General Dentistry – Pacific Park Dental

10 Foods to give you a brighter, healthier smile | Aliso Viejo, CA

According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, certain foods naturally cleanse, brighten, and defend against bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.

The following 10 foods were recommended by the academy for a healthy, brighter smile.

Pineapples can help whiten teeth. Pineapples contain an enzyme called bromelain, which acts as a natural stain remover. Bromelain also helps break up plaque.
Ginger can protect against periodontal disease, an inflammatory process that causes the loss of bone and supportive connective tissue in your mouth.
Carrots contain vitamin A, which is needed for healthy tooth enamel. Eating them raw stimulates saliva, your mouth’s natural cleanser.
Basil is a natural antibiotic that reduces bacteria in the mouth.
Cheese is rich in protein, calcium, and phosphorus, all of which help reduce acid in your mouth.
Sesame seeds help “scrub” away the plaque on your teeth. Chewing nuts can also provide a coarse, scrubbing action. Sesame seeds also contain bone and teeth-strengthening calcium.
Shiitake mushrooms contain a compound called lentinan, which inhibits bacteria from growing in your mouth.
Onions contain the sulfur compounds, thiosulfinates and thiosulfonates, which reduce bacteria that cause tooth decay. Eating them raw is a must as cooking will destroy these tooth-friendly compounds.
Salmon not only provides calcium but also vitamin D, another nutrient needed for healthy bones and teeth.
Broccoli contains iron, which helps form an acid-resistant film or barrier that can protect the enamel of your teeth.

For more information on cosmetic dentistry or other ways to brighten your smile, contact Dr. Bryan Cramm and make an appointment at (949) 831-4193 or schedule an appointment online.

Dr. Bryan Cramm also proudly serves Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, and surrounding areas.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month | Aliso Viejo, CA

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month and Dr. Bryan Cramm knows that most people are not aware of the statistics associated with Oral Cancer. Approximately 42,000 people in the U.S. will be newly diagnosed with Oral Cancer this year alone. And as you are well aware, your dentist is often the first line of defense against Oral Cancer, through the process of early detection and discovery.

Oral Cancer will cause over 8,000 deaths, killing roughly 1 person per hour, 24 hours per day. Of those 42,000 newly diagnosed individuals, only slightly more than half will be alive in 5 years. (Approximately 57%) This is a number which has not significantly improved in decades. The death rate for oral cancer is higher than that of cancers which we hear about on a regular basis such as cervical cancer, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, laryngeal cancer, cancer of the testes, and endocrine system cancers such as thyroid, or skin cancer (malignant melanoma). Although smoking and tobacco use is still a major risk factor for Oral Cancer, the fastest growing segment for Oral Cancer patients are young, healthy, non-smoking individuals due to the connection to the HPV19 virus.

If you broaden the definition of Oral Cancers to include cancer of the larynx, for which the risk factors are the same, the numbers of diagnosed cases grow to approximately 54,000 individuals and 13,500 deaths per year in the U.S. alone. Worldwide the problem is much greater, with over 640,000 new cases being found each year. Oral Cancers are part of a group of cancers frequently referred to as head and neck cancers, and of all head and neck cancers they comprise about 85% of that category. Brain cancer is a cancer category unto itself, and is not included in the head and neck cancer group.

For more information call Dr. Bryan Cramm at (949) 831-4193 or schedule

an appointment online.

Dr. Bryan Cramm also proudly serves Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Laguna

Beach, San Juan Capistrano, Mission Viejo, and surrounding areas.

5 Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay | Aliso Viejo, CA

Tooth decay is one of the common most problems seen among patients. Dr. Bryan Cramm DDS of Pacific Park Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA encourages good oral health and regular dental checkups help to fight against tooth decay. The following are five tips to help prevent tooth decay.

• Fluoride Therapy: It is the delivery of fluoride to the teeth topically or systemically in order to prevent tooth decay (dental caries) which results in cavities. Fluoride Therapy delivery involves fluoride supplementation using water, salt, tablets or drops which are swallowed. Tablets or drops are rarely used where public water supplies are fluoridated.

• Brushing your teeth: Brushing and flossing properly, along with regular dental checkups, can help prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. Brushing your teeth three times a day makes your teeth stronger.

• Regular checkups with your dentist: It is very important to seek the help of a dentist since they know a lot about it. They know what to do and where to focus on your teeth.

