El Portal Dental Blog

Do you have dental insurance for yourself or your family? Did you know that if you don’t use your benefits by the end of the year you will lose some of the money saving aspects, even if you stay on the same plan? Unlike data on cell phone plans, there is no “rollover” in the insurance industry when it comes to benefits – you use them or lose them at the end of the year. (And the same holds true for any type of health insurance, whether it be dental, vision, or general health insurance.)

Why would you spend your hard-earned money on insurance and not take full advantage of your benefits? Since the end of the year is quickly approaching, now is a great time to schedule a dental exam if you haven’t already exceeded the limit allowed on your dental policy.

It is important to get at least one dental exam per year for many reasons. Regular exams can help prevent cavities and catch early problems before the damage becomes irreversible. Exams and cleanings help to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent gum disease and other conditions, and they also help to detect oral cancers in the earlier stages.

Many other services are often covered under your dental plan in addition to your checkups and cleanings. Once you’ve reached your deductible, some services, such as a necessary root canal or crowns, may be covered at 100% so you don’t have any out-of-pocket costs. After your insurance lapses, however, you lose that 100% benefit, resetting your deductible.

Open enrollment for health and dental insurance begins November 1, 2016. If you don’t currently have dental insurance or are unhappy with your current plan, the open enrollment period is a great time to choose a new plan with benefits that suit your needs. After open enrollment ends, your insurance options are drastically limited, so don’t wait!

Take advantage of your coverage and get the most out of your healthcare dollar by scheduling an exam with one of our amazing dental health professionals. Call (209) 385-1479 or request an appointment online today. We’d love to help you improve your smile while maximizing your savings.

You may wonder if the energy and effort it takes to brush your toddler’s teeth is worth it; after all, they’re going to loose them anyway. However, brushing and flossing your child’s teeth is one of the most important things you can do to prevent tooth decay and cavities, both now and in the future.

Cavities can cause your toddler to loose teeth prematurely, and early loss of baby teeth can have big consequences. Temporary teeth are not just needed to chew food – they influence the way a child learns to talk. Also, baby teeth hold a place for the permanent teeth. When a tooth is lost too early, the permanent tooth under it can shift, causing spacing issues when the permanent teeth arrive. These issues could lead to more costly procedures for straightening and alignment.

Brushing your toddler’s teeth twice a day will help form a habit that your child will carry with them into adulthood. It is important to make sure their teeth are being brushed properly and that they learn how to brush them well.

Step 1: Use a Child-Sized Toothbrush.

It may not seem necessary, but smaller toothbrushes prevent discomfort and make it easier to reach the back teeth in your child’s mouth. The bristles should have a rounded edge and be varied in length. Don’t forget, toothbrushes should be changed once every three months or when the bristles start to spread (this can happen sooner with toddlers who like to bite the brush). We offer small toothbrushes to fit your child’s mouth perfectly and will send one home with them after each cleaning. 

Step 2: Add the Appropriate Amount of Toothpaste.

The amount of toothpaste you should use depends on the age of your child. Those younger than 3 should use an amount about the size of a grain of rice. Children 4 and up can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.

Step 3: Brush Each Surface.

Hold the toothbrush at a 45° angle and brush the outer surfaces of the teeth by using short back and forth strokes. To brush the inside surface of the teeth, hold the toothbrush as vertically as possible and brush up and down. Don’t forget to brush the chewing surfaces of the teeth, as well as their tongue. Brushing the tongue helps to eliminate harmful bacteria that can lead to tooth decay.

Step 4: Rinse and Spit.

Try to avoid spitting while in the middle of brushing, since this can remove toothpaste before you have a chance to get it onto all of their teeth. Once you are finished with every surface, they can rinse and spit.

EXTRA TIP: Many parents find it easier to stand behind their child while brushing. This allows for more natural movement, as if you were brushing your own teeth.

