Dental Health | Los Angeles Dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman's Blog: Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Health

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Dr. Bill Dorfman’s Top 5 Dental Questions

Tuesday, January 17th, 2012

Another exciting year is around the corner, and we’d like to share cosmetic dentist Dr. Dorfman’s Top 5 Dental Questions of 2011 to help you get a fabulous start and smile for the New Year. Seasons Greetings, and thank you for letting us help you attain your billion dollar smile!

1. Is it true that adding milk to coffee keeps your teeth safer when drinking?

Using milk doesn’t keep your teeth safer, but it helps with staining because it is a milder color, so the milk dilutes the color of the coffee.

2. What foods affect your smile and oral health negatively?

Aside from the foods commonly known to negatively affect smiles such as wine, cola, coffee, and tea, sucking on lemons will eat away at your teeth’s enamel . Popcorn kernels and ice may crack teeth when someone bites them.

3. What are the best times to brush your teeth? Does brushing after carbonation make a difference?

It’s best to brush your teeth at least twice a day, specifically after meals. Brushing after carbonation would make the greatest difference if the drink was acidic (like colas) in order to get acid off the teeth.

4. Does the hotness or coldness of a drink affect your teeth?

The only effect a drink’s temperature has on teeth is that sometimes people are sensitive to hot and cold. However, it doesn’t cause any permanent damage.

5. How can pregnancy affect your teeth?

Pregnancy doesn’t affect teeth as much as people may think. The big myth is that the baby pulls calcium out of teeth causing decay, which is completely false. What does occur is hormonal fluctuations cause a condition known as Pregnancy Gingivitis, noted as red puffy bleeding gums. If you are pregnant and experiencing this condition, please contact your Century City dentist, Dr. Bill Dorfman.

Tags: cosmetic dentist, Dentist, oral health
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Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Beverly Hills

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Patients often come into our cosmetic dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Beverly Hills’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Toothache pain for anyone in Beverly Hills can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around Beverly Hills, the most common causes of a toothache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your toothache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid tooth pain is to visit your Beverly Hills dentist often, and to exercise good oral health by properly caring for your teeth, including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

If you are experiencing toothache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help. If fear of the dentist is keeping you from visiting, you may be a prime candidate for sedation dentistry. Be sure to ask about it when you come in for your appointment.

-Dr. Bill Dorfman, DDS

(877) 331-9291

Tags: cosmetic dental, oral health, Sedation Dentistry
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Dental Tips 101: Back to Basics for the New Year

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

As the calendar resets itself for the New Year, I think it’s a great time to review basic dental care. Whether you’re a Los Angeles area resident who has recently had a cosmetic dental treatment that you want to maintain or simply want to take the best care of your teeth possible, the most important thing you can do is to keep a consistent, daily dental routine.

Here are my tips for proper teeth maintenance:

-Brush teeth regularly. Always use a soft brush. Even though you may think that a hard brush will do a better job, it doesn’t. In fact, hard brushes destroy teeth. Typically, manual users spend only 24-60 seconds brushing–that’s not enough! Use a manual toothbrush for three to five minutes. Or with a power brush like Sonicare (which is what I use), two minutes get the job done.

-Use a simple yet effective brushing technique:

1) Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle against your gums.

2) Rotate the brush gently in small, circular motions.

3) Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth on both the upper and lower arches.

4) Repeat on the inside and chewing surfaces of all teeth.

-Floss regularly. Watch me discuss how and why to floss properly on The Doctors TV show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52zQ0REyR0Y&list=UU9cD910PBI7upPIufL4N0zg&index=2&feature=plcp

-See your dentist regularly.

-For fresh breath, I recommend the BreathRx brush and floss, scrape and rinse regimen. After brushing, scrape the tongue with a BreathRx Tongue Scraper to remove bad breath-causing bacteria. Move it from the back of the tongue toward the front, sweeping bacteria out of the mouth. Rinse with water and an alcohol-free mouthwash like BreathRx.

Easy, right? It still amazes me how many people neglect these simple things, inviting a host of dental problems that could have been avoided.

Use these dental hygiene tips to get a fresh start to a Happy New Year!

Tags: cosmetic dental, dental hygiene, fresh breath
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Prevention-Oriented Dentistry

Friday, December 30th, 2011

Are you a Beverly Hills area resident? Would you like to develop better oral hygiene habits than you had when you were young? Perhaps you have a beautiful smile and want to prevent tooth decay. Many Beverly Hills people have a mouth full of fillings and don’t want to add another one to their collection.

