Oral Health Tips

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

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If you want to strengthen your teeth there are some things you can do to help. Having strong teeth is just as important as strong bones.

According to bestselling author and cosmetic dentist Dr. Bill Dorfman some of his patients, who are also some of Hollywood’s most well known celebrities, know how important it is to keep teeth clean and healthy. Their white teeth are kept that way with a healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups.

Tooth Enamel

The enamel on your teeth needs to be strong and healthy in order to protect the inner layers of your teeth from bacteria, acid and tooth decay. Watching your diet can help strengthen your teeth and help prevent against enamel erosion.

At first glance, teeth that are white and bright may appear healthy, but weak enamel can still wreck havoc for your oral health. Weak enamel isn’t determined by the color of your smile.

No Regeneration

Unfortunately, once the enamel is gone, there’s not much you can do about it. Enamel can weaken because of illness and genetics and of course, poor oral hygiene habits. Brushing too hard will eventually cause the enamel on your teeth to break down as well. Your bones contain regenerative cells, but the enamel on your teeth doesn’t. Keeping your teeth healthy and strong is important if you want to stop additional erosion.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Dorfman explains that this, “Demineralization,” literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Brush and Floss Correctly

Brushing twice and flossing once each day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth. Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a 45-degree angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes. Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria loves to linger in places that your toothbrush misses.

The saliva that you produce after you brush can also help with demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth. Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth.

Remineralize your Diet

Choosing a diet that is healthy for the enamel on your teeth isn’t that difficult, especially when you consider that weakened tooth enamel was not a huge problem for your ancestors. Ancient humans show very little signs of weakened tooth enamel.

Demineralizing Foods and Beverages

Fermentable carbohydrates, which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. Dr. Dorfman explains that this, “Demineralization,” literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. In other words, highly processed foods, and sweet treats will demineralize the enamel over time.

Remineralize

One of the best ways to strengthen your teeth is with remineralizing products. Talk to Dr. Dorfman about mineral fluoride. If you don’t drink your tap water, or if your cities water isn’t fluoridated, ask Dr. Dorfman for some supplement suggestions to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

 

Since the Industrial Revolution, modern diets have increased tooth decay and gum disease. However, according to America’s Dentist, Dr. Bill Dorfman, some foods can help the enamel on your teeth.

The American Dental Association recommends a balanced diet using these food groups for healthy teeth and gums.

  • Whole Grains
  • Lean Proteins
  • Fruits and Vegetables
  • Low-Fat Dairy

Certain foods, such as cheese are known to prevent demineralization as it helps promote the flow of saliva. Saliva maintains the pH levels in your mouth, which also reduce acid production. Celery, Mother Nature’s dental floss, is high in water and can also help remineralize your teeth.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth, call or click and schedule an appointment with Dr. Bill Dorfman from Extreme Makeover today.

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.

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.

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.

Save Your Teeth and Gums by Flossing Daily

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flossTalk to your Century City cosmetic dentist and he’ll tell you that taking care of your teeth and gums must be a lifelong commitment. Otherwise, you could wind up with gum disease, cavities, and even tooth loss.

While dental implants are an extremely successful solution to tooth loss, having your natural teeth is always the wisest choice. One of the best ways to protect your teeth and gums against tooth loss is to floss daily.

Floss Daily to Avoid Tooth Loss

The American Academy of Periodontology warns that periodontal disease is a widespread public health problem among Americans. While periodontal disease is not the only reason people lose their teeth, unhealthy gums can increase your chances of tooth loss. Flossing can reduce the appearance of periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease occurs when a layer of oral bacteria called plaque forms on your teeth. It appears as red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Left untreated it can result in tooth loss. Unfortunately, most dental experts agree that brushing alone can’t eliminate all the plaque in your mouth. Primarily because standard toothbrushes cannot reach in-between teeth, where plaque hides and gum disease is common.

To avoid cavities, periodontal disease, and tooth loss, you need to floss daily. When done properly, flossing removes plaque as well as food particles from your teeth and gums. Talk to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist about proper flossing techniques.

