FAQ on Gingivitis

Suffering from red swollen gums that easily bleed when you brush or floss? You may have gingivitis.

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What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a gum disease that happens when tissues encasing and supporting your teeth becomes inflamed. Gingivitis is quite common, and since can be mild, you may not know that you have this.

What causes gingivitis?

Poor dental hygiene is the cause of gingivitis. It starts with tiny food leftovers that mix with your saliva, which then forms bacteria filled plaque. If you do not brush this off the surfaces of your teeth, it then becomes tartar. Tartar is hard and can only be removed with a visit to the dental clinic.

Is gingivitis contagious?

The answer is a simple yes. If you have gingivitis be warned that your saliva carries bacteria that may be easily transferred to other people.

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What is the treatment for gingivitis?

Go to the dental office to have an initial evaluation of your gum disease. She will also do an oral prophylaxis. Ask your dentist for advice and directions on how you can properly care for your teeth. Your dentist might recommend medications and even dental procedure.

What happened if I don’t get gingivitis cured?

Gingivitis causes other gum diseases such as periodontitis, and even lead to tooth loss. 

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

Crown or Filling, what takes the cake?

A dental filling for a crown? If this was the age of the Spanish Armada, kings and queens would all yearn for a crown.

However, we are talking about your tooth, and in this case, it all is a matter of your tooth problems. How do you decide which dental procedure should you get?

First off, you need to identify the problem. The reason why you need this dental procedure done is because you have a cavity within your teeth.

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The size and shape of the cavity is a big factor in determining what dental restoration works best for you.

A dental filling will work to simply seal that hole and restore your tooth to its original shape.

But, if the cavity is large and has caused decay and breakage, this is when you will need a dental crown.  Dental crowns are stronger as compared to fillings. They are made in a dental laboratory, which will make another visit to the dental clinic necessary.

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A dental crown may come off, but when compared to a large dental filling, a crown’s hold on your tooth is more secure.

Whatever choice you make will depend on you and your dentist. Keep in mind however that getting a filling is not a preventive measure for a dental crown, which is a bit pricey. So, better take care of your teeth.

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

What is Dental Bridge?

Just like a bridge that connects one point from another, a dental bridge links one tooth with another. Dental bridges fill in the gap set by an extraction or genes.

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What is dental bridge?

Bridges are made of two or more dental crowns. Most bridges are attached on a tooth or implant called abutment teeth. The abutment teeth reinforce the false tooth in between.  These crowns are made of gold, metal, alloy, ceramics, and can be a combination of all these.

Dental bridges can help you make prettier as it brings back that great smile and keeps the shape of your face. It also restores your chewing and speaking as well as avoids remaining teeth from moving out of position.

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Dental bridge procedure

Refitting your teeth is a common dental bridge procedure. This is so that the bridge will fit properly. 

There are three types of permanent dental bridge: traditional which uses porcelain and metal, cantilever bridge uses an adjacent tooth, and the Maryland bonded bridge which is made of resin.  Like crowns, you can ask your dentist and choose which material will suit you most.

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

The Teeth and The Crown

Crowns are often the recommended method of restoration.  It is used to cover a damage tooth, and even improve its appearance.

What is dental crown?

A dental crown is a prosthetic device which is cemented to your tooth.  As it is sturdy and tough, it can only be removed by your dentist.  You may need it to protect your tooth, restore a decaying tooth, and even cover your tooth or dental implant.

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Types of dental crowns

Porcelain crowns. Ceramic or porcelain crowns are easy on the eyes as they match the color of your natural tooth.  Be wary however as the ceramic may chip and even break.

Stainless steel crowns. Stainless steel crowns are most often used for pediatrics dentistry. This type of crown will jut out naturally when your kid’s baby tooth is coming out.

Metal crowns. Other materials used for crowns are gold and metal alloys. Metal alloys are most commonly recommended for the back teeth as they are more robust than porcelain crowns.

