Dental Health

Dental Health in Mission Viejo: Watch Out For Hidden Sugar

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Categories: Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Dental Health in Mission Viejo

Every health-conscious parent knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities for kids and it not all that great for adult teeth either. Foods with large amounts of sugar in them tend to have a negative effect on patients dental health in Mission Viejo, California.

Limiting Sugar Intake

Because of cavity risks, low nutritional value, and high-calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy, but did you know that there is also sugar lurking in so-called ‘healthy’ snacks.

These children’s snacks may be packed with sugar:

  • Yogurt Covered Raisins
  • Fruit Snacks, including Roll-Up
  • Rice Cakes
  • Yogurt
  • Juice
  • Flavored milk
  • Fruit smoothies
  • Cereal Bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for lifelong dental health in Mission Viejo. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks, scrutinize labels very closely. Even though a brand may say it is a healthy alternative, the label might reveal that it isn’t. Furthermore, sugar content varies among brands, so never assume how much sugar a snack has until you check out the label on the back.

Find Snacks with Vitamins and Minerals

Sugar is not the only thing to watch out for. If your child’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease. It’s important to eat food that will improve your dental health in Mission Viejo, so if you’re having problems finding healthy foods, consult Parker Dentistry and we’ll advise you on healthy alternatives.

At Parker Dentistry, we provide high-quality dentistry to families in the California communities of Ladera Ranch, Mission Viejo, and Las Sorres. We offer services such as laser dentistry, sedation dentistry, and gum disease treatment. Our team at Parker Dentistry welcomes our youngest patients with a bright smile. If you have a toddler who has not visited a dentist, call us today to schedule a first-time dental check-up.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

A Guide To Preventing Gum Disease in Ladera Ranch

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Categories: Dental Health, General Dentistry, Gum disease

gum disease in Ladera Ranch

Hearing that you have periodontal disease or “gum disease” can be upsetting. Here at Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch, California, we are committed to educating and assisting patients in preventing gum disease. If you discover that you already have gum disease in Ladera Ranch, don’t despair. We can help you with specialized gum disease treatments.

Symptoms of Gum Disease in Ladera Ranch

The first step to identifying gum disease in Ladera Ranch is recognizing the symptoms when they present themselves.

  • Bleeding Gums
  • Swollen or Tender Gums
  • Receding Gums
  • Bad Breath That Won’t Go Away
  • Loose Adult Teeth
  • Sensitive Teeth

If you recognize any of these symptoms while you are brushing your teeth then you will need to contact your dentist for an examination. Whether you are just being diagnosed, working to undo problems of the past, or trying to prevent gum disease for the future, Dr. Lincoln Parker has the answers you’re looking for.

Healing or Preventing Gum Disease

There are a few steps you can take yourself in order to prevent gum disease or even speed up the healing process if you already have it.

  • Brush at least two times a day – morning and night
  • Brush with fluoride toothpaste
  • Floss at least once a day
  • Visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings
  • Use a fluoride rinse before brushing
  • Avoid between-meal snacking
  • Avoid tobacco products

Overall, in order to prevent gum disease in Ladera Ranch, patients need to practice good oral hygiene at all times and stop any unhealthy habits.

Solutions for Correcting Serious Gum Disease

Dr. Parker understands that gum disease can sneak up on you. Regular check-ups and consistent, thorough oral hygiene is critical for preventing the pain and health issues associated with periodontal disease. Gum disease can be successfully treated, but avoiding it is clearly best. Our practice has several ways of correcting serious gum disease such as scaling, root planning, antibiotics and oral surgery.

Dr. Parker is equipped with the education and experience to care for the full gamut of Rancho Santa Margarita patients’ dental needs including Bio-Mimetic Dentistry, CEREC one day crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Call us today to schedule your dental cleaning and we’ll also check to see if you are showing signs of gum disease.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Do Dental Veneers In Ladera Ranch Make Your Teeth Look Bigger?

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Porcelain Veneers

cosmetic dental veneers in ladera ranch

A well-designed veneer does not make your tooth look larger – unless you want it to. Dental veneers in Ladera Ranch can correct many cosmetic dental problems and is a minimally invasive restoration. During the placement of some porcelain veneers, an extremely thin layer of enamel is removed from the tooth.

