pediatric dentistry Archives - Westside Dental Associates https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/tag/pediatric-dentistry-2/ Tue, 19 Sep 2023 17:09:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 Your Los Angeles Dentist Helps Fight Halloween Cavities https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/los-angeles-dentist-3/ Thu, 01 Oct 2015 18:56:14 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=831 When 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. Los Angeles Dentist Gives Kids Dental Hygiene Tips We all know kids love Halloween. They dress up and get treats at school, […]

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]]> 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.

Los Angeles Dentist Gives Kids Dental Hygiene Tips

We all know kids love Halloween. They dress up and get treats at school, at home, and from the entire neighborhood. It’s a fun, festive fall tradition that no kid should have to miss. Though high sugar foods and beverages at fall festivities put a smile on your child’s face, they may also be damaging that smile.  At Westside Dental Associates, Dr. Les Latner and his Los Angeles dental team have some helpful hints to help your kids make it through the holiday cavity free.
  • Brush brush brush your teeth – Brushing twice a day should always be a priority, but brushing after eating high sugar foods may mean the difference between a healthy smile and a painful toothache. Monitor your child closely to ensure they brush for 2 minutes, reach all surfaces of their teeth, and make sure children don’t eat more candy after brushing.
  • Flossing makes a difference – Flossing can be difficult since kids often lack the dexterity to complete this task properly on their own. However, getting sugars and bacteria out of hard to reach areas with floss is essential.
  • Mouth wash – Don’t want to brush or floss on the go at Halloween parties or cupcake day at school? Send a small amount of kid-friendly antimicrobial mouth wash with your child to use after eating sweets.
  • H2O – Water is good for the whole body, and is a great alternative to the high sugar, acidic beverages often found at Halloween parties. Drinking plenty of water increases the flow of saliva that neutralizes acidic bacteria and rinses away food particles.
  • Monitor daily candy intake – One of the best ways to help your child maintain oral health during candy season is to limit the amount of sugar in your child’s diet. For instance, determine an appropriate number of Halloween candies to be eaten each day, and enforce it.

Thorough Teeth Cleanings from the Family Dentist Los Angeles Relies On

Another great way to keep your kids cavity free during the holidays is to bring them in for a checkup and teeth cleaning. Not only do thorough, professional cleanings remove hardened tartar that brushing and flossing alone don’t, we also help you and your child understand best brushing habits and ways to improve at-home care routines. When necessary, we provide dental sealants to protect back teeth from bacteria, and fluoride treatments to fortify enamel.

Call the Dentist 90064 Residents Love

Not ready to give up Halloween candy and Christmas cookies for good? Call Westside Dental Associates to schedule your dental cleaning today! We’ll help keep your smile cavity free.

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]]> Dr. Les Latner, DDS: Your Trusted Los Angeles Dentist https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/los-angeles-dentist-2/ Tue, 08 Sep 2015 20:21:17 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=825 When 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. Dr. Les Latner and his team are that option in Los Angeles. At Westside Dental Associates, we combine years of experience with a passion for dentistry to provide our patients of all ages with the excellent dental care we believe everyone deserves. Read on to learn what makes us unique in dentistry. About Dr. Les Latner, DDS Dr. Les Latner has […]

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]]> 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. Dr. Les Latner and his team are that option in Los Angeles. At Westside Dental Associates, we combine years of experience with a passion for dentistry to provide our patients of all ages with the excellent dental care we believe everyone deserves. Read on to learn what makes us unique in dentistry.

About Dr. Les Latner, DDS

Dr. Les Latner has been providing top dental care for decades. He’s seen a variety of patients over the years — his record of work even includes being the dentist for the UCLA Bruins football team! Of course, he’s not just about sports dentistry. Dr. Latner keeps up with the advancements in general dentistry with his incredible involvement in a number of associations. In fact, he’s one of fewer than 10 dentists who have achieved accreditation in The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (of which he also serves on the Board) and mastership in the Academy of General Dentistry. On top of that, he is a clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry. He has also authored an article published in the Journal of the American College of Dentists. And to get back to his accomplishments in sports dentistry, Dr. Later was also recognized by the Sports Dentistry Commission for the World Cup in 1994 — and then chosen as a presenter at the 1986 Academy for Sports Dentistry National Symposium. As if all of that weren’t enough, Dr. Latner is also affiliated with a number of organizations — click here for a full list.

About the Team

At Dr. Latner’s office, we put a real emphasis on your comfort. We firmly believe that going to the dentist shouldn’t be something you dread, and we want you to feel relaxed and at home from the minute you walk in our door. That’s why we have a gentle, caring and knowledgeable staff that is equipped with all the comforts you need to feel at ease  — like pillows, headphones and blankets. We also stay up-to-date on all the latest dental advancements in order to provide you with the top in comfort. For example, we now offer air abrasion instead of the drill, sedation dentistry and DIAGNOdent laser cavity detection. These are all options Dr. Latner’s office provides to make your trip to the dentist easier, and more pain free than ever before.

