Category Archives: Preventive Dentistry

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What is Dental Plaque and Why Remove It?

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Dental plaque is a sticky, filmy substance that forms on your teeth’s surface after you eat. When the bacteria naturally found in your mouth mixes with sugars and starches from unhealthy foods, dental plaque forms. If you don’t remove plaque promptly, tartar can harden and turn into tartar. This can lead to serious conditions such as gum disease or tooth loss.

What is Dental Plaque and Why Remove It?

Your local, top-rated dentist in DTLA wants to answer the question, “What is dental plaque and why remove it?” Below, we will teach you about the main causes of plaque and how to keep it away from your teeth with regular dental cleanings. You can prevent plaque buildup and tartar from causing major dental restoration needs, which are costly to both your wallet and your health.

What is Dental Plaque?

There are naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth that can help you clean up after eating. These ingredients can stick to your teeth if you eat sugary or starchy foods. Acid can be released when bacteria reacts with the leftover food. This creates plaque, a sticky and sticky substance that sticks to your teeth.

Signs and Symptoms of Plaque

It is easy to determine if your teeth are stained. Take a look at how they feel. Are your teeth feeling swollen or irritated when you wake up each morning? Plaque buildup could be the reason. Bad breath or tender gums may be signs of a buildup.

Brush your teeth immediately if you find plaque on your teeth. This will help remove plaque before it becomes tartar. A dentist may be required to remove tartar from your teeth if it forms, although tartar is incredibly hard and sticky. Special tools and materials may be necessary to fully remove the tartar that has built up.

Why Remove Plaque Right Away

You could end up with more serious problems if you don’t remove plaque promptly. A poor oral hygiene can cause gum disease or other irreversible conditions. Plaque can lead to many complications, including:

  • Tooth loss
  • Infection/abscess
  • Gingivitis
  • Tooth decay
  • Cavities
  • Gum disease

An overabundance in plaque or tartar is easy to identify. To determine the extent of plaque buildup on your teeth, your dentist will use x-rays and dental tools during an assessment. A follow-up appointment may be necessary to treat plaque through a number of different procedures, including root scaling and deep cleaning.

How to Prevent and Treat Plaque

It is possible to remove plaque from your teeth without causing tartar. It is difficult to remove tartar once it has formed. These are the top ways to remove tartar and prevent it from getting worse.

  • Get fluoride toothpaste. Toothpaste containing tartar-controlling fluoride may help to reduce plaque buildup.
  • Regularly floss and brush your teeth. Brush your teeth twice daily and floss once a day. You should floss once a day and brush your teeth twice a day to remove plaque from between them.
  • Pay attention to what you eat. It doesn’t mean you have to follow a strict diet. However, it is important to not eat too many sugary or starchy foods on a daily basis.

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we offer a number of proactive plaque and tartar treatment options to help you treat your dental maladies right away. When it comes to plaque, it is best to get it treated as quickly as you can.

Advanced Plaque Removal Options ASAP

Contact our friendly team today if you have concerns about tartar buildup on your teeth or if you would like to schedule a semi-annual tooth cleaning. It is important to get routine dental exams in DTLA in order to prevent plaque and tartar from gaining control. Get in touch with us today to find out what a routine cleaning can do for you!

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Are Fruit Smoothies Bad for Your Teeth?

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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!

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Common Tooth Injuries in Sports

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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!

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Busting Myths About Cavities

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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.

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Most Common Questions About Going to the Dentist

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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.

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Are Your Teeth Connected to Your Sinuses?

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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!

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Common Misconceptions About Going to the Dentist

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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

Cleaning Your Teeth with Braces

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Braces can do wonders for giving you the perfect smile you will love to show off. However, the last thing you want is to finally have your braces removed only to reveal stained, uncared for teeth. In order to get optimal results that will really make you smile, it is crucial to know how to properly clean your teeth with braces. For detailed information from the premier dental clinic in Los Angeles about cleaning your teeth with braces, contact the team at Samaritan Dental today.

