Dental Hygiene for Diabetics

Dr. Suzanne Haeri in Los Angeles, CA, helps diabetics in the city and surrounding California area to improve their dental hygiene. Unfortunately, when you have uncontrolled blood glucose levels, it creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria in your mouth. Not to mention, diabetes can interfere with your body's ability to fight against any bacteria. Let's discuss how we can help. 

Common Dental Problems for Diabetics 

Your high blood sugar levels aren't just high in your bloodstream; they're high in your saliva as well. This can feed the bacteria that cause gum disease. In fact, it can feed any bacteria in your mouth, which can also increase your risk of tooth decay. 

With diabetes, you may have dry mouth. Since saliva is necessary for your mouth to clear food debris, bacteria, and fungi, these can build up in your mouth and lead to thrush or gum disease. 

Because diabetes affects your white blood cells, your body can't fight infections as well as someone without diabetes, which can lead to these oral health problems lingering. 

Importance of Routine Dental Care

Routine dental hygiene is a vital component of oral health for anyone, but it's especially vital for diabetics due to the fact that they're more at risk of oral health issues because of their condition. 

During regular oral health visits, our dentist can evaluate the health of your mouth and identify any problems early when they're more manageable. 

Besides screenings, we also provide a thorough routine cleaning. At this point, our hygienist will thoroughly clean your teeth using a special dental-grade toothbrush and toothpaste. The cleaning will even target any debris or bacteria in between your teeth. This reduces the build-up of bacteria in the mouth, which can ultimately prevent diabetes-related teeth and gum problems. 

How We Help 

As a general rule, you need to have at least two visits per year with a Los Angeles, CA, dentist if you have diabetes. People who have serious cases of uncontrolled diabetes may need to visit the dentist more often, but your practitioner will provide you with recommendations when you visit. 

Routine visits include cleaning, x-rays, and thorough evaluation of the inside of your mouth to assess for problems. If any are detected, our dentist will inform you, and you and her can make a decision on how to correct the issue.

Part of your appointment will also include information about how to better manage your diabetes for better oral health. 

Dr. Haeri of Los Angeles, CA, helps diabetics have a lifetime of good oral health, despite their diagnosis. We work to find you a program tailored to your specific needs. 

Contact us today by calling 310-657-2200. 

Root Canals

One of the most notoriously known procedures in endodontics is the root canal. Endodontics focuses on the nerves of the teeth. As you may know, anything that affects a nerve in the body is quite painful. It is vital that steps are taken toward the prevention of ever needing a root canal. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, is committed to educating her patients about proper dental hygiene at home and the importance of regular dental cleanings.

When bacteria infect the root canal of a tooth, a root canal procedure is required to eliminate this bacteria, prevent reinfection, and save the natural tooth. When a patient undergoes a root canal, the inflamed pulp caused by the bacteria is removed, then the inside of the tooth is disinfected, filled, and sealed carefully. If the natural tooth is saved with a root canal, there are many advantages for the patient. Benefits include protection from the other teeth getting worn or stained, normal biting force and sensation, natural appearance, and better chewing.

Signs that you might need a root canal include:

-Swollen or tender gums

-A chipped or cracked tooth

-Pimples on your gums

-Pain while chewing or biting

-Darkening of your gums

-Sensitivity to hot or cold, even after the sensation has been physically removed

Are you suffering from a severe toothache? Hurry in for a checkup! can get you started on a treatment plan. 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.

Importance of Dental Hygiene

Kids hear it, the neighbor hears it, grandma hears it: take care of your teeth! It goes for everyone, especially if you are going through orthodontic treatment. Avoid complications by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist yearly for professional cleanings. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, takes pride in educating patients about the importance of proper oral hygiene. Help us help you keep your smile looking good for years to come!

Did you know that there is a connection between oral health and overall health? Sometimes what’s going on inside your mouth can be an indicator of what’s going on inside your body, and vice versa. Mayo Clinic says “Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases.” Some diseases, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, have the potential to lower the body’s resistance to infection, causing oral issues to be more severe in patients afflicted with these diseases. On the other hand, patients with poor dental hygiene are at a higher risk for problems like cardiovascular disease or pneumonia.

For good oral hygiene, try to:

-Brush and floss twice a day

-Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing

-Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fibrous foods to act as “nature’s toothbrush”

-Limit sugar and acidic beverages

-Replace your toothbrush every three months

-Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist

-Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco products

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.

 

How Fruit Juice Affects Your Teeth

Fruit juice seems like the perfect healthy drink for your kids, right? This all-natural beverage may seem like the best choice for your kids to enjoy as opposed to soda or caffeinated drinks. But, fruit drinks are also a major culprit for tooth decay and cavities. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats a variety of dental health problems, including tooth decay which can stem from fruit juice.

The Dangers of Sugar

You’ve probably heard the dangers of sugar a thousand times. Sugar negatively impacts your body and your teeth are no different. After you eat junk food or sip on unhealthy drinks, harmful bacteria in your mouth like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus feed on the sugars leftover in your saliva. These bacteria create a plaque on the surface of your teeth. They also trigger destructive acids which cause enamel erosion and tooth decay.

But, Why Fruit Juice?

Okay, we know sugar is bad, but why is fruit juice dangerous for oral health? When it comes to fruit juice or any similar food, keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t mean its completely healthy. 

Whether its sugar from candy or natural sugars derived from fruit, sugar is still sugar and harms your child’s teeth. Fruit juice isn’t all that healthy as well, with too much extra sugar and calories even if it’s naturally derived from just fruit. Bacteria also feed off natural sugars in your child’s mouth, leading the way for weak enamel and decay.

