EXPERT
Dr. Thu-Nga H. Ortega
Dentist
Dr. Thu-Nga Ortega is a Dentist practicing in Fairfax, Virginia. Dr. Ortega specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
Dr. Thu-Nga H. Ortega
- Fairfax, Virginia
- Medical College of Virginia School of Dentistry
- Accepting new patients
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I recently read an article that said poor dental health could cause respiratory problems. Is it true?
Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is required regimen as well as seeing a dentist once every 6 months to remove tartar from below the gums is important to a person's READ MORE
Brushing twice daily and flossing once a day is required regimen as well as seeing a dentist once every 6 months to remove tartar from below the gums is important to a person's overall health. Inflammation of the gums is bad for your heart and overall health.
Does switching toothpaste matter?
Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste is important. I personally think switching to a another toothpaste does not make it more effective. Stick with ones that you enjoy the taste READ MORE
Brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste is important. I personally think switching to a another toothpaste does not make it more effective. Stick with ones that you enjoy the taste will make brushing more enjoyable.
Is higher or lower pressure better with water flossers?
Waterpik us a great product. I use one myself. I try to set it up to 8 out of 10 if it goes up to 10 or at high (on other models)at all times. It is more effective at removing READ MORE
Waterpik us a great product. I use one myself. I try to set it up to 8 out of 10 if it goes up to 10 or at high (on other models)at all times. It is more effective at removing food debris and plaque between teeth if set on high. If you have gum disease, you can use the Pik Pocket tip. This rubber tip is safe below the gum line and it automatically only allow a lower pressure through even if you have the setting set on high. Sometimes gums bleed, that does not mean that it is hurting your gums. You may have had a food particle trapped below your gums. Bleeding should go away in a few days. If it continues, consult a dentist.
What is gingivitis and its risk factors?
To prevent gum disease...gingivitis (early form of gum disease) it is important to floss daily. And brush twice a day and visit your dentist every 6 months.
Can an infected tooth spread the infection to the other teeth as well?
When you mention an infection, do you mean a root canal problem in a tooth or gum disease in SOME of your teeth. An infection IN a tooth cannot spread to other teeth in most cases. READ MORE
When you mention an infection, do you mean a root canal problem in a tooth or gum disease in SOME of your teeth. An infection IN a tooth cannot spread to other teeth in most cases. Gum infections do affect more than one teeth in many cases. If you have gum problems, antibiotics is very good for the treatment of gum disease.
Can brushing my teeth with salt whiten my teeth?
Brushing your teeth with salt may help to remove stain because it is more abrasive, but it does not technically whiten your teeth the way professional teeth whitening systems READ MORE
Brushing your teeth with salt may help to remove stain because it is more abrasive, but it does not technically whiten your teeth the way professional teeth whitening systems do. I recommend having a professional cleaning done at a dentist office, make sure you don't have any cavities and then professionally whiten. Some professional whitening kits are quite inexpensive nowadays.
What should I do for my chipped tooth?
If your chip is small, all you need is a bonding (white filling that blends with your tooth). Selecting a dentist trained in cosmetic dentistry can help you have a bonded tooth READ MORE
If your chip is small, all you need is a bonding (white filling that blends with your tooth). Selecting a dentist trained in cosmetic dentistry can help you have a bonded tooth that can look seamless as though nothing has ever happened to your tooth. In rare cases and the chip is large, you may need a veneer or a crown. A conservative dentist will chose a minimally invasive solution for you and avoid removing healthy tooth structure while building back your tooth.
What could be the cause of my throbbing tooth pain?
You can have a cracked tooth, a large cavity to the nerve, etc. A visit to the dentist is highly recommended. Without an exam and X-rays by a professional, there is no diagnosis READ MORE
You can have a cracked tooth, a large cavity to the nerve, etc. A visit to the dentist is highly recommended. Without an exam and X-rays by a professional, there is no diagnosis that can be recommended.
What are natural ways to deal with tooth sensitivity?
