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GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS
410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150 Glendora, CA 91740(626) 963-9112
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      • Scaling & Root Planing
      • About Periodontal (gum) disease
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What is Tooth Decay?

Online Dental Education Library

Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Plaque is an insidious substance—a colorless, sticky film—that blankets your teeth and creates an environment in which bacteria erode tooth enamel, cause gum irritation, infection in inner structures such as pulp and the roots, and in extreme cases, tooth loss.

Some of the biggest culprits causing plaque are foods rich in sugar and carbohydrates, including soda beverages, some juices, candy and many kinds of pasta, breads and cereals.

Plaque also can attack fillings and other restorations in your mouth, which can lead to more costly treatment down the road.

Plaque is the main cause of tooth decay.  It can also cause your gums to become irritated, inflamed, and bleed. Over time, the plaque underneath your gums may cause periodontal disease, which can lead to bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

Inside your teeth, decay can gradually destroy the inner layer, or dentin.  It can also destroy the pulp, which contains blood vessels, nerves and other tissues, as well as the root. 

Periodontal disease is advanced gum disease. This serious condition occurs when the structures that support your teeth—the gums and bone—break down from the infection.  Pain, hypersensitivity and bleeding are some of the signs of periodontal disease.

Simple Preventative Measures

The two best defenses against tooth decay and gum disease are a healthy, well-balanced diet and good oral hygiene, including daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing and rinsing. Most public drinking water contains fluoride, but if you are unsure of your water supply, then use a good quality mouth rinse containing fluoride.

A good way to help your oral health between brushing is chewing sugarless gum; this stimulates your body's production of saliva, a powerful chemical that actually neutralizes plaque formation and rinses decay-causing food particles and debris from your mouth.

In some cases, our office can prescribe anti-cavity rinses or apply special anti-cavity varnishes or sealants to help fight decay.


Learn More

  • Implants
  • Veneers
  • Whitening
  • Crowns

Patient Education

Patient Education
  • Oral Health Topics
    • Introduction
    • General Dentistry
    • Fluoride
    • The Preventive Program
    • Fillings
    • Infection Control
    • Medication and Heart Disease
    • Latex Allergy
    • Age and Oral Health
    • Tobacco
    • Oral Piercing
  • Tooth Care
    • Periodontal Exams
    • What is Tooth Decay?
    • Brushing
    • Flossing
    • Fluoride Facts
    • Mouth Rinses
    • Sealants
    • X-Rays
    • Denture Care
    • Emergency Care
    • Prevention Tips for Children
    • Women and Tooth Care
    • Seniors and Oral Health
    • Nutrition and Your Teeth
  • Dental Problems
    • Abscessed Tooth
    • Bad Breath (halitosis)
    • Bulimia Nervosa
    • Canker/Cold Sores
    • Cavities and Tooth Decay
    • Toothaches
    • Diabetes
    • Dry Mouth
    • Fluorosis
    • Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
    • Wisdom Teeth
    • Lacerations and Cuts
    • Oral Cancer
    • Plaque
    • Sensitive Teeth
    • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism)
    • Jaw Disorders
  • Treatment
    • Braces (Orthodontia)
    • Sealants
    • Missing Teeth
    • Bridges
    • Crowns
    • Root Canal Therapy
    • Extractions
    • Scaling and Root Planing
    • Flap Surgery
    • Dentures
    • Jaw/TMJ
    • Maxillofacial Surgery
    • Cosmetic Dentistry
      • Veneers
      • Teeth Whitening
      • Bleaching
      • Chipped, Cracked, and Worn Teeth
      • Implants
      • Grafts
      • Old and Unsightly Fillings
      • Bonding
      • Excessive or Uneven Gums
      • Ridge Augmentation
      • Invisalign®
      • Crowns and Bridges
  • Pain Management
    • Overview
    • Managing Pain
    • Anesthesia
    • Air Abrasion
    • Medications
  • Patient Information
    • Your First Dental Visit
    • Dental Emergencies
    • Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Patient
  • Product Reviews
    • Oral Health Products
    • Choosing a Toothbrush
    • Types of Floss
    • Water Picks
    • Mouth Guards
  • Glossary
  • Links

Our Location

410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150
Glendora, CA 91740
(626) 963-9112

Map & directions

Office Hours
Monday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Tuesday:09:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM - 02:00 PM
Thursday:Closed
Friday:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Saturday:by appointment only
Sunday:Closed

Patient Testimonials

 
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The is absolutely gentle and pleasant

- James E 10/6/2016

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Every person on the staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Dr. Francisco.

- John V 9/15/2016

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Communication was strong.

- Michael H 9/4/2016

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Most accommodating doctor and excellent staff. Amazing doctor. The best corrective...More

- Brettina V 8/6/2016

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Dr. Francisco operates a pain-free practice. In addition, she is warm and personable....More

- Marti G 7/30/2016

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Great experience. Very personable. Very professional. Very caring. :)

- Noel B 7/19/2016

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Dr. Francisco and her staff are very warm and friendly. The office is very clean, and...More

- Anonymous 6/5/2016

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Great cleaning wonderful hygenist,Dr Francisco was so thorough. Explained everything...More

- Brettina V 5/22/2016

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Hands down, superior service. Dr. Melissa is very knowledgeable yet tells you like she's...More

- Sean M 4/14/2016

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My son has some anxiety issues, and Dr. Francisco and her staff were wonderful with him....More

- Benjamin B 3/15/2016

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You want my feedback...? She's the best, sincerely cares about what's going on in your...More

- Thomas C 2/7/2016

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Dr. Francisco is awesome! !!

- Arturo O 1/13/2016

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Great services, professional in every aspect.

- Paul B 12/29/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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Dr. Melissa is great!!! Her attention to detail and quality of work is top notch. We...More

- Kana K 12/16/2015

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From my first contact via email to my first office visit, and following visits, every...More

- Pamela C 12/12/2015

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After not going to the dentist for so long I was really afraid to go and see what's...More

- Sandy G 11/7/2015

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My name is spelled Marti, not Marty, but that's the only thing Dr. Francisco's office...More

- Marti G 10/17/2015

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Dr. Francisco was the best dentist I have ever seen! I really appreciated her caring...More

- Elaine H 10/13/2015

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Dr. Francisco is a patient and gentle doctor. She was amazingly calm.

- Annabelle B 10/8/2015

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Very impressed with knowledgeable staff and Dr. Very gentle and detailed.

- Tammy O 9/15/2015

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Dr. Francisco is the best dentist I've ever had and I've had a few. She is very caring...More

- Rachielle L 7/15/2015

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While looking for a local Dentist in the Glendora area, I was fortunate enough to locate...More

- Diego T 7/15/2015

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I left a female dentist who I loved so when I moved to Glendora, I was determined to...More

- Marti G 7/15/2015

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No complaints at all - Excellent Dentist and staff. I'm not new to dental work so you...More

- Anonymous 6/29/2015

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Dentist - Glendora, GlenDental by M. Melissa Francisco, DDS, 410 S. Glendora Ave Ste. 150, Glendora, CA 91740 (310) 567-7407

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