Profile on Renee Nishihira

October is dental hygiene month! With this focus on keeping your smile clean and healthy year-round, Drs. Okamoto are highlighting their skilled and compassionate dental hygienists. We want patients to get to know our team so they feel comfortable seeking care from our office. Learn more about this month’s recognized team member, Renee Nishihira, below:

Renee Nishihira, is our Lead Registered Dental Hygienist. She attended the University of Southern California, graduating in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.  Renee was raised and continues to reside in Torrance, making her an integral part of the community we serve. Renee began working with Dr. Steve and Dr. Michelle while attending college, managing the front office and assisting chair-side on Saturdays. 

Recently, Renee joined other team members at CDA Cares in Ventura, a volunteer dental program through the California Dental Association that provides cleanings, fillings, treatment of infection, and oral health education at no charge. When not serving patients, Renee enjoys spending time at the beach, traveling to new places and taking part in Crossfit. 

Renee’s Role in our Practice

Our practice strives to provide ideal dentistry in a comforting environment with an enthusiastic team that is ready to create the most enjoyable experience possible for our patients.  Renee’s role is to help patients maintain good oral hygiene by providing preventive and therapeutic treatment, as well as offering proper tools for effective oral hygiene habits.

Renee’s Thoughts on Patient Care and Emerging Trends in Dental Hygiene

“As the standard of dental treatment evolves, hygiene is made easier for patients.  For example, by replacing dental bridges with dental implants, patients are able to access the site more easily and effectively with oral hygiene aids, such as floss, reducing the accumulation of plaque.

I inform my patients about possible or existing infections and discuss what can happen if they ae not treated with appropriate dental procedures or improvements in oral hygiene habits. The most rewarding part about being a hygienist is having the opportunity to find ways to turn what is often thought of as a dreadful and feared experience into a more pleasant one that will keep my patients returning for their appointments in a timely manner -- resulting in better oral health.”

What Renee Loves about the Okamoto, DDS Team

“I could not ask for a better team of people to work with.  Everybody arrives each morning with a positive attitude ready to work together in making sure we provide a great dental experience for our patients.”

To learn more about our staff or to schedule your next dental cleaning with one of our outstanding dental hygienists, contact our office today!

How Dental Health Connects to Overall Health

The body is made up of many parts, all of them individual but connected to each other; tissues are part of systems and the whole body works holistically. Dentists understand more than most how the mouth acts as a gateway to the body and how taking care of your teeth protects your general health.
Research has proven how infections like periodontal disease can affect other parts of the body in surprising ways. Dr. Stephen Okamoto takes care of each patient’s smiles with the whole body in mind. This blog offers tips, information, and wisdom in how to protect your body by caring for your teeth.

How Oral Health Affects the Body

Blood flows into our oral systems through the carotid artery, which branches out and ends in our jaw. The arteries provide nutrients and oxygen to our gums, lips, and teeth, but their proximity to oral structures makes them vulnerable. This is especially true if a person smokes, chews tobacco, and neglects proper oral health care. Bacteria thrive off debris that gets trapped between our teeth and in below the gum line. Brushing and flossing break up this bacteria and stop the advance of plaque across our teeth and beneath the gums.

But gum disease thrives if left alone and advances to cause more problematic signs of infection. Early stages of periodontitis are the reason our gums bleed or become sensitive, while progressed infection is the reason people lose teeth. It is also how bacteria enter the bloodstream from our mouths. Gum disease has been tied to diabetes, heart disease, arterial infection, weight gain, bad breath, and numerous other health effects.

Proper Oral Care for Holistic Well-Being

An easy step to better wellness is getting in the habit of regular brushing and flossing. Brush at least twice a day for two minutes, and floss once a day. Toothbrushes should be held at a 45 degree angle, and gently moved in small circles around the mouth. Floss, and it doesn’t matter if you use sticks or wax floss, should be moved gently between the teeth and gums. After some time, it gets easier and easier to do so.

Avoiding frequent intake of these items will protect oral health and whole body health as well:

- Tobacco (including E-cigarettes, chewing products, and cigars)
- Excessive processed sugar
- Alcohol (causes swelling and bacterial growth)
- Sugary gum

Please contact our dental office for any oral health concerns you may have; we’re happy to help with any questions. Browse our website for information and procedures, and feel free to schedule an appointment!

Top 5 Tips to Maintain Optimum Oral Health

Your smile should not only be aesthetically beautiful, but it should be healthy as well. Understanding what it takes to keep your teeth and gums healthy can affect not just the way your smile looks, but your overall health as well. Maintaining your oral health can be an easy task with these 5 top tips:

Changing your diet – Inhibit the amount of sugary foods and drinks you consume on a daily basis. If you’re a heavy soda drinker, consider the two essential ingredients in many sodas and other carbonated drinks that eat away at the surface of your teeth: phosphoric and citric acid. Food and drinks with added acid and sugar wear down dental enamel and make teeth susceptible to cavities. But whole and natural foods that produce a scrubbing effect, like certain vegetables, or contribute in vitamins help to keep your smile strong and healthy.

