All posts by Alan Zabolian

Woman showing off bright smile after following habits for healthy teeth.

Best Habits for Healthy Teeth

Dental Care at Home, , , ,

There is a reason why famous people always have perfect teeth. They weren’t born that way; they have to go through daily oral hygiene routines to maintain their health. And that’s what you should be doing, too. You should always be taking care of your teeth and gums in order to prevent disease. Let’s look at the best habits for healthy teeth.

Best Habits for Healthy Teeth

Your local DTLA dentist can help you get on track with the best habits for healthy teeth. Use the tips below to work on your celebrity smile!

Invest in Fluoride Toothpaste

You should brush with a dentist-approved toothpaste with fluoride in it. Fluoride helps get rid of bacteria and plaque that can build up on your teeth after you eat. Fluoride also contributes to tooth whitening as it can remove sticky substances. After you’re done brushing, the fluoride will leave a protective layer over your teeth to protect it against further bacterial invasion.

Floss Every Day

Many people tend to ignore flossing as an important part of the daily dental health routine. But flossing is just as imperative as brushing when it comes to long-term care. It is too easy for food to get stuck between your teeth, causing bacterial buildup as it sits there. Without flossing, you cannot remove these bits of food and bacteria.

Not to mention, flossing can also help reduce inflammation in the gums by stimulating the surrounding tissues. Flossing is a healthy practice that you should get into the habit of doing at least once per day.

Brush Diligently – But Not Roughly

It’s no secret that you should brush your teeth every day. But did you know that there is such a thing as brushing too hard? If your movements are too aggressive, you could be doing more harm than help for your teeth. Rigid bristles can scratch your gums and cause them to bleed, paving the way for infection.

A proper brushing technique should involve small circular motions on all sides of the teeth. Make sure not to press too hard or else you could strip away your enamel (the outermost layer of your teeth).

Use Mouthwash

You can improve your oral health with the use of a mouthwash after you brush and floss. Make sure you are using a dental-approved mouthwash that contains chemicals such as chlorhexidine, which adds an antibacterial agent to your teeth. This can protect against gingivitis, gum disease, and other life-threatening bacterial infections. Mouthwash should not be the only product you use in the mornings, but it is a great addition to your daily routine.

Schedule a Regular Dental Appointment

You should visit your local dentist once or twice per year for a thorough cleaning and dental exam. It’s a good idea to take advantage of professional tools and products that can scrape away the plaque that your regular toothbrush can’t. Dental appointments are also important for preventative care, as an exam can identify the early signs of decay or disease.

You should schedule a routine checkup every 6 months with your local professionals. During your appointment, you can get plaque and tartar removed from your teeth while your overall health is assessed using X-ray equipment. Depending on your preexisting oral hygiene issues, you may need to visit your dentist more frequently. One trip to the office can save the state of your oral health!

Prevent Dental Health Issues Today

It’s time to schedule an appointment for preventative dentistry in LA. Get in the habit of taking care of your teeth every day to keep unhealthy bacteria at bay. Learn more about the health benefits of a regular dental visit by getting in touch with our friendly experts at Samaritan Dental Arts today. We look forward to helping you earn a healthy smile!

Three fruit smoothies viewed from above

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Everyone knows that you are supposed to eat a healthy serving of fruits and vegetables each day. But with so many different food products to choose from and so many raw substances to eat, it can be impossible to get a full dose in every day. That is why a lot of people resort to making smoothies. But are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth?

Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

Combining fruit, veggies, and other healthy ingredients in a blender with some ice can create an instant breakfast. These refreshing, creamy drinks can be the perfect meal when you’re on the go. They bring a lot of advantages, but there are some pitfalls too. For example, are fruit smoothies bad for your teeth? Your local DTLA dentist explains it all below.

The Antioxidant Answer

Smoothies have been popular breakfast items for a long while. People can’t seem to get enough of the sweet flavor and the burst of healthy vitamins and supplements that you are putting in your body all while enjoying a delicious treat. Perhaps the biggest advantage you can get from drinking smoothies is an increase in antioxidants, which can strengthen your immune system and help you fight disease.

There’s just one problem: Fruit juices and blended ingredients are very high in sugar and acid. These two things can break down the surface layers of your teeth, causing your mouth to become more susceptible to infection. Next time you reach for the blender, consider taking some oral hygiene steps to prevent too much damage from happening at once.

