Dr. Amorteguy Receives Her Oral Conscious Sedation Certification from State of California

Dr. Deborah Amorteguy, a San Luis obispo dentist, recently acquired her Oral Conscious Sedation Certification from the State of California. This certification ensures she has the skills required to sedate healthy adults while applying established safety standards and provides positive experiences for patient and practitioner. 

Additionally, this certification lets her patients know that Dr. Amorteguy is doing everything she can to continue her education in the field of dentistry, while also bringing in new patients who are normally fear dentistry by managing their pain and anxiety while in her care. 

Congratulations to Dr. Amorteguy!

San Luis Obispo Dentist Discusses: When Hot and Cold Temperatures Really Hurt

Have you ever taken a sip of a cold beverage, expecting refreshment, only to wince in sharp pain? Has a warm cup of tea been the source of unrelenting toothache? If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms when dealing with temperature, it is likely that you suffer from sensitive teeth. Dr. Amorteguy, a San Luis Obispo dentist, wants to help you understand why your mouth is reacting to environmental temperature shifts.

There are numerous reasons why people experience sensitivity in this way. More specifically, and usually the most likely culprit, is that the root is exposed at the base of the tooth. It is there that millions of tiny tubes (called dentin), which are connected to nerve endings, are exposed to the elements. Gum recession, teeth grinding, aggressive brushing techniques, and acidic drinks all contribute to exposed gums and ultimately sensitive teeth.

Dr. Amorteguy say thats some people don’t realize they’re brushing too hard, thus affecting tooth sensitivity through enamel erosion and gum wear. Your most loved beverage -- coffee, tea, juice, wine, and popular energy drinks -- are also putting the condition of the tooth’s enamel and the dentin in a vulnerable position.

If you’re experiencing severe sensitivity, talk to Dr. Amorteguy about bonding the problematic areas. This is essentially a very fine varnish your dentist applies to the tooth. It's not a permanent fix, though. In the meantime, consider brushing gently, reduce your acidic beverage intake, and be aware of any tooth grinding you may be experiencing.

San Luis Obispo Dentist: Energy Drinks Are Bad For Teeth

Many people believe energy drinks are useful consumable items that get them through the day. However, studies are suggesting that although energy drinks give people a short burst of productivity, they actually contribute to declining oral health.  Many people believe that an energy drink is a healthier alternative to soda and other sugary drinks. Specifically, the study shows that ingredients contained in sports drinks can damage tooth enamel which leads to increased risk of developing cavities.

The ABA led the research team, where 13 “sports” drinks (like gatorade) and 9 “energy” drinks (like Red Bull) were tested for their acidity. They tested six drinks for their effects on tooth enamel and found both types caused damage. Energy drinks, however, were twice as bad. Damaged tooth enamel cannot be fixed.  This study was published in the journal, General Dentistry.

The samples of enamel were immersed in the  test drinks for 15 minutes. The samples were then  to artificial saliva for two hours. This process was repeated four times a day for five days. The beverages were replaced with fresh ones every day. This process was developed in order to simulate real life, since people tend to consume these drinks throughout the day. The research shows that enamel loss was evident after five days of exposure!

If you’re an avid energy drink/sports drink user, then it would be wise to dilute the liquid with water in order to minimize the harmful effects to your teeth. Dr. Amorteguy, a San Luis Obispo dentist, suggests discontinuing use of  these beverages as a source of energy and instead, make healthy changes to your sleeping and dietary habits. You’d be surprised to find out that little steps will make you feel healthier, refreshed, and less dependent on stimulants.

SLO Dentist Discusses Flossing Excuses

Believe it or not, a recent survey has found that only 49% of Americans floss daily and 10% of Americans don’t floss at all. These rough estimates are quite unfortunate, given howimportant flossing is to your oral hygiene routine. In fact, dentists agree that flossing is more important than brushing in the fight against periodontal disease, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss. People joke about how the only time they floss is when they’re due for their annual check-up. SLO dentist, Dr. Deborah Amorteguy, wants her patients to know that he can tell if you’ve been a long-term flosser or not.

And, she wants you to put an end to your excuses for not flossing regularly. The main “culprit” people cite for not flossing is that they don’t have time. Although effective flossing does require a bit of time (about 3 to 5 minutes), Dr. Amorteguy says that even 60 seconds of flossing is better than zero seconds of flossing. The key here is to make flossing a daily habit.

Other excuses vary from not knowing how to floss, not having enough dexterity to floss, or having dental work that makes flossing impossible, or that food doesn’t get stuck in your teeth. If it’s lack of knowledge that is keeping you from flossing your teeth, take a look at this video that clearly illustrates how to properly floss. Also, if you have dexterity constraints, consider a floss holder. These disposable plastic Y-shaped devices (some equipped with a spool of floss) hold a span of floss between two prongs to allow one-handed use. Furthermore, flossing doesn’t rid your mouth of food detritus, it gets rid of dental plaque, the very thing that causes gum disease.

