Nov
In the past it was thought that dental caries, or cavities, were the
result of poor oral hygiene. While improper care of the teeth can lead
to decay, it is not the only cause. Caries can be caused by many other
conditions as well. Certain medications can change the pH in the mouth
or cause dry mouth, leading to higher amounts of bacteria. A diet that
is high in sugar or acidic foods can also cause problems for the teeth.
Some habits and even heredity can be factors in increased dental caries.
Your health is our highest priority and your teeth are more
important to your overall health than you may think. Your mouth is the
first phase in digestion so you need healthy teeth in order to keep your
body healthy. CAMBRA stands for “Caries Management by Risk Assessment.”
This is an evaluation that can be performed by Dr. Cruz. The evaluation
includes a test on your saliva that will tell the pH and acid levels in
your mouth. It can also determine if you have an excessive amount of
bacteria present in your mouth. Dr. Cruz will also take time to examine
your salivary glands to determine if there are any problems. He will
talk to you about your usual diet, family history, and any other factors
that may influence your risk for dental caries. The appointment will
take about 30 minutes, and you will leave with all of the facts and
tools that you need to eradicate dental caries in your mouth.
If you have decided to win the battle with tooth decay, then it is
time for a CAMBRA evaluation. In one appointment Dr. Cruz of Monarch
Beach, will determine your risk for dental caries and help you get on
the right path to a healthy smile. Don’t wait. Call today to schedule
your CAMBRA evaluation.
Mark A Cruz graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry in 1986 and started a dental practice in Monarch Beach, CA upon graduation. He has lectured nationally and internationally and is a member of various dental organizations. He was a part-time lecturer at UCLA and a member of the faculty group practice and was past assistant director of the UCLA Center for Esthetic Dentistry. He has served on the National Institute of Health/NIDCR (National Institute of Dental & Craniofacial Research) Grant review Committee in Washington D.C. as well as on the editorial board for the Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice (Elsevier) and is currently serving on the DSMB (data safety management board) for the NPBRN (national practice-based research network.