Oral health is extremely important, and getting your children into the routine of brushing their teeth properly as well as regular dental exams sets them up for a lifetime of healthy habits. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child see a dentist after their first tooth, or by their first birthday to help get a jumpstart on proper oral care. El Portal Dental Group offers state-of-the-art professional dental treatment for your child, as well as the rest of your family. Call us today at (209) 385-1479, or use our convenient online appointment scheduler.

Oral cancer is one of the lesser-known types of cancer, yet it is one of the most deadly types. Oral cancer is classified with head and neck cancers, but comprises 85% of all head and neck cancer occurrences. Twenty percent of patients diagnosed with oral cancer this year will die within their first year of diagnosis. Within five years, oral cancer will have claimed the lives of almost fifty percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer this year.

Oral cancer is so deadly because it’s very difficult to diagnose in the early stages. No pain or other symptoms are present in very early stages, so it’s typically only caught after it has developed into a more severe stage. For this reason, it is especially important to have an oral cancer screening as part of your regular dental care visit.

Why You Need to Have an Oral Cancer Screening

Oral cancer screenings are an important part of your regular 6-month dental checkup. Here’s why:

• Dental exams are the best opportunity for early detection. Oral cancer typically starts with abnormal tissue in the mouth, and dental professionals can detect an abnormality far sooner than the patient can. By the time the patient experiences any symptoms, the cancer may have already spread or progressed to a dangerous level. Watching for early signs of oral cancer is the best way to save more lives.

• The affected area may be difficult or impossible for you to see. Oral cancer can affect any part of the mouth, including your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, roof of your mouth, and upper part of your throat. It’s nearly impossible for you to inspect all the surfaces of your mouth adequately for abnormalities.

• A proper oral screening is both visual and tactile. We will feel areas of your cheeks, jaw, and neck to check for anything unusual. Our professional knowledge and training allows our dentists to identify any areas that don’t feel normal.

• We use diagnostic tools to investigate anything abnormal to try to catch oral cancer as soon as possible. Specialized lights, mouth rinses, and ultrasound-guiding imaging can help provide a better picture of anything suspicious.

• Oral cancer screenings are fast, painless, and don’t cost anything extra. Follow-up procedures for abnormalities may cost extra, but the actual screening is included in your standard exam.

If your dentist does not automatically perform an oral cancer screening, ask for one! If it’s been a long time since you’ve seen a dentist, or you’re not sure if your dentist did perform an oral cancer screening at your last appointment, come see one of our oral cancer and dental experts at El Portal Dental. Our knowledgeable, experienced, and compassionate staff will perform an oral cancer screening to put you back in control of your health. Call our Merced office at (209) 385-1479, or request an appointment online today.

Considering dental insurance to help ease the strain on your wallet? Great news – open enrollment for most health insurance plans begins on November 1. While some dental insurance plans only cover basic cleanings, other dental plans can drastically reduce your out-of-pocket expenses, saving you a ton of money on necessary dental work for oral health.

Here’s what you need to know before you buy a dental insurance plan:

• There may be a waiting period. Purchasing a plan for coverage on procedures you need immediately? There is likely to be a specified amount of time that must pass after your policy begins before you have coverage for certain treatments, so be sure to read the fine print.
  
• Orthodontic coverage may require a special policy rider. Braces and other corrective services are not typically covered, so if you need treatment to straighten and align your teeth make sure you add it to your policy or choose a plan that covers it.
  
• Some plans have a maximum allowance. This limits the amount of your coverage to a specific dollar amount per calendar year. For instance, if your maximum allowance is $1000, after you have received that amount in paid benefits, you will be responsible for further expenses.
  
• Some “insurances” are simply discount programs. While they can offer great discounts for teeth cleaning and other basic preventive services, they don’t save much (if anything) on emergency or corrective dental work.
  
• Annual checkups are typically covered 100%, meaning you won’t have to satisfy a deductible first. Preventive coverage is important, since it can help avoid costly procedures such as fillings, root canals, and extractions down the road.
  
