Blog

Tips On How To Keep Your Mouth Healthy

We all know the very basics of oral health. These surely involve brushing, flossing and rinsing. Nevertheless, these are only the most fundamental of things, and there is much more to keeping the mouth clean and to maintaining the ideal smile all the time. Hence, if you are inclined to make the most of the oral hygiene, you will need to learn a bit more than simply choosing the right toothpaste. You will need to enhance the overall tooth brushing technique, let it down on soda a bit and, of course, quite smoking, to begin with.

With that said, to help you out and to guide you through the entire process, here are several tips, tricks, and recommendations from leading dental specialist that will help you out and will allow you to really make the most from your needs and requirements:

• First of all, do not forget the routine checkups at your dental office. After all, you are constantly checking if your car is fine at the car shop and your teeth are no different – in fact; they are all the more important. Furthermore, were you aware that, according to the official statistical data, almost half of people in the nation are neglecting the dental checkups? There are plenty of factors why – some people fear the dentists, others do not have the time or the money, and there are some who simply ignore the checkups, to begin with. However, it is very important to go to those checkups, at least once a year and the healthcare professionals are recommending two times. This way you will be able to establish if there is something wrong with your teeth – trauma, decay, gum diseases, even cancer at an early stage – they are all easier to treat early on and, of course, a whole lot cheaper too.
• Do not forget that oral hygiene is important throughout the entire life. For toddlers, you will need to start brushing their teeth once they hit 1 and all the way up until they will be able to tie their own shoes. Furthermore, do not forget that for elderly individuals, it is all the more difficult to maintain the proper oral hygiene – some of them are suffering from arthritis, and it does make the tooth brushing process a lot more challenging, while with age the production of saliva decreases and the teeth turn out to be prone to decay a lot more, causing pain and discomfort, especially to the seniors with dentures.
• No doubt, we all love to drink soda because of its special taste. And, of course, all the acid inside it does rue the enamel of the teeth. Surely, though, there is nothing wrong with having a can of soda every now and then. However, if you are a fan of the drink, it would be best to switch to water with squeezed lemon juice. After all, if you are consuming soda every day, it will definitely show on the teeth quickly, and of course, you will need to do something about it.
• One way or the other, it is no secret that sugar is the number one enemy of the teeth. And there is no way around it – if you are a fan of sugar, you will need to cut it down a notch – otherwise, you risk turning into one of those poor fellows, who are having to deal with the decay all the time. Sweetened coffee, ice cream, sweets – you name it – they are not good for you and for your teeth, so lower the consumption a bit.
• Quit smoking – simple as that. And not only for the lungs – think about the teeth. The tar and nicotine are not only covering your teeth with some dirty plaque – they are turning your mouth into a literal heaven for the bacteria. Furthermore, they are destroying the gums and even the bones that are supporting the teeth. Finally, do not forget that there is always a chance that you will get oral cancer.

The above-mentioned recommendations are pretty simple and yet very effective. If you care about the healthy state of your teeth, you should follow our advice.

10 Tips To Help You And Your Family Maintain Healthy Teeth

There are plenty of reasons why you need to keep you family’s teeth and gums healthy, such as great looking smiles, being able to eat healthy and proper food, staying away from all the toothache as well as discomfort. Furthermore, recent studies demonstrated that unhealthy teeth and gum diseases may well lead to different heart-related issues too.

Thankfully, though, there are great methods that will help maintain strong and healthy teeth from childhood and all the way up to old age. Here is how:

1. Make sure that your children learn early on. Even though parents try to prevent tooth decay, one in every four children may well develop tooth decay even before they begin school. Furthermore, half of 12-15 year olds have cavities. Hence, it is important to begin dental care as soon as the first tooth appears, or at least this is what industry experts advise. Once the child is about 2 years old, you may even let him or her brush on their own.
2. The trouble may be sealed. At around 6 years, permanent molars may enter the frame. Protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth may well prevent the decay. Furthermore, even the CDC claims that these sealants may significantly reduce the caries issue. However, only one in three children have those to begin with.
3. Using enough fluoride – not too much though. The most significant advancement in tooth care is that fluoride will strengthen the enamel and will make it less prone to decay. Most US citizens drink water that is filled with fluoride. However, if that is not the case, you should get in touch with a qualified dental practitioner to figure out how to get more fluoride in your ration. Different mouth rinses as well as toothpastes also contain fluoride. It should be sparingly used in children, in significantly lesser dosages. Too much of it may leave white spots on the teeth.
4. Simply brush twice a day and floss regularly. Tooth decay and gum disease may turn into a genuine problem, and not just for elderly individuals. Most teenagers have bleeding gums, so along with the above-mentioned advice, be sure that you change the toothbrush three to four times every year. Furthermore, teenagers with braces will need to use special toothbrushes as well as other oral hygiene tools in order to brush their teeth properly. Elderly individuals, who suffer from arthritis or other issues, may have problems holding the toothbrush, so some find an electric toothbrush better.
5. Chew gum or rinse after you eat. Aside from flossing as well as brushing, it would also be a great idea to rinse your mouth using a special antibacterial rinse that will aid in preventing gum problems and decay. Furthermore, by chewing sugar-free gum after the meals, you will also be able to protect your teeth by increasing the saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid.
6. Make sure you do not damage the teeth. While sporting activities may help you build a healthy body, they may pose danger for the teeth. The vast majority of schools these days require children to wear special mouth guards. Yet, keep in mind that unsupervised recreational activities such as roller-blading as well as skate-boarding may also end up in trauma. A qualified dentist in Sherman Oaks will be able to make an individual mouth guard, or you can get one at a sporting goods store.
7. Avoid smoking and smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains the teeth and increases the overall risk of gum disease as well as oral cancer. If you are a smoker, consider quitting this habit and make sure your children don’t start.
8. Have smart eating habits. It is always important for the teeth and the gums to have a healthy diet. You will need to eat balanced nutrition – nuts, grains, vegetables, fruits as well as all kinds of dairy products to get all the nutrients your system requires. In addition, numerous studies also point out that Omega-3 fats found in the fish will also help reduce inflammation and will therefore lower the overall risk of gum disease.
9. Avoid sugar. Once the bacteria in the mouth begin to break down simple sugars, they produce acids that will erode the tooth enamel and will open the door to decay. Hence, sugary drinks are a danger, since we tend to sip them and raise the levels of acids for a longer time.
10. Visit a dentist. The vast majority of experts are recommending we visit a dental expert once every six months – even more often if you are experiencing gum disease issues. Performing a routine check will help remove the plaque that was built up in the mouth area too.

If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with dentist in Sherman Oaks, please call us directly or email us using contact form.

How Replacing Old Silver Fillings Can Benefit You

Our body is a fascinating system that tends to regenerate itself on so many levels – mild cuts on the skin will disappear, antibiotics will handle infections,  bones that were broken will eventually mend, and so on. However, when it comes to our teeth, the situation is far more complex. While we are capable of slowing the decay down, even modern science is unable to regenerate enamel. Hence, it is crucial to make sure that you make the most from the preventative dentistry solutions.

A very healthy mouth will have intact teeth and will not have any kind of cavities. Yet, how many people can actually say that their dental situation is perfect? Not too many – that much is certain. One way or the other, the vast majority of people are going to get some cavities over the years.

The decay of one’s teeth is the next common health problem right after the common cold, especially in childhood years. Once we reach the middle age, most people already have one or several root canals.

In line with how large the cavity may be, after thoroughly cleaning the teeth, the dentist will fill it, place a crown, or perform a root canal that may still be followed by a crown.

Restoration techniques these days are highly sophisticated. Over the past years, restorations have become much more advanced and cosmetic dentists are using stronger and more natural materials all the time. Depending on your needs and preferences, you can easily replace outdated amalgam fillings with white fillings.

Just as we already mentioned, once a tooth is injured or decaying, it can never become the way it was. Nevertheless, modern crowns and fillings could help your teeth regain beauty as well as stability.

A healthy, bright smile is an indication of beauty and may well enhance one’s appearance in many ways. You will need to find an experienced and reliable Sherman Oaks dentist who can help you to make the most from the process, making sure that you will get your teeth fixed and restored within the very least amount of time possible. A healthy smile is crucial and you will definitely never regret it.

Do You Feel The Benefits Of Fluoridated Water?

Fluoride is one of the best substances for teeth, as it can strengthen the enamel and will even reverse the demineralization. This is one of the many reasons why fluoride is in the toothpaste and why the Century City Aesthetic Dentistry is offering routine fluoride teeth cleaning in addition to other fluoride-based remedies and services.