At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, we have a prevention-oriented philosophy of dental care.

Your first step toward dental health begins with a prevention consultation with Dr. Bill Dorfman.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dental patients will need to start with an exam to determine their current status. Your dental condition is influenced by your dietary habits, previous dental work, physical health, medications, lifestyle and family history. After a comprehensive analysis, Dr. Bill Dorfman can establish a decay prevention plan just for you.

A prevention plan is a multi-faceted approach designed to maintain optimum dental health. It involves affordable preventative services at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry. Twice-yearly exams reveal early problems before they progress. Deep cleanings prevent a multitude of serious dental issues for our Beverly Hills area patients who faithfully keep their regular cleaning appointments.

Oral health cannot be maintained solely in our office. Daily brushing and flossing is essential. A healthy diet is necessary and will deliver benefits to your whole body – not just your teeth.

If you suspect you have a cavity or gum disease, call us at (877) 331-9291 before it gets worse. We can successfully treat your current problems and restore your dental health. If you’ve been avoiding the dentist because of dental phobia, we offer sedation dentistry. In addition to making your teeth healthy, we will set you on the path toward a healthier future.

-You deserve a billion dollar smile

Tags: cosmetic dental, Dental Health, oral hygiene, Sedation Dentistry
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Century City Aesthetic Dentistry in Los Angeles Cares For Teeth

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Dentists in Los Angeles are concerned with your oral health and thus care about the condition of your mouth and all of your many teeth. At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, we recognize that your teeth help you both eat and speak. You use your teeth to tear, scrape, and chew food, as well as to form words with your tongue. Teeth are an important part of your oral health and Century City Aesthetic Dentistry located in Los Angeles wants to help keep your mouth and teeth healthy.

We humans have two sets of teeth in our lifetime. The first set are your ‘primary teeth’, which many folks around Los Angeles often call ‘baby teeth’. Baby teeth typically start to come in at about 6 months old. An average healthy mouth for a Los Angeles resident has a total of 20 primary teeth by about age 5.

Your primary teeth will eventually fall out and new teeth known as ‘permanent teeth’ will grow in. Permanent teeth typically begin to come in around age 6 for most Los Angeles residents, but every person is unique and it could be a little earlier or later. By about age 13 an average healthy mouth should have 28 of the total 32 permanent teeth. The last four permanent teeth may or may not come, but typically come in between the ages of 17 and 21 if they do. Because of the late age that these last teeth come in they are commonly called ‘wisdom teeth’.

Many adults in the city of Los Angeles have their wisdom teeth pulled out because these teeth can be problematic to your dental health, such as crowding a mouth. Other adults in the Los Angeles area may not have these teeth pulled out because they are not causing problems. If you are concerned about the state of your wisdom teeth you can visit our local Los Angeles cosmetic dentistry office and we can help you make a decision.

Caring for all of your teeth whether you are young and have 20 primary teeth or are an adult and have 28 to 32 permanent teeth is important for your overall health. Visiting your Los Angeles dentist regularly, and brushing and flossing daily are great ways to care for your many teeth. Century City Aesthetic Dentistry located in Los Angeles, cares about your oral health.

We can be reached online at http://www.billdorfmandds.com/ or by phone at (877) 331-9291.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Health, oral health
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Keep Teeth Healthy During Pregnancy

Friday, November 25th, 2011

If you are pregnant, your oral health may be the last thing on your mind. However, many Los Angeles women experience an increase in dental problems during pregnancy. This article contains important information for expectant Los Angeles mothers and those planning to become pregnant.

Dr. Bill Dorfman recommends having a thorough dental cleaning early in your pregnancy. Lying in a dentist’s chair can be uncomfortable during the last trimester. A professional cleaning performed by one of the skilled dental hygienists at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, along with diligent brushing and flossing, helps prevent gum problems that are often triggered by hormonal changes. The American Dental Association has found a positive correlation between periodontal disease and preterm deliveries and low birth weight.

If you are currently pregnant and have sore, swollen or bleeding gums, schedule an appointment today by calling (877) 331-9291. Once the baby is here, it will probably be harder for you to make time for a dental visit.

If you receive cosmetic dental treatment at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry during your pregnancy, be sure to inform Dr. Bill Dorfman that you are expecting. This will affect decisions about X-rays, pain relievers, antibiotics, and sedation dentistry.

