The Role of Family Dentistry in Marina District San Diego

Our services include dental exams, cleanings, X-rays, and more to help patients stay on top of their oral health. We also provide emergency dental care for unexpected issues. Additionally, we advocate for a dental healthy diet, early detection of decay and gum disease through regular check-ups, personalized treatment plans, Invisalign, oral surgery and more.

Patient education is a top priority and we take the time to explain everything to patients, including the importance of regular check-ups and the benefits of different treatment options. To help minimize stress, we create a family-friendly, welcoming and comfortable environment. We offer convenient scheduling and are always happy to answer any questions or concerns.

In addition to providing high-quality care, we also work closely with other dental professionals to ensure that our patients receive the best care possible. Our cosmetic dentistry practice in Marina District is dedicated to promoting good oral hygiene, providing comprehensive services, and educating patients about their dental health. Together, we can help you and your family maintain healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

Preventive Care:

Monitoring Your Oral Health by Regular Screenings

Preventive care is a vital aspect of maintaining good oral health. It involves monitoring and maintaining the health of your teeth and gums through regular check-ups, cleanings, and screenings.

Part of preventive care is screening for oral cancer. Screening includes examining the mouth, lips, tongue, and throat for abnormalities, as well as taking a medical history. Oral cancer can be life-threatening if not caught early, so it is vital to have regular screenings to check for any signs of the disease.

Another important aspect of preventive care is monitoring occlusion, or how the teeth fit together when biting and chewing. When you have regular check-ups, the Marina District team ensures that the teeth fit together correctly. An improper bite leads to problems for teeth, jaws, and muscles.

Preventive care also involves screening for breathing disorders, such as sleep apnea. These disorders can have severe consequences for overall health, so it is important to identify and address them as soon as possible.

Finally, preventive care involves monitoring for decay or the breakdown of tooth enamel caused by bacteria and acid. Decay leads to cavities and other dental problems. Regular cleanings and check-ups will prevent decay and keep the teeth healthy.

A Dental Hygienist Provides Professional Cleaning for a Healthy Smile

A healthy smile looks good and is essential to your overall health and well-being. According to the American Dental Hygienists Association, there are over 250,000 dental hygienists in the United States. These professionals play a crucial role in helping people maintain good oral health by providing professional cleaning and care. Dental hygienists train to clean teeth, remove plaque and tartar, and provide education on proper oral hygiene techniques. They also take x-rays and assess patients for signs of oral diseases such as gum disease. By visiting a dental hygienist regularly, individuals can keep their teeth and gums healthy and prevent dental problems from occurring.

Education for the Family Learning About Responsible Oral Hygiene at Home

Educating the whole family about responsible oral hygiene at home is essential for maintaining good oral health between visits to our practice. This includes teaching children how to properly brush and floss their teeth and the importance of maintaining a healthy diet. Parents need to model good oral hygiene habits for their children, as children are more likely to follow the example set by their parents.

In addition to teaching basic oral hygiene techniques, it is also important to educate family members about the importance of regular dental check-ups. These check-ups help identify and address potential problems early on, ensuring that the teeth and gums remain healthy.

Overall, educating the whole family about responsible oral hygiene at home is crucial in maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems over your lifetime. Family members can work together to keep their teeth and gums healthy and happy by learning about the importance of proper oral hygiene.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Dentistry

1. At what age should a child first see the dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children see a dentist by their first birthday or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. Identifying potential problems early on allows our team to guide children on proper oral hygiene techniques.

2. How do sealants protect teeth? 

Sealants are a preventive measure to protect teeth, particularly the molars, from decay. They are thin coatings made of a plastic material applied to the teeth's chewing surfaces. The sealant creates a barrier, sealing off the deep grooves and fissures in the teeth that are prone to accumulating bacteria and plaque. By protecting these areas, sealants can help to prevent tooth decay and the formation of cavities. When applied to children's back teeth, they are an effective way to help protect against tooth decay and maintain good oral health.

3. Who benefits most from getting sealants? 

Children at high risk of developing cavities benefit the most from getting sealants, as they provide an added layer of protection against decay. Sealants may also be recommended for adults prone to developing cavities, especially if they have deep grooves or fissures in their molars.

4. What should I do when my child's baby tooth has turned black?

When your child's baby tooth turns black after being knocked or bumped, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A blackened tooth can indicate the tooth has been damaged internally and may need removal. It is important to have the tooth evaluated by Dr. Racic, who can determine the best action. In the meantime, you can help reduce pain or discomfort by having your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water and apply a cold compress to the affected area. It is important to avoid giving your child any pain medication without consulting a healthcare professional.

5. What does it mean to be tongue-tied, and how is it fixed? 

Tongue-tied refers to a condition that anchors the tongue to the floor of the mouth ( a short or tight lingual frenulum). Being tongue-tied can interfere with breastfeeding, speaking, and oral hygiene. A tongue tie is diagnosed by a healthcare professional, such as a dentist or physician, through a physical examination.

Tongue-tie is easily corrected by a simple procedure called a frenectomy, in which the tight tissue is snipped to release the tongue. A dentist or a medical doctor may perform this procedure in the office with minimal discomfort. In more severe cases, a referral to a specialist may be necessary. Correcting tongue-tie can help to improve breastfeeding, speaking, and oral hygiene.

6. How often should my family see the dentist? 

Regular dental visits are an essential part of maintaining good oral health and preventing dental problems from occurring. The American Dental Association recommends that most individuals visit the dentist every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up. The frequency may vary based on an individual's oral health needs. For example, individuals at a higher risk of developing cavities or gum disease may need to visit the dentist more frequently. It is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine the appropriate frequency of dental visits for you and your family.

