All posts by Alan Zabolian

Close-up of man brushing his tongue - should you be brushing your tongue?

Are You Supposed to be Brushing Your Tongue at Home?

Dental Care at Home, , , , , ,

When we think of dental hygiene, we often just think of brushing, flossing, and using the occasional mouthwash. However, did you know that scraping or brushing your tongue is just as important for having a healthy mouth? Here’s why you should add brushing your tongue to your daily routine and some effective ways of doing so. If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, look no further! Samaritan Dental is here for your general and cosmetic dentistry needs.

Why Brush Your Tongue?

Have you ever taken the time to feel your tongue? If you have, you’ve probably noticed that it’s full of tiny little bumps and troughs. Like your teeth, these troughs are a perfect spot for bacteria to collect. When bacteria collects here in these troughs, they end up being transferred to your teeth just by basic movement from eating or talking.

The result of this bacteria can be cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. In fact, not brushing your tongue is one of the main causes of bad breath in the dental hygiene world. By brushing or scraping your tongue, you rid yourself of this bacteria and the potential of harming your teeth and overall dental hygiene.

Benefits of Brushing Your Tongue

Brushing your tongue with a toothbrush or scraping it with a proper tongue-scraping tool can improve your dental hygiene in a number of ways:

  • Sense of Taste. Scraping your tongue twice a day can actually improve your sense of taste. All that build-up of bacteria prevents your taste-buds from being able to distinguish between flavors. Making sure that bacteria gets cleared away leaves room for flavor to affect your buds effectively!
  • Gets Rid of Bad Breath. Brushing your tongue wipes away all that bacteria that’s building up in your mouth and causing bad breath. This can also improve your social skills, as most people try to avoid talking to those with bad breath.
  • Improves Tooth Decay. The bacteria on your tongue also causes tooth decay. This is because it’s easily transferable from tongue to the tooth when talking or eating. If you’ve got a cavity problem, scraping your tongue may just be the thing you need!
  • Appearance.  Another benefit of brushing your tongue is that it improves its appearance. When we have a build-up of bacteria on our tongue, it can make it appear white. This is quite alarming for some. Brushing your tongue will help restore your tongue to its rightful, natural color.

How To Brush Your Tongue

There are many ways to clean your tongue, but few that are most effective. Perhaps the most effective way is by using a special tongue scraper or the back of a toothbrush that already has a built-in exfoliating pad. With either tool, you’ll want to stick your tongue out of your mouth first and start at the back. If this causes you to gag, you may want to start in the middle of your tongue until you get used to the sensation.

Never, ever use the scraper from the tip of your tongue to the back. This only pushes the bacteria further into your mouth. After every scrape, you’ll want to wipe off any coating or debris on a cloth or rinse it off in the sink before proceeding. If you skip this step, you risk just putting the bacteria right back in your mouth. After you’ve scraped your whole tongue, wash the scraper with warm water and soap.

Brushing your tongue is an important part of your dental hygiene. To find out more about how you can improve your oral hygiene at home or set up a routine dental check-up, please visit Samaritan Dental or give us a call at 213-986-2933.

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Busting Myths About Cavities

Preventive Dentistry, , , , , , ,

Even in our adult lives, cavities still remain a mystery to some of us. Cavities happen over time and are not often noticeable, so being aware of how they can form and how to take care of them is essential to our dental health. The more you understand your mouth, the more precaution you can take in your everyday life. Below are some common myths about cavities and the truths that lie behind them.

For more information on preventing cavities and receiving dental crowns, contact Samaritan Dental today!

Myth: Sugar is the cause of all cavities.

Truth: While sugar is a big culprit of cavities, it isn’t the cause of all cavities. Starches, for example, are a huge bacteria stimulator that erodes away at the enamel. It’s important to know the workings behind a cavity: they’re caused by bacteria that have a high acidic pH. When the mouth is particularly acidic, which may be caused by sugary food, candy, soda, starches like bread or pasta, etc, the bacteria or biofilm that covers our teeth, turns acidic and starts to destroy the enamel — otherwise known as tooth decay.

Myth: I’ll know when I have a cavity because I’ll feel it.

Truth: When thinking of myths about cavities, it can be easy to go by feel. Most of the time, we have no idea we have cavities at all. Cavities don’t actually hurt unless the decay becomes really bad. However, it’s important to not let it get to this point, as by now it may have caused some serious issues that will cost more or take longer to repair. It’s important to stay up-to-date with regular check-ups to avoid this from happening.

