Dental Health

Water Fluoridation In California Prevents Tooth Decay

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Water Fluoridation In California Prevents Tooth Decay

Hello! Welcome to our Los Angeles family dentistry blog. Today’s message from Century City Aesthetic Dentistry concerns fluoride and California children’s dental health. I’m Bill Dorfman and I have been practicing dentistry in Los Angeles since 1985.

When I examine a new Los Angeles patient for the first time, I can usually tell whether the person drank fluoride-adjusted municipal water while growing up. Generally, their teeth are healthier than people who had lower fluoride levels in their tap water.

Ideally, adequate fluoride intake combined with proper oral hygiene, good nutrition, and regular dental visits keep teeth healthy and free of decay. However, fluoride also helps teeth remineralize if acids have already compromised the enamel. For decay prevention and teeth strengthening, adequate fluoride is indispensable.

If you have children and your California municipal water supply does not have the recommended level of fluoride, you may want to consider giving your kids a fluoride supplement. The fluoride will strengthen the primary teeth that have already erupted and also the adult teeth that are forming.

The American Dental Association supports water fluoridation:

‘More than 65 years ago, on January 25, 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan became the world’s first city to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since that time, fluoridation has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. Community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay.’ http://www.ada.org/fluoride.aspx

At Century City Aesthetic Dentistry, we provide exceptional dental care for all members of the family including general and cosmetic dentistry. We serve the Los Angeles, Hollywood, Century City, and California areas. Ask us about teeth whitening, veneers, crowns, and short-term braces.

If you are interested in learning more about fluoride supplementation and other oral health issues, call Century City Aesthetic Dentistry at 877-703-7062 to schedule a dental evaluation.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

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groupYour mouth is filled with bacteria. These bacteria form a sticky substance known as plaque. Good oral hygiene – brushing, flossing, rinsing – can help eliminate this plaque. However, without good dental care, plaque may harden and turn into tartar. When that happens, only your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist can remove it.

Periodontal Disease is an Infection

Untreated plaque eventually can advance into gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). You may not have given it much thought, however, as with other diseases periodontal disease is an infection; an infection that can destroy the bones, gums, and tissue that hold and protect your teeth.

While gum disease is an “inflammatory reaction” to the bacteria in your mouth, most dental experts believe it is not contagious. However, considering that the bacteria that causes the disease lives in your saliva, you may want to avoid mouth-to-mouth contact with any person who has periodontal disease. Additionally, your Century City cosmetic dentist recommends you refer them to your dentist.

Periodontal Disease Linked to Other Health Factors

Nearly half of all U.S. adults over 30 have chronic periodontal disease, according to the American Dental Association. Along with causing damage to your teeth, gums, and jawbone, studies suggest the inflammation caused by periodontal disease is linked to other systematic illnesses such as stroke, heart disease, and diabetes. Particularly, researchers suggest that periodontitis has a negative effect on blood flow and blood sugar levels.

Conversely, these illnesses along with other factors such as tobacco use, genetics, and medication may increase your risk of developing gingivitis and periodontal disease. If you have any of these risk factors, be sure to discuss them with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

Managing Periodontal Disease 

Naturally, the best way to manage gum disease is through good oral hygiene. By brushing and flossing daily, and visiting your Century City cosmetic dentist on a regular basis, you can virtually eliminate gum disease.

However, equally important is to know the warning signs of gum disease. Keep an eye on your gums. If they become red, swollen, painful, and start to bleed, see your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can make a visual assessment to determine the extent of the problem. From there he may recommend several treatments including scaling and root planing. These methods of deep cleaning will remove the tartar and germs from below the gum line, where it is most difficult to reach by tooth brushing and flossing alone.

Periodontal disease doesn’t have to happen to you. If you have any questions about the care of your mouth, teeth, and gums or are concerned about gum disease, speak with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

Parents Influence How Children Brush their Teeth

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parentsIf you’re a parent, you may have noticed your little one eyeing almost everything you do. You smile, or sing, or clap your hands, and they’re likely to imitate your actions. Children want to be just like you. So when it comes to oral hygiene, your Century City cosmetic dentist suggests you teach them properly. February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s also a fantastic time to start being a role model for oral health.

