Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Oral hygiene is already important when it comes to a healthy mouth, but it’s even more important when the mouth is going through orthodontic treatment. There are more nooks and crannies when brackets are placed on the teeth, wherein food is trapped and turned into plaque. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating patients with braces about the importance of an at-home oral hygiene regimen. 

 

Patients with braces are at an increased risk for early stages of tooth decay and gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t used. Dr. Haeri recommends brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing, two to three times a day. You should be brushing in and around each bracket and wire, brushing in a circular motion where the gums and teeth meet, and brushing in a back and forth motion on the tops of molars.

 

Other things to consider during orthodontic treatment:

 

-Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing properly or regularly.

-Certain foods can loosen, break, or bend wires. To limit stress on your braces, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

Do you have a question or concern? We are happy to help! Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Tips for Tongue Hygiene

So you brush and floss your teeth two to three times a day as is recommended. That’s great! But did you know that you should also be brushing your tongue? Just as your teeth and braces are covered in food and bacteria throughout the day, so is your tongue. Your tongue has its own nooks and crannies that it could be carrying just as much bacteria as your teeth. This creates the perfect environment for bad breath. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, has a couple of tips to get you on the right track to good tongue hygiene.

We know what you’re thinking, “isn’t my tongue cleaned enough with toothpaste and a good rinse?” Unfortunately, like your teeth need a good scrubbing to get them clean, so does your tongue. That buildup on your tongue is so tough to remove that even mouthwash doesn’t always do the job. If anything, mouthwash successfully removes the top layer of bacteria, but what’s underneath can still thrive. The bacteria can lead to not only bad breath but tooth damage.

Every time you brush your teeth, brush back and forth and side to side on your tongue to remove some of that buildup, then rinse with water. Be careful not to over brush though, it would be very uncomfortable if you broke the skin! Just a gentle yet thorough brushing will do the trick. Some people prefer tongue scrapers, though there is no proven evidence that tongue scrapers prevent bad breath. 

Are you due for a routine checkup with Dr. Haeri? We can help with that! Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Night Guards

Night guards are placed in the mouth to act as a “cushion” during sleep to prevent someone from grinding or gnashing their teeth together. Some people actually do this during the day as well. Grinding your teeth, also known as bruxism, damages enamel, wears down teeth, causes jaw pain, and irritates gums. If you think you are grinding your teeth, Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, can help you.

Severe teeth grinding can lead to tension-type headaches and disorders in the temporomandibular joints (TMJ), where a clicking noise is heard when you open and close your mouth. Teeth grinding has also been seen in quite a few children. According to WebMD, “approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth.” The first step to preventing teeth grinding is to determine what is causing it. Sometimes a night guard or change in lifestyle is all you need to prevent it.

There are several factors that increase the chances of grinding your teeth:

-Stress and anxiety

-Age (though common in children, bruxism goes away by adulthood)

-Aggressive or competitive personality type

-Psychiatric medications

-Smoking tobacco

-Consuming caffeine or alcohol

-Family history of teeth grinding

-Other disorders such as Parkinson's, dementia, gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), epilepsy, night terrors, sleep apnea, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Do you think you’re experiencing bruxism and want to try a night guard? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

Losing The First Baby Tooth

It’s incredible how quickly children grow up. Before you know it, they’re losing their first baby tooth! The first tooth is usually lost between the ages of six and seven. For some children, this can create stress and anxiety. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, located in Los Angeles, CA, doesn’t want this to be the case. It’s why we’ve created this small guide for losing your baby teeth. Losing the first tooth is an experience your child will remember forever. Make sure it’s a happy memory!

 

Every parent knows that their child is unique. That’s why there’s no way to know for sure when the first baby tooth will become loose. Don’t worry if it happens earlier or later than normal. The best indicator is the age their teeth first came in. The earlier a tooth erupted, the earlier the age they fall out. Same with teeth that came in later. It’s simple!

 

The first baby tooth emerges around the age of six months old. After that, three to four follow every few months. All teeth are in place by the age of two. Here is the order that the baby teeth erupt: bottom middle teeth, top two middle teeth, first molars, and then second molars. They are then lost in this order, more or less. Your child will have lost and gained all their adult teeth by the time they reach thirteen.

 

Make sure your child isn’t scared by the odd sensation of a loose tooth. A baby tooth gets ready to fall out by disconnecting its nerve endings. The tooth becomes loose and wiggly. The gums around it will become inflamed and swollen. A cold compress eliminates any pain. If there is a pain when eating, supplement the diet with healthier, softer foods.

 

Suzanne Haeri DDS is a family-friendly dentist. She treats patients of all ages. Visit our office in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, call 310-657-2200 or visit her website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.

How Sugar Affects Your Teeth

Sugar impacts your teeth in a big way. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating her patients about the importance of restricting sugary foods and drinks. It’s ideal to cut out this kind of food from your diet completely, but it’s understandable that sometimes there’s nothing better than a crisp soda on a hot day. More attention should be paid to, say, how many sugary beverages you drink in a day or week. Is it really adding up? If so, consider restricting your intake for the sake of your teeth.

Sugar easily coats the surface of your teeth and attracts the “bad bacteria,” such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. These destructive bacteria feed on the sugar and disturb the natural pH of your mouth, to the point where the acidity is too much for your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth is broken down little by little. This isn’t ideal since tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once that natural barrier is gone, it’s gone for good. Improper dental hygiene only speeds up this destructive process.

If you can’t give up sugar completely, then consider these tips to fight tooth decay:

- Watch what you eat and drink. Make sure to incorporate healthy options, such as fibrous vegetables.

- Restrict the sugar. Try drinking more water, your teeth will thank you (and so will your body).

- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing two to three times a day.

- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look inside your mouth, monitor anything suspicious, and give your teeth a good professional cleaning. 

Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Inlays and Onlays

Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, is committed to making sure you have a smile that you can be proud of, which is why she offers cosmetic dentistry services to help rebuild your smile. Dental inlays are used to replace a small portion of a tooth that is missing, which is similar to how fillings are used, only now inlays are made of tooth-colored ceramic or porcelain instead of gold. Inlays fit inside the tooth and undergo a bonding process that improves the overall strength of the tooth. Like inlays, dental onlays also fit inside the tooth except they extend to the chewing surface at the back of the tooth to replace a missing cusp. Onlays were also made of gold, undergoing a similar bonding process.

The procedure begins by removing the decayed material from the tooth. A mold is then taken and sent to the lab to create the inlay or onlay. It takes about two to three weeks for the inlay or onlay to be made, so in the meantime, a temporary inlay or onlay is placed on the tooth. When the process of making the inlay or outlay is completed, it is set on the tooth with cement.

Prevention is the best way to avoid sitting under the drill. Regular flossing and brushing will decrease the chances of needing these procedures done since cavities and tooth decay are at the root of these issues. 

Are you interested in learning more about the inlay and onlay procedure? We are happy to address any questions or concerns you have. Suzanne Haeri DDS practices at 1100 S La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles, CA 90035. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit suzannehaeridds.com or call 310-657-2200.

 

Tongue Brushing For Children

At Suzanne Haeri DDS, we treat patients of all ages. Dr. Suzanne Haeri believes that teaching children strong dental hygiene practices now will follow them into adulthood. It’s why we recommend having your child brush their tongue daily. It might sound strange, but it’s a good dental habit for everyone! The tongue is an overlooked but very important part of the mouth. If you’re interested in learning more, visit our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

Children are at a higher risk of tooth decay than adults. This is because their teeth are much softer than adult teeth. Tongue cleaning eliminates some of that risk. You may be asking why. The answer is really simple! Tongues are sticky, letting them hold onto large amounts of bacteria and food debris. This results in tooth decay and other issues. Brushing and flossing can only clean so much. It’s why tongue cleaning is the perfect solution.

 

Your child can use their toothbrush to clean their tongue. Did you know there’s an even better solution? Most grocery stores and supermarkets sell pediatric tongue cleaners. They vary by size based on your child’s age. The perfect size will match the width of their tongue. Just wait until your child is at least five years old.

 

The cleaning itself is a straightforward process. Stand with your child in front of a mirror where they can see themselves. Ask them to stick out their tongue. While watching themselves in the mirror, help them place the scrapper at the back of the tongue. Instruct them to slowly bring the appliance down towards the tip. It’s that easy!

 

If you’re looking for a family dentist in Los Angeles, CA, contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, call 310-657-2200 or visit her website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.

Sjorgen's Syndrome

Many medical conditions negatively impact your dental health. One of these is called Sjorgen’s Syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s saliva and tear glands. These glands become damaged and stop working. If you notice that your mouth is chronically dry, schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri today. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Suzanne Haeri DDS treats patients of all ages.

 

There is an incredibly long list of symptoms that accompany Sjorgen’s Syndrome. We’ve sorted out the ones that directly affect the mouth:

 

-Dry mouth, lips, and throat

-Frequent cavities or infections

-Scratchy or hoarse voice

-Problems swallowing

-Chronic cough

-Swollen salivary glands in the neck and face

 

Today there is still no known cause for Sjorgen’s Syndrome. Researchers believe the answer may lie with an individual’s genes or exposure to certain germs. That doesn’t mean there isn’t treatment. The first step is to obtain a diagnosis. Schedule an appointment with your Los Angeles, CA, dentist. She measures your saliva gland and flow. Dr. Haeri will also treat any problems that result from your condition, like cavities.

 

Your treatment plan depends on you. Certain medications help stop your body’s immune response. In terms of your dry mouth, there are ways to increase saliva production. There is Artificial Saliva, which keeps your mouth moist. There are also over-the-counter products like mouthwash and toothpaste that increase saliva flow.

 

If you or a loved one struggle with chronic dry mouth, and you’re not sure why, schedule an appointment at Suzanne Haeri DDS. Your Los Angeles, CA, dentist is here for you. Call our office at 310-657-2200 or visit Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.

Receding Gums

It’s a rare occurrence that a dental condition develops instantly overnight. Receding gums, like most dental problems, develop over time. That’s why many of the patients that Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats don’t realize it until too late! Call us right away if you notice gum tissue surrounding the tooth disappearing. Your teeth are at risk! Visit Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA.

 

You won’t notice the effects of receding gums right away. You’ll notice these major symptoms without necessarily connecting them. The first sign is that your teeth suddenly appear longer. When the gums recede, more of your tooth becomes visible. Another symptom is sudden teeth sensitivity. This means that the roots of your teeth are being exposed. Lastly, your teeth become loose. This is because of the large amounts of bacteria that can now gain access. The previous attachment structures are now gone.

 

There are a few causes of receding gums. The most common is poor dental care, resulting in periodontal (gum) disease. You should also evaluate your brushing habits. Brushing too hard damages the gums too. There is also the possibility of teeth grinding or a misaligned bite. The exact cause can’t be known without an appointment at our Los Angeles, CA, office.

 

The best treatment comes from you. You need to start taking better care of your teeth through more frequent dental appointments, brushing, and flossing. Talk to your dentist about dental products better suited to your needs. This means things like specific brands of toothpaste, etc. We treat a mild gum recession with deep cleaning and antibiotics. For severe gum recession, you’ll require gum surgery.

 

Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact Suzanne Haeri DDS today. We are located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, call 310-657-2200 or visit her website at https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/.