A sensitive tooth will indicate that you may have something going on in the tooth. A visit to a dentist is recommended as it is important to take an X-ray of the tooth to determine READ MORE
A sensitive tooth will indicate that you may have something going on in the tooth. A visit to a dentist is recommended as it is important to take an X-ray of the tooth to determine if something other than just sensitivity is going on in the tooth.
I have white dots on both of my gums and tongue. What could these be?
Without seeing them in person, it is not possible to give an opinion on this. Please seek a dentist's opinion on this in person.
Rash in the mouth
The picture is hard to decipher. A visit to an oral surgeon is recommended for another set of eyes on this.
Does clove oil really work in easing tooth pain?
Clove oil has been used in dentistry for a long time. It just "numbs" or calms down the tooth. It can give you a false sense of security that the tooth is ok when it may not be. READ MORE
Clove oil has been used in dentistry for a long time. It just "numbs" or calms down the tooth. It can give you a false sense of security that the tooth is ok when it may not be. A visit to the dentist to determine what is wrong with the tooth is warranted. You will need an X-ray and an exam and diagnosis.
My daughter has a cut inside of her mouth from falling. How can I rule out any infection?
Salt water rinse for her 4 times a day. If this gets worse instead of improving in the next few days... If she has a fever or swelling of her mouth is worse instead of better, READ MORE
Salt water rinse for her 4 times a day. If this gets worse instead of improving in the next few days... If she has a fever or swelling of her mouth is worse instead of better, you will need to bring her in to see a dentist.
How many times should I floss?
If flossing is done properly, you can floss after every meal if you so choose. But flossing at least once a day is recommended.
What could be the reason behind the burning sensation in my gums?
If this is a new thing, visit a dentist. If you notice changes in your gums as well, I recommend seeing a dentist.
What are the natural ways to deal with tooth sensitivity?
Emergency dental treatment can be done in the 2nd and 3rd trimester if the pain worsens. Other than that, you can try to use Sensodyne toothpaste to help with the sensitivity until READ MORE
Emergency dental treatment can be done in the 2nd and 3rd trimester if the pain worsens. Other than that, you can try to use Sensodyne toothpaste to help with the sensitivity until it is full blown pain. In such case, an emergency root canal can be done.
What are the ways to close the gap between two frontal teeth?
You would be recommended to have your teeth whitened first and then have bonding done to close the gaps between your teeth. Bonding is conservative and this helps to put white READ MORE
You would be recommended to have your teeth whitened first and then have bonding done to close the gaps between your teeth. Bonding is conservative and this helps to put white filling material to close the gap or you can also have veneers made to close the gap. Veneers are porcelains facings that help close the gap between teeth.
What is the treatment suggested for treating dental plaque and soreness in the gums?
If you can see plaque and tartar along your gum line and you can not remove it with regular brushing and flossing, we recommend you visit your dentist to have it removed with READ MORE
If you can see plaque and tartar along your gum line and you can not remove it with regular brushing and flossing, we recommend you visit your dentist to have it removed with a professional. Tartar can cause bone loss and eventual tooth loss. You need to make sure that this is not happening to your teeth so a visit to the dentist is highly recommended.
Are whitening toothpastes bad for the teeth?
Most whitening toothpastes have higher abrasive formulation and this helps to remove stains from teeth that is caused by the food and drinks that we consume. Some will also have READ MORE
Most whitening toothpastes have higher abrasive formulation and this helps to remove stains from teeth that is caused by the food and drinks that we consume. Some will also have some formulation to help with whitening of teeth. This does not help with actual whitening of teeth as effectively as professional whitening gels. Whitening toothpaste is great at maintaining the whiteness of teeth once it has whitened but it is not effective at whitening teeth.
What is the possible cause of swelling and numbness on the right side of my tongue?
If you have any problems with your tongue feeling swollen and numb, you need to have it evaluated to determine if there is any problem with it. It does not have to hurt to indicate READ MORE
If you have any problems with your tongue feeling swollen and numb, you need to have it evaluated to determine if there is any problem with it. It does not have to hurt to indicate that there can be a problem with it. Contact a dentist and have them evaluate this as soon as possible.