Rinsing – Utilizing mouthwash and toothpaste that contain fluoride can protect your smile. Fluoride has a protective effect that makes your teeth more resistant to decay.  Implementing fluoride based oral care in your twice daily regimen will protect your teeth from decay and strengthen their durability, while also cleaning and freshening your mouth.

Flossing – Although there is some recent buzz that flossing isn’t the be-all-and-end-all for your oral health, the truth is that flossing doesn’t damage your teeth – rather it helps to keep your smile cleaner overall. Not only it will remove food from in between your teeth, it can also prevent bacteria and debris from collecting below your gum line. However, there is a right way to floss your teeth; you should utilize a fresh section of floss for each tooth and follow the curve of your teeth gently.

Brushing Technique and Choice of Toothbrush – By brushing at a 45 degree angle and utilizing a brush with soft bristles, brushing your teeth twice daily effectively maintains a clean mouth. Be sure to use soft circular motions and thoroughly clean back molars, as well as brushing your tongue.
Regularly visit your dentist! Visiting your dentist is the number one way to maintain your oral health all year round. Dentist provide ample information and tips to ensure you maintain a proactive approach with at home oral care and are making smart choices about keeping your smile clean, healthy, and beautiful.

At Steven K. Okamoto DDS, Inc., our father-daughter team helps patients understand the importance of their oral health. Contact our Torrance, CA dental practice today for your next appointment or to speak to a member of our staff.

What Can Patients Expect When They Visit our Office?

Visiting a dental practice should be a relaxing and beneficial experience. Our father-daughter dental team provides specialty, restorative, prosthetic, and implant dentistry services, during which patients can expect quality care that protects their comfort, understanding of their oral health, and optimal results.

How We Treat Patients

Dr. Okamoto has been providing dentistry to South Bay and Torrance for over 30 years. With that history and legacy in mind, we treat our patients and their families like they are our own. You can expect a helpful, experienced, and professional medical staff that serves you and your family. Our modern dental office creates a relaxing experience you can feel during your visit. Patients are at-ease with our multi lingual staff and many are long-term visitors, having come to Dr. Okamoto as teenagers as young as 14 years old; we love building and sustaining lasting relationships with all of our patients. 

We help our patients make the connection between oral and overall health to prevent infection and make sure they can maintain their whole body health. Patient comfort, preventive measures, and modern, quality services are our goal.

Our Philosophy for Patient Care

Drs. Steven and Michelle are committed recreating the natural beauty of your smile after damage or decay by providing a range of high quality and specialized services, paired with advanced dental technology. Patients in need of surgical treatment, such as the placement of implants, are cared for in our brand new and enhanced surgical suite. As a trusted and experienced dentist, Dr. Steven Okamoto is a leader in the field of sleep apnea and prosthodontics and welcomes patients dealing with any number of issues that can affect their dental health and wellness.

We believe in continuous education and the use of innovative dental technologies and techniques to provide the best services possible to our patients. With this in mind, our commitment to preventive dentistry and ensuring aesthetically pleasing smiles make up our patient-centered approach to dentistry.

We Welcome New Patients!

At our Torrance, CA dental office, our dentists are here to build long-lasting relationships that are maintained by quality, modern services to promote beautiful and healthy smiles. Trust our family to serve yours. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our Torrance dental practice for help in answering any questions or making our next visit.

Welcome Back to our Blog!

Drs. Steven and Michelle Okamoto are happy to welcome you back to their blog. Over the next year, we will be embarking on a monthly effort to keep you informed about our practice, community involvements, and the advancements in dental technology and care we plan to bring to our patients. This blog will also be a place where our visitors and patients can get to better know our team and have their oral health questions answered.

In this initial posting on our year long journey, we start with an introduction to our dentists. Our returning patients know how invested our team is in your oral health and wellness and the skill we offer in dental care; however, for new patients and users, we would like to introduce:

Steven K. Okamoto, DDS
Dr. Okamoto is trained in the art of prosthodontics, or restoring damaged and lost teeth with replacements made from a variety of tooth-colored and durable materials. Dr. Okamoto was educated in Southern California at UCLA and is happy to continue caring for patients in the area at his Torrance dental practice. After obtaining his dental doctorate, Dr. Okamoto spent time teaching other oral health professionals and brings that spirit of communication, outreach, and education to daily patient care at our office. With practiced skill in implant dentistry, oral surgery, and sleep apnea treatment, Dr. Steven Okamoto is prepared to care for patients with all manner of dental needs and goals.

Michelle Okamoto, DDS
We are a unique dental practice, with Dr. Steven’s daughter Michelle Okamoto, DDS serving as his partner practitioner. Dr. Michelle’s education includes time spent at such well-known institutions as Pepperdine and UCLA. In her college career, Dr. Michelle has been recognized repeatedly for her leadership and service and carries those commitments through to her philosophy of exceptional patient care. Dr. Michelle has completed additional training in dental surgery and therapies involved in alleviating oral facial pain. Through her work in-office, Dr. Michelle helps patients enjoy healthier and more beautiful smiles each day.

