Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are! Like most emergencies, you don’t plan for them. Maybe you’re playing sports with your friends, you trip on a rug and fall, or experience a hit to the face. Dr. Suzanne Haeri will get you an appointment as soon as possible, to the best of her ability. In the meantime, it’s important to understand what you should and shouldn’t do while you wait.

 

The first step is to contact our Los Angeles office immediately. If you can’t reach us, consider going to your local emergency room. Otherwise, here is a simplified list of dental emergencies and how to treat them:

 

-Lost filling: try to locate the filling. While you wait for your replacement, use sugarless gum to protect the area from harm.

-Loose crown: if you have the crown, attempt to place it back on the tooth. If you have to wait for an appointment, over-the-counter denture cement can keep the crown in place.

-Severe toothache: the first thing you must do is check that nothing is lodged between the teeth. Caught food or debris are possible culprits. Clean the areas thoroughly. If the toothache continues, call our office right away.

-Chipped or broken tooth: rinse out your mouth, saving as much of the tooth as possible. You’ll need to keep an icepack applied to your face. This prevents further swelling. Switch these out every 15 minutes while waiting for your emergency appointment.

-Dislodged tooth: these are teeth that haven't been knocked out all the way. You mustn’t touch the tooth at all. Keep the area clean and take anti-inflammatory medication. These help with the swelling before the appointment.

-Knocked out tooth: find the tooth and clean it well. In certain cases, your dentist may re-attach it. Try to place the tooth back in the area it came from. If it doesn’t stay, place it in some cold milk or salt-water. You will need to see us right away.

 

There are other less urgent problems Dr. Haeri helps with. These include abscessed or swollen teeth, cheeks, and lips. She may also treat cut tongues or lips.

 

Contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri right away when experiencing a dental emergency. Our office in Los Angeles, CA, will get you an appointment as soon as possible. To reach us, call 310-657-2200. You can also visit our website for more information.

Cleaning Your Tongue

It’s a misconception that your teeth and gums are the most important part of your mouth. Although they are incredibly necessary, your tongue needs maintenance too! Your tongue is often ignored during your oral health routine. That’s why Dr. Suzanne Haeri recommends tongue cleaners/scrappers. These are small dental devices that scrape off nasty bacteria and coatings. It not only improves your breath but your dental health as well. Learn more by reaching out to our staff at our Los Angeles, CA, office.

 

Tongue scrapers are simple and easy to use. First, place the tongue cleaner towards the back of your tongue. Don’t go too far back to the point of discomfort. Slowly scrape the applicator forward, cleaning along your tongue. Rinse the device off each time you reach the tip. The results are a coating-free tongue. There is no reason to be greatly concerned when you have a coated tongue. These are caused by smoking, dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, and poor oral health are a few causes. By using this device, you’re removing all the harmful bacteria and dead cells. If you continue to notice heavy coatings, schedule an appointment with your Los Angeles dentist.

 

Cleaning your tongue provides a handful of benefits. Certain scientific studies state that daily cleanings improve your sense of taste. Having less oral bacteria means less dental problems. A healthier mouth leads to a much healthier life!

 

Remember to use your tongue scraper with caution. The edges that clean your tongue can also cut you if used improperly. Never place the tongue scraper so far back on your tongue that you activate your gag reflex. Avoid using too much pressure when cleaning, to avoid hurting yourself.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Senior Dental Care

As you age, your dental needs shift. New oral hygiene concerns arise that weren’t present before. Just like the rest of your bones, your teeth weaken when you get older. That’s why brushing and flossing become even more important! After the age of sixty, your risk of periodontal (gum) disease increases. So do the number of cavities and extraction! That’s why it is important to schedule your appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri. She provides dental care for patients of all ages. Learn more by contacting our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

You mustn't take your dental health for granted. Your teeth are necessary for everyday life! If you are a caretaker for an older individual or are an older patient, it’s important to continue brushing twice daily. Your Los Angeles dentist has some brushing advice for you. First, invest in an electric toothbrush. These are easy to use and affordable. They provide a thorough cleaning of your mouth while using minimal physical effort. Another tip is elongating the brush handle. This makes it easier to reach further areas of your mouth. You can do this at home with a few supplies. Many patients have success with wrapping the handle in foam or rubber. Some even use tongue depressors! Next time you’re at your local grocery store or supermarket, check out the toothbrush aisle. Many brands sell toothbrushes targeted for older patients. These are often gentler on your teeth while being easier to use.

 

If you’ve lost a tooth or are planning on getting some extracted, consider getting dentures. These are affordable and functional. At your appointment, Dr. Haeri measures your mouth. A specialized mold is made from your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory. This creates your personalized dentures. Your dentures fit your mouth perfectly! Having them lets you do all the things you’ve always been able to do.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is a cosmetic and general dentist located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment, call her office at 310-657-2200. You can also visit her website.