Porcelain fused metal crowns. This type of crown is suggested for both back and front teeth. Just like the porcelain crown, it can also be matched to the natural color of your teeth. 

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

Which braces work for you?

Thinking of having your teeth straightened, choose from the different types of braces.

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Metal Braces

Also called traditional braces, these are the ones with metal brackets and wires.

If you are going for low-priced braces cost, metal braces is the one for you.  Some say that this is even the most comfortable choice. Note however, that this is also the most visible of all the types of braces.

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Lingual Braces

Nearly invisiblebraces as the metal brackets and wires are placed behind your teeth. This is more costly and more time consuming as compared to metal braces. Another downside is that it is hard to clean.

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Clear ceramic braces

If you have this, to the unsuspecting eye, it might look like your pearly whites look great. Ceramic braces blend with the color of your teeth which makes them less noticeable than metal braces. If you are wearing this, clean your teeth as often as possible as ceramic braces stain easily.

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Invisalign

If you want to eat and drink anything, invisalign is the way to go. It is a specially molded mouth guard that is made of clear plastic aligners. These aligners will need to be replaced every two weeks, and would not work if you have severe dental problems. 

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

Food that’s Good and Bad for your Teeth

Apart from the usual dental care tips of brushing and flossing, there are also other ways for better dental care. One of them is with food, yes the one you put in your mouth. However not all food may be helpful for your teeth.

GOOD FOOD:

Milk. We all know that this dairy product is rich in calcium. This mineral is not only beneficial to your bones, but to your teeth as well. Calcium helps prevent periodontal gum disease and maintains a strong jaw bone.

Apples and pears. Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and pears have high water content. This helps dilute the sugar content coming from them and even in your mouth.

Chewing gum. Sugarless gum is helpful, as chewing assists in freeing food debris trapped in your teeth. Note however, that chewing gum in excess may be bad for your jaw.

Water.  It has been said that water is good for your body, well it is also good for your teeth. Water fuels your saliva, which in turns help defend your teeth against tooth and gum decay.

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BAD FOOD:

Candy. Lollipops and mints contain large amount of sugar, which can drive bacteria.

Oranges and lemon. Citrus foods can erode the tooth enamel, leaving it receptive to gum decay. If you are going to munch on some orange, eat some other food to help diminish its acidity level.

Dried fruits. Chewing on dried fruits and trail mix can lead to teeth diseases. These foods damages your teeth as they tend to stay longer in your mouth.

Potato chips and French fries. These crunchy food fare contains starch, which may end stuck in between your teeth.

Ice. Not just because it is made of water doesn't mean it’s good for your teeth. Remember that it is a solid substance that may leave your teeth defenceless leading to dental problems.

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

Why Flossing is Important

Ever heard of the phrase, brushing alone is not enough?

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The statement serves true, as there are places your toothbrush cannot reach. In these places, bacteria builds up, causing plaque and tooth decay.

The American Dental Association recommends brushing at least twice daily. For sure you have been doing this. However, have you also been up to flossing at least once a day, as the ADA recommended?

Your toothbrush can clean the top and outer surface of your teeth. But, what about the tight spaces and between your chompers and mini holes in between your teeth and gums? Sure a mouthwash can help eradicate the bacteria; but it doesn’t remove the dogged tartar. Floss functions as an interdental clinic, to help you clean these spaces.  Flossing plays a major role in removing food debris, making your pearly whites look brighter.

Apart from retaining that great smile, flossing also helps keep you maintain healthygums and teeth. We do know that a clean mouth can help prevent teeth diseases, and other illnesses such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and more.

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How to floss:

Some say flossing is hard, however with practice, you can floss perfectly.

Wrap the floss in your fingers, and as you guide the string of floss in your mouth, do it in a push and pull motion. Repeat with your other teeth.

Make flossing a habit. So, the next time you visit the dental clinic, you can beam proudly that yes you have been flossing.

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