32241 Crown Valley Parkway #200, Dana Point, CA 92629 | Directions

Periodontal/Dental Hygiene

As a parent, you have to be extremely attentive to your child’s well-being, including the health of your little one’s teeth. Fluoride is an important element of any child’s tooth-care regimen. Not only does it help make the teeth stronger but it also increases their resistance to cavities. However, too much fluoride can create problems in your child’s teeth. Brushing your child’s teeth from a young age can lead to healthy, strong and shiny teeth. However, an intake of excessive fluoride from toothpaste or even other sources can cause dental fluorosis in little ones, which can cause discoloration in your … Read Full Article

Halitosis or bad breath can be a cause of “social agony.” Many people are too embarrassed to even talk because they have bad breath. Keeping their breath fresh can be extremely difficult, but it is possible to put an end to chronic halitosis! The most common cause of halitosis is gum disease. Halitosis starts when bacteria build up in the mouth. Bacteria-prone areas in the mouth include the tongue, gums and teeth. Bacteria in these parts of the mouth feed on food leftovers and cause a buildup of plaque, which in turn causes gum disease. In addition, bacteria residing in … Read Full Article

Periodontal Disease.The Fight Goes On Statistics show that dentists are winning the battle against periodontal disease. Americans were able to keep more of their teeth in 1990 than 1980 and the trend continues this decade. But the war is not over. Fifteen percent of American adults still suffer from advanced periodontitis (gum disease) and many adults over the age of 60 have lost all of their teeth. Recognize these warning signs: Gums that are red, swollen or bleed easily; Persistent bad breath; Loss of or separating of permanent teeth; With regular check-ups, you and your dentist can combat periodontitis, keeping … Read Full Article

A trip to the dentist can be something to look forward to if you’ve got a friend waiting to greet you. Mark Cruz, family dentist in Laguna Niguel, makes a dental visit a positive experience. From his thorough, gentle exams to his friendly, caring manner, Dr. Cruz knows how to make young children feel at ease. When it’s time for that next appointment, call Dr. Cruz. Your children may just find a friend for life. Even a Toothless Smile Needs TLC Although your baby’s first smile will be a toothless one, don’t let the absence of teeth prevent you from … Read Full Article

Your oral health is tied directly and intrinsically to your overall systemic health and wellbeing. Many people think of dental or oral health care in relation to their teeth and gums. As healthcare and dentistry evolve, we understand how critical the detection of changes in the mouth and saliva has become in diagnosing health conditions, such as cancer and diabetes. The use of saliva testing is increasing as a less invasive and immediate diagnostic tool. Because the chemistry in the mouth changes as we age, periodic visits to your professional dental team are important not just for the appearance and … Read Full Article

About half of our population has some form of gum disease including gingivitis, the early stage. Nearly nine percent of individuals aged 20 to 64 have advanced stage periodontal disease, and that figure jumps to over 17 percent for people aged 65 and older. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can have grave impact on overall health. Dr. Mark Cruz, a leading dentist in Dana Point, explains symptoms and causes of gum disease. How do you know if you have gum disease? To recognize symptoms of gum disease, it helps to understand characteristics of … Read Full Article

The mouth is a complex environment. Each component is designed to work with the others for oral function that contributes to whole body wellness. More than teeth, gums, and tongue reside in your mouth, though. It is also home to hundreds of strains of bacteria, some of which lead to periodontal disease if allowed to overpopulate. Dana Point, CA dentist, Dr. Mark Cruz, urges all patients to consider the seriousness of gum disease. Here he discusses potential risks for men, in particular. How bacteria affect your mouth Bacteria are living single-cell organisms termed prokaryotes. Their internal DNA floats in a … Read Full Article



Meet Dr. Mark Cruz

Dr. Mark Cruz Dr. Mark Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started his dental journey in Monarch Beach. He is a well-known lecturer internationally, and he was a part-time lecturer at UCLA. He gives individual attention to each patient while creating a friendly and enjoyable dental experience. He makes the patient a part of the dental procedure, educating them about the problem at hand.

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