Myth: Brushing & Flossing will fight the decay away.

Truth: While brushing and flossing help keep teeth clean and ward off a good amount of bad bacteria, it doesn’t actually remove all the plaque. Plaque that hangs around eventually calcifies and become tartar, which can only be removed with special dental tools. This is why it’s important to visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular dental cleaning.

Myth: Fluoride will stop the decay.

Truth: Using fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash does help manage tooth decay, but it won’t completely keep plaque at bay or cure cavities that are already there. Overall, fluoride works to reduce the amount of acid produced by bacteria and therefore strengthens enamel because it’s being exposed to less of this acid. However, some people are staying clear of fluoride as it can cause a slew of other health issues, including: “skeletal fluorosis, arthritis, compromised kidney and thyroid health, and female puberty acceleration.” (link) While some fluoride use is natural and healthy for teeth, at the end of the day, use your best judgment and consult with a professional dentist on whether or not fluoride products are right for you.

Myth: Regular snacking prevents cavities.

Truth: One myth that has gained popularity is that snacking frequently will prevent cavities. The thought behind this is that snacking will produce saliva, and saliva, which is full of minerals that aid in protecting enamel, will help keep teeth healthy and cavity-free. Unfortunately, this myth has one problem: it forgets the part about the food you’re eating. Adding sugars and starches to your mouth regularly actually increases the production of acid and is therefore detrimental to teeth enamel. Your teeth need time to recover between eating, so, if you must snack, try to do it in moderation with plenty of time in between.

Myth: The mercury in fillings is dangerous.

Truth: There’s a lot of talk about the mercury used in fillings — is it safe? Will I be paying for this later on in life? The dangerous mercury we’re thinking of is not the same as the one used in our teeth. Our tooth fillings contain a small amount of mercury, but also other materials like zinc, copper, etc. This substance is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is absolutely safe for anyone over 6 years old.

Cavity Fillings in Downtown Los Angeles

At the end of the day, if you have any cavity concerns, it’s best to get your answers straight from the source: a professional dentist. Give Samaritan Dental a call to have other myths about cavities, put to bed.

dental insurance on clipboard for dentist in los angeles

How Does Dental Insurance Work

Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Emergencies, , ,

One of the most complicated parts about going to the dentist in Los Angeles isn’t the X-Rays,  checkups, or treatments. It’s dental insurance. Figuring out what’s covered, and for how much, is a really frustrating part of the process. Our specialists at Samaritan Dental Arts want to make this process as easy as possible in order to ease your worries. Dealing with insurance is not always simple. We are here to help you through the process. Check out our short guide about dental insurance, so you know what to expect next time you come in for teeth cleaning.

Knowing Your Plan Options

Understanding what’s available to you is the first step towards navigating the tricky insurance process. If you already have a dentist in Los Angeles you like, then you may be more inclined to go with an insurance option that you know they cover. Some plans are cheaper than others. You want to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck – without breaking the bank, of course.

If you don’t already have a dentist you love, you may have an even bigger opportunity to find an affordable insurance plan. You can navigate your search for a dentist by insurance costs, rather than searching for the dentistry office itself.

What Dental Insurance Covers

It’s important to get into the nitty-gritty when it comes to insurance. You need to know exactly what dental insurance covers so you know that you’ll be protected the next time you need to go in for a procedure. Dental insurance can cover options such as:

There are also a few things that dental insurance typically does not cover. Investopedia recently discussed the key things that you can’t expect an insurance company to pay for:

If you are looking to whiten your teeth or get veneers, this may not be covered. Thankfully, these procedures are affordable enough on their own and may not warrant insurance coverage anyway.

What About Deductibles and Co-Pays?

Some patients are lucky enough to have their treatments covered completely. Most people expect deductibles and co-pays. These are the remaining charges left over after your insurance company pays for a certain amount. For example, your co-pay may be $50, meaning that you will pay $50 out of pocket for each appointment, while insurance covers the remainder of the charges for your appointment.

Get in touch with your dental insurance company right away to understand exactly what deductibles and co-pays you have. Most insurance companies will 100% cover routine procedures such as annual cleanings and X-Rays. If you are in need of emergency treatment, that may be covered as well. Communication is key when navigating insurance costs and coverages.

