Mouthwash 101

Mouthwash has been around since the beginning of the Roman empire thousands of years ago. Today, many people include mouthwash in their dental routine to feel fresh and clean. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about oral health, including the importance of mouthwash. Here’s everything you need to know about mouthwash.

Mouthwash Can’t Cure Bad Breath

Halitosis or bad breath refers to the condition where bacteria grow in your body or mouth, resulting in stinky breath. While mouthwash does transform your breath into a minty fresh, it only masks the smelly odor temporarily. Bad breath is typically an underlying symptom of many health problems such as poor hygiene, gum disease, infection, or chronic illnesses. 

Mouthwash Doesn’t Replace Brushing or Flossing

Contrary to popular belief, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash doesn’t mean ditching the toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash is an addition to your dental routine. Not everyone uses mouthwash, but everyone should be brushing and flossing their teeth regularly for good oral health. 

Mouthwash Has Different Types

Mouthwash comes in two varieties: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes come in several different flavors and nice scents for the temporary benefit of masking bad breath. For patients with gingivitis or dry mouth,  Dr. Haeri of Los Angeles, CA prescribes therapeutic mouthwash. Therapeutic mouthwash can only be bought with a dentist’s prescription, so contact our office today for an appointment. 

Mouthwash Is Not for Children

Fluoride is a common ingredient in mouthwash. But increased fluoride exposure leads to fluorosis, a condition that affects teeth while they’re developing permanent molars. Another reason why it’s not advised for children under six years to use mouthwash is the potential to swallow the product.

To learn 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.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Teeth sensitivity? White spots? Decay? Your child may be suffering from enamel hypoplasia or weak enamel. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri specializes in treating all things teeth for your little one, including enamel hypoplasia. This enamel deficiency leads to serious dental problems if not treated right away, so schedule an appointment now. 

What is Enamel?

Considered the hardest tissue in the body, the enamel is a thin covering around each tooth. This covering protects your teeth from any damage including from daily activities such as brushing, chewing, grinding, biting, hot or cold temperatures, and even chemicals. This is why thin or weak enamel opens the door to a variety of issues for your child’s oral health if not taken care of soon. 

Causes

Developmental conditions like Usher syndrome, Secked syndrome, or Otodental syndrome.

Vitamin deficiencies

Smoking and drug abuses by the mother

Maternal or fetal infection

Infection

Celiac disease

Liver issues

Malnutrition

Medications that are given to the child earlier in life or to the mother while pregnant

Teeth trauma such as rough brushing and sports injuries

Symptoms
Higher risk of acid attacks, or enamel erosion caused by acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit beverages.

White spots on the surface of teeth

Pits or fissures on teeth

Tooth decay and increased cavities

Yellow or brown discoloration

Attrition or lack of tooth contact

Hypersensitivity especially to hot and cold temperatures.

Increased accumulation of bacteria

Translucent thin enamel surface

Treatment

Early detection of enamel hypoplasia gives your child a better chance of fixing the issue. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist will prescribe sealants for your child to protect their teeth against tooth decay. To repair already damaged teeth, we recommend crowns for your child. For more information on treatment options for enamel hypoplasia, contact our office today!

To learn 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.

4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri understands dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Los Angeles, CA are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Dr. Haeri is understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why our Los Angeles, CA office is artistically designed with calming colors to distract and ease any fears.

To learn 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.