Plaque is that filmy stuff that forms on teeth. Since it is caused by the breakdown of the foods we eat, plaque formation is a constant process. And that’s why we keep reminding our patients to brush and floss twice a day, at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego. The plaque process goes something like […]
General Dentistry
Information about general dentistry procedures and oral health
What Does Your Saliva Reveal?
Categories: Dental health, General Dentistry
In this blog post from Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego we examine saliva, and its role in your dental health. Don’t be squeamish! Saliva is mostly water. No surprise there. A small portion of it, though, is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The ideal pH balance of the mouth is […]
It’s Better To Prevent A Cavity Than Fill One
We fill a lot of cavities at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego. Tooth decay is a serious problem, with somewhere in the area of nine of every ten American adults having at least one cavity in their teeth. It doesn’t have to be that way, and we really stress preventative dentistry as the key […]
Say Goodbye To Old Amalgam Fillings
Do you remember what your teeth looked like before you had your first cavity? When you opened your mouth to laugh or yawn, the people with you could see only pearly white molar surfaces. At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we use white fillings that let you keep your natural tooth color. If you […]
Trouble Getting Numb For Dental Treatment?
For most of us, getting a cavity filled is not exactly a highlight of the day. But thanks to modern anesthesia, like what we use at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, it’s really just an inconvenience. Some people, though, are resistant to local anesthesia like lidocaine. That makes what is ordinarily simple, like filling […]
6 Good Reasons To Visit Your Dentist More Often
Most people visit the dentist about once each year. As many as forty percent of Americans see their dentist less often; some go as long as five years between visits! At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we recommend a checkup every six months. Here are six great reasons to visit us more frequently. 1. […]
You Should Worry if Any of These 3 Things Happen in Your Mouth
1. You drink a cold beverage and—yowza—it generates a shooting pain! When a cavity has eroded enamel it eventually contacts the layer under the enamel. This is called the dentin. The dentin contains tiny tubules. A cold (or acidic) liquid that flows into the tubules can get close enough to the nerve to make you […]
Not Your Mother’s Jewelry: 5 Reasons Tongue Piercings Are Dangerous
Let’s get right to it; while tongue, cheek, and lip piercings are “so in” right now, here’s five reasons to keep piercings where they belong—in your ears: Excessive drooling—YIKES! Chipped teeth Infection (some even in places you wouldn’t think can get infected) Hypersensitivity to metal Nerve damage Drooling Lip and tongue piercings may make you […]
Is A Tooth Implant The Same As A Dental Crown?
What’s the difference between a tooth implant and a crown? The relationship between a dental implant and a crown can be confusing. They can be combined in one procedure. And both can be used with other dental restorations. Let’s clear up the confusion. 1. A tooth implant can function as a foundation for a crown. […]
Infant And Toddler Teeth Q&A
Today’s post is for new San Diego parents. It contains beneficial counsel about caring for baby’s and toddler’s teeth. How should I clean my toddler’s teeth? For infants, gently clean their gums with a piece of gauze or soft cloth. The ADA does not recommend any toothpaste for infants. When your child is three, a […]