Toddlers Imitate Parents

There’s an old saying that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. However, for youngsters, it’s not about flattery, it’s all about mimicking their parents. Specifically, babies typically make faces and toddlers often copy their parent’s movements as a way to learn and bond.

“Among the actions toddlers most love to imitate are household activities, such as sweeping the floor. You’ll also find 1-year-olds grooming themselves, for instance, brushing their teeth or hair when their parents do,” suggests a Parents magazine article.

Since children learn through observation, the best way to help your child is by being a good role model. “Whatever you do,” says your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, “make wise choices and adopt smart behaviors, especially when it comes to dental care.”

Impact of Poor Dental Hygiene on Youngsters

One-fifth of all children aged two to five years old have untreated cavities, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). More importantly, although preventable, pediatric cavities are the #1 childhood disease, more common than asthma and hay fever.

A post from the Ad Council notes, “The mouth is the gateway to a person’s overall health, and an unhealthy mouth can be associated with obesity, diabetes and even heart disease. Additionally, while dental disease impacts all children, it disproportionately affects children from low-income families and minorities.”

Ultimately, poor dental hygiene can have a life-long negative affect on people. Children need to learn early the importance of good dental care so they carry good habits into adulthood.

Parents Can Help Children with Dental Habits

A Fox post from February 2015 suggests that parents make mistakes when it comes to helping their children with their dental needs. Whether you put your baby to sleep with a bottle of milk or juice, leave them to brush their teeth on their own, or neglect the all-important first dentist visit when the first tooth appears, it’s easy to overlook good dental habits.

Parents have the opportunity to help their children develop good dental habits starting with the first tooth. Begin by gently cleaning new teeth with a soft cloth. As children grow and more teeth appear, your Century City cosmetic dentist recommends you move to a child-size, soft toothbrush along with a small dab of toothpaste, about the size of a grain of rice.

Ensure your children receive proper dental training and care. Speak with your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist about his recommendations.

Bleeding Gums After Your 6-Month Cleaning?

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bleeding gums Century City

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for optimal dental health. However, some dental patients in the Hollywood, Century City, and California area worry because their gums tend to bleed after a thorough cleaning.

Is this a problem? Well, it depends. If your gums bleed for a day or two after your cleaning, it isn’t really a problem. But, if the bleeding and tenderness lasts longer, you really need to return to your Beverly Hills dentist and discuss the possibility of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, occurs when plaque builds up along the gum line. You might also experience bad breath, painful chewing, and loose teeth.

Hi, I’m Dr. Bill Dorfman of Century City Aesthetic Dentistry in Los Angeles. Avoiding gum disease is just one of the many important goals I have for my Beverly Hills and California patients. Along with optimum dental health, I also seek to give my patients the beautiful smiles they desire through cosmetic dentistry including porcelain veneers, crowns, dental bonding, and teeth whitening.

Our top services here at Century City Aesthetic Dentistry include:

 

sedation dentistry
Zoom whitening
porcelain veneers
smile design
dental crowns

Feel free to look us up on the web or call 877-703-7062 today.

Dr. Bill Dorfman
Century City Aesthetic Dentistry
2080 Century Park E Ste 1601
Los Angeles, California
877-703-7062
https://www.billdorfmandds.com/meet-the-team/dr-dorfman/

Tooth Loss Can Cost More than Just Money

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tooth-lossA recent International and American Associations for Dental Research report on costs associated with dental diseases indicated the total amounted to $442 billion per year. Improving oral health around the world could help reduce these costs.

However, poor dental care that results in gum disease and tooth loss can cost people much more than just money. Here are three ways your Century City cosmetic dentist warns tooth loss can cost the average adult.

Tooth Loss and Unemployment Go Hand in Hand

Where there is unemployment, there is higher tooth loss, according to a recent post in USAToday. The conjecture is that missing teeth negatively affects a person’s chances of landing a job. Specifically, West Virginia had the “highest jobless rate in June” while at the same time it had “the most working-age adults” missing six or more teeth.

While the most obvious effect of tooth loss is aesthetic, in addition to being unsightly, tooth loss can affect speech. This one-two combination may increase problems when it comes to finding and keeping a job.