Another oft-used excuse is that flossing can be painful for some. Bleeding while brushing and flossing is the precise condition flossing aims to prevent. The good news is that once you regularly floss and brush, these symptoms subside. If they persists, it is wise to contact Dr. Amorteguy at her SLO office to figure out what is going on with your oral health. Remember, brushing and flossing regularly is how you prevent periodontal disease!

San Luis Obispo Dentist Discusses Tooth Loss

You may not be concerned with tooth loss now, but research suggests that there are certain factors that can contribute towards tooth loss. Those factors are:

• Anyone over the age of 35 years of age
• Males
• Neglecting professional dental care
• Neglecting proper oral hygiene practices (toothbrushing)
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Rheumatoid arthritis

A few of the above factors can not be changes -- age and sex in particular -- but the other risk factors can be influenced by your own healthy habits. For example, brushing and flossing regularly and seeing your dental health professionals, San Luis Obispo dentist Dr. Amorteguy, twice a year or as needed.

Main Reason For Tooth Loss

The primary reason for tooth loss was found be a to a result of sever periodontal disease (gum disease) that can be avoided or remedied with proper brushing and flossing techniques. Once gingivitis has taken hold of your gums and morphed into periodontal disease, the risk for tooth loss increases.

Tooth Loss and the Connection To Overall Health

In addition to poor oral health practices, people experiencing tooth loss also had health issues that complicated their dental health. The connection between tooth loss and diabetes has been well-established. In the research done on tooth loss in this particular, it was found people with high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis have a higher propensity to tooth loss and/or extraction.

If you have any of the health issues in the above list, or are concerned with tooth loss in general, be sure to care for your teeth as suggested by San Luis Obispo dentist Dr. deborah Amorteguy, while also coming in for your professional dental cleanings and check-ups. If tooth loss can be prevented with simple steps, you'll be thanking yourself for taking those tiny, albeit important measures.

San Luis Obispo Doctor Discusses Cosmetic Dentistry Options

Are you embarrassed about your teeth? Do crooked or chipped teeth keep you from smiling the way you would like to?

Tooth discoloration, asymmetry, overcrowding, or chipped teeth can dictate whether or not someone feels their smile is adequate enough to show to the world. Even though these imperfections are normal and completely human, often times they prevent people from achieving their personal and professional goals.

That's why San Luis Obispo dentist, Dr. Amorteguy, would like to discuss the many ways in which people can make a difference in their smile. The first step, and possibly the easiest one to take is that of whitening -- the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedure on the market. Optimal whitening is achieved in the office with your dentist, but at-home remedies have been shown to help improve the appearance of teeth as well. However, a dentist whitened smile will last for years when used properly (that includes using professional gels and trays once a month).

If you have broken or chipped teeth, you have a few options. The first would be to implement bonding, a process where chips and gaps are filled in with a hardened, tooth colored substance. Crowns, or porcelain "caps," are more durable, as they cover the entire damaged tooth. Veneers are another option, but only cover a section of the tooth. Your dentist may also suggest gum reshaping (gingivectomy), if you feel your smile is too "gummy."

To save time and money, combine these procedures with orthodontics first -- if your teeth are especially misaligned. Once teeth are straightened out, you San Luis Obispo dentist will cosmetically correct the teeth orthodontics couldn't touch.

San Luis Obispo Dentist Discusses Electric Toothbrushes

When electronic toothbrushes first arrived in the dental healthcare market, there was only one brand offering automatic oral health care. These days, however, there are many different electronic toothbrushes available to consumers with different options -- like re-chargeable batteries, smaller designs, and superb cleaning options. Because of this, it can be daunting when trying to figure out which electronic toothbrush is right for you.

Fortunately, Dr. Amorteguy, a San Luis Obipso dentist, wants to help guide you through the maze of modern electronic toothbrushes. First, let’s discuss the main difference between the two major electronic tooth brushes.

Electronic V. Sonic

Electronic toothbrushes are designed to mimic the motion of your hand when you brush your teeth with a regular toothbrush, except you get 3,000 to 7,500 rotations per minute. These toothbrushes do most of the work for you. Sonic toothbrushes dwarf regular electronic toothbrushes with 30,000 to 40,000 strokes per minute. The sonic toothbrushes rapid movements go a long way to remove plaque and ultimately, lead to an easy next check-up at Dr. Amorteguy’s San Luis Obispo office.

How You Reap The Benefits

Recent studies have shown that electronic and Sonic toothbrushes help alleviate plaque and gingivitis -- reducing your risk of future gum disease as a result of gingivitis and eventually, periodontitis. Additionally, if you have any dexterity issues, having a toothbrush do the work for you, while also getting better than average results is another bonus. It might even influence users to brush more often, since there is less manual labor involved.

The only drawback associated with power toothbrushes is that they may be too expensive for some -- ranging in price from $15 to $100. Some even break the $100 dollar price point.

What Your San Luis Obispo Dentist Recommends

Since buying a power toothbrush can be a commitment of $100, Dr. Amorteguy knows how important it is to get the best one. As such, she advises his patients to ask their dental hygienist for their opinion on which electronic toothbrush is right for them during their next visit to our San Luis Obispo dental office.