Dr. Jimmy C. Wu is a San Diego native, completing his bachelor’s degree in biology at UC San Diego, where he contributed to the advancement of biology and medicine through years of research. He went on to receive his D.D.S. from the University of Southern California, and has extensive background in the areas of cosmetics, orthodontics, TMJ, computerized dentistry, and CEREC ceramic fillings. He now runs Sutra Dental Spa in La Mesa, California, and here, he answers your questions about general and cosmetic dentistry, from the benefits of porcelain crowns to teeth whitening to treating patients with Sjogren’s syndrome.
Stocking a Dental First-Aid Kit
Whether you are traveling at home or abroad, it is always a good idea to carry around a dental first aid kit. Did you know that you can put on a temporary crown yourself – with the right materials? Don’t ruin your next vacation struggling to get an appointment with the dentist when you might be able to take care of things yourself until you can see your own dentist.
Minimizing Canker Sores
Nobody knows exactly why we get canker sores, but it’s a fact that people who have a bad diet or who are unduly stressed get them more often than people who don’t. Follow our steps to minimize the occurrence of these unpleasant mouth ulcers.
Vitamin C for Healthy Gums
Vitamin C can help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Studies have shown that people with bad oral hygiene who have the right amount of vitamin C in their diet fare better than expected. This vitamin is important to help build the tissues that help keep our teeth in their sockets.
Tao Principles in Dentistry
Taoist principles believe in balance, and that says a lot not only about life, but also about dentistry. At Sutra Dental Spa, we strive to achieve the perfect balance in everything we do. We also do all we can to create a calming, soothing environment where our patients can relax both mind and body.
Why You May Have a Sweet Tooth
Studies have shown that people who drank a lot of sugary drinks or ate a lot of sweet foods as babies probably went on to develop a sweet tooth in adulthood. So keep your small children away from that sugar.
Can Plaque Predict Pneumonia?
Believe it or not, the plaque that is in our mouth contains the same bacteria as the plaque found in the lungs of patients with pneumonia. That’s yet another reason to keep your teeth clean and sparkling, and to brush and floss regularly.
Does Diabetes Harm Teeth?
Diabetes cannot harm teeth directly, but it can bring down your entire immune system. And when that happens, you are more prone to periodontal disease. If you have diabetes, check with your dentist about the right ways to keep your teeth in good shape.
Dental Oxygen Bars
We have found that the more relaxed and happy our patients are, they better they react to treatment, and the more the anesthesia can take effect. That’s why we have an oxygen bar in our patient lounge, or waiting room, so our patients can relax and breathe deeply before treatment.
Dental Massage Therapy
A happy and stress-free patients is our goal, which is why we have an on-site massage therapist who massages patients while they are having treatment, and when they are finished or between breaks. It really makes a difference to the whole dental experience.
Should You Whiten Your Teeth Yourself or Have Your Dentist Do It?
Home tooth whitening kits have some advantages, while in-house dental whitening treatments have others. If you are considering having a tooth whitening treatment, we recommend discussing the various options with your dentist.
Gold Versus Porcelain Inlays and Onlays
It used to be the case that gold inlays and onlays were preferable to porcelain ones but that is no longer true. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and what your dentist decides is best for you will depend on a variety of factors.
Filling Gaps Between Front Teeth
Filling that gap is possible with orthodontics, although if the gap is not large, people often prefer to use a composite or resin material. Some people also like the idea of a porcelain veneer, which will last 20 years or more.
Types of Baby Teeth Crowns
People are usually given a choice of crown when it comes to baby teeth. At Sutra Dental Spa, we usually use a resin one, which does not have any metals and may not last as long. But it will probably last until the tooth falls out on its own.
Safe Mercury Filling Removal
It is possible to have mercury fillings removed safely, but the dental office in question must have all the necessary equipment. And if many fillings need to be removed, it might be a good idea to stagger the removal, allowing the body to adequately cope.
What is Angular Cheilitis?
Many people mistakenly believe that they have a bad case of chapped lips, when what they really have is an infection called angular cheilitis. It rarely occurs in children, and is common when dentures do not fit properly. Luckily, over-the-counter medications can do the trick and sort out this unpleasant infection before it starts to really bother you.
Post-Op Care For a Tooth Extraction
After you have a tooth extracted, it is important to look after your mouth properly. This includes not brushing or rinsing the area for the first 48 hours, and not smoking or using a straw for a while after that. It will take anywhere from eight to six weeks for your mouth to heal completely, so be nice to yourself.
Post-Op Care After Cosmetic Dentistry
It’s important to look after your teeth properly all the time, but that’s especially the case after you have had a major dental procedure carried out. And if you do not do the right thing following a bout of cosmetic work on your teeth, you are throwing away your money, as this article explains.
What Are Disclosing Tablets?
Sometimes parents complain that they are unable to gauge if their children are brushing their teeth properly. That’s why chewable disclosing tablets can be such a helpful tool; they stain teeth red where plaque has accumulated.
What Are Bidis?
Young people think they are cool, and they certainly are cheaper, sweeter and funkier than regular cigarettes. But these sweet cigarettes are far more dangerous as well, as they contain a lot more tar and nicotine.
What is Sjogren’s Syndrome?
People with this type of autoimmune disease find it difficult to produce bodily fluids due to gland inflammation. This results in dry skin, dry eyes and a dry mouth. And as dry mouths lead to increased dental decay, special preventative steps need to be taken.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
