Westside Dental Associates

Risk Factors for Cavities

August 1, 2013

You’ve heard all your life that keeping your teeth healthy means avoiding sugary foods and brushing twice a day. But in fact, when it comes to cavities, there are other risk factors besides sugary foods and not brushing that you should be aware of. In today’s post, we’d like to go over some of those. We hope you find them informative, and if you have any questions about what you see, don’t hesitate to give our Los Angeles dental office a call.

Already having cavities

All patients face a risk of developing cavities, but patients who have had cavities in the past are more likely to develop new ones in the future. That’s because cavities weaken the protective outer layer of teeth, known as enamel. If you’ve had cavities in the past, make good oral habits a priority to protect your smile going forward.

Lack of fluoride

Why is fluoride added to toothpaste and community water supplies? Because it supports oral health. Specifically, it attracts important minerals, ensuring that the enamel stays strong in the face of bacteria and acid. Not getting enough fluoride means your enamel will be weaker and more vulnerable to decay. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, drinking tap water, and including a fluoride mouthwash into your daily routine will all help you prevent cavities.

Family history

Not every family makes brushing and flossing a priority, but that’s not the only way family history can contribute to cavities. For some patients, an increased risk of cavities comes down to genetics. If the members of your family seem to be naturally susceptible, make regular home care and checkups a priority.

Dry mouth

Saliva has at least two important functions: it helps us flush bacteria out of our mouths, and it neutralizes acid to protect teeth from decay. If you struggle with dry mouth, it’s important that you stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day, or you may want something like xylitol mints or gum, which promotes a neutral pH.

These are just a few of the possible risk factors associated with cavities. To learn more, or to come in for a consultation, call Westside Dental Associates to reserve an appointment. Dr. Les Latner provides comprehensive dental care to patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, and Mar Vista.

How Saliva Protects Your Smile

July 30, 2013

As we indicated in our last post, saliva can play an important role in protecting teeth from decay. Specifically, saliva helps neutralize the acid created by bacteria in the mouth. But that’s not all it does.

Saliva is 99% water, and water—as we said last time—helps keep teeth clean. The other 1% of saliva is made up of electrolytes, mucus, glycoproteins, enzymes, and antibacterial compounds. As you eat, saliva breaks down food particles around teeth and offers your enamel special protection. What’s more, because saliva contains calcium and phosphates, it helps with the re-mineralization process, too.

It’s because of saliva’s benefits to oral health that dentist will recommend chewing gum after a meal. Not only will it help you clean your teeth, but it will prevent bacteria from getting out of control and creating destructive acid.

Want to know more about how saliva can help you support your oral health? Call Westside Dental Associates today for an appointment with Dr. Latner. We provide great general, cosmetic, and restorative care from patients in and around Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, and Mar Vista.

Improving Your Oral Health with Food

July 23, 2013

You already know how important brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are for a healthy smile, but what about your diet? While foods high in sugar can have a negative effect on oral health, there are other foods that are more beneficial. Some of those include:

Fruits, veggies, nuts, and more

Vegetables that take some considerable chewing, like carrots and celery, are good for your smile because the more you chew the more saliva your body produces. Why is that good? Because saliva is known for neutralizing acid, which is what causes decay.

Meanwhile, foods like garlic, apples, grapes, cocoa, and nutmeg are beneficial for another reason. Instead of increasing saliva production, they make it more difficult for bacteria to stick to teeth. That will help you protect your teeth from acid and decay.

Dairy foods, like milk, cheese, and yogurt

These foods provide the body with calcium, which strengthens the bones and teeth. They’re also a source of casein, which provide additional protection from decay and cavities.

Beverages like water and tea

Drinking water throughout the day will help you keep your teeth clean, and it will prevent dry mouth. Avoiding dry mouth is one way of preventing bad breath and cavities. As for tea, it contains important antioxidants plus polyphenols, which help prevent inflammation and the growth of bacteria.

Do you have questions about what foods you should add to your diet? Let Dr. Latner talk to you. At Westside Dental Associates, we’re committed to offering great care. Call us today to schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

Have You Ever Wondered What Causes Tooth Sensitivity? Here Are Four of Them

July 16, 2013

It’s not uncommon for patients of Westside Dental Associates to ask us about tooth sensitivity. Many experience it, but few know why. In today’s post, we’d like to look at the topic of tooth sensitivity and explain just a few of the things that can cause it.

Gum Disease/Gum Recession

One of the primary causes of tooth sensitivity is gum recession, which itself if caused by gum disease. When gum disease isn’t treated, it can cause the gums to recede, exposing more of the tooth and increasing one’s sensitivity to things that are hot or cold. Treating gum disease early, before it has time to become more developed, will help patients prevent gum recession and the sensitivity related to it.

