Gum Disease and Impacted Teeth

An impacted tooth isn’t just an uncomfortable cosmetic issue; it’s a potential threat to a patient’s oral health. At the South Carthay dental office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we offer a full suite of general and cosmetic dental services for each of our patients’ individual needs. An impacted tooth is one situation in which a tooth extraction might be warranted, so we want our patients to understand its seriousness and their full range of options.

 

We use the term “impacted” to describe a tooth that is unable to fully emerge from the gum. This can happen to any tooth, but since wisdom teeth are the largest and last to erupt, it’s most likely to happen to them. When a wisdom tooth only partly erupts, a large section of it will remain covered by a flap of gum tissue called an operculum. Food debris will get caught under the operculum, where a patient will have difficulty dislodging it. There, bacteria will feed on it, causing inflammation around the partly-erupted dental crown, which is a condition we call “pericoronitis.” The patient will experience soreness and swelling, and since the infection will not get better on its own, there’s a risk it will spread.

 

An operculum can be cleaned by a dental hygienist, and we encourage patients not to wait to get this done. But as long as the operculum remains, more food can get stuck under it. One solution would be to cut the operculum away, but this would not fix any other problems the impacted tooth is causing, such as bite difficulties. Although we don’t take tooth extraction lightly, it is a common, efficient process, and one that will allow a patient to quickly resume chewing normally with much less discomfort.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Types of Mouthwash

As both a cosmetic and general dental office, we at the South Carthay practice of Dr. Suzanne Haeri know that our patients want their mouths to smell as good as they look. The bacteria on our tongues and enamel emit a foul odor that is usually the cause of bad breath, and mouthwash is one of the most common tools for fighting them. But how does mouthwash fit into routine oral hygiene? In this post, we’ll explore the different types and when they are recommended.

 

No mouthwash is able to replace brushing and flossing, but many kinds can supplement them. Cosmetic mouthwash is that which only masks a bad smell, while therapeutic mouthwash kills oral bacteria and helps to guard against the development of gum disease. Sometimes available by prescription, therapeutic mouthwash may be used when a patient has a dry socket or other dental injury. Many mouthwashes also contain fluoride to help bolster enamel’s defense against oral bacteria’s acidic secretions and may benefit people who suffer recurring tooth decay.

 

Some mouthwash also provides pain relief and may be used when a patient has mouth sores. But one thing to be cautious of is that mouthwash is often alcoholic, and while there is no evidence it contributes to oral cancer, it may dry out a user’s mouth if they don’t hydrate sufficiently. Alcohol-free mouthwashes are commonly available for children, and many teenagers with orthodontic appliances especially enjoy having an easy way of improving their breath.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Flossing Technique

When you floss properly, you greatly reduce your risk of tooth decay, gum recession, halitosis, and all sorts of associated problems. But flossing properly isn’t quite as simple as it sounds. At the South Carthay cosmetic and general dentistry office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we strive to provide our patients with top-quality care, but to keep their smiles dazzling in between dental appointments, patients need to understand how to improve their oral hygiene. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at how to floss.

 

Since you’ll be removing plaque from your teeth each time you floss, you’ll want to use a long strand. Fifteen to eighteen inches should be sufficient. You’ll be able to manipulate the strand with your pointer fingers and thumbs if you wrap the ends around your middle fingers. As you go from each side of each tooth, unspool a little more floss and wrap it around the other middle finger so you’re not just transferring plaque between teeth. On each side of each tooth, slide the floss as far as it will comfortably go, bend it around the tooth in a c-shape, and rub it back and forth as you move it back out. You shouldn’t bleed or be in pain, but the floss will move a short distance into the area between the crown and the gum tissue. Don’t forget the back sides of the back teeth.

 

If you do bleed while flossing your teeth, you likely have gingivitis and may need a professional cleaning. But flossing is a necessity for anyone with teeth, even if the teeth are artificial. Although it doesn’t make much difference whether flossing is done before or after brushing, it needs to be done at least once a day. We can give you a demonstration if there’s any part of it you’re still confused about, and if you’re struggling, you may want to look into getting a flosser, which mounts a strand of floss on an easy to grip handle.

 

The dental office of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, is located at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, California, 90035. To schedule an appointment, call 310-657-2200 or visit our website at Suzanne Haeri DDS.

 

Healthy Snacks For Children

Providing your children with a healthy and nutritious diet is a great way to prevent cavities. Sugary foods attract harmful bacteria to the teeth. This creates more instances of tooth decay and other oral complications. That’s why Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA, has put together a small dental guide to healthy snacks. Eating healthy guarantees a happy mouth!

 

It can be a real challenge getting your kids to eat foods that aren’t sugary sweet. Not every kid is good about eating vegetables like broccoli or celery either. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck! Variety is key to nutritional harmony. Your Los Angeles, CA, dentist and the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that your child’s diet consists of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, protein sources like nuts and lean meats, and whole grains.

 

Here are a few snacks tested and approved by your dentist:

-Veggies with dip

-Cheddar cheese and apples

-Sliced watermelon

-Low-fat yogurt with berries

-Unsalted almonds or coconut flakes

-Toasted whole-grain pita chips with hummus

 

Try to limit how much your child is snacking. Encourage them to eat more at the three meals of the day. A few snacks are fine, just don’t go overboard! Your mouth needs a break in between eating to clean itself, washing away any leftover food debris.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is a quality dentist in the Los Angeles, CA, area. If you or your child need a dental appointment, call her office at 310-657-2200. You can also visit her website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.