Dental FAQs Provided by New Smile Dental

Answers to Your General and Cosmetic Dentistry Questions From Our San Diego Practice

How can I improve the appearance of my smile?

Patients who feel self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth or are looking for improvement in their smiles make excellent candidates for cosmetic dentistry. Spreading fast in the past few years, cosmetic dentistry treatments have helped many of our San Diego patients achieve dazzling smiles and solid confidence. Improvements in cosmetic dentistry and the understanding of good oral health have prompted many to find betterment in both appearance and oral hygiene. Dr. Nguyen treats patients with the right dental prevention and cosmetic dentistry procedures to make sure you achieve a gorgeous smile.

There are many cosmetic dental procedures available to improve and enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile. Depending on your individual needs, cosmetic dentistry treatments can change your smile dramatically, whether we restore a single tooth or perform a full smile makeover. Learn how dental implants, tooth whitening, porcelain dental veneers, and other cosmetic dentistry treatments can improve the appearance of your smile.

How can I replace missing teeth?

Patients who come into our general and cosmetic dentistry practice in San Diego are not only looking for restored appearance, but restored function as well. Depending on your individual condition, Dr. Nguyen may recommend dental implants or dentures as the best course of treatment. Learn more about dental implants, dentures and your renewed confidence.

What are porcelain veneers and how can they improve my smile?

Veneers are thin tooth-colored shells of custom-made porcelain that is bonded to the front of the natural tooth to create a beautiful smile tailored to your individual features. Porcelain veneers can help restore or camouflage damaged, discolored, poorly shaped, or misaligned teeth. One of the biggest advantages of porcelain veneers is the ability to vastly improve the appearance of one or more teeth in just a couple of dental visits. To find out if you are a good candidate for dental veneers, contact our cosmetic dentistry practice in San Diego today.

What is sleep dentistry?

Sleep dentistry is an excellent solution for patients who experience severe anxiety or fear of the dentist. Unlike general anesthesia, the patient is conscious during treatment. Sleep dentistry puts patients into a sedated, dreamlike state so they are completely relaxed while Dr. Nguyen performs your procedure. When patients awaken, there will be little memory of the procedure they have undergone. To find out if sleep dentistry is right for you, contact our cosmetic and general dentistry practice in San Diego today.

What causes bad breath?

Bad breath is a common experience that can be an unpleasant and embarrassing for the affected individual and those around him/her. There are a number of causes of bad breath, many of which can be combated with proper oral hygiene. Some causes of bad breath include:

  • Odor-causing foods: Garlic, onions, and other foods that contain odor-causing compounds. These foods enter the blood stream, are transferred into the lungs, and are exhaled.
  • Morning breath: The saliva flow slows significantly during sleep. This reduces the power of the individual's cleansing action, allowing bacteria that cause bad breath to grow.
  • Poor oral hygiene: Food particles that are left in the mouth further bacterial growth, causing bad breath.
  • Gum disease: Bacteria and food debris can collect under inflamed gums, resulting in dental problems and bad breath.
  • Dental cavities.
  • Improperly fitted dental appliances.
  • Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Can be the result of certain medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous mouth breathing.
  • Tobacco products.
  • Dieting: Odor-causing chemicals known as ketones are released in the breath as the body burns fat.
  • Dehydration and hunger: Chewing food and drinking water increases the flow saliva, washing bacteria away.
  • Illnesses: Certain medical conditions such as liver and kidney problems, diabetes, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, and pneumonia may contribute to bad breath.

How can I prevent bad breath?

There are a number of factors that could be contributing to bad breath. In healthy people, the most common cause is microbial deposits that can build up on the tongue, especially on the back portions of the tongue. Some studies have revealed that brushing the tongue can reduce bad breath up to 70 percent.

Dr. Nguyen strongly stresses that patient practice good oral hygiene to not only prevent bad breath, but also maintain optimal oral health. Patients should brush at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush approved by the American Dental Association. It is also important to floss daily to remove food debris and plaque from in between the teeth and under the gum line. Finally, use your toothbrush or a tongue scraper to clean the tongue and reach the back areas.

Additional tips on preventing bad breath:

  • See your dentist regularly: Patients should undergo a check-up and cleaning at least twice a year.
  • Drink water: Water helps keep the mouth moist and washes away bacteria.
  • Use mouthwash/rinses: Ask your dentist about antiseptic rinses that not only alleviate bad breath, but also kill the germs that cause the problem.
  • Stop smoking/chewing tobacco

In the majority of cases, Dr. Nguyen can treat the causes of bad breath. Contact our general dentistry practice in San Diego to learn more.

What should I do if I'm experiencing tooth pain?

Tooth pain may result from sensitivity that can easily be remedied through use of certain toothpastes or a special mouthwash. However, tooth pain can also be an indicator of a larger problem, such as cavity in need of a root canal. Dr. Nguyen strongly recommends that patients come in as soon as they experience pain so she can diagnose the problem and advise you of the appropriate treatment.

For more answers to your general and cosmetic dentistry questions, contact our San Diego practice today.