🎆 Happy 4th of July from all of us at Jeff Velasquez, DDS Dental!
Wishing all of our wonderful patients a safe, joyful, and sparkling Independence Day! As we celebrate freedom, fireworks, and family fun, don’t forget to keep your smile bright—skip the sticky candies and remember to brush after those BBQ ribs!
Our office will be closed on July 4th in observance of the holiday and will reopen on July 5, 2025 saturday.
Enjoy the holiday—and keep smiling! 😁
– The Jeff Velasquez, DDS Team, you Long Beach Dentist

At Jeff Velasquez, DDS Dental Office in Long Beach, CA, the focus is on maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Oral health is an important part of overall well-being. A full suite of services is offered to ensure the healthiest smile possible, from regular checkups to advanced procedures, all designed for a healthier, happier smile in Long Beach.
Simple daily habits, such as checking blood pressure, resting heart rate, and weight, can provide valuable insights into your health, ultimately benefiting your smile. Consider the body as a high-performance vehicle. Just as a car has a dashboard with important indicators like speed, fuel level, and engine temperature, the body has its own "dashboard" readings. It's important to pay attention to these indicators, just as you would not ignore a warning light in a car.
Why Daily Vitals Are Your Body's Best Indicators:

• Blood Pressure: Your Internal "Pressure Gauge"
  Healthy blood pressure is needed for the body, similar to how an engine requires the correct oil pressure. High blood pressure (hypertension) puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels, and can affect gum health, increasing the risk of gum disease. If you are concerned about blood pressure and its impact on oral health, contact the Long Beach dental office. Regular monitoring can alert you if you need to reduce stress or adjust your lifestyle.
• Resting Heart Rate: Your Body's "RPMs"
  The heart rate indicates how hard the heart is working. A healthy resting heart rate indicates good cardiovascular fitness. If the "RPMs" are consistently high at rest, it could signal stress, lack of sleep, or other underlying issues. Being aware of this can encourage steps such as getting more rest or practicing relaxation techniques. For questions about how your overall health impacts your dental health, schedule a consultation with your dentist in Long Beach, CA.
• Weight: Your Body's "Load Indicator"
  Maintaining a healthy weight is like ensuring a car isn't overloaded. Excess weight puts additional strain on all the body's systems, including joints, heart, and gums. If experiencing symptoms like gum disease or are concerned about overall dental health, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeff Velasquez Long Beach dentist.

Ready to Be Your Own Health Mechanic?
Start today! Consider making daily monitoring your body's vitals is a powerful way to ensure you're taking the best possible care of your health –  just like regular dental cleanings — are part of smart, preventive care. The more informed you are, the better choices you’ll make for your oral health, your body, and your life.
​Let’s work together to keep your smile bright and your body running like a dream.
Got questions about how your overall health impacts your oral health? We're always here to help.
Schedule your next check-up with us at Jeff Velasquez, DDS Dental Office.  562-424-9473 or visit our website at JeffVelasquezDDS.com

​Dr.JeffVelasquez
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​Another Proud Daughter of the Velasquez Dental Family!
Please join us in celebrating Leah Arcebal Centanni, who has just graduated SUMMA CUM LAUDE with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology & Criminal Justice from California State University, Long Beach!
Leah has been a loyal patient since she was just 3 months old, and we’ve had the joy of watching her grow into the brilliant young woman she is today. A future lawyer in the making, Leah’s dedication, intelligence, and perseverance inspire us all.
We are incredibly PROUD of you, Leah.
Congratulations on your amazing achievement—today and always! 🎓✨

Fresh Breath, Fresh Confidence!
We’ve all been there—heading into an important meeting or a special date, only to worry about bad breath at the worst possible moment. The good news? A quick and easy fix can help keep your breath fresh throughout the day.
Why Does Bad Breath Happen?
Common culprits include:
 Plaque and bacteria buildup
 Gum disease and tooth decay
 Certain foods (like garlic and onions)
 Not cleaning your tongue properly
A Simple Fix for Instant Freshness
Keep a small bottle of mouthwash and a toothbrush with you. Before your big moment:
 Swish and gargle mouthwash for a few seconds.
 As you spit it out, use a toothbrush to gently sweep over your teeth and tongue—especially as far back as you can comfortably reach.
This quick routine helps eliminate bacteria and neutralize odors, giving you instant confidence!
Don’t Forget Regular Checkups!
Routine dental cleanings remove deep plaque and tartar buildup, keeping your breath fresher for longer. Schedule your next appointment with us today!
 Jeff Velasquez DDS
541 W Willow st, Long Beach, CA 90806
(562) 424-9473
Website: JeffVelasquezDDS.com
Stay fresh, stay confident! ​

Another Smile Saved - Kisses' shared her Braces experience.
​Thank you Kisses

The Hidden Dangers of Dental Sepsis – A Call to Action for Your Health
Dental health is often overlooked until pain becomes unbearable. However, what many don't realize is that untreated dental issues can lead to severe health problems, including a life-threatening condition known as dental sepsis.