Brushing Techniques

Are you brushing correctly? If you’re not, that could be what’s causing your tooth sensitivity. Brushing aggressively with a hard-bristled brush can harm both your teeth and your gums. If you have questions about how to brush correctly, Dr. Latner would be happy to demonstrate the next time you come to our Los Angeles dental office.

Teeth Damaged by Grinding or Clenching

Bruxism, a stress-induced condition that involves teeth grinding, can lead to cracked teeth. When that happens, bacteria can get inside the tooth to the nerve, causing tooth sensitivity. Clenching, biting your teeth extremely hard, can do similar damage as bruxism and cause tooth sensitivity. An oral appliance can help patients stop teeth grinding and prevent cracks from forming.

Age

Some patients who are between the ages of 25 and 30 will experience an increase in sensitivity. If you are between these ages and have noticed a change, talk to Dr. Latner.

Don’t live with uncomfortable tooth sensitivity. Call Westside Dental Associates today to schedule an appointment with our Los Angeles team. We provide care to patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

Xylitol: A Sweetener that Will Actually Help Your Smile

July 9, 2013

Dentists are always encouraging their patients to avoid sweets and eat healthy foods, but there’s one sweetener that’s actually good for your smile—xylitol.

Xylitol is derived from the fibers of plants and promotes a neutral pH when consumed. Compare that to what happens with normal sugar. When bacteria in the mouth come into contact with sugar, a feeding frenzy ensues, resulting in the production of harmful acid. But bacteria don’t interact with xylitol the way they do with sugar. In fact, xylitol makes it more difficult for bacteria to cling to teeth, resulting in an overall reduction of bacteria in the mouth.

The benefits of xylitol don’t stop there, though. This natural sweetener has 40% fewer calories and 75% fewer carbs. What’s more, it doesn’t raise blood sugar the way normal sugar does, making it a great substitute for patients with diabetes.

Enjoy Guilt-Free Treats!

Look for treats sweetened with xylitol at your nearest grocery store, especially if they specialize in natural foods. You can also find products like Xlear and Ice Chips online. And for patients who want to brush with toothpaste that contains xylitol, look for products by Tom’s of Maine, among others, in your nearest pharmacy or grocery store.

Do you have questions about xylitol? Call Westside Dental Associates with your questions. Dr. Latner would be happy to talk to you about the benefits of xylitol, in addition to completing a regular exam and cleaning. We provide great services to patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

One-Appointment Cosmetic Bonding

June 13, 2013

Many patients dream of a more beautiful smile. For some, though, the expense or the inconvenience of multiple visits can be off-putting. But there’s one service that allows you to get the cosmetic care you’re looking for at a smaller price and in just one appointment—it’s called cosmetic bonding.

Cosmetic bonding is a great solution for patients who have a chipped or slightly misaligned tooth that they want you to restore. To do that, Dr. Latner will apply a putty-like material known as composite resin to the surface of the tooth. To make sure that your restored tooth matches the rest of your smile, the resin will be shaded to blend in.

When the resin has cured with a curing light, Dr. Latner will complete your procedures by sculpting and shaping it.

Caring for Your Restoration

Once your smile has been restored with cosmetic bonding, you might wonder how you can keep it looking beautiful. The answer is simple, just brush and floss like you normally would. If cared for properly, you can expect cosmetic bonding to last for 5 to 10 years.

Are you looking for an alternative to porcelain veneers that can help you enjoy better self-confidence? Talk to Dr. Latner of Westside Dental Associates about cosmetic bonding. Our Los Angeles team would be happy to answer any questions you might have. We serve patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

A Brighter Smile Goes the Extra Mile

June 10, 2013

A Brighter Smile Goes the Extra Mile – Teeth Whitening with Les Latner

During a first date or job interviews, first impressions are everything. Not just in your demeanor, but appearance as well. In the first few seconds of meeting someone, that person will formulate an opinion of you based on body language. If you want it to be a positive one, you’d be remiss without flashing a smile. Smiling puts others at ease and shows you as a friendly person. Now everyone wants to be the best they can be and you should strive for quality in everything about yourself. So when it comes to a smile, why not make it the best it can be?

A main effect of teeth whitening is a sharp increase in social status, as crazy as that sounds. It boosts a person’s aesthetics, which in turn can lead to success in climbing the corporate ladder and finding Mr. or Mrs. Right. In addition to increasing an outsider’s perceived value of you, it can boost your self-confidence immensely. By having a positive self-image, you’re more likely to step outside your comfort zone, which is usually where success resides. It’s important to note, however, that whitening teeth can have positive effects on a person other than a massive ego boost.