• Pick a plan that allows you to choose one of our amazing dentists, or guarantees coverage at our practice. Freedom to choose your dentist is important, especially if you are a patient of El Portal Dental Group.
  

Always remember to read any policy thoroughly before you sign a contract to ensure it will suit your needs for total oral wellness. If you come in for regular check-ups and have healthy teeth and gums, a simple, low-cost plan may be best for you, while others may need plans with extra coverage.

Need help choosing a dental plan? Talk to one of our friendly front desk associates at El Portal Dental Group in Merced, California to learn more about dental plans that offer great benefits. Call (209) 385-1479 today!

It’s mid-afternoon when it strikes – the snack craving. You may be feeling that afternoon slump at work, or maybe the kids have just come home from school and immediately set upon finding something good to eat. Whether you tend to reach for something salty, crunchy, savory, or sweet ­– do you know if your go-to snacks are good or bad for your oral health?

Packaged snack foods might hit the spot, but tend to be loaded with excess calories from fat, sodium, sugar, and a whole host of chemical additives that we usually try not to think about. In addition, processed foods are by and large devoid of nutrients. What if, by following a few simple guidelines, your snack choices could actually provide a healthful boost to your teeth and gums?

Here are our top recommendations for making the most out of snack time:

Eat Mineral-Rich Foods

Tooth enamel is made of minerals, most prominently in enamel are calcium and phosphorus. Great snacks that give a healthy dose of calcium and phosphorus are cheese, yogurt, almonds, eggs, tofu, and pumpkin seeds.

Eat Vitamin-Rich Foods

Vitamins are key to keeping calcium in the teeth and for keeping gums healthy. Did you know that the body needs vitamin D to maximize calcium absorption? Hard-boiled eggs and cheese are all great snack sources of vitamin D.

Vitamin C is key to reducing inflammation in the gums by strengthening blood vessels and preventing oxidative stress. Try reaching for citrus fruits, berries, dark leafy greens, broccoli, tomatoes, or peas to up your vitamin C intake.

Eat Foods with a High Water Content

Hydration is especially important to oral health. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day and consuming foods that contain water help flush excess bacteria away and keep the tongue, cheeks, throat, and gums comfortably moist. Many foods that have a high water content make great snacks, including watermelon, oranges, grapes, celery, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.

Eats Food That Crunch

Raw, crisp fruits and vegetables not only satisfy a crunch craving, but gently polish the surface of the teeth, helping to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Keep reaching for those apples and celery sticks to get extra help fighting plaque.

Avoid Refined Sugars

White sugar is bad for your teeth because the sugar molecules adhere to the tiny bumps and ridges on the surface of the teeth, where bacteria can feed and proliferate when left unchecked. The harmful bacteria give off byproducts that create an acidic environment and wear down all the surfaces in the mouth. This can lead to all kinds of dental health issues such as cavities, weak enamel, increased sensitivity, abscesses, mouth sores, gingivitis, periodontal disease, and tooth decay.

Too much bacteria also means bad breath! When you do indulge in sweets like candy, cake, or cookies, make sure to brush as soon as possible to prevent the sugar from clinging to the surface of the teeth.

Even when you're eating foods that are great for your teeth, it is still important to drink plenty of water to help neutralize acidity, brush morning and night, floss every day, and use either toothpaste or mouthwash that contains fluoride to help protect and strengthen enamel.

Professional dental cleanings and check ups twice per year will help guarantee good dental (and overall) health. Regular dentist visits are key to maintaining healthy teeth and gums, as well as catching any issues before they get too serious.

Has it been a long time since your last dental visit? Call El Portal Dental Group at (209) 385-1479, or request an appointment online with one of our fantastic oral health specialists in El Portal, today.