Look Out For Maximums

Just like regular health insurance, dental insurance does come with a maximum. This means that after a certain number is reached, the insurance will stop paying for your appointments altogether. From then on, you must cover 100% of the cost. You can speak with your insurance company further to understand this in case you have extraneous dental needs. Look online for local recommendations, as some dental insurance plans have higher maximums than others.

Dentist in Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental, we offer a variety of insurance and financing options to help cover the cost of your appointments. All of our treatments and services are affordable, and we work with you to come up with a plan that works best. To learn more about our services and payment options please reach out online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933.

Doctor dentist showing patient's teeth on X-ray

Most Common Questions About Going to the Dentist

Dental Emergencies, Preventive Dentistry, , ,

Whether it has been a few years since your last visit to the dentist or you have a fear of going that has kept you away, getting answers to the most common questions asked can help. To get more information on going to the dentist and answers to specific questions you have, contact the expert emergency dentist in Los Angeles, today.

How often should I go to the dentist?

Regular visits to the dentist are extremely important. Not only to get a proper dental cleaning from a professional, but to check on your gum health, address any potential concerns, and check any previous work that you have had over the years. Since each person’s dental history is different, the frequency of visits for each person is different as well. However, a good start would be to make a visit to the dentist every six months. Based on those visits, you and your dentist can decide if you need to increase your visits each year, or if you can increase the number of months between each visit.

What are some signs that I need to go to an emergency dentist in Los Angeles?

If you are contemplating whether you should go to the dentist or not, there are a few key symptoms to look out for. Be aware, dental emergencies do happen. Keep your dentist’s contact information easily accessible.

  • Any changes to your teeth (ex: discoloration, cracks, chips)
  • Bleeding when brushing or flossing
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold items
  • Persistent bad breath
  • Pain or swelling of your mouth or gums
  • You are having difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • You smoke

However, signs you should visit the dentist are not limited to this list. If you are experiencing any discomfort or pain, it has been over a year since your last visit, or gum disease runs in your family, make sure to make a trip to your emergency dentist in Los Angeles as soon as possible.

Why should I go to the dentist if I take good care of my teeth?

For those who take good care of their teeth, brush three times a day, and floss regularly, it may seem superfluous to go to the dentist. However, those who have a less than healthy dental regime are not the only ones who benefit from a trip to the dentist. One important thing to note is that a professional eye can see early signs of tooth decay or gum disease. In addition, professional cleanings are the only way to remove built-up plaque on your teeth. A trip to the dentist can also ensure that you get effective solutions to any problems or pain you have been experiencing.

What can I expect at a dental checkup?

While each dentist can do things differently, there are some common procedures to expect at a dental checkup. First, they will take a look at your records and ask about any discomfort or issues you have been experiencing. If they do not have any of your records or hear anything of concern, then they may ask you to take x-rays for a better understanding of what is going on. They will also do a brief oral exam. This will give them an opportunity to take a look at the overall health of your mouth, check for any gum issues, and check for cavities or other common problems. Once the check-up is complete, the dentist will let you know of any issues they saw, concerns they have, or recommendations they would like you to be aware of.

Emergency Dentist in Los Angeles

Your mouth health is important, and it is crucial that you make it a priority. For more information from Samaritan Dental, contact our team today. With our friendly team, experienced staff, and effective treatments, we are the professionals to trust for your next dental visit.

Cheerful girl hiding under the sheets

Making Loose Teeth Fun for Kids

Pediatric Dentistry, ,

pediatric dentist in downtown LA

Do you remember hearing tales of the tooth fairy? Did you excitedly hide your tooth under your pillow at night, only to wake up with a coin for your troubles?

There are many ways that we can make the tooth-losing experience fun for kids. While loose teeth can sometimes be bothersome or painful, the process is a natural transition that can help adult teeth grow in stronger and faster. At Samaritan Dental, we offer special and preventative care for kids.

If your little one is struggling with a wiggling tooth, here are a few ways that you can make it a fun and positive experience for them. For more about pediatric dentistry in downtown LA, visit Samaritan Dental today!

Wait to Pull The Tooth

Some kids might be tempted to pull a loose tooth on their own. When it’s wiggling in their mouth, it might start to get bothersome. However, teach your child that it is not always best to pull it out right away. Colgate explains that the roots of the baby teeth need time to dissolve before they can come out.