What is Dental Sepsis?
Dental sepsis occurs when an infection in the teeth or gums spreads into the bloodstream, leading to a systemic response that can affect the entire body. It's a dangerous condition that requires immediate medical attention.

A Tragic Example: The Case of Mike Williams 
According to CNN News, Mike Williams, 36 years old, a former NFL player, tragically passed away due to complications linked to untreated dental sepsis according to medical examiner after suffering injuries in a construction accident. What started as a manageable work related accident escalated into a systemic infection, demonstrating the severe consequences of ignoring dental care. His story serves as a somber reminder of the critical importance of maintaining oral health.

The Connection Between Oral Health and Overall Health
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), poor oral health has been linked to a variety of systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. Dental sepsis is one of the most severe outcomes of neglected oral health, leading to complications that can be fatal if not promptly treated.

Stages of Odontogenic Infections
Odontogenic infections, which can lead to dental sepsis, progress through three key stages:

1. Stage 1 (1-3 days): Soft, mildly tender swelling.
2. Stage 2 (2-5 days): Hard, red, and severely sore swelling.
3. Stage 3 (5-7 days): Abscess formation.

Once an abscess forms, surgical drainage is often necessary to resolve the infection. Medical management, including antibiotics, plays a crucial role in selected cases, but timely intervention is key.

Why Early Treatment is Crucial
SEEKING DENTAL CARE AT THE FIRST SIGN OF AN ISSUE IS ESSENTIAL. EARLY TREATMENT NOT ONLY PREVENTS THE PROGRESSION OF INFECTIONS BUT ALSO SAFEGUARDS YOUR OVERALL HEALTH. REGULAR DENTAL CHECK-UPS, PROMPT TREATMENT OF DENTAL ISSUES, AND MAINTAINING GOOD ORAL HYGIENE CAN PREVENT THE DEVELOPMENT OF SERIOUS CONDITIONS LIKE DENTAL SEPSIS. 

Your Health is in Your Hands
Don’t wait for a small issue to become a major health crisis. The story of Mike Williams is a powerful reminder of how quickly things can escalate. Protect your health by prioritizing your dental care.
Schedule your next dental appointment today, and take the first step toward safeguarding your overall well-being.

​Yours in Health,
[Jeff D. Velasquez, DDS]

This newsletter highlights the critical importance of addressing dental issues promptly to prevent serious health risks, using evidence from the NIH and a real-life example to drive home the message.




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​Kayla loved wearing her braces so much so that she was a little sad when it was time to get them off.
​When your teenage children needs braces, Dr. Jeff Velasquez can help.
Please call us at 562-424-9473

It's common for teenagers wearing braces to wonder about the consequences of not getting them removed on time. While the consequences can vary depending on individual circumstances and the advice of their orthodontist/dentist,  here are some general points to consider:
Consequences of having braces on longer:

1. Potential tooth decay: Prolonged wear of braces can make it challenging to clean teeth properly, leading to a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease if oral hygiene isn't maintained rigorously.
2. Root resorption: In some cases, the longer pressure from braces is applied to teeth, the higher the risk of root resorption, a condition where the tooth's root shortens due to the pressure, potentially leading to tooth instability.
3. Discomfort and inconvenience: Extended wear of braces can lead to ongoing discomfort and inconvenience for the wearer, affecting their daily activities and quality of life.
4. Impact on self-esteem: While braces are often seen as a temporary inconvenience with the promise of straighter teeth, prolonged wear can impact a teenager's self-esteem and confidence, especially if they were looking forward to having them removed.

Benefits of straight teeth:

1. Improved oral health: Straight teeth are easier to clean and maintain, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
2. Better bite alignment: Properly aligned teeth contribute to a healthier bite, reducing the risk of jaw pain, headaches, and uneven wear on teeth.
3. Enhanced confidence: A straighter smile often leads to increased self-confidence and a more positive self-image, which can have far-reaching benefits in social, academic, and professional settings.
4. Improved speech: Misaligned teeth can sometimes affect speech patterns, and straightening them can lead to clearer speech and improved communication.
5. Long-term dental health: Addressing orthodontic issues early can prevent more significant dental problems later in life, potentially reducing the need for extensive dental work or corrective procedures down the road.