Tooth Loss Ruins a Smile and Confidence

The absence of one or more teeth can ruin your smile as well as destroy your confidence. Specifically, a national study found that depression and anxiety are associated with tooth loss. However, tooth loss can affect those around you as well.

Several studies cited at WebMD suggest smiling may lead people to assume you’re successful. In fact, statistics show that most people notice the smile first when meeting someone for the first time. Teeth and smiles are the “second most important attraction feature.”

Unfortunately, many people with visible tooth loss resist smiling due to lack of confidence. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist can help make your damaged smile look new again.

Tooth Loss Can Result in Other Health Problems

The biggest reason for tooth loss is gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), according to the Academy of Osseointegration. You increase your chances of gum disease if you smoke or don’t eat a well-balanced diet. Chronic ailments such as diabetes or hypertension may also lead to gum disease. However, research now shows that the reverse may be true as well. Gum disease may lead to other health conditions.

For instance, research suggests the “relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease goes both ways.” Additionally, while the jury is still out on the cause-and-effect relationship between periodontal disease and heart disease, there are those who believe there is a connection. While bacteria have always been a factor in gum disease, it’s only been recently that health care professionals have begun to link the inflammation of gum disease to other health concerns.

If you suffer from gingivitis, periodontitis, or tooth loss, speak with your Century City cosmetic dentist to determine how he can help you save your smile.

Dental Health Tips You Might Not Know

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Dental TipsThink you know a lot about how to care for your teeth and gums? Sometimes what we think we know isn’t always accurate. Here are three interesting dental health tips your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist wants to share with you.

Citrus Erodes Tooth Enamel Even in Water

Peruse the internet and you’ll find a number of links to posts (like this one from Health) that embrace the benefit of drinking lemon in water for good health. The claims run the gamut from boosting your immune system and offering an antioxidant boost to aiding in constipation and helping with weight loss.

However, as this post from Shape suggests, not everything you hear about lemon and water is beneficial. While it may help with digestion, the citric acid in lemons may aggravate stomach issues. Plus, one lemon isn’t generally enough to detox.

Finally, our main concern: citric acid can lead to erosion of tooth enamel. Although some people feel lemon and water is better than coffee with sugar when it comes to dental health, your Century City cosmetic dentist suggests that you limit your intake of both acidic and sugary food and drink.

Don’t Ignore Receding Gums

Gums play an important role in your mouth. They are a soft tissue that covers the roots and bone. They protect the roots from decay and help hold your teeth in place.

Unfortunately, periodontitis and mouth injury can cause gums to recede. Receding gums can lead to serious long-term problems including sensitivity, pain, decay, and tooth loss.

One of the best ways to protect your gums from damage is through proper dental care. That includes daily brushing and flossing along with regular visits to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist. Additionally, if you play sports, consider wearing a mouth guard.

Get the Right Dental Health Info

A new survey from the U.K. now says that nearly 50 percent of adults admit to not brushing before retiring at night, usually because they’re too tired. Not brushing your teeth before bed leaves your mouth vulnerable to all the bacteria that have built up during your day. It’s the perfect breeding ground for cavities and gum disease.

If that’s not bad enough, a new idea for losing weight recently popped up on the internet. It suggested that one of the best ways to drop pounds is to brush your teeth immediately after dinner. Specifically, “make sure to rush to your bathroom right after your meal and thoroughly brush your teeth for at least five to eight minutes,” the post recommends. This is completely contrary to popular dental health care recommendations.

First, your teeth are their softest right after eating. Brushing immediately afterwards puts them at risk. Instead, wait at least half an hour or chew sugarless gum to help remove harmful sugar and acid. When you do brush, it doesn’t need to be for five to eight minutes. Two to three minutes is plenty.

Knowing how to care for your teeth and gums can be confusing. One of the best ways to get the answers to your oral hygiene questions is to speak with your Century City cosmetic dentist.

3 Common Dental Problems You May Not Know You Have

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Common dental problemsIt might surprise you but dental statistics suggest that only about 57 percent of women and 49 percent of men brush their teeth twice a day – the minimum amount recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA). Additionally, only about half of all American adults floss on a daily basis.

Given these low percentage rates it makes sense that many people don’t realize they have dental problems. If you’re one of the many who skimp on dental care, here are three issues that your Century City cosmetic dentist warns you may have.

