Westside Dental: Your Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist

November 23, 2015

los angeles pediatric dentistsYou want the absolute best for your children, and that certainly includes their dental care. Dr. Les Latner at Westside Dental Associates is the Los Angeles pediatric dentist so many already trust with the smiles of their little ones. He understands that children need special dental care, and that a calming, compassionate presence can help them set aside their fear of the dentist. And what’s better? With a wide range of dental services, he’s the dentist you can trust for your whole family. Keep reading to learn more about your family dentist in Los Angeles today.

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Dentist in Los Angeles Discusses Your Teeth & Fluorosis

November 5, 2015

dentist los angelesFluoride is a vital component for tooth health. The mineral prevents decay by strengthening tooth enamel, and it’s proven to be such a benefit for oral health that many US cities have added fluoride to their water supply. But sometimes, we can get too much of the mineral — and when children are overexposed to fluoride, it can lead to the cosmetic condition known as fluorosis. Your dentist in Los Angeles, Dr. Les Latner, is in today with more about fluorosis, or the tooth stains caused by fluoride, its causes, treatment and prevention.

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Your Los Angeles Dentist Helps Fight Halloween Cavities

October 1, 2015

Kids celebrating Halloween with lots of candy. fight cavities with help from your los angeles dentistWhen you think of Halloween you likely think kids in costumes with buckets of candy, but what most dental practitioners see is a one way ticket on the cavity express. Many holiday favorites are high in sugar and lead to tooth decay. This is especially true for our littlest smiles. Children’s teeth are still developing, and kids are not as coordinated as adults which makes cleaning teeth a challenge. That’s why it’s essential to protect kids’ teeth from decay with thorough at-home care, and six month checkups and cleanings at Westside Dental Associates.
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Dr. Les Latner, DDS: Your Trusted Los Angeles Dentist

September 8, 2015

beautiful smiles from the trusted los angeles dentist dr. les latnerWhen you choose a dentist, you want to make sure he or she is someone you can trust — someone with experience, and compassion. Not only that, but you want to feel at home with the whole team so that from the very moment you walk through the door, you feel relaxed and comfortable.
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Your Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist – Dr. Les Latner

June 25, 2015

ThinkstockPhotos-178845072 (1)If you’ve ever asked a child to help you clean up, you may have noticed that they’re not so great at it. Teaching children how to care for their dental hygiene is not easy. At Westside Dental Associates, we emphasize regular checkups and teeth cleanings for our younger visitors, as well as providing oral hygiene education. In Los Angeles, Dr. Les Lanter is the dentist you can trust to care for the whole family. If you need pediatric, general, restorative, or cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, call to schedule an appointment today.

Dr. Latner Knows Children’s Teeth

Every smile is different, and our smiles change during throughout our lives. Caring for children’s teeth presents different obstacles than adult treatment. Dr. Latner completed a two year dental residency at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. While he has become a leader in esthetic dentistry and names general dentistry as his passion, there no denying his years of hand on training make him an ideal pediatric dentist as well.

Why Teeth Cleanings Matter

Because of his years of training and experience, Dr. Latner full understand the unique needs of children from the time their primary (baby) teeth begin to emerge, through loss of primary teeth, and development of permanent (adult) teeth. One of the best ways to help your child retain healthy primary teeth is to schedule regular dental hygiene visits every six months. We all know that children are still learning to be effective cleaners. You can’t count on them to do a better job cleaning their teeth than they do making their bed. A thorough cleaning by our outstanding hygienists, and a reminder about at home care tips is essential in build a child’s oral health.

Because primary teeth are weaker than permanent teeth, they are more susceptible to caries (cavities). At regular cleanings, the bacteria on your child’s tooth is thoroughly removed just like your own teeth cleaning. Additionally, primary teeth are checked thoroughly for signs of decay, or problem areas. Sealants and fluoride treatments can also be applied to offer your child additional protection.