So, how can you make waiting fun?

Make A Memory Book

Children are often very excited to lose their first tooth. Help them turn this experience into a lifelong memory by working with them to craft a tooth fairy memory book. Use colored paper, sticks, glue, little pockets to store the teeth, and anything else you think they might enjoy.

You can even use this Amazon tooth very coin collection book as a template!

Play A Game

When in doubt, make a game out of it! Encourage your kids to mark down each day on the calendar that they have the loose tooth, working all the way up to the day it finally comes out. If they’re able to make it all the way, promise them a fun prize at the end!

This prize can be a trip to their favorite ice cream place, an hour with their favorite cartoon, or even an adorable tooth-shaped plushie.

Share With The Class

Does your child have a show-and-tell coming up? They can make a presentation about the experience of having a loose tooth. Their classmates will love learning about what to expect, how much the tooth wiggles, and how long they must wait for it to fall out.

This can turn into an excellent class project as well. If you have multiple kids, or if you teach a classroom, you can have them all make their own personal projects about losing their teeth. At this crucial age, kids are ready and willing to learn about the changes that are soon to come.

Read Books

Lots of children’s books have been written on the subject of losing a tooth. If your child needs a role model to feel comfort from – even if it’s fictional – try browsing the shelves of your local bookstore for some kid-friendly tooth stories. You can even search online for these fun and educational books. This will reassure them that everything they’re going through is natural and expected.

Most children aren’t afraid of this process. It can be an exciting, fascinating change, one that they look forward to with anticipation. Just be sure that they know not to pull the wiggling tooth out immediately – it can cause damage!

Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles

When your child is dealing with a loose tooth, you may want to visit your pediatric dentist in downtown LA to ensure that everything is going smoothly. In most cases, the tooth will wiggle its way out on its own, without anybody needing to force a pull. Our certified staff members and Dr. Alan Zabolian, DDS, can reassure you and your child that you are on the right path to growth and health.

For more information about the tooth-losing process, and for more ways to engage with your child in this exciting memory, contact us online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933. We look forward to working with you!

What Causes Sore or Swollen Gums?

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When you engage in regular dental hygiene, it can be normal to see a little pink in the sink every so often. This means that sometimes when you brush and floss, there’s a little bit of blood. There are many reasons why you may be bleeding and some of them are health reasons. But when it comes to your gums, it’s important to listen to the signs your mouth is telling you.

A little blood is no big deal. But if that blood also comes with sensitive, sore, or painful gums, it might be time to assess the issue. Our friendly professionals at Samaritan Dental want you to know about the warning signs your gums might be giving you. If you’re dealing with irritated or swollen gums, here are some reasons why that may be happening. Be sure to contact our office for a consultation ASAP!

It’s All About Bacteria

If you don’t practice daily dental hygiene as adamantly as you should, you may experience a variety of dental problems down the line. One such problem is the formation of bad bacteria on your teeth and gums. When this bacterium doesn’t get brushed or flossed away every day, it causes a buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This is a dangerous substance which makes the gums infected, creating those sore and swollen symptoms you may be used to. This is a gateway to gum disease, and it’s important to make a dentist appointment right away.

Look at the Way You Brush

Sometimes, the reasons for the soreness and swelling in your gums aren’t as serious as something like gum disease. Often, the way we brush or floss maybe just a little too harsh for our mouths to handle. It’s important to invest in healthy brushing and flossing techniques so that we can be the right amount of gentle yet firm. Your teeth and gums shouldn’t be bleeding every time you brush; that is a sure sign that something is going wrong. Instead, be gentler with your floss, letting it slide itself between your teeth on its own, rather than forcing it.

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a diagnosis that is typically given to someone who is experiencing swollen, irritated, and receding gums. This is a condition that often leads to gum disease; in fact, it is simply a milder version of it. Gingivitis is a serious issue that can be treated but requires a lot of dental attention and your best care.

Some of the symptoms of gingivitis include:

  • Tender or painful gums
  • Constant bad breath despite brushing
  • Pockets forming between the teeth and gums
  • Changes in your bite
  • Loose teeth
  • Bleeding gums every time you brush

Even if you don’t necessarily feel any discomfort, you still may be suffering from gingivitis. In order to prevent yourself from developing periodontitis, a more serious condition that wears away at your bone and gums, be sure to contact your friendly professionals at Samaritan Dental right away.