As the vast majority of water resources contain fluoride in addition to other vital minerals, Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1945 turned into the very first city that adjusted the level of fluoride in its municipal water to make the most from the dental health of the people that live there. Ever since then, numerous communities managed to voluntarily adjust the fluoride in their water supplies as well, thus supplying top-quality dental advantages to millions of American people all over the nation.

This is from The Centers for Disease Control:

Water fluoridation for the citizens is not merely secure and efficient – it is also cost-saving and the most affordable method to get the advantages of fluoride to as many residents of the community as possible. For bigger communities with over 20 thousand people, it is going to cost mere 50 cents per person on fluoridation. It is quite affordable because every single dollar that is invested into preventive measures will yield nearly $38 in savings for dental treatment.

So how can you discover if your state municipal water supply  was adjusted for the best fluoride levels? It is quite straightforward – you need to check your water bill for the phone number of the water distributor and get in touch with them. They will provide you with plenty of information on the levels of all the minerals in your water and if the fluoride levels are adjusted in line with the recommended levels for dental well-being.

Furthermore, families from the state with wells can test the water at a lab. Get in touch with the nearest health department in order to receive all the details on where you can get your water tested.

If you have kids and your municipal water supplier is not adjusting the fluoride levels in line with the dental recommendations, you may want to buy some fluoride supplements for your children as well. The fluoride will help strengthen children’s first teeth and will also benefit adult teeth. Your pediatrician will be able to provide you with a prescription for fluoride supplements too.

Hence, fluoride is very important and you will want to really make the most from it. You can check out your water supplier for more information on how much fluoride is being added to your water and if you are not satisfied, you can always find more fluoride supplements to benefit from.

How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?

Oral surgeons, endodontists, and dentists generally use dental crowns, also known as caps, for a number of restorative treatment solutions. Crowns help injured teeth or those with large fillings. Crowns are also known to help with proper bite misalignment and after a root canal. Cosmetic problems may also be resolved with crowns, such as stained and yellow teeth, teeth that are too small in size, and even the teeth that do not have the proper shape. When it comes to dental implant procedures, the final step is to attach the crown itself to the abutment.

Dental crowns are manufactured from different materials that really differ in strength and appearance:

1. Porcelain based or all-ceramic
2. Porcelains are fused to the metal
3. Alloys from gold
4. Alloys on base from metal

A dental expert will help you establish the perfect one for your needs, but there are also certain factors to consider – where the crown is located inside your mouth, the money you intend to spend, and whether you have any allergies to metal.

The vast majority of dental professionals offer crown restoration in two visits to their dental office. When you come for the first time, the dental expert will prepare the tooth and will make an impression for the dental laboratory. Afterwards, the dental expert manufactures a temporary crown for the patient to be used until the actual crown arrives. Many dental experts, though, do have special tools and different instruments that will allow them to deal with the process in a single visit, which is pretty convenient.

So the question here is – how long will those crowns actually last for? Well, dental crowns will last for years, but they are not designed to last forever #. Even if you care for them properly, you should not expect to have no issues at all for years. Nevertheless, some statistics demonstrate that more than 90 percent of all dental crowns will not need any kind of treatment even within five years of placement. Furthermore, 50-80 percent will last for up to two decades.

Needless to say, you want to have a bright and shiny smile, just like all those celebrities on TV. Well, dental crowns may prove to be quite effective and will help you out immensely. Of course, in order to get the most from them, you  need to get in touch with a qualified,  experienced dental professional so you can ensure you have the right treatment and that your smile will look healthier than ever before. Dental crowns could be very helpful and there is no need to invest a small fortune in the process either, so what more could you possibly wish for? Come to a dentist and you will not be disappointed, since your needs and your requirements will be satisfied in full in the very least amount of time possible.

Why You should Adopt Proper Teeth Brushing From Childhood

Some LA parents may be genuinely surprised with the most recent American Dental Association’s advice regarding oral care for infants. It is recommended that parents start brushing their children’s teeth right when the first teeth emerge. Perhaps you might have not known that even fresh teeth are quite vulnerable when it comes cavities – no less than the older teeth.

The Dental Association advises parents to start using a cloth and a bit of toothpaste no bigger  than the size of a rice grain to clean every single tooth. And while more and more teeth will begin to grow, it is encouraged to brush the teeth after every single meal or at least twice a day.

