SVT: Where did you grow up and go to school and what did you major in?

DR: I am a San Mateo County native. I grew up in Daly City. I have an undergraduate degree in Biology from San Francisco State University and a D.D.S.Degree from the University of the Pacific in San Francisco.

SVT: What type of Dentistry and cosmetic procedures do you specialize in?

DR: I have been trained in a myriad of dental procedures including Crown and Bridge, Root Canal Therapy and Oral Surgery to name a few.

SVT: What does sensitivity or pain in your teeth mean?

DR: Sensitive teeth occur when the dentin becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth’s nerve center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.
There are many factors that may lead to sensitive teeth, including.

• Brushing too hard. Over time, brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can wear down enamel and cause the dentin to be exposed. It can also cause recession of the gums (the gum tissue pulls away from the teeth).
• Tooth decay near the gum line.
• Recession of the gums. As gums move away from a tooth due to conditions such as periodontal disease, the root surface becomes exposed. Gum disease (gingivitis). Inflamed and sore gum tissue may cause sensitivity due to the loss of supporting ligaments, which exposes the root surface that leads directly to the nerve of the tooth.
• Cracked teeth. Chipped or broken teeth may fill with bacteria from plaque and enter the pulp causing Inflammation.
• Teeth grinding. Grinding or clenching your teeth may wear down the enamel and expose underlying dentin.
• Tooth whitening products. These products may be major contributors to sensitive teeth.
• Your age. Tooth sensitivity is highest between the ages of 25 and 30.
• Plaque build-up. The presence of plaque on the root surfaces can cause sensitivity.

SVT: What does it mean if you have dry mouth or lack of saliva?

DR: We all need saliva to moisten and cleanse our mouths and digest food. Saliva also prevents infection by controlling bacteria and fungi in the mouth. When we don’t produce enough saliva, our mouth gets dry and uncomfortable. Dry mouth can be caused by many prescription and non-prescription drugs, it can also be caused by certain diseases and infections as well as certain medical treatments.

SVT: What does it mean that you are the Bay Area President of Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity?

DR: The Oldest International Dental Organization With over 90 alumni and student chapters in dozens of countries worldwide, representing more than 5,000 members, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity is a booming community of likeminded dental professionals and students who are committed to help each other thrive professionally and socially while striving for the greater good. Today, AO focuses on philanthropic endeavors that support numerous global oral health and humanitarian projects worldwide.

SVT: Does your office participate with most insurance companies?

DR: Yes! We accept most insurance plans