Wednesday, July 23, 2014

FAQ: Canker Sores

Feel an unpleasant spot in your mouth or the base of your gum? This may be a canker sore also known as aphthous ulcers.

Don’t panic, it is normal to have these shallow lesions which look to be round and either white or gray.  Mouth sores seem to be genetic. They often appear between the ages 10 to 20; plus they affect more women than men. 

photo from google


Below are commonly asked questions about the ulcer:

What are the symptoms?
Before you get these sores, you might feel a burning sensation in the spot where it is growing.

What is the cause?
Stress, dietary deficiency (such as Vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and zinc) and allergies can spark off canker sores. Eating lemons, oranges, pineapples, and other acidic fruits and vegetables may also trigger this.

Do they appear outside my mouth?
No. Cold sores are the ones which appear outside your mouth, around the lips, under 
your nose and under the chin. These are caused by a virus and are infectious.

How long do these last?
After a few days, pain often minimizes. They heal without treatment for about a week.  If you suffer from a canker sore for more time, say more than three weeks, it is best to visit a dental clinic.

Severe attacks may also cause fever, sluggishness, and swollen lymph nodes.
 
When should I visit a dental office?
If you suffer from unusually large sores and sores that seem to be spreading, you should see your dentist right away.  When the pain intensifies and can no longer be cared for by pain medication, this is a sign that you need to go to a dental clinic. If drinking water and other fluids prove to be troublesome, then best visit a dental clinic.

photo from google


If these sores persist, best to consult your cosmetic dentist and even opt for a laser treatment. With this, the enlargement of sores is prevented, and hastens the healing process.

Dr. Cecilia Lontoc DMD is one of the best cosmetic dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Monday, July 14, 2014

Ways to tell if you need braces

You don’t need cosmetic dentists to tell you if you’re teeth are crooked which calls for some braces. You may be feeling the grit of your bite, or your upper and lower jaws are misaligned, this is one sign that you need them and that you need to go to a dental clinic.

photo from google


Here are some signs provided for by the American Association of Orthodontists for you to know if you braces are necessary:

* Crowded, misplaced, or blocked-out teeth
* Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
* Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed
* Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth, which means your bite is not aligned
* Difficulty in chewing or biting
* Breathing through the mouth

photo from google


 Check out for these signs as well for your children:

* Baby teeth falling out early or late
* Thumb or finger sucking

See, it’s not just crooked teeth that is a telltale sign that you need braces. Getting dental braces will guide your teeth into better positions, correct bite problems, and even help prevent the need for tooth extraction.

For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com



Friday, July 11, 2014

Why do I need to go to dental clinics?

Think about it your mouth, especially your teeth goes through a lot. You chew on meat, bite your nails, and even tear open a bag of chips. To help maintain your healthy teeth and gums, regular visit to dental offices is important. 

Bear in mind that it is easier to prevent any problems than to cure them.

What happens when I go to a dental clinic?
There are two parts of your visit to the dental clinic: the checkup and the cleaning.
For your checkup, your dentist will survey your mouth for any signs of vitamin deficiency, diabetes, and even oral cancer

Expect your dental hygienist to check for cavities or hard calculus (also called tartar).Your gums will be looked at; healthy gums have shallow spaces. The dentist will also perform a head and neck exam and check your mouth, tongue, and throat.

Be sure to tell your dentist of any fear that you might have and of your  dental health   
---sensitivity, cavity, among others.

photo from google


What happens during cleaning?
You brush and even floss your teeth. However, these are not enough to keep that smile beautiful. Cleaning is an essential part to your visit, as there maybe tartar and plaque lingering on your teeth and gums. Once you sit in that dental chair, your dentist will use certain tools to remove these from above and below the gum line.

Afterwards, your teeth will be polished, sometime using a gritty paste and small rotating brush, to remove surface stains.  To ensure that your teeth and everything between them are indeed immaculate, your teeth will be flossed.

How often do I need to visit a dental clinic?
Want some healthy pearly whites; scheduling a regular dental checkup every six months will be necessary.

What should I do in-between visits?
Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day with toothpaste that has fluoride, floss at least once a day, and to gargle with mouth rinse.

photo from google


Ask your dentist for recommended brushing and flossing techniques.


For more information or to schedule your next dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155. You may visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

The 411 on Bad Breath

A common dental problem, bad breath or halitosis is a result of poor dental hygiene and may even be a symptom of other health dilemmas.

