Dental Care 101: Why It Pays to Floss

November 29, 2014

Filed under: Flossing,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:15 pm

481456381The cost of dental fillings, root canal surgery and decaying teeth can easily run into hundreds or thousands of dollars a year.  You can avoid these costs by simply taking an extra 5-10 min out of the day to floss your teeth. Floss was invented in 1815 by a dentist in New Orleans. It was first patented in 1898 by Johnson & Johnson and was made out of silk. Floss is now made of plastic, nylon or dental ribbon. You can also choose an automatic flosser which uses a nylon filament to clean between your teeth. It’s most useful to floss just once day, but slowly and effectively. Even with faithful flossing, everyone should have a professional deep cleaning twice a year to keep gum disease and tooth decay at bay. You can make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for the deep cleaning and dental care that you need. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care Advantages of Flossing

Brushing your teeth only cleans the outer surface. You should also be flossing to clean out the gaps between your teeth, where bacteria like to hide. If you don’t floss, the plaque may build-up, causing cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis (gum disease). If left untreated, gingivitis can be a risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In addition, bacteria can cause Halitosis and discoloration. Flossing can help you avoid these medical and hygiene issues and improve the appearance of your smile.

Preventive Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA

Remember that flossing daily can save your teeth and your checkbook. Some people may believe that you can’t floss if you’re pregnant, nursing, or wearing braces. But there’s a safe and effective flossing technique and material for everybody. Dr. Latner specializes in preventive dental care and can help you find the proper flossing techniques if you have any concerns. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to prevent dental care issues. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Dental Care 101: Should You Invest in an Electronic Toothbrush?

November 22, 2014

Filed under: brushing,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:13 pm

494297595There’s a reason that there is so much buzz nowadays about the benefits of electronic toothbrushes. Electric toothbrushes are rechargeable and c oscillate, vibrate, rotate or use sonic technology to better clean your teeth. Electric toothbrushes also come with special modes for sensitive teeth, gum massage and whitening. Some may feature pressure sensors that let you know if you’re brushing too hard, or feature digital reminders to replace your brush head. You should try using an electronic toothbrush to experience the benefits. But remember it’s just as important to see a dentist regularly for deep cleanings to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for you dental care needs. Westside Dental Associates serves kids and adults throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

6 Dental Care Benefits of the Electronic Toothbrush

  • Speed– The bristles of swirl rapidly over the teeth, brushing away more plaque and food particles and covering surfaces more effectively than manual brushing.
  • Convenience- The brush does most of the work. Patients with medical conditions that affect their hands or wrists, such as missing or paralyzed fingers, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, or similar conditions should opt for an electronic brush as eel.
  • Deep Cleaning- The bristles move fast and clean deeply to reach all of the cracks, curves, and crevices that extract food particles and store harmful bacteria. The motion of the brush supplies the pressure and power needed to scrub away at any layers of plaque.
  • Stain Removal- Smoking and the frequent consumption of drinks like coffee, tea and soda can cause discoloration and staining of the teeth. The extra scouring power of an electronic toothbrush can aid in removing these types of stains.
  • Fresh Breath- Halitosis is caused by bacteria or plaque in the hidden recesses of the mouth. Electric brushes have the power to remove bacteria hidden far into the mouth, on top of and underneath the tongue and the back area of the mouth around the molars.
  • Proven Results- Researchers have found that electronic toothbrush users actually experience an 11% reduction in plaque and a 6% reduction in gingivitis compared to manual brush users.

Dental Care and Deep Cleaning Appointments in Los Angeles, CA

An electric toothbrush would be a great gift to give or receive this holiday season, but remember that there is no substitute for regular dental cleanings and check-ups to maintain your oral health. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your next dental check-up or deep cleaning. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Pediatric Dentistry: What is Dental Fluorosis?

November 15, 2014

Filed under: Pediatric Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:08 pm

120104044Check any tube of toothpaste on the market today, and you will see that fluoride is at the top of the list of ingredients. That’s because fluoride can prevent cavities and even reverse early tooth decay. But studies have shown that if young children are given too much fluoride they can develop severe tooth discoloration, known as fluorosis. The problem is that many years ago, we recognized the benefits of fluoride so we set minimum fluoride requirements in public water sources. It’s estimated that the fluoride in our tap water has reduced cavities by as much as 40%. Today however, we also include fluoride in all dental care products including toothpaste, floss and mouthwash. It turns out that too much fluoride during early childhood, when permanent teeth are forming under the gums but haven’t erupted, can cause young children to develop fluorosis.  Once permanent teeth have erupted, fluorosis cannot be developed. If you have noticed tiny white spots, streaks or severe discoloration with a blotchy brown or pitted appearance in your child’s teeth, it’s time to have them checked for fluorosis. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your pediatric dentistry needs. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Los Angeles Pediatric Dentistry: Risks of Fluorosis in Children

Your child may be at risk for developing fluorosis if they are:

  • Getting fluoride in drinking water
  • Using too much toothpaste and then swallowing it rather than spitting it out
  • Taking too much of a fluoride supplement
  • Using a fluoride supplement when the water they’re drinking already contains sufficient amounts of fluoride

Fluorosis Treatment for Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles, CA

Only a dentist can determine if your child’s tooth discoloration can be attributed to fluorosis. If it is determined that your child has discoloration due to fluorosis, there are many dental treatments available. Treatment options include simple techniques like microabrasion, bleaching, veneers or full crowns. The risk of developing fluorosis is just one more reason to make sure your child visits the dentist for a check-up every six months. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for a pediatric dentistry dental check-up. Westside Dental Associates serves kids and adults throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Are Your Dental Fillings Causing Problems?

November 10, 2014

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — Westside Dental Associates @ 6:03 pm

119950032If you have ever had dental cavities that required dental fillings, you know may have noticed a temporary increase in sensitivity or discomfort after your treatment. This is perfectly normal. However, it is not normal to experience discomfort, sensitivity or pain lasting more than a couple of weeks after your treatment. You can make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for your pain and sensitivity concerns. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

Common Problems with Dental Fillings

  • Tooth Sensitivity– Tooth may be sensitive to pressure, air, sugary foods or hot and cold. Usually, the sensitivity resolves on its own within a few weeks. If it doesn’t you should see a dentist immediately.
  • Pain- Pain when biting, chewing, toothache like throbbing or pain in surrounding teeth may occur. If this pain persists you may need further treatment on the tooth, including root canal therapy.
  • Allergic Reaction- Allergic reactions to amalgam (silver) dental fillings are rare but possible. If you have a medical or family history of allergies to metals, other restorative materials can be used for the filling.
  • Deterioration- The pressure from chewing, grinding, or clenching can cause your dental fillings to wear away, chip or crack over time. If you suspect that your dental filling has broken you should make an appointment immediately because decay that is left untreated can progress to infect the dental pulp and cause an abscessed tooth.

Dental Fillings in Los Angeles, CA

Dr. Latner is an experienced and compassionate dentist that can treat or correct any dental issue. Don’t put up with discomfort or sensitivity concerns unnecessarily. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today for the relief you deserve. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles and surrounding communities including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

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