Wear and Tear on the Teeth

Sugar and acid can erode the enamel on your tooth, which is the outermost layer keeping it protected from the elements. As you eat more ascorbic acid and sugar, your teeth become weaker and weaker. Eventually, this can lead to rapid decay, tooth loss, and oral disease.

But don’t worry, this does not mean you have to give up your favorite fruity blended drink! The health benefits they bring to the whole body are too great to ignore. But you should try to invest in oral health hygiene to prevent acid buildup and the breakdown of your enamel.

Practicing Precautions While Enjoying Your Smoothie

Don’t give up the blended fruits and veggies! Just be more cautious. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your teeth strong and protected against natural sugars and acids:

  • Eat with your smoothie. Eat other foods along with your smoothie so your teeth aren’t constantly under attack by the acids in your drink. Try not to drink the smoothie slowly throughout the day either.
  • Brush before and after you drink it. Make sure your teeth are cleaned and protected before you indulge in a sugary smoothie. And as soon as you are done, give your teeth another brush!
  • Drink through a straw. A smoothie is just as delicious when you drink it through a straw. Plus, you can avoid the smoothie material touching your teeth while you drink.
  • Reduce citric acids. Citrus is great for your smoothie, but try reducing the amount of orange juice you add to your next smoothie. Just give your teeth a little bit of a break.

You can continue enjoying healthy smoothies without ruining your daily routine. But remember to take extra care of your teeth so you don’t deal with prolonged dental issues later down the line.

Avoid Cavities and Stay Healthy for the Future!

Drinking smoothies can become a dangerously yummy habit. While these drinkable meals are stuffed full of healthy fruits, vegetables, and vitamins, they are a lot healthier for your body than they are for your teeth. Too much sugar and acid could cause decay, leading to infection and cavities. Reach out to your trusted dentist today to learn more about cavity treatment in DTLA and find out how you can have the best daily health regime!

smiling man in dentist's chair

Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

General Dentistry, ,

From a young age, you are often told that regular dental visits are crucial for keeping up with good oral health. But are regular dental checkups important enough to get twice a year? What happens when you visit your dentist for a checkup? What oral health issues can be avoided with yearly regular dentist visits?

Are Regular Dental Checkups Important?

A dental checkup is important in order to receive the best preventative dental care possible. Avoid serious health issues and make sure that all is in working order so you can enjoy a long life of good health. Keep reading for more important tips and facts about regular dental checkups!

Dental Visits Explained

What happens when you show up for a regular dental visit? If you don’t have any particular issues and you feel that you are in good health, you might be wondering why you have to be at the dentist’s office in the first place. The best way to prevent oral health issues is to catch symptoms early, and avoid problems before they arise. This is the biggest accomplishment of a dental checkup appointment.

There are actually two steps involved with your regular checkups:

X-Rays and Teeth Examination

The first part of the appointment will involve having x-ray images taken of your teeth and jaws. These images will help the dentist see any issues underneath the surface of your teeth and gums. Your dentist will also perform a physical exam, using tools to scrape off plaque and remove bacteria from your teeth.

Gum Examination

After the dentist has inspected and cleaned your teeth, they will also want to look at your gums. Special tools will be used to gently scale your gums and check for any signs of gum disease. While the dentist examines you, he will also look for signs of swelling, soreness, bleeding, or redness.

The Best Dental Cleaning

The last part of your visit will involve a deep clean. This is the part of the appointment that most people look forward to, as it can feel good to have your mouth thoroughly cleaned by a professional. This type of dental cleaning may include:

  • Scraping plaque and tartar off of the teeth
  • Flossing between the teeth
  • Brushing the teeth with a special cleaning powder
  • Polishing your teeth

If there are no oral health issues at play, or if the dentist does not find any risk of infection or cancer in your mouth, you do not have to return to the dentist for at least six months. By practicing good oral hygiene habits at home, you can continue preventing diseases while you wait for your next general dentistry appointment.

Oral Hygiene Habits at Home

The best way to continue preventing disease and infection is to maintain good oral health habits at home. The dentist can provide professional cleaning, but there are plenty of things you can do on your own to keep your mouth in tip-top shape.

Remember to brush your teeth at least twice per day. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen the enamel and encourage bacteria prevention. You should also floss at least once a day to get rid of old food particles. If you are dealing with a toothache or you have another oral health concern, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local dentist right away.