Our Mission Statement

As stated on the face of our website, our mission is to utilize our dentists’ advanced training and education to provide the best care possible, whether that includes incorporating sleep apnea appliances into your dental plan, or providing surgical treatment to ensure best outcomes for implant care. We work to develop trusting patient relationships and cultivate an environment of positivity with a focus on your health and wellness.

Services

As dental professionals, we are committed to restoring patient confidence, wellbeing, and quality of life by improving and protecting your dental health. That goal is served through general preventive care and cleanings, as well as more advanced cosmetic and restorative treatments, which include:

• Dental Implants
• All on 4
• Teeth Whitening
• Veneers
• Bone Grafting
• Sleep Apnea Therapy

Whether you are looking to have a tooth, or all of your teeth, replaced or you are in search of a dental home for twice yearly cleanings and dependable service, Drs. Okamoto are here to help.

Stay Tuned for Updates!

We are excited to bring you more information about our team, services, and dental health as the year progresses. Check back on our blog next month to meet a member of our team or contact our office for additional assistance.

The Benefits of Cosmetic Dentistry with Prosthodontics

There are several ways to improve the appearance of teeth without the use of prosthetics (replacement teeth), such as whitening, adding tooth-colored composite material, or manually shaping teeth so they appear more even and balanced.

However, dental prosthetics are particularly effective at giving you a brand new smile and boosting your oral health in the event that you have complex dental needs. In many cases, cosmetic dental treatment with prosthodontics is essential in targeting problems areas and helping patients achieve the look they want. At the Torrance, CA dental office of Drs. Steven and Michele Okamoto, we are skilled in cosmetically and functionally restoring smiles with prosthetics.

What are Dental Prosthetics?

A dental prosthetic is intended to replace a natural tooth, tissue, or part of tooth enamel and can include crowns, bridges, and veneers.  As a Prosthodontist, one of the nine dental specialties recognized by the ADA, Dr. Steven Okamoto has the expertise to restore teeth for ideal cosmetic effect using any number of dental prosthesis.

Prosthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental prosthetics help effectively target cosmetic dental problems that include:

Damaged Teeth – Decayed or broken dental enamel can be removed and replaced with a beautiful porcelain dental crown, or even a veneer, depending on your needs and the extent of damage to teeth, so that your smile looks healthy.

Misshapen Teeth – Teeth that are too-small or that are jagged or pointed stand out in your smile for the wrong reasons. By shaping teeth and applying a natural-looking prosthetic, like a veneer, problem teeth can become a seamless compliment to the rest of your smile.

Missing Teeth – A missing tooth in your smile poses significant cosmetic and functional issues, but patients have many options for treatment with the help of prosthetics. Choices like partial dentures, fixed bridges, and dental implants can all replace missing teeth and give the effect of a cosmetically beautiful smile.

Smile restorations with prosthetics help patients achieve stunning smiles and renewed oral health, especially in the event that your needs are complex. At Steven K. Okamoto, DDS, Inc., we can give your smile a cosmetic boost with a number of effective and long-lasting prosthetics, such as porcelain crowns, veneers, fixed dental bridges, and implant-supported replacement teeth.

For more information on cosmetic restorations with prosthetics, contact our office for your consultation.

Tips for Keeping Your Teeth White After Bleaching

Teeth whitening is an effective way to achieve a brighter and more beautiful smile. Maintaining bright results after treatment, however, requires making good choices about the foods and beverages you consume to avoid re-staining teeth. If you’ve recently had your teeth bleached and are interested in preserving your results, consider the following tips:

Limit Consumption of Dark Cola and Red Wines – These drink choices are popular, but they are highly pigmented and therefore contribute to the discoloration of enamel over time. Cutting back on soda and wine, which are also acidic and sugary, not only ensures a whiter smile, but is a good choice for your oral health as a whole.

Kick Your Tobacco Habit – This one may be harder to cut out of your daily life, but it’s no secret that tobacco products leave teeth looking yellow and stained. If you’ve recently visited our cosmetic dental office for teeth bleaching, your bright new smile may not last as long as you’d hope if you still smoke regularly.

Ask Your Doctor about Certain Medications – Some antibiotics and high blood pressure medications can alter teeth’s shade. If you are taking a medication that may discolor teeth, be sure to ask your doctor for more information and visit our dental office for more information about ways to ensure that your teeth stay white.

Make Smart Diet Choices – There are certain foods that are excellent sources of nutrition and help keep your smile white as well. When consumed, vegetables and fruits produce a scrubbing effect that can sweep away debris which contributes to stains on teeth.

Maintain Healthy Hygiene Habits – Thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day keeps them looking white, fresh, and decay-free.  When you stick to a consistent oral hygiene schedule, you can be sure that you are routinely removing stain-causing bacteria and debris from teeth.

Keep a Touch-Up Kit Handy – If stains re-emerge, whitening touch-ups can give you the boost of brightness you need to keep the results you want. Ask our dental office about post-whitening touch-up kits you can use at home to keep your smile looking its best.

If you have questions about what teeth whitening can do for you, contact our Torrance cosmetic dental office for your consultation. We are happy to provide same-day whitening with Zoom! for stunning results in just one appointment.