Bruxism and Cracked Teeth

This has been an extremely stressful year, and unfortunately, many people are taking out their frustration on their teeth. Dentists across the country are noticing an increase in bruxism and tooth damage. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide dental restorations as well as cosmetic work, and we often repair teeth that have cracked or chipped. But in order to prevent further damage, people need to understand how stress impacts them and how to protect their smiles.

 

Bruxism is what we call it when people grind their teeth or clench their jaws in their sleep. Although it may be caused by breathing obstructions, the increasing prominence of bruxism is likely due to psychological strain. Grinding can cause tooth enamel to be worn down or to split. Small cracks in the dental crown may be merely a cosmetic issue, but deeper ones can expose the sensitive pulp to intolerable hot and cold, and a crack into the pulp itself can become an avenue for pathogens to enter the bloodstream.

 

A small crack can be covered by a veneer, and a small chip can be filled with an artificial crown. But if a crack goes deep we’d have to perform a root canal to protect the patient from infection, and if a crack is too large for a partial crown to stay in place, we’d have to provide a full artificial crown. All of these treatments only work when the crack is limited to the crown; if it goes into the root, the whole tooth will need to be replaced. Prosthetic teeth are meant to last, but bruxism can damage them, too. A patient suffering from bruxism may also need to get a night guard, which is worn over the teeth during sleep to prevent them from rubbing together. They may also want to try jaw-stretching exercises and mental relaxation techniques before bed.

 

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.

Maintaining Toothbrushes

Your toothbrush is your most important tool for keeping your mouth healthy. We know you’ve gotten one if you’ve been maintaining your appointments at Dr. Suzanne Haeri’s South Carthay dental office, but we hope you’re replacing it in between visits. Toothbrushes get less effective as they become worn, so to make sure our patients are taking good care of themselves, we wanted to say a bit about toothbrush maintenance.

 

It usually takes about three to four months for a toothbrush’s bristles to become too matted to be of use, although you’ll have to use your own judgment if you think you’re wearing them out sooner. You should certainly replace the toothbrush if the bristles are crushed down sideways. You should also be letting your toothbrush dry in the open air while upright, since putting it in a closed case will allow fungus to grow on it. There’s no evidence that free-floating bacteria that land on a toothbrush will harm the user, but washing the toothbrush with hot water before and after using it will help prevent bacterial build-up.

 

Some dental companies manufacture specialized tools for cleaning toothbrushes, including their own electric toothbrush heads. But you should never clean a toothbrush by putting it in a dishwasher or microwave, or you risk melting it. Different people’s toothbrushes should be kept from touching each other so that bacteria won’t migrate between people. It’s also a good idea to maintain separate toothbrushes for natural teeth and dentures, although that’s more to protect the dentures from being scratched by toothpaste intended for harder, natural teeth. And remember that only soft-bristled toothbrushes should be used for dental hygiene.

 

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.

Scaling and Planing

If your gums are red and puffy and you see blood when you spit out your toothpaste, you probably have gum disease. This is a common problem and it can be treated, but it won’t get better on its own. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we offer general dental services including deep cleanings for people suffering from gingivitis. This procedure is commonly regarded among dental researchers as the most reliable way of combating mild gum disease, ensuring that patients will be able to keep their teeth and avoid relapses.

 

Normally, gum tissue clings tightly to tooth roots. But if plaque is allowed to build up below the gum line, the acid caught in it will cause the gum tissue to pull away from the tooth, creating a pocket. This pocket doesn’t get cleaned during ordinary brushing and flossing and becomes a haven for oral bacteria. The infection cycle continues to escalate, causing the gums to become inflamed and recede.

 

During a scaling, we'll will use a hook to remove plaque from the gum pocket. The patient will be given a localized anesthetic before this and won’t feel anything. Damage to the tooth root caused by the plaque and tartar may have caused the root’s surface to become pitted, making it easy for bacteria to colonize in the future. To prevent this, the root may also be planed, meaning that it will be smoothed down. Planing may require a second appointment, and patients are often instructed to take an antibiotic afterward. Following a deep cleaning, patients will have to remain diligent about maintaining their oral hygiene, but their gums should heal and be able to hold their teeth in place.

 

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.

Plaque and Tartar

No matter what your teeth are like, keeping regular dental appointments is one of the most important things you can do to keep them healthy. Twice-yearly cleanings are an opportunity to remove tartar, the calculus that inevitably builds up on teeth near the gumline. At the South Carthay office of Dr. Suzanne Haeri, we provide general dental services as well as cosmetic specialties, and we want all our patients to be proud of having clean, healthy teeth and gums.

 

Plaque and tartar are different things. Plaque is sticky and always present. It’s a film on the teeth made up of saliva, sugar from food, and oral bacteria. There are hundreds of species of oral bacteria, and most of them have a neutral or positive impact on us, but a few produce acid as a by-product of their cellular respiration. The acid gets caught in the teeth’s bio-film, leading to the decay of tooth enamel and the recession of gum tissue.

