Mouthwash 101

Mouthwash has been around since the beginning of the Roman empire thousands of years ago. Today, many people include mouthwash in their dental routine to feel fresh and clean. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri is passionate about oral health, including the importance of mouthwash. Here’s everything you need to know about mouthwash.

Mouthwash Can’t Cure Bad Breath

Halitosis or bad breath refers to the condition where bacteria grow in your body or mouth, resulting in stinky breath. While mouthwash does transform your breath into a minty fresh, it only masks the smelly odor temporarily. Bad breath is typically an underlying symptom of many health problems such as poor hygiene, gum disease, infection, or chronic illnesses. 

Mouthwash Doesn’t Replace Brushing or Flossing

Contrary to popular belief, rinsing your mouth with mouthwash doesn’t mean ditching the toothbrush or floss. Mouthwash is an addition to your dental routine. Not everyone uses mouthwash, but everyone should be brushing and flossing their teeth regularly for good oral health. 

Mouthwash Has Different Types

Mouthwash comes in two varieties: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes come in several different flavors and nice scents for the temporary benefit of masking bad breath. For patients with gingivitis or dry mouth,  Dr. Haeri of Los Angeles, CA prescribes therapeutic mouthwash. Therapeutic mouthwash can only be bought with a dentist’s prescription, so contact our office today for an appointment. 

Mouthwash Is Not for Children

Fluoride is a common ingredient in mouthwash. But increased fluoride exposure leads to fluorosis, a condition that affects teeth while they’re developing permanent molars. Another reason why it’s not advised for children under six years to use mouthwash is the potential to swallow the product.

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.

Enamel Hypoplasia

Teeth sensitivity? White spots? Decay? Your child may be suffering from enamel hypoplasia or weak enamel. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri specializes in treating all things teeth for your little one, including enamel hypoplasia. This enamel deficiency leads to serious dental problems if not treated right away, so schedule an appointment now. 

What is Enamel?

Considered the hardest tissue in the body, the enamel is a thin covering around each tooth. This covering protects your teeth from any damage including from daily activities such as brushing, chewing, grinding, biting, hot or cold temperatures, and even chemicals. This is why thin or weak enamel opens the door to a variety of issues for your child’s oral health if not taken care of soon. 

Causes

Developmental conditions like Usher syndrome, Secked syndrome, or Otodental syndrome.

Vitamin deficiencies

Smoking and drug abuses by the mother

Maternal or fetal infection

Infection

Celiac disease

Liver issues

Malnutrition

Medications that are given to the child earlier in life or to the mother while pregnant

Teeth trauma such as rough brushing and sports injuries

Symptoms
Higher risk of acid attacks, or enamel erosion caused by acidic drinks like soft drinks and fruit beverages.

White spots on the surface of teeth

Pits or fissures on teeth

Tooth decay and increased cavities

Yellow or brown discoloration

Attrition or lack of tooth contact

Hypersensitivity especially to hot and cold temperatures.

Increased accumulation of bacteria

Translucent thin enamel surface

Treatment

Early detection of enamel hypoplasia gives your child a better chance of fixing the issue. Your Los Angeles, CA dentist will prescribe sealants for your child to protect their teeth against tooth decay. To repair already damaged teeth, we recommend crowns for your child. For more information on treatment options for enamel hypoplasia, contact our office 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.

4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Dr. Suzanne Haeri understands dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Los Angeles, CA are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Dr. Haeri is understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why our Los Angeles, CA office is artistically designed with calming colors to distract and ease any fears.

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.

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.

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.