Tooth Grinding (Bruxism) May be Related to Stress

It’s normal to clench your jaw or grind your teeth (bruxism) without being aware of it. In fact, the American Sleep Association suggests that anywhere from 10 percent to 50 percent of adults – depending on family history – may suffer from bruxism.

While the factors that cause bruxism vary from person to person, stress is a factor in nearly one-fifth of all cases. Symptoms of tooth grinding include aches in your head and jaw. Additionally, left untreated it can lead to receding gum lines and fractured teeth, according to the National Institute of Health. Eventually you might wind up experiencing tooth loss.

That’s where your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist can help. If you suffer from missing or damaged teeth due to bruxism or for any other reason, talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist about dental implants.

Most Adults have Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Cavities occur over time and are the result of the natural bacteria that form in your mouth. Oral bacteria thrive on the food and liquids you consume. Neglect to brush and floss properly on a daily basis and it turns to plaque. The acid in plaque erodes your tooth enamel and becomes cavities.

While most adults (92%) have at least one cavity and approximately three decayed or missing permanent teeth, you don’t have to suffer. Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist offers complete dental care.

Brushing Incorrectly Can Lead to Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity generally occurs due to exposed dentin. Dentin is the tissue that forms the bulk of each tooth and lies beneath the enamel. Receding gums can expose the dentin. Gums recede for a variety of reasons including wear and tear from bruxism, gum disease and excessive plaque buildup, overly aggressive brushing, and use of mouthwash that contains alcohol.

If you find you are sensitive to hot and cold food and drink, speak to your dentist. He will evaluate your situation to help determine a solution.

Don’t let untreated dental problems such as bruxism, cavities, and tooth sensitivity lead to tooth decay or loss. Your Century City cosmetic dentist can design the perfect dental care plan for you.

Unique Ways People Have Used to Whiten Teeth

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Whitening teethYou look in the mirror and realize that your smile isn’t quite as shiny and white as it once was. You consider purchasing an over-the-counter tooth whitener or asking your Century City cosmetic dentist about an in-office treatment.

While each of these is a viable option, they’re not the only choices. Here are a few of the unique ways people have used to whiten their teeth.

Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda Paste

One of the primary ingredients in many conventional tooth-whitening processes is hydrogen peroxide. Additionally, there are several toothpastes available on the market offering baking soda as a cleansing agent. Therefore, it only makes sense that a homemade tooth-whitening trick should include both these ingredients.

People who have tried this method begin with about a quarter teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. They then slowly add baking soda until it becomes a paste, generally no more than one teaspoon. Now brush your teeth as you normally do being careful not to over scrub. The grittiness of the baking soda can damage enamel over time.

Chew on Carrots, Celery, and Apples

Although there are several foods that help naturally whiten teeth, some foods work better than other foods.

For instance, the cellulose in celery, carrots, and apples acts as a natural abrasive and the increase in saliva production that chewing creates helps to wash away food debris. Additionally, some suggest that other vegetables like spinach and broccoli create a film that protects teeth from stains.

The good news is physicians typically encourage patients to eat these foods anyway. So, now you can make both your physician and your Century City cosmetic dentist happy.

Strawberries Stain Your Clothes and Whiten Your Teeth

Believe it or not, there are those who swear that while strawberries may stain your clothing, they do wonders for your teeth. Apparently, they contain an enzyme known as malic acid. Apples contain it as well. However, unlike apples, strawberries also contain antioxidants and vitamin C. Both fight gum inflammation and periodontal disease.

To clean your teeth, start by mashing up a ripe strawberry. Rub it on your teeth with either a clean finger or a spare toothbrush. Let it sit for a few minutes then rinse your mouth thoroughly. Finish up by flossing and brushing as usual.

Whatever you do, remember to limit your consumption of sugar, acidic foods and beverages such as lemons and oranges, and stain-causing foods and beverages such as blueberries, coffee, and red wine.

Ultimately, the best way to keep your smile healthy and youthful is to brush and floss daily, and to visit your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist on a regular basis. Having your teeth cleaned professionally can go a long way in keeping your smile white and bright.

What Men over 35 Should Know about Tooth Loss

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tooth-implantAging affects every part of the human body – even teeth. Although they are amazingly strong and resilient, time naturally takes its toll. However, if you’re a man over the age of 35, you may run a higher risk of tooth loss.

