Archive for the ‘Oral Health’ Category

Bad Breath Is No Fun For San Diego Residents

Tuesday, January 26th, 2010

Bad Breath Is No Fun For San Diego ResidentsImagine you are starting a new job in San Diego and meeting your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath. Perhaps your breath is not as a pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of San Diego, California, from ages 25 to 75. Regular dental checkups at Marcos Ortega DDS can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1986.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in San Diego can result in a change in your breath.

In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem effecting as much as 25 percent of our San Diego residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath for San Diego residents include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Marcos Ortega DDS located in San Diego, California; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 619-295-4545 to set up an appointment.

Dr. Marcos Ortega

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General Dentistry

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

San Diego General DentistryWhat is ‘ General Dentistry ‘? Here are a couple definitions, found from around the web:

The World Health Organization defines General Dentistry as “the science and art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations of the teeth, jaws and mouth”.

According to Wikipedia :

A dentist is a healthcare professional qualified to practice dentistry after graduating with a degree of either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Bachelor of Dentistry (BDent), Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc), or Bachelor of Dental Surgery/Chirurgiae (BDS) or (BChD) or equivalent.

In most western countries, to become a qualified dentist one must usually complete at least 4 years of postgraduate study. Generally, 2 years of clinical experience working with patients in an educational setting are required.

If you have a need for General Dentistry in the San Diego area, please give our practice a call. We are Marcos Ortega DDS, and our general dentistry office is located at:

306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25
San Diego, California 92103

We practice General Dentistry in the city of San Diego. We provide general dentistry services to the greater San Diego area, which includes dentistry services for anyone in the cities of Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Mission Valley or Bankers Hill.

Give us a call at 619-295-4545 to schedule a general dentistry appointment in San Diego, or to ask questions about general dentistry.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Saving Teeth in San Diego

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Root Canals in San Diego When a tooth is threatened by severe decay, periodontal disease, or damage from an injury, a skilled San Diego dentist or endodontist must make a judgment call concerning the course of treatment. If the pulp of the tooth is infected or inflamed, a root canal is often the only way to save the tooth.

Marcos Ortega DDS: 619-295-4545

During a root canal procedure (or endodontic treatment) the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. This tissue contains veins, arteries and lymph vessels. Once the roots are cleaned out and widened, they are filled with a special rubber material. The root canal is only the first step in the complete tooth restoration. After the root canal, without a crown, the tooth will become dry and brittle. The final steps are the core build up and crown.

At Marcos Ortega DDS, we fabricate strong, natural-looking crowns that blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. With proper oral hygiene and regular visits to a San Diego dentist, a tooth with a filled root can often function problem-free for the rest of a patient’s life.

I am Dentist Dr. Marcos Ortega DDS of Marcos Ortega DDS. I have been practicing dentistry since 1986. During that time I have seen hundreds of teeth saved by this effective dental procedure. Root canal therapy at Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego has a very high success rate.

Because teeth with infected pulp tissue often cause no symptoms, it is important to have regular dental examinations. I can determine which (if any) teeth have infected roots. If the infection in the soft pulp tissue is left untreated, it can progress to a point where the tooth cannot be saved. Is it time for a thorough dental exam? Call our office at 619-295-4545.

Call Marcos Ortega DDS immediately if one of your teeth is screaming for attention!

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Keeping Bones Strong in San Diego

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Marcos Ortega DDS There is a tooth connection that links osteoporosis and oral health. If you are a woman, you have probably heard about the high rate of osteoporosis in America. The state of California is no exception. Osteoporosis can often progress without any outward symptoms. However, there may be clues in a person’s mouth that indicate compromised bones in the rest of the body.

The following dental and periodontal issues could indicate the presence of osteoporosis:

  • Gum detachment
  • Ill-fitting dentures
  • Jaw bone recession and erosion
  • Difficulty with ordinary mouth function such as eating or speaking

There are many San Diego dental professionals that can determine the presence of bone deterioration with x-rays and other diagnostic tools. If we suspect the possibility of osteoporosis, we can refer you to a local medical professional, whether you live in Hillcrest, Mission Hills, Mission Valley or Bankers Hill.

The experienced dentist at Marcos Ortega DDS is trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of the oral health problems sometimes associated with osteoporosis. Schedule a consultation in San Diego by calling 619-295-4545 and we can discuss your dental concerns. While you are here, we can also tell you about the cosmetic dental services we provide. Aesthetic dentistry continues to improve smiles for our friends and neighbors in the San Diego area.

If you suspect you may be suffering from osteoporosis, please see your physician right away. While your dentist can help identify some of the symptoms associated with osteoporosis, you should not rely on your dentist to provide a diagnosis of osteoporosis.

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San Diego Dentistry

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

Educating San Diego Dental Patients About Little-Known Risks Hi, I’m Dentist Dr. Marcos Ortega, DDS. Most every day, I can be found at my San Diego area dental office treating dental patients with tooth and gum problems or helping patients prevent them. There are many common medical conditions that pose a risk to oral health.

1) San Diego diabetes patients with high blood glucose often have a higher risk of dental issues. If you have diabetes, let’s talk. My number is 619-295-4545.