Come In To See For Yourself

Dr. Latner is your trusted pediatric, cosmetic and general dentist in Los Angeles. Schedule your appointment in our office and see for yourself today! We’ll never get tired of seeing your beautiful smile.

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]]> Your Los Angeles Pediatric Dentist – Dr. Les Latner https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/pediatric-dentist/ Thu, 25 Jun 2015 18:45:58 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=750 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 […]

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]]> 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.

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]]> Escape Your Dental Fear and Anxiety with Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments in West LA https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/oral-conscious-sedation-2/ Sun, 15 Mar 2015 15:52:43 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=674 It’s been estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental fear and anxiety; that’s about 30 to 40 million people! If you have dental fears, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. You can stand up to those fears, and get the dental treatment you need, with oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation creates a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear in the past. Make your next dental appointment, relaxed and rewarding, with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is a compassionate and qualified family dentist, now proudly serving patients of all ages throughout West LA […]

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]]> 122568441It’s been estimated that about 15% of Americans avoid seeing the dentist because of dental fear and anxiety; that’s about 30 to 40 million people! If you have dental fears, you’re not alone, and you’re not powerless. You can stand up to those fears, and get the dental treatment you need, with oral conscious sedation. Oral conscious sedation creates a safe and comfortable dental experience for patients who have avoided the dentist out of fear in the past. Make your next dental appointment, relaxed and rewarding, with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is a compassionate and qualified family dentist, now proudly serving patients of all ages throughout West LA and nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

What Happens During Oral Conscious Sedation?

You will be able to take your sedation medication about an hour before your appointment. The most commonly prescribed oral conscious sedation medications belong to the “benzodiazepine” family. Benzodiazepines are central nervous system depressants. They’re absolutely safe, and they decrease anxiety by binding with receptors in the brain which tone down activity in the parts responsible for fear. Most patients feel calmer and more relaxed after taking sedative medication. Oral conscious sedation produces a mild or moderate sedation experience, where you will remain sedated but alert, responsive, and able to answer questions. However, you will need a friend or family member to drive you home after the appointment, as the effects of the sedatives will take a few hours to wear off.

Do You Need Oral Conscious Sedation?

A phobia is an intense and unreasonable fear. Most dental procedures aren’t painful, however, for those with dental fear and phobia, the very thought of a dental visit can be terrifying. Some patients are so frightened that they go years and years without dental care and will only see a dentist for emergencies. This pattern of behavior can wreak havoc on both oral and overall health causing gum disease, pain, and broken or unsightly teeth. Oral conscious sedation  allows fearful patients to finally receive the dental care they need to stay healthy and smiling.

West LA Oral Conscious Sedation Appointments

If you suffer from dental fear or phobia, schedule the dental appointment you need with oral conscious sedation from Dr. Latner and Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner is an experienced oral conscious sedation dentist, now proudly restoring smiles daily throughout West LA and the nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, and Mar Vista.

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]]> February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! Celebrate By Making a Pediatric Dental Checkup Appointment Today https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/pediatric-dental-checkup/ Tue, 10 Feb 2015 14:54:07 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=668 Recent 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 […]

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]]> 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.

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]]> Afraid of Drills and Needles? Make an Air Abrasion Dental Appointment Today https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/air-abrasion/ Thu, 29 Jan 2015 15:05:58 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=621 Have You Been Avoiding the Dental Care You Need? Many patients with dental fear and phobia, cringe at the thought of dental treatment. They simply can’t stand the needles, drills, and other tools commonly used by dentists to treat decay or complete restorations. If you’re one of these patients, you should know that Dr. Latner now offers air abrasion treatments. You can opt for air abrasion to treat small cavities, remove old restorations, or correct discoloration. Air abrasion can also be used with children to prepare their teeth for dental sealants. With air abrasion, your dental fear can be a thing of the past. Make your air abrasion dental appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside […]

