Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss among adults. Nearly half of Americans over the age of thirty have gum disease in some form. As devastating as it can be, it’s a treatable condition at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego. What do your gums do? Gum tissue has an important job. It […]
Gum Disease
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 […]
The Rate of Bone Loss After Extraction Can Be Slowed or Stopped With an Implant

The alveolar bone The bone surrounding the teeth is called alveolar bone. It’s main job is to support the teeth and provide a heavy-duty foundation for tooth roots. Normal mouth function maintains bone health. As you chew, it stimulates bone cells to continuously produce new bone. What can cause alveolar bone loss? Extraction When a […]
Look As Young As You Feel By Replacing Missing Teeth

Some individuals are fortunate to experience the rewards of growing older. Maturity and wisdom. Increased financial stability. More free time for family, hobbies, or travel. And last but not least: grandchildren! Gaps In Your Smile? Anyone over sixty knows that aging isn’t always a picnic, however. Physical problems can lower the quality of life. Dental […]
How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

A healthy smile needs decay-free teeth and healthy gums. At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we’ve seen a variety of issues in our patients’ gums. Which of the items below are risk factors for gum disease (periodontitis)? a. Pregnancy b. Overbite c. Diabetes d. Heredity All of the above. Pregnancy, menopause, or any other condition […]
Gum Disease Linked To Alzheimer’s: Keep Those Gums Healthy!

Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego offers quality dental care that covers both general and cosmetic dentistry. He can help you keep your gums healthy with routine hygiene appointments, and treat your gum disease with periodontal laser treatment. Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Risk factors for periodontal […]
Gum Health in San Diego Affects Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

At Marcos Ortega DDS, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth but also with how it influences your complete physical well-being and gum health in San Diego. Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes and oral health and may be of interest to San Diego residents with diabetes as well […]