2) A persistent dry mouth due to an inadequate amount of saliva can accelerate tooth decay, cause or contribute to gum disease, and trigger chronic bad breath. Many medications used by thousands of San Diego folks, including those for high-blood pressure and depression, cause dry mouth. This side effect is not only unpleasant, it is dangerous. Anti-depressants (especially SSRI’s) and anti-psychotic drugs can also trigger tooth-grinding (bruxism).

3) Acid reflux in children and adults is associated with a host of dental problems such as decay and periodontal disease.

I help many dental patients prevent problems associated with medical conditions that sometimes seem unrelated to dental health. Regular professional dental care is essential for oral health, and an important part of your overall physical health.

http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com

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Periodontal Disease in California

Friday, December 4th, 2009

Periodontal Disease in California

Periodontal disease in California is more common than you might think, and can be cured with varying degrees of treatment depending on the severity.

What is periodontal disease? According to this article on Wikipedia, periodontal disease is ‘the name of a collection of inflammatory diseases affecting the tissues that surround and support the teeth.’

Periodontal disease, more commonly called ‘gum disease’, is an inflammation or infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can be very painful in some extreme conditions, and can limit your ability to eat normally. In some cases, periodontal disease can affect your smile, and can create cosmetic concerns.

If left untreated, periodontal disease can cause irreversible damage. When caught early and treated, periodontal disease can be little more than an inconvenience. However the best policy is to practice good dental hygiene to keep periodontal disease at bay.

One of the best ways to avoid periodontal disease is to get a regular dental check up at your local San Diego dentist.

Give us a call at 619-295-4545 to schedule your next dental checkup; we look forward to seeing you.

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Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in San Diego

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in San Diego Have you ever been eating an ice cream cone in San Diego when you felt a sudden jolt of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel is eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Marcos Ortega DDS, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our San Diego patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call 619-295-4545 right away to make an appointment. Dr. Marcos Ortega takes tooth pain seriously.

At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Hillcrest and Mission Hills, Mission Valley areas. You’ll find us in the 92103 zip code area.

Achieving Health and Beauty with Modern Dentistry

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Preventing Gum Disease at Marcos Ortega DDS

Saturday, June 27th, 2009

Preventing Gum Disease at Marcos Ortega DDS Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 619-295-4545. We are located at 306 Walnut Ave., Suite 25 in San Diego. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients. See http://www.MySanDiegoSmiles.com for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

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The Dangers of Oral Piercing

Friday, May 22nd, 2009

The Dangers of Oral Piercing If you live in the San Diego area and are considering puncturing your lip or tongue, read this:

Infection
Your mouth is full of bacteria. Any opening in the tissue carries the risk of infection. The germs from your tongue and mouth can easily get into your bloodstream. San Diego dentists and doctors are continually treating serious infections caused by oral piercings. Oral infections can be a real problem, and should be a major consideration before getting an oral piercing.

Tooth Damage
It should come as no surprise that having a piece of metal bang around in your mouth can easily chip tooth enamel. Though tooth enamel is amazingly strong, once it’s chipped or cracked, it can only be restored with artificial material. Fortunately, Marcos Ortega DDS in San Diego offers many tooth restoration options such as crowns and fillings, but our advice is to avoid the problem if you can.

Prolonged Bleeding and Swelling
The blood vessels in the tongue are often damaged when the tongue is pierced, causing prolonged bleeding and possible build-up of scar tissue. In some cases, the tongue swells up enough to block the airway.

Gum Recession
A number of periodontal disease studies have shown that wearing oral jewelry is linked to periodontal disease which can result in tooth loss. Periodontal disease, or ‘gum disease’, can cause gum recession and exposes the root of your teeth, potentially causing hyper sensitivity and pain. Again, our advice is to avoid the problem right from the start.

These are just a few of the dangers. Dr. Marcos Ortega at Marcos Ortega DDS can give you more information about the risks of oral piercings. If you already have damage, call 619-295-4545 to schedule a consultation.

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Infant and Toddler Teeth Care

Thursday, April 16th, 2009

Infant and Toddler Teeth Care Though most parents know the basics of children’s dental care, San Diego dentists continue to see cavities in young children.

Caring for your infant’s teeth should begin even before they erupt. To prevent bacteria growth, parents can wash their baby’s gums with a wet washcloth after feedings.

Babies should never be put to bed with a bottle, no matter how tempting it is for tired parents. The sugars in milk or juice that stay in contact with teeth for hours can damage the enamel. When your child gets his first tooth, it is time to brush. Parents should use non-fluoride toothpaste until the child is two years old. Then, use only a tiny dab. Young children often swallow toothpaste while brushing. If a child ingests too much fluoride, teeth can become stained.

When a child is old enough to brush his own teeth, an adult should go over them after the child finishes to make sure they are clean. Most children thoroughly clean the chewing surfaces, but often fail to clean the backsides and gumline. Consult the child-friendly staff at Marcos Ortega DDS about dental sealants.

Monitor your child’s meals and snacks. We all know that sugary snacks are not only bad for growing bodies; they are also bad for teeth. Scheduling set times to drink anything other than water during the day can also help prevent cavities.

To schedule a dental pediatric consultation, call Dr. Marcos Ortega at 619-295-4545. I provide San Diego area dental care for children and families.

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