Downtown LA Dentistry at Your Doorstep

Samaritan Dental Arts is home to your preferred DTLA dentist with specialties in many areas. For a quick cleaning, a full checkup, or a thorough prevention plan, get in touch with our experts today and schedule a one-on-one consultation. Our dentist is happy to help you get set on the path to good oral health. Inquire today!

Man getting hit in the face by another man with a boxing glove

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

Preventive Dentistry, , , , ,

Many sports players believe that getting hurt is all part of the game. But this rite of passage can do some serious damage to your body, from your head to your toes. More importantly, many injuries can end up hurting your teeth. Most of the common tooth injuries in sports are far more common than people think.

Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

In fact, about 40% of all dental injuries that occur in the United States occur as a result of sports. Whether you are playing contact sports or you suffered a nasty fall while running, it is important to get your dental injury assessed as quickly as you can. Here’s what you need to know about tooth injuries in sports before you visit your dental office in DTLA.

Fractured Tooth Roots

Some dental injuries can make their way to the roots of your teeth. Some cracks start at the surface of your teeth where you chew and stretch down to the unseen parts of your tooth. In other cases, you may be suffering from a fractured root alone.

It can be difficult or even impossible to see your fractured roots without a proper examination and x-ray procedure. These invisible damages can quickly contribute to an infection, giving you a bigger problem on your hands. Make sure to visit your dental professional ASAP when you suffer from a dental injury.

Cracked Teeth

Physical contact sports can be dangerous to your sensitive teeth. Without wearing protective gear like a mouthguard, you put your teeth at risk of being permanently damaged.

Any physical blow or injury to the face can result in a cracked tooth. While cracked teeth are the most common tooth injury, treating them as quickly as possible is essential to prevent permanent damage or infection.

Symptoms of Cracked Teeth

Not all cracks are visible. You may not realize you are dealing with cracked teeth until you start to show certain symptoms. Be on the lookout for:

  • Pain in the mouth when eating and drinking
  • Sensitivity to cold and hot foods
  • Loss of sensation on the outside of the tooth
  • Sharp pain when biting or chewing

Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose on your own. Consul with an emergency dental professional to help you repair cracks and other types of damage before your symptoms get worse.

Intrusions

A tooth intrusion is what happens when a hard hit knocks your tooth back down into the jawbone. When you are born, all of your teeth are fully grown but resting under your gums. As you grow older, your teeth “erupt,” meaning they come out and grow into the position they are now in. If you are faced with physical injury to the face, your teeth might be pushed so hard that they go back down below the gums.

This is known as a tooth intrusion, and it can be a very painful experience. This physical trauma can shorten or damage your roots and cause irreversible injury to your entire tooth.

Get the Best Protection for Your Teeth – Invest in a Mouthguard Today!

If you plan on continuing your sports activities, but you want to prevent any of the above injuries from happening, it is essential that you invest in a mouthguard. These devices can be fitted to the shape of your teeth to provide a rubber buffer between your mouth and the outside world.

Studies show that mouthguards can make your teeth 60 times safer during sports than if you aren’t wearing anything. When you are hit in the face with a ball or someone’s foot, you no longer run the risk of suffering irreversible damage to your teeth.

Contact us today to learn about our individualized mouth and sports guards that can help you stay fit and active without risking too much damage. Learn more about your oral health options at Samaritan Dental Arts today!

Woman holding hand against jaw, pained expression

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Bad Idea

General Dentistry, , ,

Everybody knows that cavities are bad news. But something so common can’t truly be that bad, right? It is so easy to get fillings nowadays, but for a lot of people that takes away an understanding of just how dangerous cavities can be. Essentially, leaving a cavity untreated: Bad idea!

The longer you leave a cavity untreated, the more susceptible you are to decay, rot, and infection. Here is what your local DTLA dentist wants you to know about the dangers of leaving tooth cavities unattended.

Leaving a Cavity Untreated: Gateway for Infection

Cavities come from bacteria and plaque that builds upon the teeth after eating certain foods. If you don’t brush your teeth every day, that plaque will continue to build and can eventually get into the inner layers of your tooth. This creates a pocket of decay, also known as a cavity.

If this decay spreads to your bloodstream or the roots of your tooth, you may experience symptoms of pain and swelling. This is a sign that your cavity has caused an infection, which must be treated right away before it spreads further.