Knowing that you have bad breath can cause both anxiety and relief; anxious as you tend to be embarrassed and relief as you know what to do next.

photo from google


How do I know if I have bad breath?
Common indications of bad breath are a white tongue, dry mouth, and unlikable smell and taste in your mouth. 

What dental and medical issues are associated with bad breath?
Gum disease, cavity, yeast infection in your mouth may be the root of your dental dilemma. Bad breath may also be a warning sign of diabetes, liver or kidney problems, and respiratory tract infections like pneumonia.

What can cause bad breath?
The food you eat, cigarette smoking, and medications can cause this problem. At the same time poor dental habits---such as not brushing at least twice daily and flossing at least once a day---can also be the source. Other reasons may also be a dry mouth, braces, dental infections and your health and habits.

What do I need to do?
Make sure to brush and floss your teeth regularly. Brush your tongue as well.
Quit smoking. Drink lots of water and chew sugarless gum to fuel saliva production.

photo from google


If you feel that what you eat is the cause of halitosis. Keep a diary of what you gobbled up during the weeks then head on to the dental clinic to talk to your dentist about it. If it is a dry mouth, your dentist can prescribe a treatment. If a medication or other health problems seems to be the cause, address first the underlying issue before you seek dental help.

Most of all you need to regularly visit a dental office for check-up and cleaning.

For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com


Five things you need to know about teeth bleaching

People who are over age forty tend to to look younger if they have a winning smile.

Often, this is courtesy of a great set of pearly whites. After all, the focal point of your smile is your teeth and eyes. Sometimes you notice that when you do smile, your eyes sparkle but then your teeth lackluster. Maybe it’s because of the shade of your teeth. They aren't as white as your morning milk and often creating a less appealing grin.


photo from google

You need something that beam in your face, some cosmetic dental procedure that is known as teeth whitening or bleaching. However, before you step into your trusted dental office, know first the following:

1.      You will need a dental exam and even some x-ray.This will determine the cause of your teeth's discoloration. This is to find out the reason behind discoloured teeth. Sometimes the exam will reveal signs of root canal problem, decay and others. Do know that yes, bleaching can help hide these, but it will not fix your dental dilemmas. Also, if you have only single one dark tooth, this can be a sign of a dental disease. 

2.      There might be a difference of color. Porcelain tooth, plastic resin and other tooth restoration often stay the same hue even if you had your bleaching done. So after you have had your procedure, your natural teeth may be whiter than your tooth restoration. Ask your dentist what you can do to have that 

3.      There is an age restriction. You can start bleaching at age 10, when you have your permanent teeth already. Why? Most baby teeth are white. 

4.       Don’t expect your teeth to be as white as snow. Not all teeth reach the same hue of whiteness. Regardless of the procedure done or product used, each tooth has can only be whitened to a maximum. 

5.      Bleaching results differ per person. Typically, whitening procedures can last from six months to two years. However, there are those whose results which have lasted longer, even to ten years. So, if you want to make your bleaching treatment worth your buck, dental hygiene routine with regular dental clinic visits are a must. Do avoid cigarettes, caffeine, and  other beverages that may stain  your teeth.

photo from google

Remember each person' teeth can only be whitened to a certain shade. There is no bleaching treatment that will ensure your teeth to be forever white.


For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call (310) 782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

The Difference between Cosmetic Dentists and General Dentists

In the dental clinic hangs a sign that says cosmetic dentistry. You are probably one of those who have wondered what the difference between general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry is.

Both are skilled in performing common dental procedures such as cleaning, root canals, cavity filling. A general dentist can also perform some cosmetic dental surgery such as dental bonding and teeth whitening.

The difference however is that general dentists prioritize on fixing dental problems and pain issue  while cosmetic dentists focus on the teeth's aesthetic appearance, an example of which is making your teeth whiter and more natural.



Cosmetic dentists are also different from general dentists as they have attended several programs to further their skills for you to give you that great smile.  Although the American Dental Association has not yet recognized cosmetic dentistry as a specialty, it is something that most dentists pursue and often base their practice on.

Turn to your cosmetic dentist to: 
·        Bleach or make those pearly whites more immaculate
·        Repair chips with fillings on your teeth
·        Fill cavities at the same time make it natural
·        Reshape the tooth that is unlike the others
·        Close gaps in between your teeth
·        Cover teeth with porcelain crown
·        Have dental implants or put on braces




Dr. Cecilia LontocDMD is one of the best cosmetic dentists. For more information or to schedule your dental checkup, please call 310-782-6155  or visit our website at www.cecilialontocdmd.com