Dental Products by Dona at Cerritos Southcoast Dental, Mary Compean, D.M.D., Carlos Compean,D.D.S.

Dental Products

By Dona 

Our Registered Dental Hygienist

                Have you ever found yourself standing in the dental product aisle confused and wondering which product to buy?  Welcome to the club!  The shelves are full of different products made from different companies. 

As a dental hygienist, it is my job to make recommendations to my patients.  My recommendations vary depending on the individual’s need.  For toothbrushes, I prefer electric.  A rotary toothbrush is ideal because it is designed to brush your teeth one tooth at a time.  The brush is placed along the gum line for about 5-10 seconds.  This allows the bristles to clean the tooth thoroughly.  Flossing is recommended daily, whether string floss or a floss pick is used. Some people do not like using floss.  In that case, I advise the patient to use other interproximal cleaners, like a proxabrush or soft pick.  Proxabrushes are good for those who have large spaces between their teeth.  Proxabrushes come in Christmas tree or cylinder shapes.  The sizes come in wide, moderate and narrow.  Proxabrush is fitting because it removes more plaque between the teeth than floss.  If a proxabrush is too wide for the space, soft picks are excellent. A Stimulator is not a very well- known tool but I find it to be one of my favorite.  Not only does it stimulate the gums, but it also removes plaque below the gum line that the toothbrush is unable to reach.

Many ask which toothpaste or mouthwash is the best one to use. I recommend a toothpaste or mouthwash that addresses your needs:  tartar control, whitening, sensitivity, anticavity and antigingivitis. Buy a product with an ADA Seal.  It means that the product has been tested and approved.  Tooth sensitivity is a very common complaint.  Sensodyne is an over-the-counter product available to relieve sensitivity.  ProNamel toothpaste helps protect teeth against the effects of acid erosion.  This paste is good for people who drink or eat foods that are acidic: wine, fruits, sodas, juices, sports drinks.  If sensitivity persists, Fluoridex or MI Paste is recommended. (These products are only available in dental offices)  Listerine is an alcohol-containing antibacterial mouthwash.  It kills the bacteria that cause cavities and gingivitis.  However, I do not recommend it for people with dry mouth.  Alcohol-containing mouthwash can exacerbate the dryness.  Biotene products are recommended for those with dry mouth.  It comes in mouthwash, toothpaste and moisturizer to help treat and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

With the suggestions that I have given, I hope that your visit to the dental product aisle becomes easy and less confusing.

Dona, R.D.H

Cerritos Southcoast Dental
Mary Compean, D.M.D.
Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

               

Meet Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

Meet Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

Background

Dr. Carlos has 38 years of clinical experience in general dentistry in all facets of dentistry, including implants, veneers and implant supported dentures. In addition to the dental skills he has he speaks fluent Spanish. 

Married to a lovely wife for 33 years and has four daughters, one son, five grandkids, 3 dogs (a corgi, german shepherd and an autstralian shepherd).

Affiliation

Academy of General Dentistry

Education

Undergraduate:

UCLA

Dental Degree:

USC

Assistant Professor for Western University of Health Services. 

Hobbies and Interests

Loves reading, golf, hiking, fly fishing, vacations with his family, love meeting with new people and enjoy making new friends

Cerritos Southcoast Dental / Mary Compean, D.M.D. and Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

Mary Compean, D.M.D. 

Background

      Trained in all areas of dentistry, grew up in/around the dental environment and wanted to bring the same sense of a family environment to my patients. As your dentist I want to create a stress free, comfortable dental experience. I look forward to working with you and your family’s dental needs.

Affiliations

Academy of General Dentistry

American Assoication of Women Dentists

Education

Undergraduate:

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

B.S. Biology

Dental:
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine

Doctor of Dental Medicine

Hobbies and Interests

Horseback riding, cooking, roller skating, traveling and always up for a new adventure. 

Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

Background

Dr. Carlos has 38 years of clinical experience in general dentistry in all facets of dentistry, including implants, veneers and implant supported dentures. In addition to the dental skills he has he speaks fluent Spanish. 