Broken Teeth Abound

If a cavity does not cause an infection, it can still spread throughout your tooth and weaken it from the inside out. As your tooth rots and decays, it will fall apart and crack easily. This cavity can spread to your other teeth, making them brittle as well. In order to save your natural tooth, you must get in touch with your trusted dentist right away. In some cases, treating a cavity can even mean the difference between life and death.

Continuing Complications

Untreated tooth cavities can cause an increasing number of health issues the longer it goes without care. You can suffer from the following complications of tooth cavities if you don’t visit your dental expert in a timely manner:

  • Sharp pain
  • Radiating pain
  • Infection around the tooth and gums
  • Swelling and redness
  • Tenderness in the mouth and cheeks
  • Trouble chewing or smiling
  • Increased risk of fracturing and breaking teeth
  • Tooth abscess

You should get in touch with your dentist at the first sign of the above symptoms. You should not be living with any kind of dental pain, and the discomfort you are experiencing as a result of this cavity is not normal. So, you need to seek your dental professional to learn what treatment and prevention measures need to be taken.

Deathly Consequences

An untreated cavity can have drastic results that can be so severe that they may even cause death. Cavities are a gateway to infection, which can spread fast the longer it goes untreated. As soon as an infection makes its way into your bloodstream, it can travel throughout the rest of your body, which has fatal consequences.

Without treating a cavity, you risk serious illness and death. Fortunately, modern cavity treatment is common and very accessible. Reach out to your dentist to learn more about treating your cavity and taking the pain away.

Get the Best Treatment for Your Cavity Today!

Cavities may be common, but that does not mean that they are nothing to worry about. A buildup of bad bacteria can cause pockets of your teeth to suffer from decay. If they are caught early enough, your dentist can add a filling that will save the integrity of your tooth and protect against further cavities. More severe cavities may need to be treated with a root canal or tooth extraction procedure.

Learn more about how you can treat your mouth to the best in dental healthcare at Samaritan Dental Arts. Call us today to schedule a consultation for cavity treatment at the first sign of tooth pain or discomfort. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

Woman holding both hands against jaw, pained expression, lying down

How Teeth Grinding Can Ruin Your Teeth

Dental Care at Home, ,

Your teeth consist of many layers that keep them strong and healthy. Enamel is the outermost layer of your teeth, and it is responsible for protecting your teeth against the outside world. Without enamel, your teeth would wear and tear much too easily. Excessive pressure can wear down your enamel and put you in danger of dental damage. This is but one way teeth grinding can ruin your teeth.

There are several risks of teeth grinding that your local DTLA dentist wants to warn you about. It’s important to know how teeth grinding can ruin your teeth so you can get the help you need to stop your bad grinding habits right away.

Causes of Tooth Grinding

Tooth grinding, also known as bruxism, is a common condition that often turns into a bad habit. When you constantly push or gnash your teeth together, you are causing potential harm to your mouth.

Common causes of tooth grinding include:

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Medication overreaction
  • Pain
  • Bad dreams

A lot of people find out that they are grinding teeth overnight, which is a common ailment. While it is frustrating to feel out of control of your tooth grinding habit, there are treatments available that can keep you from letting this habit happen while you sleep.

Ultimately, tooth grinding is dangerous for your teeth. There are many dangers posed by bruxism.

How Teeth Grinding Can Ruin Your Teeth

Excessively grinding your teeth can lead to some bad oral health habits. Let’s take a look at the worst risks you are facing when you grind your teeth:

Chips and Cracks

When you grind your teeth, you are greatly wearing down the enamel that protects your teeth from damage. This makes it easy for your teeth to chip and crack over time. Your teeth will become brittle and it will be more difficult to repair them if they sustain permanent damage.

Abfraction

Abfraction refers to the loss of tooth matter by the base of the tooth. Depending on your pattern of tooth grinding, you may find that you have significant tooth loss in areas that were once supporting healthy bone structure.

Gum Recession

An unfortunate result of excessive tooth grinding is gum recession, which occurs when your teeth damage your gums. The grinding action slowly pulls teeth out of their position in the gums, opening a gateway to infection and gum disease. Gum recession indicates many different oral health issues, and it is important to seek dental treatment right away.

TMJ

TMJ disorder describes the pain or stiffness in the joints that connect the upper and lower jaw. These joints are located just below your temples and can cause many uncomfortable symptoms, such as migraines, constant pain, and the inability to open your mouth all the way.

