Losing the First Tooth

If you have a kid at home that’s growing into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Dr. Suzanne Haeri wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience!

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease a little pain, too!

To learn more about tooth loss and the services we provide at the practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Important Biannual Cleanings

It is recommended by the Academy of General Dentistry to have a dentist or hygienist perform a dental cleaning every six months.  Dr. Suzanne Haeri encourages all her patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease, and can only be removed by a dental professional.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist.

To learn more about teeth cleanings and all the services we provide at the practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.

Dental Anxiety

It’s OK to be afraid of the dentist, but there is a strong difference between a person having mild anxiety before a dental appointment and putting one off for years because of a serious phobia. People are anxious about the dentist for different reasons. Perhaps, they anticipate pain, have had a horrible experience in the past, or worry that the dentist might neglect his or her concerns. If you anticipate your dental appointment or haven’t visited the dentist in years, Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS can ease your fears and address your concerns.

Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid the dental office because of anxiety or fear. These folks have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease, cavities, and bad breath because of the neglect the mouth the has been shown. Unaddressed dental anxiety can lead to oral health problems such as these, which is why it’s important to share your fears with Dr. Haeri. Depending on the level of anxiety, we can discuss sedation options with you.

If you have questions or concerns regarding mouthguards, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200. 

Prevent Dental Trauma with a Mouthguard

Mouthguards, also known as mouth protectors, are beneficial for athletes who play contact sports because they help cushion a blow to the face. Dental trauma is defined as any injury that occurs to the face and/or the oral cavity. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS doesn’t want her patients to get hurt, nor does she want them to lose a permanent tooth when trauma could have been prevented.

A properly fitted mouthguard will not only protect the teeth and gums from dental trauma, but it can protect braces and fixed orthodontic appliances from becoming broken, and it can be a great tool to keep patients from grinding his or her teeth. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS is likely to fit her patients with a custom-fitted mouthguard for ultimate protection and comfort.

If you have questions or concerns regarding mouthguards, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS herself in our Los Angeles, CA office, call 310-657-2200.