If you have teeth with damage, discoloration, an irregular shape or minimal to moderate misalignment, you have several dental remedies to choose from. Don’t worry if you feel that dental veneers in Ladera Ranch seem to have more cons than pros for you. You have alternative options. We can analyze your smile, your needs, and your goals to develop a perfect plan.

Parker Dentistry offers the highest standard of dental care and the full spectrum of essential services including:

At Parker Dentistry we have been improving smiles since 2013. We’ve scheduled Las Sorres patients for cosmetic, general, and sedation dentistry. We’ve served patients from San Juan Capistrano with Laser Dentistry. We’ve performed popular procedures, like CEREC one day crowns, for our patients in Mission Viejo. And we can advise all of our patients on any restorative, preventative, or cosmetic procedure in which they are interested in.

Ask us about invisible braces, the cost of a dental bridge, or dental veneers in Ladera Ranch. We never want our patients to wait a long time to see the dentist and we prioritize our patients’ needs. Dr. Lincoln Parker’s team schedules carefully so we can keep your consultation convenient, pleasant, informative and thorough. Our staff is always friendly and equipped to do every procedure right the first time. Call our office today to schedule a consultation or leave us a message on our website!

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

The Parker Dentistry Guide To Veneers in Ladera Ranch

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Veneers

porcelain veneers in Ladera Ranch

It’s easy to see why Ladera Ranch patients and cosmetic dentists love porcelain veneers. They correct a multitude of cosmetic flaws and deliver dazzling results for our Rancho Santa Margarita area patients.

If you are considering beautifying your smile with porcelain veneers in Ladera Ranch, you’re going to want a trusted dentist with extensive experience performing this treatment. The porcelain veneer procedure is more complicated than many cosmetic dental patients realize.

What Exactly is a Porcelain Veneer?

A porcelain veneer is an extremely thin shell (about .5mm or 1/64 inch) that is permanently attached to the front of a tooth. They are custom made for each patient. Veneers in Ladera Ranch cover chips, cracks, and stains. They can also improve the shape, size or length of a tooth.

While preparing a tooth for a veneer is less invasive than preparing a tooth for a crown, it is not a reversible procedure. A microscopically small amount of enamel must be removed to make room for the veneer. Thus, the tooth can never be restored to its original condition.

When performing the multi-step veneer procedure, the dentist must consider the surrounding teeth, the patient’s bite, the gums, the health of the affected teeth, and the patient’s goals and expectations. Most smiles contain varying shades of tooth enamel – sometimes a considerable range – further complicating the color selection process.

The dentist must also work closely with the dental lab technician who fabricates the veneers in Ladera Ranch. The lab technician’s skill level and quality of materials are just as vital as the expertise of the cosmetic dentist.

Veneers are usually placed on the most visible teeth –  center stage, so to speak. This is because they are on display every time the patient opens their mouth. This is definitely a procedure you want to get right the first time!

At Parker Dentistry, we have been providing general and cosmetic dentistry in Ladera Ranch, California since 2013. If you are wondering if porcelain veneers in Ladera Ranch would give you the smile you desire, we invite you to schedule a consultation by calling our office and scheduling an appointment. We can discuss sedation dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and any questions you have. I want you to love your smile! -Dr. Lincoln Parker

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

What Can Fluoride Do? Dental Health in Ladera Ranch

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Sedation Dentistry

Ladera Ranch lowest price teeth bleaching

Fluoride has been called a miracle mineral, because it is so beneficial to dental health. This post from Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch focuses on that fluoride is, and why it is so important.

Fluoride is a mineral, plain and simple. It is found in different foods, as well as in water. Many communities adjust the fluoride content of their municipal water. Fluoride is also added to dental products. This makes it possible for you to apply fluoride to your teeth when you brush your teeth or use mouth rinses.

And why would you want to put fluoride on your teeth? Because it will help to prevent tooth decay, of course! Fluoride gives teeth increased resistance against the acid attacks brought on by plaque bacteria as well as sugar in the mouth.

Essential for Young Teeth

Fluoride is especially good for young teeth. Between the ages of 6 months and 16 years, the primary and the permanent teeth come in. Fluoride exposure is extremely helpful for building a foundation for lifelong oral health.

