Mouthguards for Protecting Teeth

While preventing head trauma is the main concern during contact sports, some people rarely consider their teeth another vital area to protect. Dr. Suzanne Haeri recommends athletes of any age to wear a mouthguard while participating in high impact sports, such as football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer. You are given only one smile unique to you, it’s up to you to take matters into your own hands and protect it!

 

In addition to mouthguards protecting the structural integrity of your teeth, they also protect against jaw damage and lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouthguards have also been proven to decrease the risk of concussions. What’s better than another way to protect yourself from serious head trauma? While mouthguards are available in most sporting goods stores, these don’t always offer the best protection since they can be ill-fitting.

 

A custom made mouthguard is the best option if you want to have the highest level of comfort and protection. It is created with thin, hardened plastic specifically to fit your mouth and your mouth only. The thinness of a custom mouthguard also allows for easy breathing and communication between your teammates. To ensure optimal protection on the field, court, or rink, reach out to Dr. Haeri about how you can get a custom made mouthguard.

 

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.

 

Flossing with Braces

Brushing shouldn’t be the only part of your daily dental routine! Flossing is important too. This is especially true when you have braces. Dr. Suzanne Haeri recommends investing in flossing applicators. These different devices circumvent your braces so you can floss correctly. Flossing once a day ensures you don’t develop cavities. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

When you have braces, you need to be flossing more than once a day. It’s recommended to floss after every meal. Braces give bacteria unique new areas to grow. Trapped food just attracts more germs to these areas. Being proactive is a necessity.

 

-One of the most important orthodontic flossing devices is floss threaders. These are small dental tools that move floss under the orthodontic wire. From there, you’re able to floss normally. It’s a necessary tool in every patient’s orthodontic care kit.

-Floss picks are also a viable option. These look like small, two-forked prongs. Floss is strung between the prongs. Because of their smaller size, these devices avoid the wire. Carefully move the pronged floss between your teeth to clean them.

-Lastly, consider investing in a Waterpik. These tools are similar to devices used in dental offices. The Waterpik sprays a steady stream of water at your teeth. The pressure then pushes the food and debris out. Most Waterpiks have available add-ons for orthodontic cleanings.

 

If you’re interested in learning more about these products, reach out to our Los Angeles, CA, staff. Dr. Suzanne Haeri is available by appointment. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Post-Extraction Care: Dry Sockets

One of the most important aspects of a successful tooth extraction recovery is following the post-operative instructions. Otherwise, you are at risk for developing a Dry Socket. These require immediate treatment by Dr. Suzanne Haeri at her office in Los Angeles, CA. If you notice any extreme pain or sensitivity after the procedure, call us right away. Dr. Haeri will try to see you as soon as possible.

 

The full name for a dry socket is Alveolar Osteitis. In simple terms, this translates to inflammation of the tooth socket. When removing a tooth from a healthy socket, blood clots form and the healing process begins. Dry sockets happen when this healing process is hindered in some way. These can develop on both the upper and lower jaw and are more common with complicated extractions.

 

Dry socket symptoms become noticeable around three days after an extraction. It starts with sharp or throbbing pain in the affected area. You’ll notice that the pain worsens when eating or drinking. Be aware of any sensitivity.

 

Your Los Angeles, CA, dentist provides dry socket treatment. At your appointment, the area is thoroughly examined. Deep cleaning removes all bacteria and debris from the socket. In certain cases, a dressing is placed on the tooth. This removes any pain while speeding up the healing process. Afterward, symptoms alleviate within a day or so. Take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling.

 

It’s important to always follow your post-operative care instructions. Doing so prevents dry sockets and other complications. If you notice any of the above symptoms, call Dr. Suzanne Haeri right away. To schedule an appointment with your Los Angeles, CA, dentist, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Dry Mouth

Dr. Suzanne Haeri treats a variety of dental conditions at her office in Los Angeles, CA, including Dry Mouth. This condition, also known as Xerostomia, makes it difficult to accomplish everyday tasks. Your mouth is too dry to eat, chew, and even speak. If any of these symptoms sound familiar, schedule an appointment today. Dry mouth should never be ignored. It’s often a sign of a serious medical condition.

 

Saliva isn’t just for eating and speaking! It plays a very important role in your dental health. Saliva cleans your teeth of food debris while eliminating harmful pathogens. When your salivary glands aren’t functioning correctly, you are at risk of developing serious dental conditions. Plaque and tooth decay occur more frequently. Scheduling an appointment with your Los Angeles dentist avoids any complications.

 

Determining the cause of your dry mouth is the first step. Dr. Haeri will ask about your medical history and any current medications you’re on. There are over 500 different medications that produce dry mouth. Research all daily pharmaceuticals, even ones as simple as allergy relief. You might need to talk to your general practitioner or primary care physician about switching to an alternative medication. Autoimmune disorders may also be the culprit. Certain conditions, like Sjögren's syndrome, are known for causing dry mouth. This systemic disorder attacks the salivary glands. Contemplate other medical treatments you’re receiving. Chemotherapy commonly produces dry mouth.