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]]> 153177890Have You Been Avoiding the Dental Care You Need? Many patients with dental fear and phobia, cringe at the thought of dental treatment. They simply can’t stand the needles, drills, and other tools commonly used by dentists to treat decay or complete restorations. If you’re one of these patients, you should know that Dr. Latner now offers air abrasion treatments. You can opt for air abrasion to treat small cavities, remove old restorations, or correct discoloration. Air abrasion can also be used with children to prepare their teeth for dental sealants. With air abrasion, your dental fear can be a thing of the past. Make your air abrasion dental appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner employs the latest dental technologies to ensure that all dental treatments are as fast, efficient, and comfortable as possible. Westside Dental Associates serves patients of all ages throughout West LA and nearby communities including: Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park and Mar Vista. What Happens During an Air Abrasion Procedure? Air abrasion treatment works with a mini sandblaster tool that is used to spray away your dental decay. A narrow stream of particles blasts the decayed portion of your tooth. The stream is composed of silica, aluminum oxide, or a baking soda mixture.  The stream is powered by compressed air that pushes through the dental hand-piece. The decay is displaced by the force of the stream and then vacuumed away through a thin tube. Why Choose Air Abrasion?
  • No heat, noise, pressure, or vibration
  • Less need for anesthetics (needles)
  • Less invasive
  • Dry procedure
  • Reduced risk of tooth fracturing and chipping
  • Treat multiple sites in one appointment
  • Faster than drilling procedures
How Is Air Abrasion Used?
  • Prepare cavity fillings
  • Remove old composite restorations
  • Prepare a tooth for bonding or sealants
  • Remove superficial staining
Air Abrasion Dental Appointments in West Los Angeles Make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today to discover the air abrasion difference. Dr. Latner prioritizes your comfort and care. Westside Dental Associates restores smiles daily for families throughout West LA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista, and surrounding cities.

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]]> Meet Dr. Latner, Your 90064 Dentist https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/90064-dentist/ Mon, 15 Dec 2014 16:28:11 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=575 Are you looking for a Super Dentist? If you want a highly qualified Los Angeles dentist, committed to your overall good health, skilled in all aspects of dentistry, and respected in the dental community, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner completed his masters in Kinesiology at UCLA, received his dentistry degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and served a two year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Latner is also a devoted Bruins fan who served many years as the UCLA football team’s dentist. For the past 30 years, your 90064 dentist has been providing quality and comprehensive dental care to patients throughout Los Angeles. And […]

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]]> 493983015Are you looking for a Super Dentist? If you want a highly qualified Los Angeles dentist, committed to your overall good health, skilled in all aspects of dentistry, and respected in the dental community, you should make an appointment to see Dr. Latner today. Dr. Latner completed his masters in Kinesiology at UCLA, received his dentistry degree from Washington University in St. Louis, and served a two year residency in pediatric dentistry at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Latner is also a devoted Bruins fan who served many years as the UCLA football team’s dentist. For the past 30 years, your 90064 dentist has been providing quality and comprehensive dental care to patients throughout Los Angeles. And in 2014, Dr. Latner was named one of Southern California’s “Super Dentists.” Your 90064 Dentist is:
  • Accredited by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • A master of the Academy of General Dentistry
  • A member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
  • A clinical assistant professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry
  • A published author in the Journal of the American College of Dentists
  • President of the Los Angeles Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry
Your 90064 Dentist Offers Patient Centered Dental Care At Westside Dental Associates, patient satisfaction is priority #1. Dr. Latner loves his work and it shows. Dr. Latner understands that restoring a smile can change a life. He enjoys seeing his patients gain back their confidence and take control of their health.  For those with dental anxiety, your 90064 dentist offers conscious oral sedation to eliminate apprehension and reduce discomfort for every procedure. Likewise, Dr. Latner and his team are committed to helping each and every patient afford the dental care they need. That’s why he also offers help for patients who need to file insurance claims or apply for Care Credit. Your 90064 Dentist: Solutions for Every Smile No matter what condition your mouth is in, Dr. Latner has a dental care solution for you. Over the years Dr. Latner has gained much experience with extreme cases of decay and malocclusion. That’s why he takes a compassionate approach to understand each patient’s unique situation and to find the path toward good dental health that works for them. Your 90064 dentist is also great with children. During his time as a dentistry resident at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, he also learned to master the unique requirements that maintain a child’s dental health. For patients 1 to 100, with dental problems A to Z, whether you have only minor cosmetic concerns, or are in need of immediate pain relief, Dr. Latner can help.  Westside Dental Associates offers a comprehensive selection of dental services for the entire family including dental sealants, gum disease and root canal therapy, full mouth restoration, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, dental implants, and Zoom whitening. Your 90064 Dentist Appointments If you’re looking for a truly exceptional dentist, both accomplished and compassionate, make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today.  Your 90064 dentist 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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]]> Pediatric Dentistry: What is Dental Fluorosis? https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/pediatric-dentistry-2/ Sat, 15 Nov 2014 18:08:39 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=527 Check 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 […]

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]]> 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.