Attrition

Your teeth wear away at each other over time the more you grind them. You’ll eventually grind the top part of your teeth down, making it harder for you to bite or chew things. Damage done to the surface or the “biting” part of the teeth is known as attrition.

Best Tooth Grinding Treatments

It can be hard to break a bad habit, especially when you perpetuate that habit subconsciously. How do you stop grinding your teeth if you do it in your sleep?

While it takes time to get rid of the action, you can protect your teeth against further damage in the meantime. Mouthguards are specifically designed to shield your teeth against each other.

You can wear mouthguards at night while you sleep, so in the event your teeth want to grind, you are at least providing a rubber barrier so they do not cause harm to your dental structure. Further treatments can be discussed with your specialist after you have worn a mouthguard for a while.

Stop Grinding Your Teeth!

Get the best treatments and mouthguards Downtown Los Angeles has to offer. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are passionate about restoring your mouth to good health. For inquiries about the dangers of tooth grinding, and to schedule a consultation with our specialist, get in touch with our staff right away.

Featured image for Signs You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Sleep Apnea, , ,

Sleep apnea is a difficult condition to keep track of as it really only affects you while you are sleeping. But although sleep apnea happens at night, there are certain symptoms that can appear at any time of the day, affecting your daily life. If you feel sleepy or drowsy during the day, you might be dealing with extended symptoms of sleep apnea. Stay aware of your symptoms and get in touch with your sleep apnea treatment Downtown Los Angeles specialist if you feel how sleep apnea affects daily life.

How Sleep Apnea Affects Daily Life

Most sleep doctors will tell you that the most prominent symptom of sleep apnea is excessive snoring. While you sleep, you might start having gasping breaths and hitched breathing, which is a big indicator of sleep apnea.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can contribute to many serious health issues, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Insomnia
  • Diabetes

While snoring is a big symptom of sleep apnea, it’s not the only symptom. There are other day-to-day symptoms that you should be on the lookout for.

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea During the Day

How does sleep apnea rear its ugly head throughout your day? Here are a few telling signs and symptoms:

Headaches in the Morning

Do you constantly wake up with a headache? Unless you have had too much to drink the night before, you are probably unsure of the source of these mysterious morning headaches. One explanation for your morning headaches is that you are suffering from some kind of sleep disorder. It is important that you make an appointment with your sleep apnea specialist so you can get an accurate diagnosis for your headaches.

Too Much Tiredness

If you wake up and just can’t shake the sleepiness no matter how much coffee you drink, you might be dealing with tiredness due to sleep apnea. In fact, daytime drowsiness is one of the most common symptoms of sleep apnea that sleep specialists look for when making a diagnosis.

The reason you may feel tired and drowsy all the time is that sleep apnea causes your sleep to be interrupted multiple times throughout the night, which doesn’t give your brain the ability to get rest like it needs to. Due to these multiple sleep interruptions, you won’t feel fully rested during the day.

Focus and Mood Issues

Do you have the hardest time staying focused? Do you find that you have concentration issues and you get irritable more easily than usual? This could be a sure sign of sleep apnea. Our specialists have found that many people with untreated sleep apnea are more depressed and irritated throughout the day and can’t stay focused on a single task. If you feel you may be going through a similar symptom, get in touch with our Samaritan Dental Arts specialists for assessment and treatment.

Get the Best Treatment for OSA Today!

OSA, or obstructive sleep apnea, can affect your ability to be awake, focused, and healthy throughout the day. While sleep apnea is typically characterized by snoring and sleep interruptions, there are many symptoms to be on the lookout for. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer treatments for sleep apnea and other sleep-related disorders.

There is a strong connection between sleep apnea and oral hygiene. Sleep apnea can affect the way you breathe, impeding your ability to give your brain and body the rest it deserves. If you are looking for a sleep apnea diagnosis and want to learn more about treatment, you can schedule a consultation with the best dentist Downtown Los Angeles has by calling our office today. Don’t wait another day to get the treatment you need!

Side angle smiling woman windswept hair

Health Benefits of Smiling

Cosmetic Dentistry, , ,

A big and beautiful smile is one of the most attractive traits of a person. But aside from having a great visual effect, did you know that smiling is good for your body as well? Indeed, there are plenty of health benefits of smiling to cover.

Health Benefits of Smiling

The many health benefits of smiling include pain relief, stress reduction, and a huge boost in self-esteem. Here is what our dentist downtown Los Angeles specialist wants you to know about the importance of a bright and happy smile.