Dental emergencies can occur at any time, yet many people feel unprepared to handle such situations. In dental emergencies, it can be hard to determine whether you need immediate dental care or you can wait until we open for normal business hours. Here are our tips for what to do in the most common dental emergency situations:

When a tooth is chipped:

The severity of the chip determines the urgency of treatment needed. Minor chips are usually not treated as emergencies, while more severe chipping that exposes dentin, pulp, or roots will need emergency treatment. If a large piece of the tooth is chipped, and you’re able to recover the missing piece, keep it moist in milk or saline solution on your way to our office.

When a tooth is cracked:

Again, small cracks, especially if they’re painless don’t necessarily need to be treated as emergencies; a regular dental visit the next day we are open is fine. More severe cracks, particularly if the pulp or roots are exposed, ought to be treated right away. Also be wary of excessive pain or bleeding.

When a tooth is moved out of position or almost knocked out:

First, attempt to reposition the tooth by using light pressure with your fingers. It’s important to not force the tooth. If you are able to reposition the tooth, the next available dentist appointment will do, unless there is extreme pain or bleeding. If you are unable to reposition the tooth, seek treatment right away to increase your chance of proper healing.

When a tooth is knocked out:

Recover the tooth, if possible. Gently rinse the tooth with warm water to remove dirt or debris, and rinse the mouth and socket as well. Apply gauze or a used tea bag to stop the bleeding and seek urgent dental care. Keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saline solution.

When a cut or accidental bite causes bleeding:

If the soft tissues (lips, tongue, cheeks) are bleeding due to an accidental cut or bite, usually they are able to heal by themselves relatively quickly. If the bleeding doesn’t stop or is very severe, seek medical treatment for the wound.

When you notice a gum abscess:

A gum abscess looks like a boil or pimple on the gum, and it is a serious infection. Left untreated, abscesses can spread to other areas in the body through the bloodstream. Swish and rinse with warm water and a pinch of salt to help with swelling and tenderness, but do not attempt to drain the infection site. Emergency dental treatment outside of normal business hours is usually not necessary unless you’re in severe pain, but you should make an appointment as soon as possible.

When there is severe toothache:

There are many causes of toothache: food particles stuck between teeth, gum disease, tooth abscess, or even tension from grinding. Try flossing to dislodge any stuck food particles. This may alleviate the pain immediately. If your tooth looks discolored or gray, it may be an abscess, or infection. See us as soon as possible if pain persists or if you have an infection.

When there is bleeding:

If your gums bleed during brushing, it could be a sign of gingivitis. Schedule an appointment with one of our dentists as soon as possible to address this issue.

In dental emergencies, use your best judgment; either the pain can be managed until the next available dentist appointment, or the situation is serious enough to warrant immediate, emergency treatment. Bear in mind though that time is of the essence in many dental emergencies, so err on the side of caution and at least talk with one of our dentists right away. Delaying treatment can result in permanent damage, complications, and loss of the affected tooth.

El Portal Dental Group has emergency appointments available every day, with extended office hours and a dentist on call 24/7 for your peace of mind. If you or someone you care about is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t wait! Our dental professionals are always ready to help.

Khang Nguyen, DDS has been at the top of the field since graduating from New York University College of Dentistry, one of the most prestigious dental schools in the nation. Dr. Nguyen brings over a decade of experience to dental emergency situations. Call (209) 385-1479 today for an appointment with Dr. Nguyen or one of our other amazing dentists.

Since your childhood, you have probably been warned that eating too much sugar will rot your teeth. What many people don’t realize is that some of the most popular drinks out there actually contain just as much (or more) sugar per serving than sugary foods.

Drinks can be a sneaky source of excess sugar, and unfortunately it’s not just sodas we should be worried about - shockingly, many fruit juices and other drinks contain as much sugar as soda! While fruit juices do provide some healthy vitamins and antioxidants, the corrosive threat of sugar to the teeth and overall health may overshadow those benefits.

When we consume sugar, the naturally occurring bacteria in our mouths frenziedly feed off the sugars, and the by-product is enamel-eroding acid. The more sugar consumed, the more acid is produced. This is really bad news for anyone hooked on sugar-laden beverages, because drinking soda or juice is basically like drowning your teeth in sugar, and eroding their protective enamel.