7. What vitamins support strong teeth? 

Vitamins and minerals play a role in maintaining strong teeth. The most important vitamins for healthy teeth include; vitamins D, C, and A.

• Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is necessary for strong teeth and bones. 
• Vitamin C helps to support the gums and connective tissue in the mouth
• Vitamin A helps to keep the tooth enamel strong. 

Other important minerals for healthy teeth include calcium, phosphorus, and fluoride. You obtain these nutrients through a well-balanced diet consisting of various fruits, vegetables, and other nutrient-rich foods.

8. What does it mean if I get cankers in my mouth, and how are they treated?

Canker sores, also known as aphthous ulcers, are small, shallow ones that can occur inside the mouth, on the tongue, or in the gums. They are common and can cause discomfort or pain when eating or speaking. 

Canker sores are not contagious, and the exact cause is often unknown. Still, they may be triggered by stress, injury to the mouth, certain foods or allergens, or hormonal changes.

Canker sores usually heal within a few days to a couple of weeks. In the meantime, over-the-counter pain medication or topical creams can help to reduce discomfort. It is important to avoid spicy or acidic foods, as these can irritate the sores. 

Seek medical attention if canker sores do not heal within a few weeks or are accompanied by fever or other symptoms. If canker sores are recurrent or severe, a healthcare professional may prescribe medication to help reduce the frequency or severity of outbreaks.

9. What foods support good oral health? 

Many foods can support good oral health. These include foods high in vitamins and minerals, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables, which help keep the teeth and gums healthy. 
• Milk and other dairy products are also important for maintaining strong teeth, as they contain calcium and other minerals necessary for healthy teeth and bones. 

Foods that support good oral health include;

•  Nuts, which are high in vitamin D, calcium, and 
• Water, which helps to rinse away bacteria and food particles from the mouth. 
• Limit sugary and acidic foods, as these can increase the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems.

10. Why should baby teeth get fillings when they fall out anyway? 

It is important to treat cavities in baby teeth even though they eventually fall out. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can cause pain and discomfort for the child and lead to problems with the adult teeth as they come in. 

When a baby's tooth is lost prematurely due to decay, the surrounding teeth can shift and cause problems with the alignment of the adult teeth. In addition, baby teeth help children chew and speak correctly. If teeth cause pain or are lost prematurely, it can affect these functions. Fillings can help to restore the function of the tooth and prevent further problems from occurring.

11. What causes bad breath, and how do I treat it? 

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be caused by various factors, including poor oral hygiene, dry mouth, certain foods and drinks, tobacco use, certain medications, and medical conditions such as gum disease and sinus infections.

The first defense against bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and using mouthwash to kill bacteria. 

Chewing gum or sucking on breath mints can freshen the breath, but eating raw vegetables, such as carrots or celery, stimulates saliva production and improves breath.

 Drinking plenty of water and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can also help to reduce bad breath. If bad breath persists, see a dental or medical professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

12. Does smoking damage your teeth? 

Yes, smoking can damage your teeth and gums in several ways. The chemicals in tobacco can cause staining and yellowing of the teeth, as well as bad breath. 

Smoking can also reduce saliva production, contributing to a dry mouth and an increased risk of tooth decay. In addition, smoking can increase the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. 

Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can cause tooth loss, and oral cancer is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. 

Quitting smoking can help to improve oral health and reduce the risk of these and other serious health problems.

13. What does it mean if gums are red and swollen? 

Red and swollen gums can signify gum disease, also known as periodontitis. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that causes inflammation, bleeding, and, eventually, tooth loss if left untreated. 

Bacteria in the mouth build up and form plaque, which hardens into tartar if not removed through regular brushing and flossing. Other symptoms of gum disease may include bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. 

Gum disease is often caused by poor oral hygiene. But other factors contribute, such as smoking, certain medications, and some medical conditions. If you have red and swollen gums, seeing a dental professional for an evaluation and appropriate treatment is essential.

14. What should I do if an adult tooth falls out?

If an adult tooth falls out, seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you have the tooth, handle it by the crown rather than the root, and rinse it off gently with water. Avoid scrubbing the tooth or removing any tissue that may be attached. Try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it in place by biting down gently on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth. If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, it can be stored in a container of milk or saliva until you can see a dental professional. Seek medical attention as soon as possible to improve the chances of successful re-implantation.

15. When you wear dentures, do you still go to the dentist? 

Yes, it is important for individuals who wear dentures to continue to visit the dentist regularly. Even though dentures replace natural teeth, the gums and remaining teeth still need to be checked for potential problems.

In addition, it is essential to have regular dental check-ups to ensure that the dentures fit correctly and to identify any potential issues with the gums or remaining teeth. 

Dentures can cause irritation or sores if they do not work correctly, so it is important to have them checked and adjusted as needed. Regular dental visits are a part of maintaining good oral health and preventing problems from occurring.

At Marina District Dentistry, we believe that building trusting relationships with families in the Marina District is essential for promoting good oral health and overall well-being. Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized dental care for patients of all ages, and we strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment that makes patients look forward to dental appointments.

Whether you need preventive care, emergency dental services, or more specialized treatment, our team is here to help. We take the time to understand the unique needs of each patient and work together to develop a personalized care plan that will help you and your family achieve and maintain excellent oral health.

From regular check-ups and cleanings to advanced procedures like Invisalign and oral surgery, we offer a full range of services to help you achieve the best possible results. Our team is committed to providing the highest quality care and supporting our patients every step of the way.

So, if you're looking for a family dentist in the Marina District, we invite you to get to know our team. We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our practice and helping you achieve and maintain a happy, healthy smile for a lifetime.