Smiling Eliminates Stress

Are you stressed out and feeling a lot of physical pain and tension as a result? Start smiling! There is scientific proof showing that smiling can eliminate stress and fight off pain. When you smile, your brain releases a chemical known as neuropeptides, which can calm you down. Your brain will also release endorphins and serotonin, which regulate pain and help you to feel good. The next time you are feeling stressed out, try cracking a smile or watching a funny video.

Smiling Lightens Your Mood

Because your brain releases “feel-good” neurotransmitters when you smile, you can actually feel your mood changing. If you are feeling grumpy, you should smile for a few moments. It doesn’t even have to be a genuine smile, as a fake smile can have good health benefits as well. A fake smile can trick your brain into releasing those calming hormones.

Smiling Makes You Love Your Teeth

One of the biggest reasons why people refuse to smile is because they feel self-conscious about the state of their teeth. If you have a dental misalignment or discoloration, you will probably feel like hiding your smile every time you’re in front of a camera. If this makes you feel self-conscious, you can reach out to your local Los Angeles dentist to find a procedure that works best for you.

With teeth whitening and dental veneers, you can restore your smile back to its perfect, straight, and bright shine so you will feel more encouraged to smile.

You’ll Feel More Confident at Work

Smiling also does wonders for your own self-confidence and your ability to get promotions at work. A smile comes across as confident, which will definitely be noticeable by your coworkers and colleagues. Business studies have shown that positive emotions and smiles elicit more work in the workplace and greater teamwork efforts and better overall results.

Smiling Reduces Your Blood Pressures

In addition to making you feel more confident in yourself, you can also boost your physical health. There is scientific proof that smiling can reduce your blood pressure, strengthen your immune system, and give you more endurance.

Not only are you benefitting your physical health with a smile, but you are inspiring others to do the same. A smile is contagious, after all, and this is one of the few things that you do want to spread to others.

Get the Right Dental Treatment for Your Dazzling Smile!

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we believe that each and every set of teeth is a work of art. Whether you are worried about misalignment or discoloration, our friendly experts can provide the treatment needed to bring back your dazzling smile.

You can schedule an appointment to speak with your veneers Los Angeles specialists about the right cosmetic dental procedure for you. Porcelain veneers are an affordable and pain-free treatment that can cover up the imperfections and insecurities that may exist in your smile. Not only can veneers provide you with a quick smile makeover, but they are also a great way to restore confidence in the way you look. Get in touch with our Samaritan Dental Arts staff and schedule your next consultation to restore your dazzling smile!

Smiling woman flexing muscles, front angle, striped pink and white shirt against pink background

How Teeth Affect Your Confidence

Cosmetic Dentistry, , , , ,

It’s no secret that a lack of oral hygiene can lead to some pretty drastic health issues. But did you know that having bad teeth can also put a damper on your self-esteem? Let’s take a look at how teeth affect your confidence.

Almost 33% of all American adults feel unhappy with their smiles and feel self-conscious when taking photographs. With visual looks being such a huge part of social life, it’s important for you to have a smile that you can feel proud of.

How Teeth Affect Your Confidence

Visit your local dentist downtown Los Angeles if you are concerned about whether your dental health affects your confidence. Keep reading to learn how you can keep your mental well-being and your oral health in good spirits!

Self-Conscious Habits

To find out whether your confidence is being affected by the state of your teeth, you might ask yourself what kind of habits you display when you’re about to have your picture taken, or when laughing with a group of coworkers.

One of the biggest tell-tale signs that someone is dealing with confidence issues due to their teeth is covering the mouth. If you cover your mouth with your hands, you might be suffering from some issues with self-esteem.

  • You may cover your mouth because.
  • Or you don’t want to be seen smiling in a photograph.
  • Or you are embarrassed while talking in a group of people, and you don’t want them to see your teeth.

You have tooth pain and you are trying to protect your mouth from exposure.

People cover their mouths for several reasons. If you don’t think your mouth looks as perfect as it should, you may feel compelled to keep it hidden. You could be dealing with something as simple and harmless as a misalignment, or you might have rot and tooth decay, which is causing discoloration.

Bad Oral Health? Or Just Cosmetic Issues?

A recent study in the UK showed that while many adults try to avoid showing their teeth when they smile, 22% of them completely avoid having their picture taken altogether. But what really causes people to cover their mouths?

