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Occasional bleeding from the gums may occur as a result of overly enthusiastic brushing. If your gums bleed on a regular basis, it’s critical to find out why and seek treatment. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design explain why prompt dental attention is necessary when your gums start to bleed. Bleeding Gums Good oral hygiene can prevent many cases of bleeding gums. That means brushing your teeth after every meal and daily flossing. Not doing so leads to bacterial plaque building up on teeth. Tartar eventually forms from[...]

Not every damaged tooth requires a crown. Many repairs are made using porcelain or composite materials known as inlays or onlays. Some patients choose gold inlays or onlays. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design discuss when inlays and onlays make sense for patients. What are Inlays and Onlays? The difference between inlays and onlays is the area of the tooth on which they are placed. Inlays and onlays are used in molars and premolars.  Inlays are used to fill in cavities and the fissures between cusps. Onlays can cover and[...]

Maybe you are new to the area and need to find a dentist. Perhaps you aren’t satisfied with the dentist you have been seeing. Whatever the reason, factors to consider when choosing a new dentist involve the professional and the practical. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design explain what to look for when choosing a new dentist. Training and Experience  Even if you are primarily interested in a general dentist, you never know when you or a family member may need specialized dental care. Find out how much training,[...]

Everyone wants a brighter, whiter smile. The best way to achieve this goal is via professional treatment rather than wasting money on hit-or-miss over-the-counter tooth whiteners. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design share some observations from patients who try professional tooth whitening. Trust in the Results When you purchase an over-the-counter teeth whitening kit, you may or may not get your money’s worth. There are no guarantees that the product won’t harm your teeth. If the results are not satisfactory, you have little recourse. When going the professional route,[...]

Are missing teeth making you self-conscious? Do you have trouble chewing because of lost teeth? Is tooth loss affecting your speech? Dental implants can solve these problems and greatly improve your appearance. The dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design share what you need to know about dental implants. What Are Dental Implants? Patients with missing teeth have various replacement alternatives, but the gold standard is the dental implant. A dental implant performs all of the functions of a natural tooth while helping to protect the jawbone. Dental implants consist of three[...]

One of the most effective ways to maintain your oral health is to be diligent about scheduling and showing up for semi-annual dental appointments. Most patients should have their teeth cleaned and their mouth examined for any issues every six months. Think of your routine dental appointments as preventive maintenance on your mouth. Skipping a dental appointment and rescheduling it within a month or so probably won’t make a difference in your oral health, but putting off a routine appointment for months or even years is another story. Here the[...]

Since the invention of clear aligners, it’s never been easier to straighten your teeth. When you consider that Invisalign is just as effective as traditional orthodontics, the convenience of aligners makes it a “clear” choice. After seeing ongoing satisfaction from our patients, the dentists at La Jolla Family Smile Design explain why Invisalign is so popular: 1. It Stays out of Sight While most people want straight teeth, not everyone is as motivated to make that change when it means having to make the teeth less attractive in the meantime. While metallic braces stick[...]