Much Less Radiation and a Better Image
We use digital technology for our X-rays, which means 75% less radiation and a clear, quickly developed image. By simply placing a digital sensor in your mouth, an X-ray of your teeth is immediately displayed on our computer screen. There is no waiting time and no harmful chemicals used in the process.
Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth
Expectant mothers may not know that what they eat affects the tooth development of the fetus. Poor nutrition during pregnancy may make the unborn child more likely to have tooth decay later in life. “Between the ages of 14 weeks to four months, deficiencies in calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, protein and calories could result in oral defects,” says Carole Palmer, EdD, RD, professor at TUSDM and head of the division of nutrition and oral health promotion in the department of public health and community service. Some data also suggest that lack of adequate vitamin B6 or B12 could be a risk factor for cleft lip and cleft palate formation.
In children, tooth decay is the most prevalent disease, about five times more common than childhood asthma. “If a child’s mouth hurts due to tooth decay, he/she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew but that are less nutritious. Foods such as donuts and pastries are often lower in nutritional quality and higher in sugar content than more nutritious foods that require chewing, like fruits and vegetables,” says Palmer. “Oral complications combined with poor diet can also contribute to cognitive and growth problems and can contribute to obesity.”
Myth 2: More sugar means more tooth decay
It isn’t the amount of sugar you eat; it is the amount of time that the sugar has contact with the teeth. “Foods such as slowly-dissolving candies and soda are in the mouth for longer periods of time. This increases the amount of time teeth are exposed to the acids formed by oral bacteria from the sugars,” says Palmer.
Some research shows that teens obtain about 40 percent of their carbohydrate intake from soft drinks. This constant beverage use increases the risk of tooth decay. Sugar-free carbonated drinks and acidic beverages, such as lemonade, are often considered safer for teeth than sugared beverages but can also contribute to demineralization of tooth enamel if consumed regularly.
To read the entire article written by Medardo Chua, please visit IDentalAccess.com
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
When it comes to personal oral hygiene, not all men are as attentive to their teeth as women. Starting with the checkup, surveys suggests men are more likely to see a dentist only in the event of a problem. So, guys, learn how to step up your oral care routine with the following tips for maintaining a healthy smile and preventing oral health problems before they start.
Toothbrush Tips
Brushing is just one part of keeping your mouth clean - doing so twice a day, in particular. However, the average man brushes his teeth 1.9 times a day, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). It's not enough to brush quickly and be on your way; two minutes of thorough cleaning is your most effective approach. Keep in mind you don't need to brush hard during this process. Use a soft-bristled brush such as Colgate® Slim Soft™ and brush gently at a 45-degree angle.
Some helpful hints: Replace your toothbrush every three to four months, rinse it after each use and store it in an upright position to air dry. Storing it in a container actually allows microorganisms to grow on the brush, explains the American Dental Association (ADA), so it's best to avoid this method.
Sports and Dental Injuries
Playing contact sports can lead to trauma in unexpected places, and this includes broken, chipped or lost teeth. Wear a mouthguard when you're on the field and a helmet when you're on your bike. Ultimately, see your dentist as soon as possible after experiencing an incident to quickly assess the damage and determine what can be done to fix it.
To read the entire article written by Margie Monin Dombrowski, please visit Colgate.com
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego, CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Your dental health is an important part of your overall wellness, and the New Year is a great time to create resolutions for improving your health. Many people have dental health resolutions that range from improving their toothbrushing habits to completing delayed dental treatment. Understanding the benefits of your particular resolutions can be motivating and rewarding. Whatever your goals might be, it is important to take small steps to achieve them. Consistency is key with any resolution that you make.
Improving Toothbrushing and Flossing Habits
Perhaps you would like to improve your oral health. Daily toothbrushing and flossing is a sure and simple way to improve your oral health. For successful bacterial plaque removal, it is important to brush at least twice a day using an appropriately sized, soft-bristle, manual or electric toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste. When you brush your teeth, gently position the toothbrush bristles at a 45-degree angle toward the gumline and move the toothbrush across the teeth to effectively remove bacterial plaque. It is also important to floss at least once per day to remove bacterial plaque and food that has accumulated throughout the day. Your toothbrush should be replaced every 3 to 4 months, as well as after you have a cold or flu or if the bristles are frayed. Daily toothbrushing and flossing help to prevent gingivitis (gum disease), tooth decay and halitosis (bad breath). The daily use of antimicrobial and fluoride mouthrinses also helps to improve your oral health.
To read the entire article written by Yolanda Eddis, please visit Colgate.com
Dental Implants Recapture a Beautiful Smile
No matter whether you have missing teeth in the front or back of your mouth – dental implants can provide a full, natural-looking smile. As they come up through the gums, they are not distinguishable from a real tooth. And they function just as well as your own teeth. You can have one or many replacements with implants. Those with no teeth can benefit, as dentures can be secured and movement and instability eliminated. No longer do they need to be removed at night.