In some cases, people feel self-conscious because their bite isn’t cosmetically perfect. This is a valid reason for feeling uncomfortable showing your teeth in photos or with friends. In other cases, however, it could be because the person is dealing with tooth decay.

Some of the most prominent symptoms of unchecked tooth decay include yellowing, tooth discoloration, and infection, which leads to swelling. All of these symptoms have drastic effects on your oral health, including your cosmetic appearance. It is understandable why it is hard to crack a smile when you don’t want to reveal the oral problems underneath.

Many people who lack confidence about their smile avoid going to the dentist out of fear or embarrassment. Make sure that you stay in touch with your local dental professional so you can prevent things from going from bad to worse!

Don’t Avoid the Dentist!

The worst thing you can do is keep your dental problems hidden from your dentist. Whether you are embarrassed about a crooked smile or yellowed teeth, it is important that you let your dental professional know about it. These cosmetic issues might hint at underlying oral health problems that can have some serious health effects down the line.

Remember that prevention is better than treatment. Restore a beautiful pearly-white smile with our cosmetic dentist Los Angeles and feel confident in your natural beauty again. You deserve to smile big and wide, no matter the state of your teeth! Visit our experts today and set your teeth on the track to better health!

Side angle woman smiling apple watch on wrist, earpods in ears, pulling up hood

Importance of a Healthy Smile

Teeth Whitening,

There is nothing more stunning than a big, bright smile. A happy smile is a healthy smile, which is a sign of a healthy person. You may not think about how often you use your mouth for things, but it is truly one of our most dependable assets. Below we go over the importance of a healthy smile.

A healthy smile allows you to eat, chew, breathe, and swallow without a problem. Not to mention, a dazzling smile can be a huge boost in confidence. A good smile can even influence the people around you!

A good smile goes far beyond just looks, however. A healthy smile is important for the health of your entire body, especially your teeth and gums. Check out some of the biggest benefits of having a healthy smile, and visit your dental clinic downtown Los Angeles locations to invest in a healthy smile for life!

Importance of a Healthy Smile: Reduce Risk of Disease

Did you know that a healthy smile means you are protecting your mouth against certain diseases? By taking care of your teeth, you are preventing a buildup of bacteria that can make way for rot and decay.

If bacteria is left on the teeth for too long, it will contribute to the buildup of plaque and tartar – dangerous substances that can cause infection. Ultimately, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream, wreaking havoc on the rest of your body.

The most common oral disease is gum disease, which has symptoms of bleeding, enflamed, and receding gums. Not only is this disease painful for you, but it also puts the rest of your body and your immune system at risk.

By brushing your teeth and checking in with your dentist for regular cleanings, you can avoid this harmful disease.

Keeping Healthy Teeth

You want to keep your teeth for life, don’t you? By investing in daily oral health habits, you can keep your teeth healthy and strong for a lifetime.

You should also think about your everyday eating habits. Do you consume a lot of sugar? If so, you might want to cut back, since sugar adds to the buildup of plaque and tartar.

Without maintaining your teeth, they will fall into decay. Decay and gum disease can lead to tooth loss. After that, you will need dental implants or a bridge in order to use your mouth as normal.

HealthScope Magazine recommends making a daily oral health routine so you can keep the threat of gum disease at bay. For best results, you should:

Quit smoking.

Tobacco use is one of the highest contributors to oral health problems. Tobacco can lead to tooth decay, cavities, and even rot.

Brush your teeth twice a day.

Make sure your toothbrush has soft bristle and you are using a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This will help strengthen your teeth and keep them healthy!

Get rid of sugar.

Try not to eat as much sugar as you normally do. You’d be amazed how much healthier your teeth will be without it!

Start flossing.

If you don’t floss when you brush, perhaps it’s time to start.

It is not difficult to maintain healthy teeth, but it is something you should commit to for life in order to have a healthy and happy smile.

Take Care of Your Smile and Feel Good Inside and Out!

A healthy smile is a sign of so many positive things. Good physical health, great oral health, and an amazing sense of self-confidence. Happy smiles aren’t just good for your appearance, but for your whole body.

It’s important to visit your local cosmetic dentist downtown Los Angeles at least twice a year for regular cleanings. That way, your dentist can keep an eye on the state of your teeth and get rid of any problems before they occur.

Your smile is something that you will carry with you for life; make sure to take good care of it!