How Do I Get Rid Of Bad Breath? Here Are Some Helpful Tips!

The Ultimate Guide to Invisalign

Invisalign is a type of orthodontic treatment that straightens teeth using clear, plastic aligners instead of metal brackets and wires. Patients wear each aligner for about two weeks at a time before switching to the next set in the series. Each set of aligners gradually moves the teeth into position.  Unlike traditional metal braces, Invisalign doesn’t contain any wires or brackets. You can remove the aligner before eating a meal so that you won’t need to brush and floss around any brackets and wires. Aligners are also generally more comfortable than other braces because they use a smooth plastic material instead of sharp metal brackets. Most people won’t even know you’re wearing your aligners because they’re so discreet. HOW DOES INVISALIGN WORK? First, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth using a putty-like material. They will then send them to an Invisalign laboratory to manufacture your custom aligners. You will be provided a series of aligners to wear every day for about two weeks before changing to the next set in the series. Each aligner will make slight adjustments to tooth position to effectively shift teeth into place over time. The total treatment time will depend on the severity of your case, but the average case takes around a year for adults. You will receive care instructions on how to properly wear and care for your aligners. Follow the instructions provided by your dentist closely to ensure a successful outcome. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INVISALIGN? Here are some benefits of Invisalign: * Comfortable and removable * Allows you to eat whatever you want * Less noticeable than braces * Is suitable for both adults and teens * Takes about the same amount of time as traditional braces * Straightens teeth faster compared to traditional braces * Virtually invisible to the naked eye * More comfortable than traditional braces * Doesn’t require regular tightening like braces * Requires fewer visits to the dentist’s office * Lets you brush and floss normally to maintain the health of your gums and teeth * Won’t affect your speech * Can be removed for special occasions or important meetings * Can handle mild to moderate cases of crowding, crossbite, overbite, underbite, and other alignment issues HOW CAN YOU CARE FOR YOUR ALIGNERS? You will remove your aligners to eat and clean your mouth. Before you put your aligners back in, brush and floss your teeth to remove any food particles or plaque. You should also rinse your aligners after each time you remove them from your mouth to keep them clean and free of bacteria. If you wear your aligners while eating, be sure to brush your teeth afterward and rinse out your aligners before putting them back on. This will help clean your aligners and prevent any cavities that can be caused by improper cleaning. If you have any questions about Invisalign treatment and how it works, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Risk Factors for Gum Disease

The presence of gum disease indicates the presence of other health issues. Listed below are some common risk factors for gum disease: POOR ORAL HYGIENE Not brushing regularly or properly is one of the most common risk factors for gum disease. If you don’t brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day, plaque can start to build up on your teeth and harden. Plaque contains all kinds of tiny bacteria that can quickly irritate your gums and lead to an infection. Plus, neglecting your daily oral care routine can exacerbate bad breath and cause other dental health issues as well. In addition to regular brushing, it’s also important to use an antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria and freshen your breath. SMOKING If patients smoke, they are at a much higher risk of developing gum disease. Tobacco products contain chemicals that harm gums and teeth. The tar found in cigarettes can actually stain teeth and cause discoloration. Additionally, smoking restricts blood flow in the gums and jaw, making the problem worse. Patients who smoke should quit as soon as possible. Studies show that quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do to improve your overall dental health!  HORMONAL CHANGES Hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms of periodontal disease, including bleeding and swelling. This can occur in women during pregnancy or menopause due to fluctuating hormone levels. This is known as pregnancy gingivitis or hormone-associated gingivitis. Patients with diabetes and eating disorders may also experience increased inflammation in the mouth. Patients with hemophilia may experience a form of gum disease known as hemorrhaging periodontitis, which is characterized by bleeding gums during routine activities like brushing their teeth. CERTAIN MEDICATIONS Certain medications can also cause problems for your oral health. Antihistamines and some antidepressants may reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. Without sufficient saliva flow, you are at risk of experiencing dry mouth, which has been shown to increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Saliva contains minerals that help to neutralize acids produced by plaque bacteria and remove them from the mouth. As your body produces less saliva, you are at an increased risk of developing cavities and gum disease. STRESS Since gum disease has been linked to many serious health conditions, it’s important to focus on reducing stress in your life. Research shows that stress increases the risk of inflammation and infection in the body, which can increase the risk of periodontal disease. Stress also tends to have a negative impact on diet quality. If you’re eating poorly or not getting the nutrients you need, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease and other oral health conditions. Reducing stress and focusing on a healthy diet can go a long way toward protecting your oral health! Be sure to see a dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Impact of Cosmetic and General Dentistry on Oral Health

Good dental hygiene practices are part of a healthy lifestyle. Taking care of your diet and daily dental care habits is important not only for maintaining a good physical appearance but for your oral and overall health as well. COSMETIC DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Cosmetic dentistry services can improve the appearance of the smile, and treatments like teeth whitening and veneers can also enhance dental health by brightening up and protecting the teeth. Cosmetic dentistry is an investment in your oral health and appearance, which can have positive impacts on your entire life. Some of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry include the following: Patients may be self-conscious about smiling or displaying their teeth in public if they are discolored, cracked, chipped, or have other imperfections. While braces and other orthodontic treatments can be effective at addressing misalignments, they are not always ideal for some cases. In these cases, patients can instead choose porcelain veneers to correct the appearance of crooked teeth while still preserving their natural teeth’s natural structure. In addition to improving aesthetics, cosmetic dentistry can also help improve self-esteem and confidence. Patients who feel embarrassed about their smile may avoid social situations and find themselves feeling less confident overall. With improved aesthetics, patients may feel more sure in their skin and have more confidence in social and business situations. GENERAL DENTISTRY OVERVIEW Most people benefit greatly from a general approach to dental care, which encompasses both restorative and preventive treatments. For example, if a patient suffers from chronic tooth sensitivity, a dentist can address that problem by recommending a fluoride treatment or a custom mouth guard to prevent teeth grinding. However, these treatments alone may not adequately treat the cause of tooth sensitivity. If the patient has gum disease or another underlying condition that causes their sensitivity to occur, then additional care may be required. A general dentist can diagnose and treat a variety of common oral health problems. Patients who have healthy teeth and gums are less likely to develop gum disease and tooth decay than those who suffer from poor oral hygiene. This is because patients with untreated dental issues are more likely to experience gum infections that can spread into the bones of the jaw causing tooth loss. By treating dental problems early on, patients can keep their mouths healthy and their smiles beautiful for years to come. Maintaining good oral health is finding a balance between general dental care and cosmetic treatment. Patients can consult with a dentist to ensure they are getting appropriate care for a healthy smile. Patients should also talk to their dentist about how to maintain a good oral care routine at home so that they can prevent dental problems before they occur. Home care is just as important as professional care when it comes to maintaining the health of the teeth and gums. If you have any questions about general and cosmetic dentistry, feel free to contact our office at (310)-838-0844 today to learn more and schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have!