Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures available. Many people are discovering the convenience of in-office whitening procedures to give them beautiful, healthy smiles. Dr. Shindler, dentist in Westlake Village, offers one of the newest and best procedures for teeth whitening available—the Kor whitening system. This new, patented system gives you the very best whitening results in as short a time as possible.
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Energy drinks are very popular, especially with young people. These high-sugar drinks consist of fruit juice, citric acid, sugar, and a variety of chemicals designed to give you a “boost” in your energy level. Our cosmetic dentist in Westlake Village, Dr. Philip Shindler, wants you to be aware, however, that there is a danger to your teeth in consuming energy drinks. Preventions of cavities is an important part of keeping your teeth healthy. Energy drinks combine two dangers which promote cavities; high sugar content and high acid content. Energy drinks are also liquid, which means the sugar and acid can easily stay on your teeth and promote decay.
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Bad breath is an embarrassing problem which many people do not want to discuss. However, as our dentist in Westlake Village will explain to you, there are many preventable reasons for bad breath, including periodontal disease.
For many people, prevention of bad breath is often limited to brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. This is often less than effective. Gum disease can cause bad breath no matter how much you brush and floss, and no matter what type of mouthwash you use. The bacteria present in periodontal disease can invade the pockets around the teeth, creating a very distinctive bad odor which is easily recognized by dentists. In fact, this odor is so distinctive that many dentists can recognize gum disease by smell alone.
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Midnight snacking has always been linked to weight problems. However, did you know that late-night snacks can also lead to tooth loss? Dr. Philip Shindler, a dentist in Westlake Village, wants you to know about the dangers of late-night snacks to your dental health.
A recent study published in “Eating Behaviors” links late-night snacks to tooth loss, and makes the connection between snacking before bedtime and reduced saliva flow, rather than the types of foods eaten. Many people believe that sweet or starchy foods cause tooth loss; to a certain extent, this is true. However, this study shows no link between the types of foods eaten and the incidence of tooth loss. Leading researchers suggest that the act of eating itself, rather than the types of foods, may be the culprit.
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There are many causes for dull and stained teeth. Certain foods, for example, may, over time, cause deep and indelible stains to the teeth. Coffee and tea are common culprits, due to the fact that they are taken in liquid form and can get into the crevices between teeth easily. Other common staining agents are curry, berries, and dark soda. Dr. Shindler, cosmetic dentist in Westlake Village, wants to help you fight stains on your teeth with a variety of techniques.
A visit to Dr. Shindler for a twice-yearly cleaning is one way to keep your teeth looking white. However, this may not always be enough to get your teeth their brightest.
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You may think that gum disease will never be a problem for you. After all, you brush and floss regularly and you take good care of your teeth. Unfortunately, even though all of this is true, it is still possible for you to suffer from gum disease. Our dentist in Westlake can help you understand the risks of gum disease and how to prevent them.
It is true that lack of oral hygiene can hasten the damages caused by gum disease. However, even people who carefully brush and floss can still have plaque buildup between the teeth and gums, and this is all that is necessary to start the process of gum disease. If you have noticed any redness or bleeding from your gums, even if it stopped immediately, you should see our Westlake cosmetic dentist right away. Incipient gum disease is easily treated; as it progresses, however, the treatments become more costly, more invasive, and more time-consuming.
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Even though we all try to take care of our teeth, cavities are a sad fact of life for most of us. Almost everyone will require a cavity filling at some point, and our Westlake dentist is ready to help you choose the best course of treatment for your cavities. When it comes to fillings, today’s patients have options. For many years, the only filling materials used were silver amalgams. There was a good reason to use silver—it is extremely durable and long-lasting, and is impervious to bacteria and other deteriorating agents. Silver fillings can be used for a variety of cavity types, especially those in the back of the mouth where more durability is required and there is less of a concern about appearance. Even though scientifically acceptable, silver fillings are hardly used these days.
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If you are experiencing pain when you bite, chew, or eat hot or cold foods, you may be a victim of tooth sensitivity. Talk to our Westlake dentist about the facts regarding tooth sensitivity.
Tooth sensitivity is usually triggered by the temperature of food or drinks, or by highly acidic or very sweet items. Approximately half of the people in the United States experience tooth sensitivity at some point.
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While there are many risk factors for gum disease, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss, there are also many things you can do to prevent these problems. The single most effective prevention method you can employ is to brush and floss regularly at home, and to get regular dental checkups with our Westlake Dentist. Many people believe that if they brush and floss at home, it should be enough to prevent oral diseases. Unfortunately, this is not true. Many diseases of the teeth and gums happen below the gum line where your toothbrush cannot reach. Even mouthwashes designed to reach between teeth cannot reach the interior of your tooth, where cavities form and disease begins.
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Gingivitis is the earliest state of gum disease and is quite common in people over the age of 35. Gingivitis is most often caused by a buildup of plaque, the sticky film that forms on your teeth when the foods you eat mix with the bacteria in your mouth. Plaque that is not quickly and properly removed can become tartar, which will harbor many more bacteria and can worsen gum disease. Gingivitis in its beginning stages may not have any noticeable symptoms, and you may even be unaware that you have it until your next visit to our Westlake dentist. Untreated, gingivitis can progress to more serious gum disease, like periodontitis, which requires professional treatment. Gingivitis can be stopped before it starts with good oral hygiene habits. Appropriate brushing and flossing habits go a long way towards preventing gingivitis.
