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/.

Sealants

Every parent wants the best for their child. That doesn’t change when it comes to their dental care! Dr. Suzanne Haeri, a dentist in West Los Angeles, CA, treats patients of all ages. That’s why she offers Sealants for pediatric patients. This helps prevent cavities from forming. Children’s teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay because of their softer nature. Sealants stop tooth decay right in its tracks! Applying sealants is quick and easy. A tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted onto the teeth, sealing out the bacteria. Be proactive with your child’s health and schedule an appointment today!

 

To understand how beneficial sealants are, you need to first understand cavity formation. When we eat and drink, acid wears away at our enamel. Think of the enamel is the hard outer layer that protects your teeth. These areas attract bacteria that start attacking the enamel. A cavity forms when it infiltrates the dentin. Your child’s baby teeth are much weaker than adult teeth. This makes them easy targets for cavities. Sealants are the perfect solution.

 

Applying the sealants is a straight-forward process. There is no pain or discomfort at all. Dr. Haeri uses a small tool to gently brush the sealants onto the teeth. From there, it sets and forms to the grooves of the tooth. It essentially acts as a barrier against tartar and plaque. Food particles are also deterred. The sealants are made to withstand any everyday activities. In most cases, sealants won’t need a replacement for several years.

 

Your child’s health is incredibly important. If you’re interested in our pediatric dental services, reach out to our office in West Los Angeles, CA, today. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Fluorosis

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps keep your teeth healthy. It’s found in the water and most dental products. When a child encounters too much fluoride, they develop Fluorosis. This isn’t a disease or harmful condition, but an alteration in the appearance of the teeth. You’ll notice very faint streaks or white lines on your child’s teeth. If you notice this or are worried about your child’s fluoride consumption, contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri today. Her office in West Los Angeles, CA, treats patients of all ages.

 

Your child’s dentist is the expert on fluoride. They’ll inform you how much fluoride your child should consume. There are also a few things that dissuade fluorosis from developing:

 

For infants to three-year-olds, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding. When their teeth come in and you start brushing them, use the appropriate amount of toothpaste. Don’t use more than a grain of rice.

 

For three to eight-year-olds, have them brush twice a day. The recommended amount of toothpaste is about the size of a pea. Make sure they do not swallow fluoride products like toothpaste. You should avoid having them use mouthwash before the age of six.

 

It’s important to remember that your child developing fluorosis isn’t a big deal. Some dentists believe that it helps deter plaque and tartar. If you’re worried, you should contact our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

If you’re interested in our pediatric dental services, contact us today! We are conveniently located in West Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Flossing With Braces

Suzanne Haeri DDS is located in West Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Haeri knows all areas of dental health. This includes orthodontic care. Braces make it a bit harder to keep your teeth clean. Yet it’s even more important to floss daily with them on! Brackets and wires trap the food. That’s why we’ve created this basic guide of the different compatible flossing apparatuses. Find out which one works best for you!

 

The floss threader is the first option. These look like a dull, plastic needle. Start by threading the floss through the eye. The threader moves the floss under the wire and into place. Continue flossing from this point as normal. Regardless of whether you have braces or not, it’s necessary to floss daily. Try flossing after every meal to fully clean your teeth.

 

The second option is the floss picks. These look like a miniature prong. Floss is threaded tautly between the two tines. This is a quicker and simpler flossing method. The floss pick is thin enough to fit under the wire. Push the thread between each tooth and clean it as normal. These devices are available in grocery stores and supermarkets. They are relatively inexpensive and a great tool to have.

 

Waterpiks are similar to the tools used in our dental office. These spray a steady stream of water at the teeth. This works as a highly pressurized form of flossing. The water is so strong that it knocks out food and debris. Additional add-ons are available specifically for orthodontic cleaning.

 

Suzanne Haeri DDS is located in West Los Angeles. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri, call 310-657-2200 or visit https://www.suzannehaeridds.com/

SNAP Cosmetic Simulation Software

Dr. Suzanne Haeri has been practicing dental surgery for over twenty-five years. She prides herself on keeping up with current dental treatments, technologies, and continuing education courses. Dr. Haeri realizes that each patient is unique, which is why she offers different treatment options in an effort to find what suits her patients best. At her Los Angeles, CA practice, she is excited to offer SNAP Cosmetic Simulation Software to her patients. 

 

Dental professionals now have the ability to give patients an “instant digital makeover” with SNAP. Patients know what they look like before a procedure, but it’s not until after the procedure is completed or when the mouth is fully healed that a patient sees the “after.” With the click of a button and SNAP’s special software, SNAP gives the patient a simulated version of their post-procedure smile. Dr. Haeri compares the before and after photos and points out the differences a procedure can make on your smile.

 

SNAP can be used as a before and after device for procedures like:

 

- Bridge implants

- Bonding

- Crowns and veneers

- Whitening

 

Ask us how you can get your free smile evaluation with SNAP Cosmetic Simulation Software today. 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.