In our last post, we talked about the connection between bad breath and gum disease. We also talked about other symptoms of gum disease. Today, we want to highlight one of the most effective tools in the fight against gum disease and its unpleasant symptoms today—an antibiotic known as Arestin.
Arestin is a topical antibiotic that’s placed below the gumline, in the pockets that have formed between the teeth and gum as a result of gum disease. It’s often administered at the same time as a deep cleaning procedure, but not always. Since Arestin is a topical treatment, it can be placed exactly where it’s needed, giving it a big advantage over treatment with antibiotic...(Read More)
Bad Breath and Gum Disease
July 10, 2014
Do you struggle with bad breath on a regular basis? Your diet may not be the culprit. Other causes of bad breath include sinus trouble, dry mouth, and smoking. A few medications can also play a role. The specific cause we want to address today, though, is gum disease.
Gum disease is caused by the accumulation of bacteria and plaque around your teeth and gums. When gum disease is first developing, you may not have any noticeable symptoms. When they do start developing, though, one that you may experience is frequent bad breath, also known as halitosis.
Other gum disease symptoms include:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushed
- A receding...(Read More)
Visit Our Patient Info Section
June 30, 2014
Are you going visiting our Los Angeles dental office for the first time? Do you have questions about some of the services we office? Do you want to read up on the latest in dentistry? Visit our website’s Patient Info section. When you visit this section, you’ll find helpful links that will help you answer your questions, in addition to our new patient forms.
Downloading and filling out our new patient forms before you come in will let us get started on your paperwork as soon as you arrive at our office. If you have any trouble printing our forms, let us know and we’ll be happy to send or fax them...(Read More) 
Root Canal Therapy for Los Angeles and Beyond
June 20, 2014
In our last post, we talked about abscessed teeth and listed some of the most common signs and symptoms of them. Today, we want to talk about root canals–the restorative service Dr. Latner uses to help patients enjoy good oral health and wellbeing again.
What Is a Root Canal?
A root canal is a common procedure designed to help patients treat infection. The process involves removing the infected pulp that makes up the tooth’s nerve and cleaning the interior chamber. Then we’ll fill the tooth with a biologically-inert substance and seal it with a custom-made dental crown. Your crown will protect your tooth from developing another infection, in addition...(Read More)
What Is an Abscess?
June 11, 2014
Our teeth have multiple layers, with the inner layer containing the tooth’s nerve. Most dental problems involve the protective layer of enamel on the outside of teeth, but sometimes, because of an injury or deep decay, an infection can develop inside the tooth, where the nerve is.
Treating an infected tooth is important. If it’s not treated, an abscess can develop, resulting in a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Signs of an abscessed tooth include:
- Toothache
- Sensitivity to hot or cold
- Redness and swelling
- A sore or pimple on the side of the gums
- Pain when chewing
- A bitter taste in the mouth
Foods That Are Good for Your Smile
June 10, 2014
When it comes to your oral health, nothing is more beneficial than a good brushing and flossing combined with regular dental cleanings and checkups. And yet, there’s more to having a healthy smile than just these. What you eat makes a difference too. That’s why we want to use today’s post to highlight certain foods that can help you support your oral health and overall wellbeing.
Milk, Cheese, and Yogurt
All three of these are high in calcium, which is essential for building strong bones and healthy teeth. Dairy foods also help you produce saliva, which has a neutralizing effect on any acid in the mouth. If acid isn’t neutralized, teeth are more vulnerable...(Read More) 
Why Is a Straight Smile Important?
May 30, 2014
This question has two answers. The first is related to confidence. When you have a straight smile, you feel more confident and end up sharing it with others. And isn’t that what everyone wants—the confidence to smile openly instead of hiding your teeth behind a closed-mouth smile?
Confidence is just part of the answer, though. There’s an even more important one that goes back to your oral health. Put simply, it’s easier to keep straight teeth clean. When teeth are misaligned, bacteria and plaque have more places to hide. As a result, you can be more vulnerable to conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.
At our Los Angeles office, we offer two great...(Read More) 
See What Our Patients Have Said about Us
May 16, 2014
If you’re new to the Los Angeles area, finding a dentist is important. But who should you go to? Choosing a dentist when you’re in a new place is easier when you can hear what others have to say about the dentist you’re considering.
That’s why we have a page for testimonials on our website. When you visit this section, you’ll not only find short, written testimonials, you’ll also find video testimonials. In these videos, real-life patients talk about their experiences and how the care they received made them feel. We want to help you in the same way that we’ve helped these other patients.
Are you considering a visit to Westside Dental...(Read More)
A Cosmetic Makeover for the Second Half of 2014
May 9, 2014
With 2014 almost halfway over, you have a lot to look forward to over the next few months. Maybe you have family vacation planned, or you’re simply looking forward to the holidays that come with cooler temperatures. Don’t you want to go into these anticipated moments feeling confident and happy about your smile?
At Westside Dental Associates, we think now is a good time for patients to consider a cosmetic makeover for their smile. With plenty of time left in the year, you can have a whiter, more dazzling smile in time for all the big events coming up later in the year. And with our diverse range of services, we’re confident...(Read More) 
The Best Brands of Toothpaste, Floss, and Mouthwash
May 2, 2014
There are many great oral care products out there, but some are more effective than others. In today’s post, we want to offer some advice on choosing what’s right for you.
Toothpaste
There are toothpastes for seemingly everything–cavity protection, gum disease prevention, sensitivity, whitening, and more. In every case, there are going to be some products that are better than others, but if you want one that can do it all, consider Crest Pro-Health. This particular toothpaste whitens, prevents cavities and gingivitis, fights bad breath, and helps with sensitivity.
Floss
The right kind of floss depends on your particular preferences, and on your own teeth. In places where contact between teeth is normal or...(Read More) 