Risk Factors of Tooth Loss

Ten years ago, the Journal of Periodontology published the news that there were nine risk factors for tooth loss due to periodontal disease. These factors suggested that men over the age of 35 who smoked, had poor oral hygiene, and certain chronic diseases were more likely to suffer from tooth loss than others did.

Recent dental statistics continue to show that men put their teeth and gums at risk due to poor oral hygiene. Specifically, 2013 figures suggest that only about 20 percent of men brush after every meal and less than three-quarters have a dentist.

However, that doesn’t mean there is no hope. With the right dental care and guidance from your Century City cosmetic dentist, you can limit and even correct any tooth loss problems you are currently experiencing.

Men Can Reduce Tooth Loss

If you’re a male over the age of 35, you can’t change this. However, if you smoke; don’t brush, floss, or visit your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist regularly; and suffer from certain chronic diseases, there are steps you can take to improve your dental health.

First, stop smoking immediately. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking weakens your immune system making it tough to fight gum infection. Specifically, compared to non-smokers, smoking doubles your chance of gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss.

Next, certain chronic diseases may result in a higher chance of gum disease and an increased incidence of tooth loss. If you suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, and rheumatoid arthritis make sure to advise your dentist.

Finally, poor oral hygiene is the top reason men over the age of 35 have tooth loss. While smoking and general health may influence your dental health, taking good care of your teeth and gums is the best way to prevent gum disease, which ultimately leads to tooth loss.

Fixing Tooth Loss

Sometimes, even with the greatest dental care, you can still lose a tooth. When that happens, you have options.

If it’s only a single tooth, it doesn’t make sense to get dentures. However, a bridge is a common option. It literally bridges the gap between the remaining natural teeth. The downside is that the teeth on either side of the gap require shaping.

An even better option is a dental implant. Dental implants are the most natural feeling and looking choice and have no effect on neighboring teeth.

If you’ve lost a tooth and are considering your options, talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist. A dental implant may be the best answer for you.

Single Tooth Replacement: Dental Implant or Bridge?

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sigle-toothLosing a tooth may not seem like cause for concern; however, losing even a single tooth can become problematic. It can affect your appearance, your ability to talk and chew, and your jawbone and other teeth.

Two of the most common ways to replace a single tooth is with either a dental bridge or a dental implant. It’s all about figuring out which one is right for you.

Difference between a Dental Bridge and Dental Implant

A dental bridge is exactly what it sounds like. It links the gap between two neighboring natural teeth with an artificial bridge.

Your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist starts by shaving the sides of the natural teeth on either side of the gap. The reshaping of these anchor teeth makes room for the bridge. A temporary bridge fills in until your permanent metal/ceramic or all ceramic bridge is ready for placement.

Naturally, the biggest benefits of a dental bridge are that it’s relatively quick to do at a reasonable cost. However, bridges have their drawbacks. One of the biggest problems with bridges is the trauma placed on the anchor teeth. Not only do the anchor teeth require reshaping, the success of the bridge relies on their continued good health.

Dental implants, on the other hand, replace a missing tooth in the most natural-looking way possible. Your Century City cosmetic dentist actually embeds the implant into your gum and jawbone. It acts as the tooth root. This preserves your jawbone and doesn’t affect any adjoining teeth. Additionally, the crown placed on top of the implant makes it virtually impossible for anyone to know it’s not your real tooth.

Take Quick Action if You Lose a Tooth

Regardless of how or why you lose a tooth, it’s important to take immediate action. Losing a tooth can lead to a long list of problems, including movement of other teeth, decay, periodontal disease, and jawbone loss. It may even lead to the loss of other teeth.

Instead, if you lose a tooth here is what your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist recommends:

  • If you can find the tooth, be sure to pick it up by the crown not the root.
  • Don’t try to clean it.
  • If possible, place the tooth back into position and hold it in place with sterile gauze.
  • If you cannot replace it, preserve the tooth in sterile saline or milk.
  • Visit your dentist as soon as possible.

The goal is to keep from harming the tooth or root. Handled correctly, your Century City cosmetic dentist may be able to save the tooth as well as save you from additional dental work.