But, stay tuned, adults: fluoride isn’t just for kids anymore. The prevailing view used to be that it was good mainly for developing teeth. But newer research shows it helps to prevent cavities in teeth of all ages.

Parker Dentistry is a full-service practice in Ladera Ranch. The dental health of all our patients is important. We provide general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. For those patients with dental anxiety, we also provide sedation dentistry. Call today to schedule an appointment.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Teen Teeth: Family Dentistry in Ladera Ranch

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry, Gum disease, Restorative dentistry, Wisdom teeth

adolescent dental issues

At Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch, we see cavities and gum disease in far too many teenagers. Possible reasons include poor dental hygiene, unhealthy diet, and a misaligned bite. Whatever the cause, it doesn’t have to be that way. We encourage family members of all ages to take advantage of our dentistry.

Still, any parent knows that a young person is a special case. As children become more independent, some get lax about brushing and flossing. Some teens’ diets get worse as they have more freedom to choose what to eat.

Malocclusion, the technical word for a misaligned bite, can make proper brushing and flossing difficult. That leaves even vigilant brushers vulnerable to decay from food particles that are almost impossible to remove. Malocclusion can also trigger TMD (Temporomandibular disorder). If you suspect that your teen’s bite is not aligned properly, or has a clicking sound in the jaw joint, call us to schedule an exam.

Puberty causes all sorts of changes in the body, and the mouth is no exception. Increased hormone levels (especially in females) can cause the body to react to a very small amount of plaque, triggering inflammation of gum tissue and increased risk of the more advanced form of gum disease known as periodontitis. We can counsel you if more frequent professional cleanings are needed to preserve gum health.

One of the teen dental issues that impacts most young men and women is wisdom teeth. It’s best to start monitoring your teen’s wisdom teeth early so they can be treated before they lead to troubles with the jaw or surrounding teeth.

If you are looking for a family dentist in the Ladera Ranch area, we invite you to schedule an appointment at Parker Dentistry. Services include general and family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, and restorative dentistry.

 

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Happy Teeth: Dental Health in Ladera Ranch

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Categories: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, Family Dentistry, General Dentistry

Your California Dentist And Cleaning Your TeethKeeping your teeth clean is an essential part of maintaining a beautiful smile. One of the benefits of seeing us at Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch is a thorough cleaning and checkup, and a review of your brushing behavior. Dental health doesn’t happen all by itself.

Your Partner in Oral Health

Some of our patients mistakenly believe that since they brush and floss every day without fail, they don’t need a professional cleaning. But it’s important to understand that brushing and flossing can’t do it all.

Our dental hygienist uses techniques and tools that you can’t replicate at home, to totally remove any buildup of plaque and tartar. In addition, they’ll assess the condition of your teeth, and recommend improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits.

Don’t Forget Basic Dental Hygiene

That’s not to downplay your home regimen; it is essential. Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist at least once every 6 months for a dental checkup and dental cleaning.

To keep that beautiful smile in first-rate condition, come in to Parker Dentistry in Ladera Ranch for a dental check-up and teeth cleaning. We provide general and family dentistry, as well as cosmetic dentistry services.

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Tooth Knocked Out? Call 949-429-0717 ASAP!

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Categories: Dental Health

emergency dental Ladera Ranch

It may sound like a catastrophe to many people, but having a tooth knocked out doesn’t always mean you’ll need cosmetic dentistry to correct your smile. If you can keep a cool head and remember a few simple instructions, chances are your tooth can be salvaged.

The vital thing for Ladera Ranch dental patients to do if they’ve had a tooth knocked out is to find the tooth, handle it carefully, and keep it in the best condition possible so their dentist can reinsert it properly.

Do not handle the tooth by the root, be careful to only touch the crown. It’s okay to gently rinse the tooth in water, but don’t scrub it or remove any tissue fragments from the tooth.

If it is possible, the optimal place for the tooth to be held is back in the socket (placed there gently, of course). Holding the tooth between the lip and gum or under the tongue is good too, just be careful not to swallow. If neither of these is an option, place the tooth in a cup of milk.