Ultimately, it's essential for teenagers wearing braces to follow their orthodontist's/dentist's advice closely and attend regular check-ups to ensure their treatment progresses as planned and to minimize any potential risks associated with prolonged wear.
Dr. Jeff Velasquez
​562-424-9473

Photo from mouthhealthy.org 

Smoker's Mouth: Smoking introduces harmful chemicals and toxins into the mouth, leading to various oral health issues such as stained teeth, bad breath, and a build-up of plaque and tartar. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the gums, which can result in gum disease and tooth loss. Additionally, smoking weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off oral infections.
Development of Serious Dental Issues: Smoking increases the risk of more serious dental problems such as periodontitis (advanced gum disease), oral cancer, and tooth decay. The combination of reduced blood flow and compromised immune response creates an environment conducive to the growth of harmful bacteria, which can lead to irreversible damage to the gums, teeth, and surrounding tissues.
Impact on Total Health: Dental problems not only affect oral health but can also have far-reaching consequences for overall health. Poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, respiratory infections, diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Inflammation and infection in the mouth can contribute to systemic inflammation, exacerbating existing health conditions.

Dangers of Vaping, Hookah & Pipe Smoking: While often perceived as less harmful alternatives to traditional cigarettes, vaping, hookah, and pipe smoking still pose significant risks to oral and overall health. These practices expose the mouth to high levels of nicotine, chemicals, and carcinogens, increasing the likelihood of developing dental problems, respiratory issues, and addiction.

Benefits of Quitting: Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your oral and overall health. Within hours of quitting, blood circulation improves, and the body begins to repair damaged tissues. Over time, the risk of developing dental problems decreases, and the chances of experiencing oral and systemic health benefits increase.
Steps in Quitting: Quitting smoking may seem daunting, but there are many resources and strategies available to help you succeed. Consider reaching out to your healthcare provider or a smoking cessation program for support and guidance. Identify your triggers and develop coping mechanisms to manage cravings. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends and family who can encourage and motivate you along the way.

By understanding the impact of smoking on oral health and overall well-being, as well as the benefits of quitting, individuals can take proactive steps towards leading a healthier mouth and smoke-free life.
From your Dentist in Long Beach
Jeff Velasquez, DDS
​562-424-9473

​Dealing with dental anxiety is a challenge that varies from person to person, shaped by individual perceptions and past experiences with dentists. While some patients recall positive encounters, others harbor negative sentiments due to past unpleasant incidents. It's not uncommon to hear sentiments like "I hate the dentist!" or expressions of embarrassment such as "My mouth is a gold mine" or "I think I have a lot of cavities." In response, our team reassures them with phrases like "We've seen worse" or "You've come to the right place."
Regardless of your feelings or past experiences, dentists play a crucial role in our overall health. Maintaining a cavity-free mouth is essential, prompting our dentists to recommend a routine dental exam and cleaning twice a year. During this biannual checkup, your dentist assesses your teeth for cavities and examines your oral tissues for any potential issues. Interestingly, early stages of certain medical problems can manifest in the mouth, making dentists instrumental in identifying and addressing broader health concerns.
In fact, your dentist might be the first to suggest a visit to a gastroenterologist or medical doctor based on observations during a routine dental exam. Trust their advice, as early detection increases the likelihood of effective intervention. Overcoming dental anxiety is crucial, and there's no need to fear the dentist any longer.
Mouthhealthy.org offers three valuable tips to conquer dental anxiety and phobia. First, communicate openly with your dentist about your concerns so they can tailor their approach to make you feel more comfortable. Second, find ways to distract yourself during dental procedures, such as listening to music or imagining yourself in a favorite place. Consider using a squeeze ball or a spinner ring to keep your hands occupied. Lastly, employ mindfulness techniques, focusing on being present, taking deep breaths, and relaxing your muscles, all of which can help you overcome dental anxiety.
Take control of your dental experience, speak openly with your dentist, and explore these practical strategies to ensure a more relaxed and positive visit.

In our office, Dr. Jeff Velasquez offers laughing gas and / or oral conscious sedation to help patient relaxed during dental procedures. Also, Dr. Velasquez is known to his patients with his pain-free numbing technique. Call us at 562-424-9473 for more information and to set up an appointment.
​By VbA-V