 

Treatment depends entirely upon you. The cause of the dryness also plays a part. In general, there are a few ways to increase your saliva production. First, cut all sugary drinks and foods from your diet. Sugar is known for drying out your mouth. Eliminate drinks like soda, coffee, tea, and alcohol from your daily routines. Instead, drink water. Increasing your water intake keeps your mouth moist. Lastly, consider over-the-counter dry mouth medications. These are available at your local grocery store or supermarket. They are available in gel, mouthwash, and toothpaste form.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is a dental professional located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment with her office, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, no matter how careful you are! Like most emergencies, you don’t plan for them. Maybe you’re playing sports with your friends, you trip on a rug and fall, or experience a hit to the face. Dr. Suzanne Haeri will get you an appointment as soon as possible, to the best of her ability. In the meantime, it’s important to understand what you should and shouldn’t do while you wait.

 

The first step is to contact our Los Angeles office immediately. If you can’t reach us, consider going to your local emergency room. Otherwise, here is a simplified list of dental emergencies and how to treat them:

 

-Lost filling: try to locate the filling. While you wait for your replacement, use sugarless gum to protect the area from harm.

-Loose crown: if you have the crown, attempt to place it back on the tooth. If you have to wait for an appointment, over-the-counter denture cement can keep the crown in place.

-Severe toothache: the first thing you must do is check that nothing is lodged between the teeth. Caught food or debris are possible culprits. Clean the areas thoroughly. If the toothache continues, call our office right away.

-Chipped or broken tooth: rinse out your mouth, saving as much of the tooth as possible. You’ll need to keep an icepack applied to your face. This prevents further swelling. Switch these out every 15 minutes while waiting for your emergency appointment.

-Dislodged tooth: these are teeth that haven't been knocked out all the way. You mustn’t touch the tooth at all. Keep the area clean and take anti-inflammatory medication. These help with the swelling before the appointment.

-Knocked out tooth: find the tooth and clean it well. In certain cases, your dentist may re-attach it. Try to place the tooth back in the area it came from. If it doesn’t stay, place it in some cold milk or salt-water. You will need to see us right away.

 

There are other less urgent problems Dr. Haeri helps with. These include abscessed or swollen teeth, cheeks, and lips. She may also treat cut tongues or lips.

 

Contact Dr. Suzanne Haeri right away when experiencing a dental emergency. Our office in Los Angeles, CA, will get you an appointment as soon as possible. To reach us, call 310-657-2200. You can also visit our website for more information.

Cleaning Your Tongue

It’s a misconception that your teeth and gums are the most important part of your mouth. Although they are incredibly necessary, your tongue needs maintenance too! Your tongue is often ignored during your oral health routine. That’s why Dr. Suzanne Haeri recommends tongue cleaners/scrappers. These are small dental devices that scrape off nasty bacteria and coatings. It not only improves your breath but your dental health as well. Learn more by reaching out to our staff at our Los Angeles, CA, office.

 

Tongue scrapers are simple and easy to use. First, place the tongue cleaner towards the back of your tongue. Don’t go too far back to the point of discomfort. Slowly scrape the applicator forward, cleaning along your tongue. Rinse the device off each time you reach the tip. The results are a coating-free tongue. There is no reason to be greatly concerned when you have a coated tongue. These are caused by smoking, dry mouth, yeast infections, medications, and poor oral health are a few causes. By using this device, you’re removing all the harmful bacteria and dead cells. If you continue to notice heavy coatings, schedule an appointment with your Los Angeles dentist.

 

Cleaning your tongue provides a handful of benefits. Certain scientific studies state that daily cleanings improve your sense of taste. Having less oral bacteria means less dental problems. A healthier mouth leads to a much healthier life!

 

Remember to use your tongue scraper with caution. The edges that clean your tongue can also cut you if used improperly. Never place the tongue scraper so far back on your tongue that you activate your gag reflex. Avoid using too much pressure when cleaning, to avoid hurting yourself.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment, visit her website or call 310-657-2200.

Senior Dental Care

As you age, your dental needs shift. New oral hygiene concerns arise that weren’t present before. Just like the rest of your bones, your teeth weaken when you get older. That’s why brushing and flossing become even more important! After the age of sixty, your risk of periodontal (gum) disease increases. So do the number of cavities and extraction! That’s why it is important to schedule your appointment with Dr. Suzanne Haeri. She provides dental care for patients of all ages. Learn more by contacting our office in Los Angeles, CA.

 

You mustn't take your dental health for granted. Your teeth are necessary for everyday life! If you are a caretaker for an older individual or are an older patient, it’s important to continue brushing twice daily. Your Los Angeles dentist has some brushing advice for you. First, invest in an electric toothbrush. These are easy to use and affordable. They provide a thorough cleaning of your mouth while using minimal physical effort. Another tip is elongating the brush handle. This makes it easier to reach further areas of your mouth. You can do this at home with a few supplies. Many patients have success with wrapping the handle in foam or rubber. Some even use tongue depressors! Next time you’re at your local grocery store or supermarket, check out the toothbrush aisle. Many brands sell toothbrushes targeted for older patients. These are often gentler on your teeth while being easier to use.

 

If you’ve lost a tooth or are planning on getting some extracted, consider getting dentures. These are affordable and functional. At your appointment, Dr. Haeri measures your mouth. A specialized mold is made from your teeth and sent to a dental laboratory. This creates your personalized dentures. Your dentures fit your mouth perfectly! Having them lets you do all the things you’ve always been able to do.

 

Dr. Suzanne Haeri is a cosmetic and general dentist located in Los Angeles, CA. To schedule an appointment, call her office at 310-657-2200. You can also visit her website.