• Dental sealant: It is the dental treatment that consists of plastic material that covers one or more teeth, for preventing of cavities and tooth decay. Dental sealants are applied in a dentist’s office.

• Dietary snacks: It is good to limit sweet snacks as excessive intake of sweets alters’ your blood sugar. If you avoid snacks, you may be depriving your body of nutrition from food. Good snacks should include healthy proteins and fats.

Make an appointment with Dr. Cramm today to ensure your mouth is as healthy as it should be. Contact his office at 949-831-4193 or www.pacificparkdental.com.

Is It Time for Dentures? | Aliso Viejo, CA

The only one who can really tell if it’s time for you to get dentures is your dentist. Dr. Bryan Cramm DDS of Aliso Veijo, CA has the expert knowledge and expertise to suggest dentures after a thorough examination of your teeth and mouth. If dentures are suggested by Dr. Cramm, there are several denture options available and he will help you decide which is best for you.

The following are some signs that you are a good candidate for dentures:

Severe tooth decay: if the teeth are so decayed they are beyond repair, then they will need to be pulled. If it’s only a few teeth, a bridge can be used. If a majority of the teeth are decayed or missing, a full denture would be needed.

Physical Injury: People with sports injuries or accidents which lead to tooth loss.

Periodontal disease: If teeth and gums are left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss.

Thanks to the modern advancements in technology, dentures are not what they used to be. There are several options available from different shapes, sizes, colors and the new implant supported dentures. They are custom fitted to give you the smile you have always wanted and no one will have to know you are wearing dentures.

Don’t be afraid to get dentures! Make an appointment today 949-831-4193 or www.bryancrammdds.com.

Helping Your Porcelain Veneers Last a Lifetime | Cosmetic Dentistry | Aliso Viejo, CA

Porcelain veneers are one of the top cosmetic dentistry procedures. The longevity of your porcelain veneers greatly depends on how well you take care of them. Dr. Cramm DDS of Pacific Park Dental in Aliso Viejo, CA offers some suggestions for properly taking care of your porcelain veneers.

Good Oral Care at Home: Brush and floss daily with a nonabrasive toothpaste containing fluoride. Good oral care at home helps prevent periodontitis which can cause your gums to recede. Veneers are placed right at the gum line. If your gums do start to recede the appearance of your veneers could be compromised.

Avoid excessive force: No biting your fingernails, hairpins, ice or hard candy. These types of things can break or dislodge a veneer.

No clenching and grinding your teeth: By grinding your teeth your veneers can be chipped or broken due to the force generated by these actions. If you suffer from bruxism at night, talk to Dr. Cramm about a night guard to protect your teeth and veneers.

Steer Clear of Staining Foods and Drink: Although porcelain veneers are very resistant to staining the cement used to hold them in place can stain over time. Try to avoid coffee, tea, soda, wine and tobacco.

Contact Dr. Cramm DDS 949-831-4193 for more information on porcelain veneers or to make an appointment. Visit his website www.pacificparkdental.com.

When Should I Take My Child to the Dentist? – Laguna Woods CA

You should take your child to the dentist after the first tooth makes an appearance. Dr. Bryan Cramm DDS of Aliso Viejo, CA recommends taking them to the dentist at this stage of their life helps to prevent future problems of tooth decay. It also aids the parents in learning how to properly clean their child’s teeth. Your child will get an early start getting acclimated to going to the dentist which reduces anxiety and fear in the future.

What will happen on the first visit?

Most first visits are ways to get acquainted with your child and get your child use to going to the dentist. This is due to some children needing time to get acclimated. If the child is compliant, the first session often lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and may include the following, depending on age:

A gentle but thorough examination of the teeth, jaw, bite, gums and oral tissues to monitor growth and development and observe any problem areas
If indicated, a gentle cleaning, which includes polishing teeth and removing any plaque, tartar buildup or stains
X-rays
A demonstration on proper home cleaning
Assessment of the need for fluoride

The dentist should be able to answer any questions you have and try to make you and your child feel comfortable throughout the visit. The entire dental team should provide a relaxed, non-threatening environment for your child. Your child will need to see the dentist every 6 months.

Contact Dr. Cramm to schedule your child’s next dental visit, 949-831-4193 or visit the website bryancrammdds.com.