Protecting the enamel coating of your teeth is incredibly important. Enamel wears away easily and once it’s gone, it’s gone; there’s no getting it back. Is it time to re-evaluate your beverage habits to save your teeth?

Take a look at these alarming amounts of sugar in some of the most common popular drinks:

Just for comparison, a ½ cup serving of vanilla ice cream only contains about 20 grams of sugar, as does an average slice of apple pie. Serving amounts and beverage size may vary depending on the brand, but these estimates help to give you an idea of just how much sugar you’re getting in your drink. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that only 5% of your calories come from sugar daily, which breaks down to just 25 grams based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

And just when we thought a way around this issue was to select the diet versions of these drinks, more bad news came along: diet sodas and energy drinks contain high amounts of citric acid, which also erodes tooth enamel! The best thing to do is try to select drinks that contain no sugar or other harmful additives in order to preserve good oral health. When you do consume sugary drinks or foods, be sure to brush your teeth afterwards to minimize the damage.

If your teeth are sensitive to hot or cold foods or beverages, you may already have weakened enamel. Call El Portal Dental Group today in Merced at (209) 385-1479 to make an appointment with one of our qualified dental professionals, such as Dr. Dominique Hunt, to discuss what you can do to protect the health of your teeth, gums, and jaw bones. 

Dr. Hunt can evaluate your teeth to determine whether you need procedures to repair or replace teeth that have suffered from decay.

Why are regular dental appointments so important? Seeing your dentist twice a year is the best way to safeguard against serious oral health issues that could have a lasting negative impact on your overall well-being and quality of life.

Here are some of the most important reasons to make – and keep –  those twice-yearly dentist visits:

• Screening. One of the most important things the dentist does during a visit is to check for signs of oral health issues that are undetectable on your own until it’s too late. The dentist will review your X-rays and also do a visual exam to check for signs of oral cancer, cysts, abscesses, jaw bone deterioration, and cavities.
• Cleaning. Often, brushing and flossing between dental appointments is not enough to keep plaque and tartar buildup at bay. The dental hygienist will provide deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar that can cause problems later if not eliminated.
• Oral hygiene recommendations. If there is excessive buildup of plaque or tartar, or signs of gingivitis such as bleeding gums, the oral hygienist will be able to make recommendations on improving oral hygiene. They can show you how to brush and floss properly in order to maximize dental hygiene between visits.
• Prevention. In the dental field, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Seeing the dentist every six months will help ensure that any problems that may occur are caught early on and treated before they get really serious.
• Meaningful for overall health. Dental disease is linked with increased risk for cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetic complications, and even dementia. If your teeth are not properly cared for, the bacteria in your mouth may enter the bloodstream through the gums and circulate around your body, settling in different places and organs, and causing all kinds of health issues.
• Avoid painful, unnecessary procedures. By the time dental issues get to be serious, the treatments can be very painful. By catching problems early on before they progress to be very serious, a lot of pain can be avoided.
• Upkeep of previous work. If you’ve had previous procedures like root canals, or have implants or dentures, regular visits to the dentist are very important to ensure that the previous work is being kept up properly.
• Braces. Regular visits will allow your dentist to observe any severe misalignment or overbite that needs to be corrected and can refer to an orthodontist. Braces are meaningful for producing a beautiful, straight smile, but they are even more important for correcting potential sources of jaw and head pain.

Dr. Regalado has been practicing dentistry in California for over 10 years, and she has helped many patients experience healthier smiles through regular exams.

Call El Portal Dental Group today at (209) 385-1479 for an appointment with Dr. Regalado, whose expertise will help guarantee you have the best oral health possible.