Get Your Gums in Good Health ASAP!

When it comes to the health of your gums, you can’t afford to wait until it’s too late. Each day you show the symptoms of gum disease, gingivitis, or periodontitis, your condition might be progressing. Ultimately, having your gums in bad shape can also affect the integrity of your entire mouth. You will be more prone to cavities, tooth loss, biting difficulties, and even bone loss.

These problems can be corrected once they’re caught, but it takes effort on both parts; the patient must invest in good dental hygiene in order to stay consistent with a treatment plan. Our dentists at Samaritan Dental can come up with a treatment solution that works best for you. If you are interested in making an appointment with us, please contact us online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933 to start your consultation.

Man with sensitive teeth touching his cheek

Getting Rid of a Toothache

Dental Emergencies, , , ,

 

We all have gotten a toothache and can attest to how annoying that dull pain can be. We use our mouths for a lot: to communicate, to eat, to enjoy treats, and so much more, so it’s also inconvenient when something is hindering our ability to do these things. Here are some great ideas from Samaritan Dental on how to get rid of your tooth pain, and if the pain persists, be sure to use the best dental clinic in Los Angeles by contacting us today!

What Causes Toothache?

There are many reasons you would be feeling pain in your tooth, and the pain can become unbearable if left untreated. Trauma to your teeth can cause tooth pain, but many toothaches are the result of tooth decay. Whether this is superficial tooth decay or the beginning of gum disease, if the toothache persists, you should see a dentist. Some of the most common causes of tooth pain are an infection, teeth grinding, and gum disease. The pain isn’t the only thing that can be accompanied by these problems, and you may experience other symptoms as well. If your toothache is accompanied with a fever, foul taste, discharge, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling, you should contact Samaritan Dental right away to get help from the best dental clinic in Los Angeles. For minor toothaches, or for one that is not accompanied by other symptoms, try some of these home remedies to relieve the pain.

How to Get Rid of Toothaches

Everyone has his or her own remedies for tooth pain and depending on how bad it is, one of these may be able to help you.

  • The application method – just like any other injury we sustain, our first thought is to use a hot or cold pack to help it. This is the same thing that can be done for tooth pain. Depending on what is most comfortable, and which one relieves the pain, try applying something hot or cold to the area. There are many different household items you can use instead of a hot or cold pack if you do not have one readily available. Try frozen bags of vegetables, ice cubes in a Ziploc bag, or microwaving rice. The cold application is helpful when there is swelling near the painful area to reduce the inflammation.
  • Anti-inflammatory medication – another useful way to reduce inflammation is to take over the counter pain relievers. Ibuprofen is effective and will help you manage the pain, as well as reduce swelling. It is always recommended to try natural remedies before resorting to medication unless instructed by your dentist.
  • Saltwater – using hot water with salt added not only feels good but also will help mitigate the risk of infection. By swishing salt water near the affected area for 30 seconds, you can provide temporary relief as well as clean out any infectious areas that may be forming.
  • Natural oils and remedies – both peppermint and clove have numbing properties and have been used for generations to help manage pain. A good at home remedy would be to place a peppermint tea bag on the affected tooth or use clove oil. Although these are great natural alternatives, the effects can be short-lived, and may not fully relieve the pain. Some people also claim that garlic and vanilla extract is helpful in this manner, so go ahead and give these a shot.

Toothache Remedies from Your Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

If these remedies do not help, or the pain worsens or persists, be sure to get professional help right away. Toothaches that are left unattended can become much more problematic, and cause irreparable or long-term damage. Samaritan Dental is a premier dental clinic in Los Angeles that will be able to diagnose and treat any tooth disease or trauma that you have. Get relief today by contacting us here!

Portrait of joyful satisfied girl gesturing her beaming white healthy teeth with two forefingers looking at camera isolated on grey background. Orthodontic concept

Are Your Teeth Connected to Your Sinuses?

Preventive Dentistry, , ,

 

For patients who have been consistently struggling with sinus infections that never seem to end, there may be a link between their oral health and the constant slew of sinus infections. If you have been experiencing frequent sinus infections and can’t quite locate a plausible reason, you may be transferring bad bacteria from your teeth into your sinuses. Read more about how your teeth are connected to your sinuses and find out if you are due for a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles with this educational article from Samaritan Dental. See how your dentist can be doing more for you when you schedule an initial consultation with Samaritan Dental today!