Treatment

Prevention is the best medicine. So the next time you pair your child’s afternoon snack with some beverage, choose water instead of juice. Of course, you don’t have to completely end your child’s juice intake but limiting the amount of fruit juice your child consumes daily is a good idea.

If your child is already experiencing dental problems from sugar, contact Dr. Haeri’s office in Los Angeles, CA today.  We use a variety of treatment options including fillings, crowns, and extractions to improve your child’s oral health. 

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.

Crooked Teeth

Crooked teeth can be a major problem if they are not treated properly. Crooked teeth can cause crowding among your teeth and begin to overlap each other. We want our patients at Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS to know there are ways to fix their crooked teeth and prevent crowding from occurring.

When there isn’t enough room in your mouth to fit, crowding can occur and lead to shifting. In some cases, overbites can form when your upper and lower jaws aren’t the same size, which extends your bottom teeth and jaw outward.

If you have difficulty chewing you may need a tooth extraction or braces. Braces are required to fix crowding and crooked teeth.

We advise our patients to get braces when they are young since their mouth is still growing. As your mouth continues to develop and expect your teeth will grow in straighter and more naturally.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding crooked teeth and treatment options, 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.

Gum Disease Prevention

At Suzanne Haeri, DDS, Periodontal, better known as gum disease, is an inflammatory condition of the gums and bone support around your teeth. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS and her staff advises our patients to practice good oral health care to prevent gum disease from forming. Gum disease begins when bacteria grows in your mouth and causes you to loose teeth if not treated properly. When bacteria in plaque builds up on your teeth, your gums turn red or inflamed when brushing and flossing.

Some symptoms of gum disease includes swollen or bleeding in your gums, loose or shifting teeth, and persistent bad breath. Our doctors can diagnose the early stages of gum disease by examining your gums and the sensitivity of your teeth.

Don’t forget to take the proper precautions to prevent gum disease. Being consistent and throughout with your oral care routine is important to healthy teeth and gums. Avoiding tobacco products of all kinds is also important to avoiding gum disease.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding gum disease and prevention, 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.

Proper Flossing

Dr. Suzanne Haeri provides the best oral care for patients and wants you and your family to continue healthy oral care routines at home. Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to floss effectively:

• A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using. 


• The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

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

Do you Brush the Wrong Way?

Brushing your teeth should be something you do two or three times per day, so you should be familiar with the process. However, did you know that there are wrong ways to brush? Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS of Los Angeles, CA wants her patients to know some of the harmful ways of brushing so they can avoid these habits and subsequent problems.

The purpose of brushing your teeth is to scrub away the plaque that builds up during the day and night. Plaque is a thin, sticky layer of bacteria that is formed from food, drinks, saliva, and other debris. All that is needed to remove it is a light scrub with soft bristles.

This brings up the first way patients can go wrong when brushing: brushing too hard. Using stiff bristles or excessive force can do more than remove plaque; it can also remove enamel! This will wear down teeth, resulting in more cavities and sensitivity. You could also harm your gums.

Another common way people brush wrong is by brushing too soon. You read it right; you can brush your teeth too soon. While you should brush after meals, you need to wait a short amount of time, first. This is because there is acid in the food and drinks we consume which softens our enamel. You should wait at least thirty minutes after eating or drinking anything but water to brush your teeth. This is to give your enamel time to re-harden so it is not worn down.

Keep these tips in mind when you are brushing morning and night! To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, call our Los Angeles, CA office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com. 

Keeping Away Bad Breath

Fresh breath is desirable for everyone. You want fresh breath for yourself and you also want fresh breath for anyone you are close to. Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS wants patients to know that fresh breath has a lot to do with oral hygiene. Keep reading to learn tips!

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. This is why it is important to keep up with your oral hygiene. Plaque can form on your teeth and tongue just hours after brushing. To keep it at bay, brush three times per day and floss at least once per day.

Bacteria will thrive in dry conditions, so it is also important to stay hydrated. Get your recommended amount of water in every day. Also, keep drinks that dehydrate you to a minimum. This includes drinks with caffeine and alcohol.

In addition to bacteria, there are also some more obvious foods that can stain our breath, like garlic. For occasions where you have stinky breath from something you ate, chew on some mint leaves or lemon rinds. These not only will help freshen breath, but they include the production of saliva. This will aid in staying hydrated and washing away bacteria.

Keep these tips in mind to keep away bad breath. To schedule a cleaning and examination with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, DDS, call our Los Angeles, CA office at (310) 657-2200 or visit our website, www.suzannehaeridds.com. 

Brushing Technique

Your teeth are not the only important part of your mouth. Your gums are essential to your oral hygiene as well. It is important that you brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis to prevent tooth decay and invasive procedures in the future. As much as we love to see you and your smile at the dental practice of Suzanne Haeri, DDS, we want you to keep your permanent teeth for a lifetime. You can start by utilizing these brushing tips the next time you whip out that toothbrush of yours.

• Start with the outer and inner surfaces, and brush at a 45-degree angle. Don’t forget your back teeth!


• Move on to the chewing surfaces. Hold the brush flat and brush back and forth along these surfaces.


• Once you get to the inside surfaces of your front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and use gentle up-and-down strokes with the tip of the brush.


• Be sure to brush your teeth gently along the gum line.


• Don’t forget to brush your tongue!

If you have questions about how to maintain your oral hygiene routine, give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as other services we provide, visit www.suzannehaeridds.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri DDS in Los Angeles, CA, call 310-657-2200.