Studies have shown that healthier teeth and gums are possible with orthodontic aligners. The reason is because straighter teeth are much easier to clean than crooked or misaligned teeth. The likelihood of food particles and plaque buildup to occur is much higher with crooked teeth because there are more difficult-to-reach areas to clean via brushing and flossing. Invisalign® clear orthodontic... read more »

If you suffer from debilitating pain, or have a tooth that has decayed, broken, or has been damaged beyond repair, a tooth extraction can put you back on the road to smiling success. With our recovery tips and treatment guidelines, you will have a much healthier mouth in no time. As with most recovery plans, it is important to get... read more »

If you were to look at the surface of your tooth enamel through a powerful microscope, you would see microscopic mineral crystals with pores and textures. These areas can sometimes trap stain particles from dark foods and beverages. If they’re not removed on a daily basis, these stains can set deeper and deeper into your teeth. The severity of the... read more »

There are plenty of monsters this holiday season lurking in the shadows waiting to haunt your hygiene. Don’t let the ghoulies wreck your smile. Luckily, we have plenty of tools at our disposal to take down terror, and win the battle against cavities: - Dental Double-check: Check the candy received for yourself and your family, and remove those pieces that... read more »

Do you ever wonder what you should do if your gums start bleeding? Some people assume that bleeding gums are something that just happens while you’re cleaning your smile—but in reality, if your gums bleed, you may be facing a more serious issue. Fortunately, if you’re able to find the reason your gums are bleeding, you may be able to... read more »

Cavities are essentially an area tooth decay that has compromised a small part of your tooth enamel. Most cavities are found during the course of your regular dental checkup at Hector G. Menendez, DMD. However, if you notice a problem area on one of your teeth, you should call us at your earliest convenience to have it examined. Left untreated... read more »

Getting a tooth removed is never an enjoyable experience, but unfortunately, it is one that most Americans have to go through eventually—especially since most people have their wisdom teeth removed. Unfortunately, if a tooth is removed, you could ultimately have to deal with a painful dry socket. The first thing you should do is avoid vigorous exercise or strenuous activities.... read more »

While your new bridge is composed of artificial materials that are not vulnerable to tooth decay, it will none-the-less require daily attention in your oral hygiene routine. Gum disease and the pervasive bacteria associated with it, still poses a very serious threat to the long term integrity of your bridge. If plaque and residual food particles are not effectively cleaned... read more »

The densely-packed microscopic mineral crystals of tooth enamel are what makes your teeth so hard and strong. While your teeth are designed to bite off or grind hard foods, there are times when an accidental blow to the face or a hard fall can impart enough force to fracture the enamel layer of a tooth. People who grind their teeth... read more »

Becoming a new mother is an exciting time full of incredible changes. While most of those changes are welcome, some might not be good for you or your baby. It is important to take care of your teeth while you are pregnant, and to be aware of changes that can impact them. While many women experience no adverse side effects... read more »