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Dental Info

At Tri City Dental Care of Cerritos, we want to put our patients on the path to better health and wellness, and we believe it all begins with the state of your oral health. To help you take proper care of your smile, we’ve provided answers to common questions our patients ask. Whether you’re interested in learning more about good oral hygiene, dental crowns, implants, Invisalign, or have some common dental questions, we can help! If you have additional questions and are interested in speaking to a dentist in Cerritos, CA, reach out to us!

Call 562-920-1731 , Text 562-414-5024, or send a message!

Tri City Dental Care of Cerritos office interior

Dental FAQ

How often should you visit the dentist?

It’s recommended that most patients visit the dentist every six months for routine dental cleanings and examinations. Though bi-annual appointments are usually enough for healthy patients, it’s essential to visit your dentist more often if you’re prone to plaque buildup and periodontitis.

Bleeding gums can indicate a sign of infection or early-stage periodontitis. At this stage, it’s easily treatable, but make sure your dentist treats it right away to prevent a larger infection.

How do I find the right toothbrush?

The best toothbrushes have soft bristles and rounded ends. It’s best to avoid hard bristles because they can scratch and injure your gums. Look for toothbrushes with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval. You should replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Toothbrushes become less effective over time.

Electric toothbrushes are a great option. It’s essential to use slow movements while operating an electric toothbrush. If tough stains, plaque buildup, and periodontitis are areas you’d like to address, try a sonic toothbrush or “waterpik” type of device. Special tools are typically needed to handle teeth with gum recession and other forms of gum disease.

What can you do about bad breath?

Brush and floss your teeth more often - at least twice a day. Brush softly and be sure to scrape your tongue. You can also freshen your breath and better protect your teeth by rinsing with mouthwash. You should also avoid foods that can cause bad breath, like onions, garlic, dairy, and coffee.

If bad breath is an ongoing problem, see your dentist. Tooth decay or gum disease may be forming in your mouth if you experience persistent bad breath.

Should you get dental crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that cover and protect individual teeth. They can improve your smile by covering chipped or fractured teeth. They can also protect weak or decaying teeth when removing them is not an option. Dental crowns are commonly placed over teeth that have undergone root canal therapy or have existing large cavities. They’re also attached to dental implants and serve as replacements for missing teeth.

What happens during a dental implant procedure?

For most patients, there are usually two surgical procedures involved with dental implants. During the first procedure, the implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone, where they’ll be able to eventually hold a tooth replacement or bridge.

What are the benefits of braces & Invisalign?

Apart from achieving a straighter and more beautiful smile, braces and Invisalign can benefit your oral health. Crooked teeth or teeth that overlap are harder to clean around. As a result, these areas serve as hiding places for bacteria that cause bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay.

Protruding teeth or gaps between teeth can also interfere with your smile and create an uneven bite. Braces, Invisalign, and other orthodontic appliances can straighten crooked teeth and move teeth into proper position.

Why should you consider sealants for your child?

Teeth, especially our molars, have unique ridges and grooves on them that can harbor bacteria and make it harder to clean. Sealants are thin coatings that are applied to the teeth and provide a protective layer over these grooves and ridges. Because children can struggle to reach these areas while brushing, sealants can provide an extra layer of protection against cavities.

Should I use fluoride?

Since the use of fluoride in our water systems and dental paste, we have seen a dramatic decrease of decay. Fluoride will also help resist cavities for people who experience dry mouth from medications or other systemic issues, such as diabetes.

What is a dental cleaning?

If your gums are in perfect health and have no recession, you can typically get a “normal dental cleaning.” This will entail removing debris, tartar, and plaque above the gum line, and getting your teeth polished. As our body changes and we start to lose bone around our teeth, there are more root surfaces to clean and typically we need a more advanced type of cleaning, often called Periodontal Maintenance.

What is the difference between a deep cleaning and regular cleaning?

A “deep cleaning” is typically done when there is active infection in your gums and around your teeth. The area is anesthetized and the infection is removed with some of the infected tissue. At times a laser is used to help fight the infection and promote the growth of new gum tissue.

Why is it important to have a healthy mouth?

There has been more information and research that shows that having a healthy mouth can help prevent the exacerbation of several systemic diseases like diabetes, cancer, cardiac issues, and much more.

Have additional questions? We’re happy to answer them! Reach out to us!

“Always a great experience with our Tri City Dental Care Family. As soon as you open the door, you’re welcomed and they are ready to serve you, smiles and all… 5/5.”
– Aileen R.
Tri City Dental Care of Cerritos
Contact Information

Phone: 562-920-1731
Fax: 562-866-2701
Email: tricitydentalcarecerritos@gmail.com 

Office Texting Line: 562-414-5024

Business Hours

Monday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: 8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday: Closed

Please Note:

  • We alternate between Wednesdays and Fridays. If we are open on a Wednesday, we will be closed on the following Friday, and vice versa.
  • We are only open on Saturdays twice a month.
  • To confirm our schedule, especially for Wednesday/Friday and Saturdays, please call our office at 562-920-1731.
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