Flossing Eliminates Need for Tooth Loss Solutions

Depending on the extent of your tooth loss, there are three typical tooth loss solutions: bridges, dentures, or dental implants. Which solution you and your Century City cosmetic dentist choose depends primarily on preference and individual situation.

Bridges are useful when a single natural tooth is missing. A simple bridge can span the gap between the remaining natural teeth. However, if you have more extensive tooth loss, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist may suggest dentures.

Another option is dental implants. Whether you need a single tooth or several, dental implants are most like your natural teeth in look and in their ability to prevent jawbone loss. Additionally, dental implants are the best solution when it comes to maintaining your ability to speak and chew properly.

Of course, even better than any of these tooth loss solutions are your natural teeth. Teeth and implants may seem the same, but they’re not. Primarily, your natural tooth has a ligament that attaches the root to the bone and acts to soften impact to the tooth.

In the end, your goal should always be to maintain and retain your natural teeth whenever possible. One of the best ways to save your teeth and gums is to floss at least once daily.

3 Important Secrets for Protecting Your Mouth from Germs

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mouth-germsHave you ever considered if you’re doing everything you can to protect your teeth and gums against oral bacteria and decay. Sure, you brush, floss, and get regular dental checkups. But, have you taken every precaution you can against germs?

Prevent Toothbrush Contamination

Your mouth is home to a wide variety of good and bad microorganisms. When you brush your teeth, toothpaste, germs, and debris easily transfer to your toothbrush. That’s why it’s important to take these steps to prevent toothbrush contamination:

  • Don’t share your toothbrush with anyone
  • Rinse and air dry your toothbrush thoroughly after brushing
  • Store your toothbrush in an upright position
  • Don’t cover your toothbrush or store it in a closed container
  • Avoid cross-contamination by keeping all toothbrushes in your home from touching

Additionally, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush when the bristles become worn, usually every three to four months. Ask your Century City cosmetic dentist if you have any questions about toothbrush care.

Safeguard Your Mouthguard

If you wear a mouthguard because you play sports or grind your teeth while your sleep, consider whether you are taking the right steps to protect your mouth against germs. That means more than rinsing your mouthguard with water. Specifically, the American Dental Association suggests:

  • Rinse your mouthguard or brush it with toothpaste before and after use
  • Occasionally use cool, soapy water to clean your mouthguard
  • Store and carry your mouthguard in a sturdy, vented container
  • Protect your mouthguard against the sun and hot water (i.e. don’t put it in a dishwasher to clean it)
  • Monitor your mouthguard for wear and replace if necessary

Keeping your mouth guard clean should be part of your daily routine to keep microorganisms from finding a home on it. Talk to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist if you play sports or believe you have bruxism.

Keep Your Dentures Kissing Fresh

Anyone who wears dentures likely already knows the importance of keeping them clean. Good denture care helps fight against germs as well as stains. Here’s what the Mayo Clinic suggests denture wearers do to properly care for their dentures:

  • Remove and rinse dentures after you eat to eliminate debris
  • Carefully clean your dentures daily by brushing them with a nonabrasive denture cleaner
  • Thoroughly clean your mouth with a soft toothbrush or clean gauze pad
  • Soak dentures overnight using a mild denture-soaking solution
  • Rinse dentures before placing them in your mouth
  • Avoid using abrasives, whitening or bleaching products, and hot or boiling water on your dentures

Additionally, be sure to visit your Century City cosmetic dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and be sure to tell your dentist promptly about any problems you may have with your dentures.

Protect your mouth from unnecessary contamination. Learn to care for the tools that help give you a great smile.

Protect Yourself from Tooth Loss this Summer

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dentist-01Tooth loss may occur anytime during the year, especially for active school-age children who play sports. However, summer generally increases the entire family’s outdoor activity level. With more fun comes the potential for an increased risk of tooth loss requiring a special trip to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

Protect Active Children and Adults from Tooth Loss

According to statistics, the primary source of tooth and mouth injuries is sports. In fact, 40 percent of dental injuries occur during sports activities. That doesn’t mean you and your children have to sit on the sidelines. However, it does suggest that it’s important to take precautions.

Statistics suggest that children aged seven to ten have the most sports-related injuries at nearly 60 percent. Specifically, baseball, biking, hockey, and basketball produce the most injuries, although the highest number of orofacial injuries for males is generally found in wrestling and basketball; for females, it was basketball and field hockey. The most frequent injuries included lip and tongue lacerations, and jaw fractures.