Professional teeth whitening materials can kill the bacteria that cause gum disease as well as those that cause tooth decay, leading to all-around healthier teeth. Gum disease isn’t something to be taken lightly, as it is responsible for receding gums, increased sensitivity to temperature changes and touch, pain, and inflammation. So by taking preventative measures you may just be saving yourself a whole lot of trouble with little effort by taking the time to take care of your smile.

Of course teeth whitening is far from the easiest method of protecting your teeth. In fact it may be the last thing on your mind when it comes to looking after them. Brushing, using mouthwash, even (yikes!) flossing comes to mind before deciding to do it. After whitening, however, you may be more motivated to continue taking care of your mouth. So if you want to take that extra step and look amazing while helping yourself, then teeth whitening is the thing for you! Westside Dental Associates and Les Latner DDS offers this quality service that will not leave you disappointed.

What If Dental Implants Aren’t Right for Me?

June 6, 2013

For patients who are missing one or more teeth, dental implants can do a lot to restore natural functionality and appearance. But as effective as they are, they aren’t right for everyone. It takes a certain amount of bone to support the implant posts that anchor a dental implants restoration. If that isn’t there, dental implants may not be an immediate option. So what might your alternatives be?

In some cases, it may be possible for you to become a candidate through bone grafting. The bone grafting process involves the transplant of bone tissue to where you need it, or a synthetic material may also be used. The result afterwards is a jaw that’s strong enough to anchor one or more implants.

In other cases, traditional options are always possible. Even though they don’t mimic the natural structure of teeth with a prosthetic root, traditional bridges, partial dentures, and full dentures can help you speak clearer, enjoy a more balanced diet. They can also help you improve the appearance of your smile and your confidence.

Do you have gaps in your smile but have been told that dental implants aren’t right for you? Find out how Dr. Latner of Westside Dental Associates can help. Explore our services to find out about our restorative dentistry options, and call us to reserve a consultation appointment. We’re serve patients from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.

Is There a Difference between a Children’s Dentists and a Pediatric Dentist?

May 30, 2013

Regular dental care isn’t just important for adults—children need it too. But are all dentists the same when it comes to offering dental care to kids? For instance, if one doctor says he’s a children’s dentist but another says he’s a pediatric dentist, are they saying different things?

In short, the answer is yes. Even though a children’s dentist is perfectly suited to providing kids with care, in most cases, that means children who are three years old or older. Pediatric dentistry, on the other hand, is a specialty recognized by the American Dental Association and requires special knowledge of how to treat very young patients.

At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner offers specialized pediatric care. Dr. Latner has trained as a pediatric dentist at Children’s Hospital/L.A. and USC and teaches pediatric dentistry at UCLA. That means when your child’s first tooth comes in around the age of one, you know who you can turn to for help.

Children should see a dentist from the moment they have their first tooth. That’s because monitoring the development of teeth is important. If they aren’t developing properly, or if there’s a complication, Dr. Latner can provide effective care that your child will benefit from going forward. We can also look for and treat gum disease and tooth decay, just as we would in older patients. Preventing and treating these in young patients is important.

Do you have a child or grandchild who has developed his or her tooth, or will soon? Call Westside Dental Associates to schedule an oral evaluation appointment. We’re proud to serve patients of all ages from Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and all surrounding areas.

Two Options for Cosmetic Braces, But Which Is Right For Me?

May 23, 2013

If you’ve explored our site before, you may have noticed that Dr. Les Latner offers two options for cosmetic braces: Six Month Smiles and Invisalign. Both offer discreet care and are made to work quickly. But how can you know which one is right for you? Are they even comparable? That’s a question we’d like to look at for this post so you can have a clearer understand of how both work.

Two Cosmetic Options

Invisalign and Six Month Smiles can’t do the work of traditional braces. They’re cosmetic systems and are designed to fix crowding, slight misalignment, and other issues.

The way Invisalign does this is with a series of completely clear trays, not brackets and wires. Instead of having anything tightened, you’ll simply move to a new tray every two weeks, with each one bringing you closer to your goal. You can also take your trays out when you eat, brush, and floss. That means you don’t have to make any changes to your diet or your daily brushing routine. You do have to be committed to wearing your trays 22-24 hours a day, though, with a treatment time of about 12-18 months.

Treatment with Six Months Smiles takes less time than that—literally about six months. There are restrictions on what you can eat, though. What’s more, Six Month Smiles uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires, making it discreet if not completely invisible. But if you have a special event coming up, like a wedding, a job search, or another big event, Six Month Smiles can help you reach your goal faster than almost any other option.

Which One Is Right For You?

That all depends on your needs. The only way to know which is right for you is with a consultation appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates in Los Angeles. Call us today to reserve your appointment. We serve patients from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West LA, Mar Vista, and beyond.