How Your Teeth Can Affect Your Sinus Health

While not all your illnesses can be related back to the health of your mouth and teeth, studies show that about 20% of patients with consistent sinus health problems have a correlation with the health of their teeth. This happens because of the proximity between your teeth and your sinus system, and the ease at which bad bacteria from your mouth can transfer up through your bloodstream, and into your sinuses. It is easy for the bad bacteria to travel in this way because the barrier between your sinuses and the root of your teeth is extremely thin. If you have any bad bacteria in your mouth or advancing signs of tooth decay that have yet to be treated, you could continue to experience an onslaught of sinus infections until the oral infection has been taken care of.

 

While regular, untreated cavities are the usually the main culprit in creating consistent sinus infections, other oral health factors can also contribute. If you have developed an abscess along the line of gums, or if you are suffering from gum disease, you are more at risk to develop chronic sinus infections, as that bacteria is not only bad, it is also growing with any new bacteria that is not completely cleaned from your mouth. An abscess is a small infection that forms a bubble effect in the gum line above your teeth. If an abscess forms in your mouth, it can often mean you have severe tooth decay, or advanced gum damage. Abscesses make you much more likely to develop consistent sinus infections, and they should be treated as soon as possible to ensure that they cannot continue to cause further damage to your oral health. If you need to schedule a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles to make sure your oral health is well maintained, call the offices of Samaritan Dental today to get started!

 

Severe gum damage and gum disease can also lead to the development of more frequent sinus infections, as your gums are permeable and are also closely located to your sinuses. Gum disease can present itself through a myriad of different symptoms, but if you are experiencing pain that seems to mostly resonate from the gums or internal skin of your mouth, you may want to consider seeing your dentist to get a more in depth understanding of your symptoms. No matter what ill health you are experiencing with your oral or sinus care, always be sure to ask your physician for the best course of treatment to start feeling better!

Teeth Cleaning in Los Angeles

Maintaining your oral health will certainly improve your overall physicality, and to do that, you should be sure to schedule a regular teeth cleaning in Los Angeles at least once every six months. Find a dentist who can give you focused attention and quality work when you call Samaritan Dental now and schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Zabolian today!

Big tooth and dentist mirror

Common Misconceptions About Going to the Dentist

Dental Emergencies, Pediatric Dentistry, Preventive Dentistry, , , ,

 

While taking a trip to the dentist isn’t the most fun thing to do during your week, dental hygiene is an important aspect to your health that shouldn’t be skipped. Many people spend years not going to the dentist, even if they are in pain, just because of some basic fears surrounding the experience. As a result, their oral hygiene suffers, their condition worsens, or they wait until it’s too late. It’s important to have regularly scheduled visits to your dental clinic in Los Angeles — even twice a year is way better than going years without the proper care. Here are some common misconceptions about going to the dentist that might encourage you to schedule an appointment today.

Too Painful

A lot of people avoid going to the dentist because they think the experience will be physically painful. However, this is hardly ever the case. Cleaning your teeth or filling in cavities may be mildly discomforting, but it is hardly painful at all. Any serious procedures, such as a root canal, crowns, or pulling a tooth are done after admitting anesthesia to the area, causing it to be numb so that you don’t feel a thing. Of course, there may be some mild discomfort after the anesthesia wears off following an intense procedure, but your dentist will likely prescribe you pain killers while your tooth heals.

 

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you are allowed to speak! If you are feeling any pain, it is encouraged that you tell your dentist — you, in no way, have to sit there and suffer. At Samaritan Dental, a dental clinic in Los Angeles, we want you to communicate your needs and feelings during a procedure so that we can proceed in making you as comfortable as possible.

Lack of Pain

Another misconception about going to the dentist is that you don’t need to go if you’re not in pain. Our mouths are interesting and mystical features on our body, and they don’t always exhibit signs of trouble. While you may not be experiencing any pain, it’s crucial that you visit the dentist to get a proper cleaning and check-up. Brushing and flossing can only do so much, but the dentist has the proper equipment to get into all your nooks and crannies, freeing up any plaque build-up. These hard to reach areas that build up with plaque can over time cause more serious problems to your overall oral hygiene, causing you to undergo a procedure you’d rather not.