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Are you stressed out? You probably already know chronic stress isn't good for you. Stress can take a heavy toll on our bodies, leading to an increase in unhealthy fat around our midsections, a decreased immune response, and can even raise our cancer risk. It turns out that stress can also have an impact on our oral health. Bruxism, or tooth grinding, is often brought on by stress, leading to tooth damage, fracture, and breakage. Bruxism and stress can both lead to TMJ disorders. If you are diagnosed with bruxism or TMJ disorders, our Westlake cosmetic dentist may prescribe a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night and prevent further damage.
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Good oral hygiene is one of the most basic building blocks of a healthy mouth. Oral hygiene does far more than keep your smile bright and attractive: Recent research shows that a healthy mouth reflects the health of your entire body. Biannual visits to our Westlake Village cosmetic dentist can catch early signs of trouble such as gum disease or decay, but your oral hygiene practices are just as important, particularly when it comes to preventing such problems.
Good oral hygiene practices begin with regular brushing. Proper brushing technique is important. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush held at an angle will remove plaque from the tooth surface. Flossing daily removes plaque from between the teeth. An antiseptic mouthwash can help kill the bacteria that live in plaque, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
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Saliva is usually produced throughout the day and lubricates the mouth, assists in the digestive process, and helps rinse plaque from the teeth. Dry mouth is an uncomfortable condition, but it can also have serious consequences for oral health as well. When saliva production is insufficient tooth decay, gingivitis, thrush, and infections may occur. Dry mouth can also make it difficult for sufferers to talk or eat.
Medications
Hundreds of medications have been linked to dry mouth symptoms. Antihistamines, decongestants, anti-depressants, anti-anxiety drugs, blood pressure medications, prescription pain relievers, muscle relaxants, diuretics, acne drugs, epilepsy medications, and chemotherapy may all increase your risk of dry mouth, particularly if you take more than one medication.
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Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most water supplies. In the early 20th century, Dr. Frederick S. McKay noticed a phenomenon in which children in certain regions of the country were developing remarkably resilient teeth. Decades of dental research led to the discovery that 1 part fluoride per million parts water resulted in a safe and effective way to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay, and fluoride began to be added to public water supplies across the country. The CDC has called fluoridation one of the century’s top health advancements.
Tooth decay is caused by an acid produced by bacteria feeding off starchy or sugary residue left in the mouth after meals or snacks. The acid wears down the enamel on the teeth, leaving them vulnerable to decay. Fluoride helps to re-mineralize teeth and prevent tooth decay.
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No one wants bad breath, and remedies abound, from special toothpastes and mouth rinses to gum and mints. Most of these products mask the odors, and some of them can even make the problem worse. While bad breath can produce anxiety and embarrassment, in most cases it can be easily resolved once the cause is discovered.
Common causes of bad breath
The prime cause of bad breath is the production of VSC’s (Volatile Sulphur Compounds) by certain bacteria. This needs to be treated with specific rinses designed to neutralize the VSC’s.
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Oral cancer develops slowly, and there are certain signs to watch for in detecting it within the mouth. These signs are listed below.
• A sore in the mouth, similar to a canker sore, which does not heal within one to two weeks, should be checked by the dentist. It may occur anywhere in the mouth but usually develops on the lips or tongue. The sore may be dark or light in color. It could also appear as a patch that is white or red.
• Numbness of the mouth may be a sign of oral cancer.
• Difficulty in swallowing and/or while chewing should be watched.
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Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing heart and kidney disease and stroke. It is not as obvious that diabetics also have an added risk, which is the development of gum disease. There is a higher threat of gum problems among those with diabetes than for those who do not have this medical condition.
For anyone who is afflicted with diabetes, some form of gum disease can be an added risk since periodontal problems can also speed the progression of diabetes by affecting blood glucose levels. Diabetic individuals are more susceptible to infection and do not have the same ability to fight it, thereby enabling gum disease to gain more of a foothold. Also, the infection created by gum disease can raise blood sugar levels, increasing the problems that diabetics will have in keeping their blood sugar under proper control.
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Many people grind their teeth for various reasons. It may be a habit that has come about through anxiety and stress. It may be a subconscious activity that takes place while one is sleeping. Studies have shown that digestive disorders might be responsible for bruxism. People with aggressive personalities also have a greater tendency of grinding their teeth.
Whatever the cause of bruxism, it can do a good deal of damage. It is surprising how much pressure is exerted on the teeth through grinding. Chipping and cracking of teeth can result, along with breakage and looseness. Facial and jaw pain, including headaches, may also come about through bruxism. Even when damage is minimal, grinding of teeth can still create bruising and sensitivity of the teeth and an irritated mouth. This is certainly a habit that can be very destructive.
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The 2010 British
Medical Journal has reported information on a recent study that shows brushing the teeth twice daily can actually lower the risk of getting heart disease. By brushing twice daily, lower levels of certain inflammatory markers were noted. These markers have been associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease. Lower levels of inflammatory markers will mean a lower risk of heart disease.
Participants of this study who brushed infrequently were found to increase their risk of getting some type of cardiovascular disease by 70%, compared to participants who brushed their teeth twice daily. The reason for this is due to greater levels of inflammatory markers that were present in those who brushed less frequently.
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Everyone wants to have a whiter smile, and there are different teeth whitening techniques that are available to help achieve this purpose. Toothpastes with whitening agents can be used twice a day that will brighten the teeth with continued brushing. There are also teeth whitening strips and kits that can be purchased over-the-counter to bleach the teeth and give them a whiter appearance.
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