Next, you’ll want to get to your dentist straightaway. Most teeth that can be reinserted by a dentist within an hour can be saved.

I’m Dr. Lincoln Parker. My practice, Parker Dentistry, is in Ladera Ranch. If you are looking for exceptional dental care, I hope you’ll give us a call at 949-429-0717. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, sedation dentistry, complete smile makeovers, and family dentistry.

Call us at 949-429-0717 immediately if you have a dental emergency!

 

 

Contact Parker Dentistry:

949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Correcting Severe Dental Problems At Parker Dentistry

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Categories: Dental Health

Correcting Severe Dental Problems in Ladera RanchWant to fix something about your teeth that you don’t like? You have plenty of options. For example, a porcelain veneer can correct the surface of a tooth that is discolored or slightly misshapen. Dental bonding can fill a small chip in an otherwise healthy tooth.

Some dental problems are more extensive and require a combination of procedures. Crown restoration combined with soft tissue grafts can restore a severely decayed tooth with the root exposed. A bone graft and dental implant can restore a missing tooth in an area where the jaw bone has receded. Orthodontia followed by tooth bleaching totally transforms a smile by straightening and whitening.

What is the difference between tooth bleaching and whitening? Whitening is the term for procedures which remove surface stains to restore the degree of natural lightness. Bleaching goes even further by lightening teeth beyond their natural shade. That’s right: you don’t have to resign yourself to yellow teeth even if they have been that way your whole life! The natural shade of your teeth, by the way, like your skin and hair color, is determined by genetics.

Some Ladera Ranch smiles have been gleaming for years by regular whitening. You can maintain the whiteness of your teeth just as you maintain your fitness level. (Of course it is a lot easier to make a quick visit to your Ladera Ranch dentist once a year for whitening touch-ups than sweating in a gym several times a week!)

We live in an age where severe dental problems can be permanently corrected. You don’t have to participate in a TV makeover show in Hollywood to access these premium cosmetic dental procedures.

Schedule a consultation at Parker Dentistry to discover the perfect combination of procedures to achieve your ultimate smile. Our phone number is 949-429-0717.

Say Cheese!

 

Contact Parker Dentistry: 949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694

 

Stick Out Your Tongue!

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Categories: Dental Health

Rancho Santa Margarita oral cancer exams As health professionals, we know that dentists diagnose and treat conditions of the teeth and gums, but we sometimes overlook the importance of the tongue.

Have you ever considered all the amazing things your tongue can do? It helps us talk, perceive the texture and flavor of food, chew, and swallow. This strong and nimble gymnast is in near-constant motion during our waking hours. It is a wonder that we don’t accidentally bite it more often as we smile, chew, drink, breathe, swallow, cough, and laugh.

Your tongue can also reveal problems with your health, including digestive problems, infections, and diseases of the blood.

When Dr. Parker performs oral exams, the tongue is always checked for signs of oral cancer and other serious diseases.

Here are some tongue abnormalities and possible causes:

  • Swollen tongue: reaction to food/drink/medication, strep infection, leukemia, hypothyroidism
  • White tongue: dehydration, yeast infection, irritation to tobacco, enteritis, gastritis, colitis, anemia or other nutritional deficiency
  • Canker sores: may be triggered by stress or reaction to food, toothpaste, or mouthwash.

If you have persistent canker sores, you may want to try eliminating products that contain sodium lauryl (or laurel) sulfate (SLS). SLS is a cheap foaming agent that is found in many personal care products. It can be difficult to find SLS-free dental products. The following brands have previously offered SLS-free versions but check labels carefully every time you buy a new tube. I have noticed that SLS has re-appeared in some brands.

  • Biotene
  • Sensodyne Pronamel
  • Tom’s of Maine
  • Rembrandt Low Abrasion

If you can’t find an SLS-free toothpaste at your local  grocery store, I would suggest trying health food stores, specialty drug stores, or trusted online sites.

Many of my  patients have asked me about tongue-scraping. I recommend thorough dental hygiene including cleaning the tongue. To schedule a consultation to discuss any dental health issues including tongue scraping, please contact my office at 949-429-0717.

 

Contact Parker Dentistry: 949-429-0717

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

777 Corporate Dr Ste 100
Ladera Ranch, California
92694