When your children (or you) play sports, particularly organized sports, be sure they wear the necessary protective gear. Depending on the activity, this may include:

  • A mouth guard to protect teeth and gums;
  • A face cage, like those worn by a baseball catcher; and/or
  • A helmet, when riding a bike, skateboard, or motorbike, or even while playing football. Although it will not protect your mouth, it will protect your head.

Interestingly, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, recommends a mouth guard for youth participating in any organized sports. The American Dental Association, on the other hand, recommends wearing one for more than three dozen sports activities including acrobatics, handball, skydiving, and water polo.

Receiving Treatment for Mouth Injuries

Sometimes it can be difficult to decide whether to visit a dentist after a mouth injury. Health care professionals recommend contacting your primary health care provider or your Century City cosmetic dentist whenever there is:

  • Pain, tenderness, or sensitivity in a tooth
  • A broken, loose, or missing tooth
  • Bleeding that doesn’t stop
  • Pain in the jaw
  • An object stuck anywhere in the mouth
  • Difficulty swallowing or breathing
  • A large cut or hole inside or outside the mouth
  • A potential puncture in the back of the throat
  • Weakness, numbness, blurred vision, or slurred speech
  • A fever or signs of infection

To prevent tooth loss during extended physical activities it’s important to be proactive, take precautions to protect yourself ahead of time. If you’re unsure what protective gear is right for you or your child, talk to your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist.

5 Common Health Conditions Your Dentist May Identify

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orthodontistThe good thing about having a solid, long-term relationship with your health care practitioners is that they get to know you and to know your health. Specifically, your primary care physician and Century City cosmetic dentist see you frequently enough to notice potential health problems or changes in your health condition.

While there are many causes for dental problems such as inflamed gums or persistent bad breath, they don’t always occur due to poor oral hygiene. Here are five common health conditions that may show up in your mouth.

Periodontitis May Indicate Diabetes

Periodontitis, evidenced by red, swollen gums and caused by harmful bacteria, is the worse form of gum disease. Without proper treatment, it can lead to tooth decay and loss.

Gum disease is often the result of poor oral hygiene, which results in the buildup of plaque along and under your gum line. However, even with good dental care the high blood sugar from diabetes can make healthy teeth and gums difficult to maintain. 

Fortunately, in a 2014 study over 60 percent of dentists – professionals like your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist – report they “frequently refer” dental patients with periodontitis for a diabetes evaluation.

Tooth Loss Linked to Chronic Kidney Disease

People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have chronic bad breath, too, due to poor kidney function. It results when their kidneys fail to remove waste fully from their system. However, CKD may result in poor calcium absorption as well. This puts them at risk of jawbone resorption.

Additionally, in a 2014 study of African-Americans with normal kidney function, participants with severe periodontal disease developed CKD at four times the rate of those without it.

Adults with Heart Disease Have More Periodontal Disease

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, there are numerous studies linking heart disease and periodontal disease. It’s all about gum inflammation. Specifically, people with periodontitis are nearly twice as likely to have heart disease.

When your Century City cosmetic dentist looks in your mouth and sees persistent gum disease, inflamed gums, or loose and missing teeth, it may be a potential indicator of other medical issues like heart disease.

Osteoporosis Can Affect Your Jawbone

Osteoporosis is a bone disease characterized by loss of bone mass and density. Naturally, that includes your jawbone.

As many as 10 million Americans suffer from some level of low bone density. Postmenopausal women run the greatest risk of having the disease. However, thanks to dental X-rays, your Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist is in a good position to notice a change in bone density in your jawbone.

Stress Increases Risk of Oral Health Problems

While most people know the negative impact stress has on them physically, they might not realize the damage stress does to their teeth and gums. Problems with canker or cold sores, clenching or grinding your teeth, or nervous habits like nail biting are all hard on your oral health. Reducing your level of stress improves your overall health.

Although many people don’t consider the impact their general health plays in keeping their mouth healthy – and vice versa – there is a correlation. Talk to your Century City cosmetic dentist to learn more.