there are 7 steps to happiness:

1 commitment

2 character

3 dignity

4 divinity

5 grace

6 power to sacrifice

7 happiness

Commitment gives us character when we stay on course regardless of distractions. Character gives us dignity that makes it possible to always act according to principle; dignity gives us peace and balance and access to deeper spirituality. Divinity give sus Grace to have access to higher levels of health, strenght and knowledge. From this, we gain access to the power to sacrifice on behalf of others and of a cause-- perform our duties in the service of others without burning out or exhausting our energy, and this, in fact, is the essence of happiness.

If we adapt this sequence to the delivery of dental care, we have a great result- health and beauty that greatly fulfills its functions and creates a much richer life for all involved....

1-18-2013 11_58_50 AM

Dental implants may be a great solution to missing teeth, lowered ability to chew and making sure your nutrition is optimal.

1-18-2013 11_58_50 AM

Dental implants may be a great solution to missing teeth, lowered ability to chew and making sure your nutrition is optimal.

1-18-2013 11_58_50 AM

Dental implants may be a great solution to missing teeth, lowered ability to chew and making sure your nutrition is optimal.

1-14-2013 5_25_48 AM

  Why integrity pays...

What role does integrity pay in taking care of our health or any other aspect of our lives?

Integrity is a power given to us to act in good faith and with great care on behalf of others.

It is vital in all successful human interactions, because it ensures that care will be provided with the highest of standards and that the well being of the patient will be given priority over all other considerations.

Making decisions regarding healthcare will have repercussions in all aspects of our lives. The doctor has great expertise that can be used to provide guidance and direction to maintain excellent health, and thus has the duty to provide the patient with all the information needed so the best decision can be made.

Oral rehabilitation is a complex process requiring not only great expertise, but also all the integrity required to execute every step of the process in the best possible way. Integrity will ensure completion of treatment to a successful outcome and follow up.

When choosing a healthcare provider, it is essential to choose someone who has not only great expertise, but also the highest levels of integrity at every step of the way.

To your health,

Silvia Cardona,  DDS, MS 

1-10-2013 10_19_48 AM

  Dental implants offer multiple benefits.

If you are missing one, several, most,or all of your teeth, dental implants offer a great solution for you.

A dental implant is basically anartificial tooth root, that can hold a variety of restorations that will restore function and also be the complement to a great appearance.

There are many ways to convert a dental implant into a fully functioning restoration.

If you are missing all your teeth, you can get a fixed set of bridges that will restore function and between 90 and 100 percent. 

You probably have heard of a concept called 'all on four'or 'all on six' when referring to dental implants. This means all teeth from the upper or lower arch being supported by 4 or 6 implants.

When planned and treated very accurately at every step of the process, this treatment may give you back your health, confidence, ability to ear anything you want, and that beautiful, healthy smile that will bring you s much better quality of life.

Call us today for a complimentary consultation that includes three dimensional imaging of the remaining bone so we can see what options are best for you.

1-9-2013 3_34_49 PM

  Are you a candidate for dental implants?

When planned and executed correctly, dental implants can change your life. 

Years ago people were treated with dentures just because their teeth were misaligned or people just didn't want to deal with problems like gum disease.

Although this seemed like a great idea at the time, the long term implications of tooth loss have proven to be devastating at many levels,

Dental implants offer great solutions to an otherwise crippling social and medical problems created by total or partial loss of natural teeth. When planned properly and treated correctly dental implants can change your life for the much better. 

Come see us for a consultation if you or someone you know is missing one or multiple teeth, and you want to change your oral health and the overall quality of your life for the much, much better.

1-7-2013 8_03_10 PM

  Brushing too much?

There is such a thing as overdoing your oral hygiene routine.

Brushing too much can actually damage the ligament in your gums, causing a special kind of recession. Also, using repeated horizontal strokes can gradually remove the enamel closest to the root of the teeth.

Although such damage is referred to as toothbrush abrasion, it s actually caused by abrasive toothpaste.

So ifyou are zealous about. Your oral hygiene, try using gels instead of toothpaste and ask your hygienist to show youthe best care to clean your teeth thouroughly without causing any damage.

It's the best of both worlds!

1-7-2013 8_03_10 PM

 

1-6-2013 10_02_46 AM

 Beautiful, healthy smiles are within your reach!!

Call us today to see about many wonderful ways to keep your beautiful, natural smile!

1-6-2013 10_02_46 AM

 Beautiful, healthy smiles are within your reach!!

Call us today to see about many wonderful ways to keep your beautiful, natural smile!

1-6-2013 10_02_46 AM

 Beautiful, healthy smiles are within your reach!!

Call us today to see about many wonderful ways to keep your beautiful, natural smile!

1-6-2013 2_18_58 AM