 

Tartar is plaque that has hardened into a yellow or brown colored paste. It contributes to gum recession and inflammation, but unlike plaque, it can’t just be brushed away. It only takes a few hours for plaque to start hardening, which is why people should drink water throughout the day, brush their teeth twice a day, and try to stick to set meal times or clean their teeth after snacking. During a dental appointment, a hygienist will break up tartar safely and floss each tooth properly, but patients can reduce how much tartar builds up between appointments by practicing good hygiene and avoiding foods that are sticky and full of simple sugars.

 

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.

Laughing Gas 101

Nitrous oxide or commonly known as laughing gas is used in health care facilities to reduce pain and numb patients during a variety of treatments including surgery. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri uses laughing gas to provide a safe, comfortable, and positive environment during all your dental procedures. Here’s everything you need to know about laughing gas before you book your next appointment today!

 

What Is Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a colorless odorless substance mixed with nitrogen and oxygen. This sedation method has been used for centuries and was first discovered in 1793 by English scientist Joseph Priestly.

How It Works

 

Before undergoing a procedure that uses laughing gas sedation, avoid eating a big meal at least three hours beforehand. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist will fit a small mask over your nose to inhale the nitrous oxide gas. The sedation effects only take a few minutes after you breathe normally through the mask. Nitrous oxide gas does not put you to sleep, so you will still be able to hear sounds and see what is going on. Instead of feeling anxious and worried during your dental treatment, laughing gas causes euphoria and an increased level of relaxation.

 

Once the mask is removed, your lungs will need a few minutes to receive oxygen again and your body will be alert in no time.

 

Symptoms

 

Common symptoms of nitrous oxide include mental confusion and tingling or numbness of the limbs. The chances of negative side effects are very low, with patients experiencing fatigue, vomiting, shivering, or sweating when nitrous oxide dosage levels were too high or inhaled quickly. Dr. Haeri is skilled in administering laughing gas and will be at your side every step of the way.

 

Effects

 

Laughing gas has three effects for patients:

-Pain reduction

-Increased levels of euphoria, so you’re relaxed

-Decreased anxiety and dental phobia

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children?

 With new technologies in health practices, laughing gas is widely known as a safe sedation method for children. Contact our office today to find out if your child is a candidate for laughing gas 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.

 

Oral Health and Heart Disease

In a 2018 study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA), poor oral health was shown to be linked to several cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about oral health, which she believes fosters long-term wellness and prevents illnesses like heart disease. 

The Heart and Your Oral Health: How Are They Connected?

Many studies prove the link between heart health and dental habits. One study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology revealed that people who have gum disease or periodontal disease have higher risks of developing heart disease. But gum disease isn’t the only condition that can lead to heart disease. Poor brushing habits can also lead to heart conditions, according to findings presented at the AHA’s 2018 Scientific Session. 

Researchers have two theories of how oral health and the heart are connected. One way the two are connected is through the body’s bloodstream. Harmful bacteria in the mouth can spread through your bloodstream to the heart, elevating C reactive proteins that are associated with heart attacks. Another theory is that heart disease is your brain and body’s response to inflammation and plaque buildup in the gums and teeth. 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Your Los Angeles, CA dentist recommends healthy habits to prevent heart disease. These include:

-Eating a healthy diet chock full of fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and rinse out plaque.

-Regular visits to the dentist. At our L.A. clinic, we stay alert for heart disease indicators and provide thorough dental cleanings to reduce your mouth’s dangerous bacteria.

-Proper brushing and flossing. Make sure to brush and floss at least twice a day.

-Avoid smoking and tobacco use. These substances are not just bad for your oral and heart health, but your entire body, so it’s best to stay away.

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.

Dentures vs. Implants

Dentures or implants? If you’re confused about which option is the best for you, Dr. Suzanne Haeri of Los Angeles, CA can help. Our L.A. clinic uses many forms of technology like dentures and implants to transform your smile. 

What Are Dentures?

Dentures are removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and are designed to be placed above your gums. There are three types of dentures:

-Conventional dentures:

This type of denture is placed into your mouth only after all of your teeth are removed and the gum tissue is healed completely.  Typically, the healing process will take several months, so you won’t have teeth for that whole period.

-Immediate dentures:

Unlike conventional dentures, you don’t have to spend time without teeth if you choose immediate dentures. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist will fit dentures in your mouth before your teeth are taken out. After the teeth are removed, the dentures are placed immediately in the mouth. Once the jawbone is healed, Dr. Haeri will tighten your dentures to refit your mouth.

-Partial dentures:

If you’re only missing some of your teeth, you may be a candidate for partial dentures. Using precision attachments, partial dentures are connected to the natural teeth that already remain in your mouth and do not need to be removed. 

What Are Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution to replace crooked or missing teeth. Instead of altering any teeth, implants replicate the root of the natural tooth and bond to your jawbone. Unlike dentures, implants feel like natural teeth and are meant to be cared for like natural teeth. After anesthesia, Dr. Haeri will place a titanium screw into your jaw bone. With an abutment and crown placed on the implant, the new tooth will appear just like a natural tooth and remain permanent. 

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.