Bite Checks

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a grave threat to a patient’s tooth structure as well as their comfort. At the South Carthay dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we inspect patients for signs of this condition during each biannual check-up. A bite check is also an opportunity to detect other chewing problems and is particularly beneficial to children.

TMD can occur when people clench their jaws or grind their teeth in their sleep. (The latter behavior is known as bruxism.) The force of their bite can cause pain that radiates to the tops of their heads and down through their necks. Particularly severe TMD can cause teeth to crack or tilt out of place. More commonly, they become eroded, resulting in a loss of vertical mouth dimension. The sensitivity from TMD makes chewing more difficult and some patients have difficulty opening their mouths.

Our hygienists are trained to look for the distinctive pattern bruxism leaves in enamel. They will also ask patients to demonstrate closing their teeth together and will ask patients about any discomfort they’ve experienced recently. Patients may not be aware they have bruxism, but they may know if they are at risk for obstructive sleep apnea or are under a lot of mental stress, both of which are contributing factors. In adults, bruxism can be countered with a custom-fitted night guard, which will protect the enamel from further erosion and relieve pressure on the jaws. Patients may also be recommended for orthodontic therapy if bruxism has pushed their teeth out of place or misalignment is contributing to their jaws’ mechanical stress.

Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, California, 90035. To set up an appointment, call 310-647-2200 or visit Suzanne Haeri DDS and fill out a request.

Dental Phobia

At Dr. Suzanne Haeri's west Los Angeles dental office, we know it can be an overwhelming experience going to the dentist. We want our patients to feel relaxed and comfortable when you’re in the dentist chair. An estimated 9% to 15% of people avoid the dentist due to dental phobia. It is important to get your teeth cleaned twice a year to maintain good dental hygiene. Patients who suffer from dental phobia have a greater chance of developing gum disease and tooth decay.

To ease our patient’s minds, our staff will discuss any concerns or fears you have and solutions. We will do our best to make your experience as relaxing as possible. Some signs that you might have dental phobia include tense or nervousness, sleepless nights before the dentist, and the thought of the dentist makes you feel sick.

We encourage our patients to ask us questions before your appointment so we can make you feel more comfortable. Your concerns are our number one priority and we are happy to discuss what can help to ease your fears.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic or restorative dentistry, 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, please call 310-657-2200.

Children's Oral Care

At the South Carthay office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS we advise parents to start cleaning their children’s teeth as soon as their baby teeth develop. Tooth decay is the most chronic disease for children is tooth decay which is preventable through practicing good oral health care.

When your children’s baby teeth develop, you should clean their teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and a dab of toothpaste. We recommend soft-bristled toothbrushes for children because they are gentler on your gums and teeth.

Tooth decay occurs when plaque and bacteria form on your teeth and form cavities. Tooth decay is preventable when you brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. When possible, we encourage all of our patients to eat a healthy diet and limiting your consumption of sugar and acidic that can damage your teeth.

Don’t forget to bring your children twice a year for cleaning with us. We want your children to practice good oral hygiene so they have the best smile.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding cosmetic or restorative dentistry, 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, please call 310-657-2200.

Avoid Drinking Soda

At the South Carthay office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS we encourage our patients to drink more water and less soda. Soda is damaging to your oral health because bacteria in your mouth feed off of sugar and create acid.  Once the acid is created, it dissolves your tooth enamel and leads to decay.

When possible, we want our patients to drink soda with a straw to limit the amount of sugar that is resting on their teeth. Every time you drink soda, acid eats away at your tooth enamel for about 20 minutes. If possible, brush your teeth after drinking soda, and if you are unable to, rinse your mouth out with water to wash away the acid.

Regardless of how much soda you drink, we want all of our patients to brush twice a day to fight tooth decay. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by drinking only water and practicing good oral hygiene.

If you have any questions or concerns, 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, please call 310-657-2200.