Blog

The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, provides many appliances that address the underlying causes of conditions like crowded teeth, which are traditionally treated with conventional braces. Our team in Dana Point, California, sees misalignment as symptomatic of problems that need correction, such as underdeveloped jaws and poor facial growth patterns. Our appliances truly resolve […]

Myofunctional therapy with solutions like Myobrace® at Mark A. Cruz, DDS, and the practice of Dr. Mark Cruz addresses early muscle issues in the face and mouth among children, helping prevent conditions that can significantly impact their development and well-being. By properly positioning the tongue and related tissues, we “re-train” your child’s swallowing and chewing […]

The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, in Dana Point, California, stays on top of the latest research in the prevention, detection, and management of airway-related conditions. Published in Sleep Medicine, the official journal of the World Sleep Society and the International Pediatric Sleep Association, study findings explore how sleep keeps our cells healthy, and […]

How children sleep and breathe during sleep can either help or hinder their natural growth and healthy development. Our airway-focused dentistry at the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, supports the healthiest start for your child, the building blocks for a lifetime of wellness. In this guide, our Dana Point, California team walks you through […]

There is a healthy way to breathe. Generally, a mouth breather is at increased risk of developing a range of serious and often debilitating complications, from gastrointestinal disorders like IBS to ADHD, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Additionally, the structure or anatomy of the face can be affected by airway issues. The office of Mark A. […]

The office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS, provides airway-focused dentistry. Many of the conditions and concerns that we treat can manifest as a lack of quality, uninterrupted sleep. In fact, persistent and unexplainable fatigue can be a “red flag” for obstructive sleep apnea. It is imperative to treat OSA and other forms of sleep-disordered breathing […]

Our dentist, Dr. Mark A. Cruz, describes obstructive sleep apnea as an “end-stage diagnosis” akin to metastatic cancer. We are not being alarmist; instead, we make this comparison to underscore our approach to treating airway problems. Our team in Dana Point, California, emphasizes early intervention. OSA did not arise overnight. It may have begun as […]

At Mark A. Cruz, DDS, we treat the “why” behind conditions such as snoring, sleep apnea, and crowded teeth. This approach differs from other dentists and providers in Dana Point, California, and beyond. Our healthcare system tends to manage symptoms. It doesn’t focus on resolving the root cause. Furthermore, Dr. Cruz appreciates that widespread conditions […]

At the office of Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, California, we target the root cause of many common diseases and dysfunction. We don’t simply manage the symptoms. And these causes are quite literally right under our noses, often originating right after we are born. The importance of breathing quality  We tend to assume […]

Myofunctional therapy is a non-invasive way to improve many different conditions that can arise from improperly functioning oral structures, such as the facial muscles and tongue. Patients in the Dana Point, CA area, can benefit from this exciting type of therapy with the guidance of experienced dentist Dr. Mark A. Cruz. The science of myofunctional […]

Breathing: Most of us don’t think about this basic function we perform on a daily basis, but having a healthy airflow is vital to your overall well-being and quality of life. Many airflow problems can be resolved with dental treatments from a dentist with an in-depth knowledge of the integral relationship between oral structures, breathing, […]

“Dentistry” is primarily associated with diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the teeth and gums. We at Mark A. Cruz, DDS in Dana Point, California, are early 15 years innovators in a type of dentistry that is characterized as “airway centered.”  Airway centered or airway focused dentistry As humans have evolved and dietary changes have occurred, […]