Keeping primary teeth strong is more important than you might think. Baby teeth, like adult teeth, help your child to chew, but they are also important as children develop speech. Our teeth allow us to speak clearly. Children whose primary teeth do not develop well, are more likely to have impeded speech. Caring for primary teeth also lays the ground work for healthy adult teeth. If your child’s primary teeth and gums are healthy, they will prepare the way for healthier adult teeth.

Find Out More

If you’re interested in learning more about the outstanding family dentistry offered by Dr. Latner and the knowledgeable Westside Dental Associates team, our convenient “ask the doctor” tool allows you to gather information between visits. Call our Las Angeles practice to schedule an appointment. Westside Dental Associates welcomes patients from surrounding areas including Santa Monica, Marina Del Ray, Beverly Hills, Calabasas, and Burbank.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Celebrate By Making a Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointment Today

February 10, 2015

178529160Recent studies show that U.S. children miss over 51 million instructional school hours every year because of dental health problems. Each February, the ADA sponsors a National Children’s Dental Health Month to combat this problem. Now in its 63rd year, this month-long oral health observance brings together thousands of dedicated pediatric dental professionals, health care providers, children, caregivers, and teachers to raise awareness of the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Celebrate your child’s dental health by making a pediatric dental checkup appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner is a highly qualified family dentist, now delivering quality care daily throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding areas.

How Often Should Your Child Get a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children receive a pediatric dental checkup at least twice a year starting at age one. However, some children may need more frequent dental visits because of increased risk of tooth decay, unusual growth patterns, or poor oral hygiene habits.

What Happens During a Pediatric Dental Checkup?

First, Dr. Latner will review your child’s medical and dental history. Then, he will gently examine your child’s teeth, oral tissues, and jaws to check for decay and infection. Next, your child’s teeth will be cleaned and polished, followed by the application of dental fluoride or dental sealants to guard against cavities. X-rays may also be needed for diagnosing tooth decay or other abnormalities. Dr. Latner will communicate with your child with easily understandable words, pictures, and ideas, allowing your child to become self-motivated to take responsibility for a healthy smile.

West LA Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointments

Make your child’s next pediatric dental checkup appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner welcomes patients of all ages throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and the neighboring communities.

West LA Dentist Healthy Holiday Advice

December 10, 2014

71704983Before you get swept away by the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, take a few moments to think about your teeth. The habits we pick up this time of year can be especially harmful to our teeth. Holiday foods are typically rich in sugar and carbohydrates. And with all of the preparations and extra responsibilities to take on, many of us begin to skimp on our oral hygiene routines. You can protect your teeth and combat decay by adopting your West LA dentist healthy teeth strategies and then making an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner wants to help you and your family maintain your healthy teeth and gums with dental sealants and fluoride treatments over the holidays. Your West LA dentist serves families throughout West Los Angeles and nearby areas including Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista.

West LA Dentist: 5 Tips for a Healthy Holiday Season

  1. Stick with Big Meals- Avoid snacking and stick with a few big meals. This decreases the amount of time that your teeth and gums are exposed to sugary residue.
  2. Chew Sugar Free Gum- Sugar free gum contains the ingredient Xylitol, which can help fight cavities and reduce tarter build up.
  3. Do More Dairy- Drinking low fat milk can help wash away harmful sugar and bacteria. Also, chewing and eating a piece of cheese after consuming a sugary snack can increase saliva and fortify your teeth with needed calcium and vitamin D.
  4. Use a Straw- If you enjoy beverages like sodas and fruit juices over the holidays, try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of sugar that’s exposed to your teeth.
  5. Seek help to relieve stress- The holidays can be stressful for many people. This stress can cause some to clench or grind their teeth at night. You can visit your 90064 dentist for a night guard or dental appliance to protect your teeth during high stress periods.

West LA Holiday Dental Appointments

You don’t want to start out the New Year with a toothache or bleeding gums. Dr. Latner offers preventive dental care checkups and cleanings to protect you and your family this season. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner , your West LA dentist today. 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.

Dental Care 101: Why It Pays to Floss

November 29, 2014

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.

Pediatric Dentistry: What is Dental Fluorosis?

November 15, 2014

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

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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