An oral surgeon implants the titanium post that the tooth fits over. Dr. Marino fabricates the restorations for permanent placement in your dental arch. You will have a lasting, beautiful smile.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Caring for Your Children
Your children will feel comfortable in Dr. Marino's care as she delivers their treatment with thoughtfulness and compassion. She uses the latest technologies that allow for less time in the dental chair. We teach proper brushing and flossing and the importance of good daily hygiene to keep teeth and gums healthy for a lifetime. We enjoy all their visits, starting when they get their first tooth and every year thereafter as they grow and change.
We want all generations of children to have no fear of dental treatment. Our office is a happy place to visit, and children sense that we are here to help them. Our parents have been pleased that we are able to relieve fear in children so they enjoy their visits.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Hygiene Visits Help to Provide Good Health
Even if you are meticulous when brushing and flossing, there are hard-to-clean places that accumulate the build-up of plaque that hardens into tartar. This can only be removed by a dental hygienist. With regular professional cleanings, the possibility of tartar forming below the gumline can be avoided, which is how gum disease and other serious health problems can start. We advise patients to take this recommendation seriously for good health.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Accelerated Orthodontics—Straight Teeth in as Little as 3-6 Months
You no longer need to shy away from having the smile of your dreams. Many adults have wanted to have their smile corrected, but do not want to commit to years of treatment. They would feel awkward with braces on their teeth in their personal and professional lives.
Your dream can come true without a long-term commitment. With Six Month Smiles™ and Powerprox Six Month Braces™, you can change your smile and eliminate gaps, overlapping, and crowding in only six months and sometimes even less! This revolutionary method moves only the teeth that are visible when you smile.
Even more impressive is how discreet they are. The brackets are clear or white and hardly noticeable. The process is fast and uses a low-force method that maintains comfort while you wear them. The short time in treatment means you will have better hygiene for a clean look after they are removed.
Another great benefit is how affordable they are – less expensive than aligners, veneers, or traditional braces. So why wait any longer? Give us a call today to get you started toward the smile you have always wanted!
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Sedation Dentistry Makes Treatment Easy and Comfortable
We understand how apprehensive some patients are about dental work. With sedation dentistry, all treatments become easy. You retain a level of consciousness but no memory of the work being performed.
By simply taking one pill one hour before your appointment, you start to feel relaxed. You gradually reach a deeper level of sedation before any work begins. Your vital signs are monitored throughout treatment. You will be unaware of the dentist's work, but still be able to answer any questions she asks. Within an hour after treatment, you will be back to normal.
Some people fear being "knocked out," as during surgery. Their fear centers on losing 
control of perception. But it is important to know you remain aware of your environment, but not of the procedure being performed. Conscious sedation provides a happy medium of losing your anxiety but not your awareness.
This type of sedation is also a good option for those who are highly resistant to anesthesia. They require an alternative to have their work performed. Also, when patients can't spare the time for multiple visits, sedation dentistry is the option that allows more or even all work to be accomplished in just one visit.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
New Laser Treatment for Gum Disease
We maintain state-of-the-art care and are proud to offer our patients the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure™. This is a minimally invasive approach for treatment of gum disease. LANAP is the only laser procedure that is certified by the FDA for periodontitis. Lasers have produced remarkable results for vision correction and now are revolutionizing treatment of gum infection.
The laser eliminates the need for incisions and sutures. No scalpels are used in the procedure, so healing time is much faster with little to no pain when compared to traditional surgery. Don't put off having your gums return to a healthy state any longer. We can help you regain good oral health with a treatment that is easy as well as effective.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Remaking Your Smile
We want you to look good because when you're pleased with your smile, you feel good about yourself. We offer the latest in dental care and cosmetics. Most people don't realize how easy it is to have a new smile, as it is now less time consuming and more affordable than ever before! Let us show you what crowns, bonding, whitening, and veneers can do to give you the smile you have always dreamed of.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
Melinda Marino, DDS, is pleased to be able to offer beautiful smiles to her neighbors in San Diego and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Marino earned her dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, after earning her bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland. She has since undergone extensive postgraduate education every year, selecting courses focusing on restorative and cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and laser periodontal therapy. Her training allows her to offer her patients the Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure™ for the treatment of gum disease as well as a wide variety of reconstructive and cosmetic options for achieving the smile of your dreams. Dr. Marino's commitment to lifelong education means she is constantly evaluating emerging dental methods and technologies in order to provide her patients with the best results in the least invasive manner with a high emphasis on comfort. This commitment ensures the highest level of care, both today and tomorrow.
Dr. Marino is very proud of her three children, twins Rachel and Lisa and their brother David. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, swimming, movies, and cooking.
Melinda Marino DDS
Family and Cosmetic Dentistry
9910 Mira Mesa Boulevard, Suite D
San Diego,
CA 92131
(858) 578-0800
MelindaMarinoDDS.com
We use digital technology for our X-rays, which means 75% less radiation and a clear, quickly developed image. By simply placing a digital sensor in your mouth, an X-ray of your teeth is immediately displayed on our computer screen. There is no waiting time and no harmful chemicals used in the process.
