FAQs
As one of the most sought after dentist Pacific Beach CA businesses, we get asked a lot of questions. Our customers and their greatest asset are always our main priority, so we make sure to go ahead and get people the information they need! Here are some of the many questions we are frequently asked.
Do you have financing options?
Yes! We want to make a way for all of our clients, so we go above and beyond to provide solutions. Here are a couple of those options:
When should I schedule my child’s first dental appointment?
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Hernandez as soon as your child’s first tooth appears. This is important to prevent pediatric dental problems; it is also important for your child to start forming positive associations with dental care.
Is thumb sucking harmful to a child’s teeth?
Generally, thumb sucking is not harmful because most children stop at a relatively young age. However, if your child sucks his or her thumb past the age of 3, bring this up to Dr. Hernandez as your dentist Pacific Beach CA provider at your next appointment. There are appliances to curb this behavior, and at that point, you want to curb
How often do I need to brush and floss my teeth?
It is recommended that you brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once. Look for products with the American Dental Association Seal of approval.
How can I get rid of bad breath?
Make sure you are following healthy oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing. This removes odor-causing bacteria from the mouth. Other things you can to do freshen your breath are:
- rinse your mouth with water after eating
- chew sugarless gum to stimulate the flow of saliva
- eat a well-balanced, nutritious diet
- brush your tongue
- use an antibacterial mouth rinse
How often do I need to visit the dentist?
You should schedule a dental visit with Dr. Hernandez every six months for a professional examination and cleaning.
Are dental X-rays safe?
Yes, dental X-rays are safe. Our office uses lead aprons and high-speed film to reduce the amount of radiation exposure during an X-ray.
What should I do if one of my teeth is knocked out?
Practically and dentist Pacific Beach CA would agree that this is one of the scariest situations you could experience regarding your teeth. If one of your teeth is knocked out, make an appointment with Dr. Hernandez as soon as possible to boost the chances of salvaging the tooth. In the meantime, keep the tooth moist and handle only by the crown (not the root). Keep it in a container of water or milk, or between your cheek and gums.
How can I protect my teeth from an injury or trauma?
The best things you can do to protect the integrity of your teeth (besides normal oral hygiene habits) are to:
- wear a mouth guard while playing contact sports
- wear a mouth guard at night if you are prone to tooth grinding or clenching
- avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and other hard items
How can I improve the appearance of my smile?
Dr. Hernandez offers a wide variety of cosmetic dentistry services to enhance the appearance of your smile. Depending on what bothers you about your teeth, the goal of treatment could be to straighten teeth; close small gaps; conceal small chips or cracks; or lighten stains and discoloration. Dr. Hernandez may recommend treatment with a set of porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, the Invisalign system or porcelain crowns.
If I do not have insurance, but I am interested in getting it, do you have any recommendations for dental insurance?
Yes! We offer many solutions even if you do not have insurance, but here is an option for dental insurance if you want a very simple and straightforward solution.
Gum Disease
Since we are one of the best dentist Pacific Beach CA business, we also get asked very often about gum disease. You may have gum disease if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, but never assume. Always schedule and appointment and we will take a look at everything to give your correct information.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
- Bleeding or tender gums
- Extra-sensitive teeth
- Lingering Bad Breath
- Loose teeth
- Pain while chewing
- Receding gums
- Red or swollen gums
What Causes Gum Disease?
Gum disease is often caused by plaque buildup in the teeth. When not dealt with, plaque can harden to a point where it is difficult or impossible to remove by brushing or flossing. If plaque remains on your teeth for too long, it can start to affect your gums. The longer it’s there, the more harmful it can be. Smoking, hormonal changes in women, diabetes, certain medications, diseases like cancer, and even your genes (if you come from a family susceptible to gum disease) can make you much more likely to get gum disease.
Gum Disease Treatment in Pacific Beach
Periodontal diseases (or gum diseases) can simply be inflammation of the gums, but they can also be much more serious. Some forms of gum disease can cause severe damage to your gums and even to the bones that support your teeth, making periodontal diseases a serious health problem that needs to be dealt with. At PB Smile Studio, we’ll make use of the latest treatments to get your gums happy and healthy once again.
Methods of Treating Gum Disease
Some forms of gum disease can be treated by simply brushing and flossing regularly. However, sometimes, if left unchecked for too long, gum disease can become too severe for these methods to deal with. In this case, it is best to visit your dentist. We’ll ask you questions about your dental history and your experiences with gum disease to find out what form of treatment is best for you. Most likely, this treatment will involve a deep cleaning, where your dentist Pacific Beach CA will remove the plaque from your teeth, as well as removing rough spots on your teeth that are likely to attract germs. We may also talk to you about your dental habits to see if there are any changes that need to be made to make gum disease less likely in the future. Depending on the severity of your gum disease, we may also have to use medications or surgical procedures to truly get rid of the problem.
It has been stated by the U.S. Surgeon General that 85 percent of Americans have gum disease in some form. Also called periodontal disease, this oral condition is inflammatory in nature. What we tend to know about gum disease is that it results in irritated gums, a bad taste in the mouth, and, sometimes, bad breath. What many people do not realize is just how invasive gum disease can be, affecting the entire body. Untreated gum disease has been linked to alarming health conditions like:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Oral disease affects more than just the mouth. Because the underlying cause of gum disease is the activity of harmful bacteria, this is why it is recommended to practice excellent oral hygiene and maintain regular dental checkups.
Contact Pacific Beach Smile Studio Today
If you have additional questions about the services offered by your new favorite dentist Pacific Beach CA specialist, Dr. Hernandez, or about maintaining your dental health, please contact our office. You can reach us by calling 858-272-604. There is no time to waste!