Embarrassment

A handful of people will avoid the dentist because they’re embarrassed about how long it’s been since their last visit. It’s understandable that you might be afraid the dentist will be disappointed or judge you on your lack of dental care, but that is absolutely not what a dentist is here to do! Dentists see patients all the time who haven’t been to a check-up for years! At our dental clinic in Los Angeles, we understand that hardships are a part of life and your self-care can fall to the wayside. The hardest part is getting yourself to the dentist and from there on out, it is a judgement free zone. The most important part is that we get to the cleaning, making your mouth healthy and new.

Cost

Finally, one of the biggest misconceptions that keep people from going to the dentist is that it is too expensive. In actuality, regular check-ups and cleanings are actually pretty affordable, and they should be scheduled every six months. If you have dental insurance, these cleanings are completely covered, and if you don’t, there are programs that provide more affordable cleanings, like Universities. The worst thing you can do for your wallet is to not schedule these regular check-ups — this is where costs begin to add up. When you avoid visiting the dentist, your teeth get worse, causing more serious problems that end up costing way more than a cleaning in the end. Avoiding these expensive procedures is the goal and the way to do that is to make sure you are getting in that dental clinic in Los Angeles at least twice a year.

Dental Clinic in Los Angeles

Samaritan Dental in Los Angeles is here to answer any questions you have about your dental visit. Our goal is to get your teeth feeling healthy and new, no matter how long it’s been since your last visit. If you’d like to schedule an appointment or find out more about us, please visit us here or call, 213-986-2933

Family In Bathroom Brushing Teeth Together

Creating a Family Brushing Routine

Pediatric Dentistry, , , , ,

 

When teaching your children about oral hygiene and how to keep their mouths and teeth in great shape, it can be difficult to communicate just how important brushing and flossing are for their health. Sometimes, kids can be unresponsive to traditional forms of following healthcare routines, and when that happens, it is helpful to create a more fun approach, so they will enjoy these routines instead of growing to resent them. A fun way to involve your kids in routine brushing and flossing is to make it a family event! Set a time that works for your kids to brush at least twice a day and make a game out of your new routine. Discover more helpful tips about how to create a fun family brushing routine when you read through the entire guide from Samaritan Dental! Schedule a family appointment for a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles at Samaritan Dental now!

Make Brushing Time a Family Event

The easiest way to engage your kids in a healthy brushing and flossing routine is to make it a family event. Every morning and every night try to establish teeth time and gather the whole family together in one bathroom. Everyone will be able to brush together, catch up on their days and just spend five quality minutes as a unit. This method is so beneficial because it will give your children a sense of structure, and everyone will be able to catch up about things that are happening later or share stories from events that happened during the day. And, of course, there is an added benefit of you knowing your kids are maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine! It is important to include professional teeth cleaning in Los Angeles to every hygiene routine, so be sure to schedule regular appointments with Samaritan Dental!

Make Brushing Time a Game

If the draw of getting the whole family together to brush isn’t working, you may need to step it up a notch. Brainstorm different ways that your kids can play during brushing time in order to make it a more enjoyable routine for them. Think about ways that you can incorporate a little competitive aspect to brushing, like challenging them to brushing for as long as possible before needing to spit! Have a staring contest while you brush and tell them not to spit out their toothpaste for as long as they can! They’ll have a blast trying to maintain eye contact and trying to talk with toothpaste in their mouths will be hilarious. You can also add some fun to teeth time by trying out a variety of different mouthwash flavors. Most brands of mouthwash make a variety of flavors, and grocery or drug stores carry travel sized bottles for flying. Pick up a few different flavors, and some small water cups if you don’t already have them at home. During your teeth time, give everyone a different flavor of mouthwash to see how they like it! Continue rotating mouthwashes until everyone has tried each flavor and picked a favorite!

 

Maintaining a consistent and enjoyable tooth brushing routine can be easy when you gather the entire family together to make every brush fun! Using games and competition to engage your kids to brush their teeth is an easy, fun, and effective way to ensure that they develop healthy hygiene routines for life. Making their dental health enjoyable can also help calm any nerves they may have about going to the dentist for checkups in the future as well. If you have been looking for the perfect family dentist for a teeth cleaning in Los Angeles, call Samaritan Dental today to schedule your first appointment, and see the difference with our team of talented and dedicated dentists!