Married to a lovely wife for 33 years and has four daughters, one son, five grandkids, 3 dogs (a corgi, german shepherd and an autstralian shepherd).

Affiliation

Academy of General Dentistry

Education

Undergraduate:

UCLA

Dental Degree:

USC

Assistant Professor for Western University of Health Services. 

Hobbies and Interests

Loves reading, golf, hiking, fly fishing, vacations with his family, love meeting with new people and enjoy making new friends.

Lilly

Cerritos Southcoast Dental is proud to have Lilly as one of our hygienists. 

Lilly has been working as a dental hygienist for 25 years and has been with Cerritos Southcoast Dental for 15 of them.  She is married and likes to travel, learn about other cultures, take pictures, and make new friends.  Her favorite places to visit are National Parks.  Lilly makes time to visit the local senior citizen center and provide transportation to some of the seniors that don't drive any longer.  In her spare time, she likes to listen to music, watch movies, go bike riding, and take care of her aquarium.

Mary Compean, D.M.D.
Carlos Compean, D.D.S.

Dr. Urban  on Today’s Dentistry/Feeling tired all the time?

Sleep Apnea is a serious medical issue.  A person may sleep 8 hours yet feel very tired when morning arrives.  The oxygen deprivation can damage tissues and organs resulting in strokes, heart disease and hypertension and can even cause death. A dentist can make a snore guard or mouth appliance that can assist with breathing by keeping the air passage open.  Please click on the article below. It was written and published in the Cerritos Newspaper in 2010 but the facts are still the same.  

https://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2010/03/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistryfeeling.html

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Mouth Sores

There are many types of mouth sores. In a previous article written by Douglas Urban, DDS, he describes the various types. They are traumatic lesions & wounds, blistering, sloughing, swelling and growths. To read the entire article click on the following link.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Mouth Sores

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrymouth-sores.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

(562) 924-1523

Meet Dona, one of our Hygienists

Dona-Hygienist

Dona is a Registered Dental Hygienist. She's been practicing for 25 years, in which 23 years have been with our office, Cerritos Southcoast Dental.  She's married with two children.  Her weekends are occupied with traveling and watching her kids play soccer.  She enjoys reading, shopping and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Think Bacteria

How do we combat bacteria in the mouth? Bacteria are the main cause for dental caries (cavities) and periodontal disease. These bacteria can affect the immune system and make it harder to combat other health issues. Getting control over the bacteria in the mouth can help make it easier for the body to overcome other physical diseases. Please read the following link to read this article written by Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental. 

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrythink.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

(562) 924-1523

A practicing dentist in the Cerritos area for 25+ years.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Save teeth or replace with implants

When there is a missing tooth It is important to fill the space with something. Failing to do this can create many dental problems from the teeth shifting. This goal can be obtained by several methods. The choices are many and a list a few options, partial, bridge and implants. One of the options most considered and popular today is the implant procedure. Several aspects of this particular procedure are covered in an earlier article written by Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental. Click on the link below to read more about it.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrysave-teeth.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

(562) 924-1523

A practicing dentist in the Cerritos area for 25+ years.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/The Oral Exam

An oral exam is much more than just a cavity detecting process. During an oral exam a dentist or hygienist is searching for anything abnormal in mouth. Oral cancer screening is usually an important part of the exam. To read more about this please click on the article written by Douglas Urban, D.S.S.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2010/01/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrythe-oral.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S./Cerritos Southcoast Dental

10945 South St. Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

(562) 924-1523

A practicing dentist in Cerritos for 25+ years.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Your Medications and Dentistry

It is important for patients to share their list of medication. This is because some of the medications may interact with dental anesthetics. For more information on this serious topic read this article.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2009/09/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistryyour.html

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Fluoride and the Continuing Saga

The decision to be made is whether to use fluoride or not use it. There will always be controversy over using it, but the evidence shows it to be very effective against tooth decay. Dr. Urban wrote this article for the Cerritos Community News in order to help patients decide what is best for them in their cavity prevention care. For more information on this subject please click on the link below.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2009/07/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistryfluoride.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S. @ Cerritos Southcoast Dental

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703
(562) 924-1523
A practicing dentist in the Cerritos area for 25+ years.