Hormonal changes cause an increase in plaque production which can lead to decay. If you are eating many small meals during the day, take care to brush after eating. If you avoid sweet snacks, your teeth will be less likely to develop cavities.

Remember, your oral hygiene, nutrition and lifestyle affect your baby. It is essential that you eat a healthy diet with a variety of foods. A poor diet can harm your baby’s tooth and bone development. Be sure to get enough calcium, iron, vitamins A, D and C, protein, and phosphorus. Your Los Angeles Ob/Gyn can give you specific recommendations for your age, height, weight and medical conditions.

At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, we take special care of our clients who are expecting.

Tags: cosmetic dental, oral health, oral hygiene, Sedation Dentistry
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Bad Breath Is No Fun For Century City Residents

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

Imagine you are starting a new job in Century City and meeting your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand, your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth. Yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings, you worry about bad breath. Perhaps your breath is not as pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many residents of Century City. Regular cosmetic dental checkups at Century City Aesthetic can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1985.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many factors can cause or contribute to halitosis. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent affect on your breath. Simply observing the foods you eat here in Century City can result in a change in your breath.

In most cases, bad breath originates in your mouth. Transient bad breath can be resolved through eating or brushing, and is a temporary condition usually associated with a dry mouth. Persistent bad breath can be a serious problem effecting as much as 25 percent of our Century City residents. Persistent bad breath can be caused by dry mouth, and is made worse when food is not cleared away properly.

Daily dental hygiene, like brushing and flossing, is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the amount of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath. Regular visits to Dr. Bill Dorfman at Century City Aesthetic in Century City can also reduce or eliminate the progression of bad breath.

Other factors that can contribute to bad breath for Century City residents include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS, located in Century City; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at (877) 331-9291 to set up an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Dr. Bill Dorfman

Tags: bad breath, cosmetic dental, dental hygiene, white teeth
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Los Angeles Dental News: Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Friday, October 14th, 2011

Attention Los Angeles dental patients: brushing twice daily may help lower your risk of heart disease. Los Angeles scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems, However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

I am Dr. Bill Dorfman DDS of Century City Aesthetic Dentistry. The Scottish survey is one of many that confirms the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean Los Angeles distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a Los Angeles vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and tooth decay, you are at risk for problems in other areas of the body.

The phone number for Century City Aesthetic Dentistry is (877) 331-9291. If you have concerns about your oral health, I invite you to schedule an examination today.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic problems you wish to correct.

If you have not visited a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles yet, now is the time. My professional team and I will help keep your smile beautiful for life.

Or call us at (877) 331-9291 to learn more.

Tags: cosmetic dentist, oral health, Porcelain Veneers
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Tooth Sensitivity Treatment in Los Angeles

Friday, August 12th, 2011

Have you ever been eating an ice cream cone in Los Angeles when you felt a sudden jolt of pain in one of your teeth? If the enamel is eroded, or the gums have receded, the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. The substances that cause tooth pain travel to the pulp where the nerves of the tooth are located. Ouch!

Tooth sensitivity can be a signal that something is wrong. It may be caused by periodontal disease or bacteria build-up in a crack in a tooth.

Enamel erosion can be caused by a number of factors including acidic foods and drinks, teeth grinding, or cracked teeth. If your teeth are sensitive following a professional teeth whitening such as the ones we do here at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, the sensitivity will probably be gone in a few weeks.

Surprisingly, one cause of gum recession for our Los Angeles patients is brushing too hard. That’s right; it is possible to brush too hard!

If you experience constant or intermittent pain in your teeth or gums, call (877) 331-9291 right away to make an appointment. Bill Dorfman takes oral health and tooth pain seriously.

At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry in Los Angeles, we not only treat tooth sensitivity problems, we also perform entire smile makeovers for cosmetic dentistry patients in the Hollywood and Century City areas. You’ll find us in the 90067 zip code area.

You deserve a billion dollar smile

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, oral health, Teeth Whitening
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Energy Drink Warning For Century City

Thursday, June 2nd, 2011

Hello. I’m Dr. Bill Dorfman.

Welcome to my Century City dental blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more Century City teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Century City dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Century City Aesthetic Dentistry for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Century City convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that Century City teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is (877) 331-9291. If you are interested in re-designing your smile, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value. We also offer dental implants.

Tags: Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Implants, Porcelain Veneers
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Dr. William M Dorfman

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