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]]> How Effective Are Toothache Pain Home Remedies? https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/toothache-pain/ Wed, 22 Oct 2014 19:21:34 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=512 If you have ever had a toothache, you know that it is one of the worst kinds of pain you can experience. If you have a severe toothache, it is a dental emergency and you should get to a dentist as soon as possible. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t see a dentist immediately. If this is the case you may be tempted to try anything that can stop or even dull the pain temporarily. We found some home remedies that may help relieve the pain while you wait to see the dentist. It’s important to keep in mind that the best way to deal with a toothache is to […]

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]]> 462459381If you have ever had a toothache, you know that it is one of the worst kinds of pain you can experience. If you have a severe toothache, it is a dental emergency and you should get to a dentist as soon as possible. However, you may find yourself in a situation where you can’t see a dentist immediately. If this is the case you may be tempted to try anything that can stop or even dull the pain temporarily. We found some home remedies that may help relieve the pain while you wait to see the dentist. It’s important to keep in mind that the best way to deal with a toothache is to prevent it from happening by taking good care of your teeth in the first place. You can prevent painful toothaches by making an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner helps patients keep their teeth healthy and pain-free everyday, and he can help you too. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West LA, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and nearby cities. Toothache Pain Home Remedies
  • Clove Oil- Soak a cotton ball with a mixture made of two to three drops of clove oil and ¼ teaspoon of olive oil. Put the cotton ball in your mouth near the tooth that hurts and bite down to keep it in place.
  • Cough Drops- Cough drops usually contain a small amount of anesthetic (menthol or benzocaine) which could help relieve minor tooth pain. Pop one or two in your mouth and suck on them. Also try applying a dab of Vick’s VapoRub on the outside of your cheek where your tooth hurts.
  • Floss- The root of your toothache could be food that’s trapped between your teeth. In this case, try flossing, rinsing with mouthwash, or using inter-dental brushes.
  • Tea- Try applying a hot tea bag directly to the tooth. Tea contains tannic acid, which reduces swelling. Also try a cucumber slice placed on the tooth or a cotton ball soaked in brandy.
Toothache Pain Relief and Treatment in Los Angeles, CA While these remedies may provide some temporary relief, it’s still important to see a dentist as soon as possible as a toothache can be a symptom of more serious dental problems. Rather than waiting around for a toothache, be proactive with your dental health and make an appointment with Dr. Latner at Westside Dental Associates today. Dr. Latner can help you prevent toothaches and gum disease. Westside Dental Associates serves patients throughout West Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and nearby cities.

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]]> Pediatric Dental Care: Healthy Halloween Advice https://www.leslatnerdds.com/blog/pediatric-dental-care/ Wed, 15 Oct 2014 19:17:58 +0000 http://blog.leslatnerdds.com/?p=505 It’s that time of year again. Halloween is upon us, and if you have kids at home, you could soon be fighting off waves of sugar-induced energy and excitement. While you want your kids to enjoy the holiday, you may have concerns about how Halloween affects their dental health. Consider our advice and then make an appointment with Dr. Latner as Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner specializes in both adult and pediatric dental care. Dr. Latner helps families keep their healthy smiles year round throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and the surrounding communities. Pediatric Dental Care: How to Fight Cavities on Halloween Treats […]

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]]> 57612597It’s that time of year again. Halloween is upon us, and if you have kids at home, you could soon be fighting off waves of sugar-induced energy and excitement. While you want your kids to enjoy the holiday, you may have concerns about how Halloween affects their dental health. Consider our advice and then make an appointment with Dr. Latner as Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner specializes in both adult and pediatric dental care. Dr. Latner helps families keep their healthy smiles year round throughout Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and the surrounding communities. Pediatric Dental Care: How to Fight Cavities on Halloween
  • Treats to Avoid- You are the first line of defense for your kid’s dental care. Steer your children clear of especially sugary treats like gummy bears. They contain the equivalent of four teaspoons of pure sugar per serving. Also try to keep them from eating hard candies like gobstoppers. These candies take so long to dissolve that the extra long exposure to your child’s teeth can be damaging. Sticky candies like Starburst and Tootsie Rolls are particularly bad for teeth as well because they are not only sugary but starchy and can easily get stuck between teeth and in hard to reach places.
  • Healthy Treat Ideas
    • Dark Chocolate Covered Apples
    • Veggie Skeleton
    • Spiders on a Log ( Plastic Spiders and Peanut Butter on Celery Sticks)
    • Pumpkin Dippers (Pumpkin Shaped Carrots on a Stick With Hummus)
    • Pumpkin Cupcakes (Pumpkin Oat Muffins with Cream Cheese Icing)
    • White Chocolate Pretzel Webs
Pediatric Dental Care in Los Angeles, CA There are many healthy substitutions for the sugary treats kids love at this time of year. You can make this Halloween, and every Halloween after, healthier by offering up fun and healthy snacks instead. Just remember that staying on top of your kid’s dental care also means making sure they see a dentist twice a year. Make an appointment with Dr. Latner as Westside Dental Associates. Dr. Latner can help you preserve your child’s good dental health. Westside Dental Associates serves families throughout West Los Angeles, CA, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Venice, Beverly Hills, Marina del Rey, Rancho Park, Mar Vista and the surrounding cities.

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