It’s the time of year that children either love or absolutely dread - back to school time. If you are a parent, you probably feel a little bit emotional in August. It’s exciting, yet it can be a very sad time too. There seems to be an overwhelming number of items to check off the list before the first day of class, and an appointment with the dentist may be one of them. So, why does your child need a dental checkup before school starts?

Studies have found that untreated cavities can cause behavior problems due to pain and other issues within the cavity itself. This can lead to struggles in class when it comes to learning and focus. Considering about 19 percent of children ages 2 to 19 have untreated cavities, that’s a whole lot of kids that may suffer unnecessarily in the classroom.

Another great reason is to get custom-fitted protective mouth guards for children who will play fall sports including football. Up to 39 percent of dental injuries occur during sports and other physical activity, but proper gear can protect your child from tooth and gum damage, or from jaw dysfunction due to an injury.

Tooth decay surpasses asthma and allergies as the most common childhood disease, yet surprisingly up to 23 percent of kids between 2 and 11 have never been to a dentist. Teaching children good dental hygiene at a young age is the best way to ensure that this does not occur. It is important not only for your child’s oral health, but also for their academic progress, that they get a back-to-school dental checkup.

For every 100 students, there is approximately 117 hours of school missed per year due to dental problems. If your child goes back to school with a happy, healthy mouth, they may be more likely to succeed in the classroom. 

Dr. Khang Nguyen offers checkups and preventive dental care in our Merced office for school-age children. Our pediatric patients relax around his warm smile and friendly demeanor.

Whether your child needs a dental exam for school entry this August or needs a routine cleaning soon, Dr. Nguyen would love to provide the dental care needed for a healthier school year. Request an appointment with Dr. Nguyen online or call our Merced office at (209) 385-1479 today.

A healthy smile doesn’t just look good, it’s good for you. Oral health plays a significant role in your overall health; in fact, researchers have found that people with oral diseases, such as tooth decay and periodontal disease, have a higher likelihood of  developing diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

So what can you do to improve your oral health and prevent this from happening?

Eat More: Fruit and Vegetables

Vegetables and fruit aren’t just good for your body; they are good for your teeth too. Fruits and vegetables are high in water and fiber to help balance sugar content. They help clean your teeth and stimulate saliva production, which washes away harmful food particles.

Many fruits and vegetables contain vitamin C, which has been shown to help prevent gum disease. Dark leafy greens such as kale and spinach are an excellent choice for oral health, as they contain important bone-strengthening minerals including calcium and phosphorus, helping to protect tooth enamel.

Eat Less: Sugary Foods, Including Candy

Eating refined sugar in food of any form promotes tooth decay and gum disease, as sugar feeds bacteria in the mouth that produce tooth-destroying acid. The longer sugar is left on your teeth after you eat it, the greater your risk for cavities and other dental problems.

Eat More: Dairy Products

Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and plain yogurt are high in calcium and phosphorus to help prevent tooth loss. These types of foods also contain a protein which can prevent tooth decay from acid-producing bacteria. Recent research has shown that dairy products can reduce tooth decay in addition to preventing it.

Eat Less: Starchy Foods

Starch can get trapped in between your teeth, becoming difficult to remove which in turn encourages cavities and gum disease. Consumption of high-starch foods such as white bread, cake, and chips should be reduced to protect your teeth.

Eat More: Proteins, Nuts, and Seeds

Proteins like meat (including poultry and fish), nuts, and seeds contain phosphorus to help protect your tooth enamel, and many of them also contain calcium to keep your teeth strong and healthy. Too much protein is not good for your body, so don’t overdo it.

Eat Less: Acidic Foods (and Drinks)

Foods with a high acid content, such as pickles, processed deli meats, and soda can be even more harmful than sugar. While occasionally indulging is not likely to cause any harmful effects, long-term daily consumption of acidic foods can destroy tooth enamel.

Of course, good oral health also includes regular professional dental checkups. Take control of your health by eating right and keeping regular dental appointments. Our team at El Portal Dental Group would love to help you reach your health goals – call us at (209)385-1479 or request an appointment online today.