It is also extremely important to find the ideal toothbrush that will make brushing as comfortable as possible. A small amount of toothpaste will go nicely on a soft and bristled toothbrush. There are plenty of toddler-sized and infant toothbrushes that have small bristle heads on the market these days. And getting those brushes will be invaluable to your child’s oral health. In addition, you can find round and triangular-shaped brushes that will permit your toddler to walk around with them and with little to no chance of injury in case of a bad fall.

If you child doesn’t’ like the taste of the toothpaste, try and brush without using it. Your main objective is to remove all the food leftovers to avoid bacteria build up, which will be followed by plaque and cavities.

Once you see that two teeth are touching, it is time to begin flossing. This is an essential procedure to ensure that no food leftovers are stuck between the teeth. And, of course, effective flossing will require a certain motor skill that the majority of children will not develop before age of six or maybe seven. Hence, parents will need to help with flossing until they are certain that the child can perform it properly.

Parents need to guide their children until they are old enough to handle oral hygiene on their own. However, if you instill effective brushing habits, it will be incredibly advantageous for your child in the future. Even though you may believe that everyday supervision takes too much time, just stop and think about the fact that these habits will protect their health in the long run. Furthermore, you will be able to avoid even more dental expenses associated with improper oral hygiene.

You need to take your child to his or her very first dentist visit within about six months of the first tooth appearing and no later than their first birthday. Although it may seem a bit early, do not forget that going to the dentist is just like going to the pediatrician. Just as the pediatrician will provide you with comprehensive information on your child’s general health and some invaluable tips and recommendations, the dentist will offer guidance to everything related to your child’s dental health and will offer you advice as well.

Furthermore, the dentist can consult with you on sippy cups and pacifiers, x-ray safety, as well as nighttime bottles and so much more. They will recommend proper sealants for parents with older kids, special tooth protection for athletics, and orthodontics.

One way or the other, you want your children to have healthy and beautiful smiles. And this is why it is so important to make sure that you instill proper oral hygiene habits from very early on, as this will  be extremely beneficial in the long run, both for you and for your children.

Mark Wienberg, DDS
Sherman Oaks Implant Dentist

Porcelain Veneers – A Better Alternative To Tooth Whitening

Whenever you see all those celebrities that you love on TV, odds are, you are very much admiring their porcelain veneers. Those celebrities all realize that a healthy and white smile is genuinely important and will therefore be doing their very best to make sure that they will have pearly whites. Despite the fact that tooth whitening is becoming more and more popular these days, it is not as effective as more lucrative alternatives are appearing on the market every day. Porcelain veneers will do the trick nicely for you.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are basically thin pieces of porcelain that are designed to cover the top of your front teeth. The best thing about them is that they no longer cost a small fortune and are much more affordable to everyone.

The process of placing porcelain veneers

First of all, a qualified dental professional is going to need to determine if you are eligible for the procedure to begin with. In order to install those veneers, a tiny piece of enamel will be removed from the teeth in order to free some space for the veneers. Your enamel will be removed and the cosmetic veneers will become your permanent teeth.

The dental expert will create a special impression so your new veneers look and feel a whole lot more natural. At times, patients require temporary dental veneers beforehand as well.

Once the veneers are ready to be placed, the cosmetic dentist Sherman Oaks professional will determine if the color is right and if the veneers will fit correctly. Finally, the porcelain veneers will be polished and installed in order to provide you with the beautiful smile that you deserve!

Porcelain veneers can help when:

• Teeth that are discolored and may no longer be improved through the whitening process
• Teeth that are worn
• Teeth that are chipped
• Teeth that are broken
• Teeth that are uneven
• Teeth that are misaligned
• Teeth that are irregularly shaped
• Teeth with gaps between them

When you are making an appointment with the dental professional, it is very important to comprehensively explain what results you are expecting and what kind of a smile you are hoping to get. You may also bring in a picture of your favorite smile – this will help the dentist understand your needs better.

If teeth whitening did not work for you and you were genuinely unsatisfied with the end results, do not hesitate to learn more about porcelain veneers and schedule an appointment with the most qualified, experienced dental professional out there at the earliest opportunity.

Having a healthy and a beautiful smile is extremely important these days and you will be able to really enhance your overall appearance and your confidence with shiny white teeth.

The market is filled with all kinds of options and dental firms that will always be more than happy to provide you with their services, and odds are, you are looking for the ideal combination of price and quality.

Well, if that is the case and you are already browsing the internet, trying to figure out the ideal option for you, we simply cannot help but recommend that you learn much more about one of the most amazing offers out there at the earliest opportunity.