Welcome to the Dental Practice of Monica Puentes, DDS

Brushing and flossing can help control plaque and gum disease. Food debris and bacteria combine with saliva on a daily basis to form a sticky film, called plaque, on our teeth and gums. If not removed several times a day, plaque can harden and begin to destroy the gums and teeth and to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Brushing and flossing regularly, along with the regular use of other dental aids, can stop the continuous growth of plaque.

Tooth Brushing

Brush at least twice a day. The most important is before bedtime. The dental industry is booming with technology. Bristle designs help to get the right 45-degree angle, and help the brush to reach hidden areas of the mouth. Certain effective methods of brushing your teeth include:

Brush all surfaces of the teeth: the outer, the inner and the biting surface. Also, use the tip of the brush head to clean the inside of the front teeth. Brush the entire tongue, but especially at the back of the throat, where typically a lot of bacteria accumulate.

Electric toothbrushes have been designed to mimic the action normally required by the wrist; so simply holding the toothbrush over each area and letting the brush do the work can make brushing a joy, and can increase your desire to brush often.

It is important to visit us on a regular basis so that we can identify potential problems early and take appropriate action. Tooth decay can, if left untreated, cause the total loss of a tooth within a year. For this reason it is important to visit us every six months. In some circumstances you may need more frequent visits.

While brushing and flossing daily will generally keep your mouth in good condition, regular visits will go a long way to prevent major tooth or gum disease, or catch it early, if it is developing. We will perform tests and use x-ray technology to see problems long before they can cause lasting damage to your mouth.

Examination of diagnostic x-rays (radiographs)

Radiographs are essential for detection of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions.

Oral cancer screening

At every visit, we always check the face, neck, lips, tongue, throat tissues and gums for any signs of oral cancer.

Your dental exam

During your exam Dr. Puentes will check your teeth for cavities and broken fillings or crowns. Dental decay may appear as a hole or sometimes as a dark shadow underneath the surface of the enamel. Special dental instruments can go a lot farther than the average toothbrush at removing calculus (tartar), probing beneath the surface, and checking the strength of existing fillings and crowns.

Plaque is defined as a soft, sticky and colorless deposit that is continually forming on our teeth and gums. All of us “get” plaque, so all of us need to get rid of it. If plaque is allowed to grow, it can cause cavities and lead to gum disease. If plaque is not removed daily, it will harden and become tartar. Tartar is much harder to remove from the tooth; so why not “catch” it before it has a chance develop? (See Good Brushing Techniques, below.)

Dental teeth polishing will remove plaque, tartar, and stains from the teeth. It is a cosmetic procedure that removes surface stains on the crown part of the tooth or above the gum line so teeth will look and feel cleaner and brighter.

Oral Hygiene – Good Brushing Techniques

At our dentist office the entire team is dedicated to educate you on toothbrush choices, tooth paste, floss, rinses and fluoride options.

Review dietary habits

Your eating habits play a very important role in your dental health. So as you can see, there are many good reasons to make regular visits to our office. We are committed to making each one of your visits a valuable and lasting part of your dental care regimen.

There are times when bad breath can occur regardless of the dental health of an individual’s mouth. Bad breath in a healthy mouth is largely a result of microbial deposits on various locations of the tongue, especially the back. In many cases, simply brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath by up to 70 percent.

What may cause bad breath?

Morning-time

Saliva contains enzymes that cleanse the mouth of bacterial growth. During sleep, saliva production slows or even stops altogether, producing a dry-mouth effect and causing bad breath.

Certain foods

Certain foods contain compounds that have a strong natural odor, such as onions or garlic which, upon entering the blood stream, are transferred into the lungs, then exhaled through the mouth.

Poor oral hygiene habits

Food particles can remain in the mouth, promoting growth of bacteria.

Periodontal (gum) disease

Inflammation of the gums can often indicate bacterial infections and food particles collecting in hard-to-reach areas.

Dental cavities or ill-fitting dental appliances

Cavities in the tooth or ill-fitting appliances can foster bad breath by allowing hidden areas for bacterial growth and food particle collection.

Dry mouth (Xerostomia)

Dry mouth may result from certain oral medications, salivary gland issues, or sinus problems resulting in excessive mouth breathing. Tobacco products can also dry the mouth and contribute to bad breath. Drinking water throughout the day can keep the mouth clean and moist.

Dieting

Certain diets can cause ketosis in the body, which produces chemicals called ketones that may be released into the breath as the body burns fat.

Some medical conditions or illnesses

Bad breath can be the body’s response or simply a symptom of such conditions as liver or kidney problems, diabetes, chronic sinus infections, bronchitis and even pneumonia.

If you keep a journal of what and when you eat, you may be able to identify the cause of bad breath. Discuss your current medications, any recent surgeries, or illnesses with your dentist.