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry / Taking Ownership of Your Oral Health

It is never normal to see indications of bleeding in the mouth. Studies have indicated that bacteria are the reason for many problems in the mouth. Bacteria can cause the teeth to decay but it can also promote bacteria growth around the root structure causing damage. The damage is not just to the mouth but it can also affect the heart and other autoimmune diseases. Studies have indicated that managing the bacteria that can grow in the mouth along with good oral care can prevent it from spreading in the body, into the heart etc. Diabetes can be more manageable when the bacteria are eliminated in the mouth.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2009/06/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistry-taking.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S.

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Will It Hurt? Pain Control in Dentistry

Gone are the days when patients had to experience pain for dental procedures. There are all types of medications for numbing the mouth and for anxiety. Pain is usually no longer a part of the dental experience. Click on the link below to read an article written by Douglas Urban, D.D.S. for the Cerritos Community Newspaper.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2009/06/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrywill-it.html

Douglas Urban, D.D.S.

10945 South Street, Suite 200 A

Cerritos, CA  90703

Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/What We Now Know About Children’s Dental Health

Are bacteria the cause of decay?

Previously posted on Dr. Urban's blog and also printed in the Cerritos Community Newspaper was this article regarding Children's Dental Health. 

How many people are aware that cavities are born from exposure to bacteria?  Is this bacteria passed from person to person? To read the article and learn more about this information click on the link below.

http://douglasurbancerritosdentist.blogspot.com/2009/06/dr-urban-on-todays-dentistrywhat-we-now.html

Written by Douglas Urban, D.D.S. , 
10945 South St. Suite 200 A, 
Cerritos, CA  90703.

(562) 924-1523.

Dr. Urban on Today's Dentistry/What is a Root Canal?

Dr. Urban has written many articles over the years and they have become a useful tool in the educational process of our patients. This particular article gives a good description of a root canal.

Dr. Urban on Today's Dentistry/What is a Root Canal?

Oral Bleeding

If you had a sore on your arm that was continuously bleeding would you see a doctor? Why are people not alarmed at bleeding in the mouth? It is indicative of a disease. Please click on the link below to read this article written by Douglas Urban, DDS.

Oral Bleeding

Saliva Plays an Important Role in Our Mouth

How important is saliva? It is an important function in digestion, transporting the food to a person's stomach and maintaining a good ph balance in the mouth. This article is very informative and does clarify why dry mouth is the breeding ground for bacteria and decay.

Read the following article for all of the information.

Spittle, Drool, and Slobber

Written by Douglas Urban, DDS

Cerritos Southcoast Dental

(562) 924-1523

Periodontal Disease Can Be Painless but so Destructive by Dr. Urban, DDS

Dr. Urban used to write articles for the Los Cerritos Community News. Some of the articles written are very pertinent to common dental issues that patients are experiencing on a daily basis. Periodontal disease is the most prominent issue in our daily encounters with patients. It is painless and progressive and if left untreated can destroy the structure of the mouth.

 To read the article regarding this topic, click on the following link to be directed to the full article.

Periodontal Disease Can Be Painless but so Destructive by Dr. Urban, DDS

Periodontal Disease and the Correlation to Heart Disease

There is a distinctive group of bacteria that are present in the mouth when a person has periodontal disease. There have been some instances where the same bacteria have been detected in the heart of those who suffer with heart disease. Keeping the mouth free of bacteria can be a key factor in maintaining good overall health.

Below is a link to an article was that was written by Dr. Urban on this very subject. It includes more details to explain this correlation.

Click on the link below.
Dr. Urban on Today’s Dentistry/Oral health and heart diseaserban-on-todays-dentistryoral-health.html