Brush Your Teeth Daily

While this first step may seem initially redundant, you would be surprised how many people forgo proper dental hygiene on a regular basis. In fact, a recent study found that 30% of Americans were not brushing enough. Although it is always important to implement dental care into your daily routine, there is an even greater emphasis on proper dental techniques when you have braces because there is an increased risk of food and plaque build up. The American Dental Association advises brushing after every meal, including snacks, and before you go to sleep as well.

But Do Not Brush Too Much

Now that we have told you about the importance of brushing, it is time to tell you the importance of not over brushing. While brushing daily is of the utmost importance, it is also important to preserve your enamel and protect your gums by not excessively brushing. To avoid tooth or gum damage and get information on best practices when brushing, contact Samaritan Dental, the best dental clinic in Los Angeles.

Do Not Forget to Floss!

Even though the wire brackets can make flossing a bit more of a chore, you cannot neglect flossing in your routine. Not only does flossing help remove trapped food and unwanted build-up, but it also ensures that your dental health remains in optimal condition. If you have any questions on how to floss with braces, how often to floss with braces, or any other questions pertaining to maintaining quality dental hygiene, contact the expert dental clinic in Los Angeles, Samaritan Dental. With years of experience, we are the professionals to trust with taking care of your braces.

Avoid Teeth Whitener

While we all want to achieve that pearly white smile, it is important to avoid teeth whiteners while you have braces. Since teeth whiteners can only work on the area of the teeth they touch, this can cause the parts under the braces to look discolored when removed. To avoid discoloration or an uneven look, refrain from whitening strips, toothpaste, and other whitening products that are not recommended.

Schedule Regular Check-Ups

Checking in with the professionals on a regular basis is a necessary step of proper dental health, especially when you have braces. Not only will this give them the opportunity to access that everything is going as planned, but it will give you the opportunity to have your teeth professionally cleaned. These regular check ups will ensure that any broken wires can be fixed, issues can be addressed, and that your teeth are being taken care of properly. For more information on how often check-ups occur and the importance of professional dental cleanings with braces, contact Samaritan Dental today.

 

Although cleaning your teeth with braces may seem complicated initially, having a consistent and effective plan will make it a part of your routine in no time. To start your journey to your perfect smile, contact the premier dental clinic, Samaritan Dental, today! Our years of experience, happy patients, and friendly team will help you have the best experience possible on the road to a better smile.

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Candy Substitutes for Halloween

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Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, there are plenty of sweet treats to go around. This is also the time where many people may see a decline in their dental hygiene, with kids being the most susceptible to dental problems. For any dental needs you may have, including dental crowns in Los Angeles, be sure to talk to Samaritan Dental and schedule an appointment today.

Statistics About Halloween and Your Teeth

Halloween is a great time to dress up and enjoy some well-deserved treats, but it is important to know the risks involved with that sack full of candy. Because bacteria loves to feed off that sugar that you are feeding on, there is an increased risk of dental problems during the Halloween season, especially due to all the candy readily available. Three of the most prominent dental problems that are seen during Halloween are cavities, infected teeth, and gum disease. You may also experience problems with previous fillings and crowns that you have. Because of the increased risk to your dental health, be sure to contact a dental professional at the first sign of symptoms. Samaritan Dental can help you with all your dental needs, including dental crowns in Los Angeles.

Candy Alternatives for Halloween

There are many reasons why you may want to elect to give out substitutes for candy during Halloween this year, but the trick is to find an alternative that kids actually like. First, try giving them something other than an edible treat. It doesn’t say anywhere in the Halloween handbook that a “treat” is solely something you can eat. Things such as little toys, bouncy balls, mini flashlights, stickers, coloring books, bubbles, novelty gag gifts, and spooky jewelry are just some ideas for fun, non-candy treats. There are plenty of alternatives that are edible as well, including honey sticks, organic candy, trail mix, oranges, popcorn packs, pretzels, and even snack packs with a bunch of these things together. Ultimately, the goal is to find something with significantly less sugar so you are not adding to the problem, but also being something enjoyable that kids want. And the added benefit is that without the candy in the house, the adults are being better about their dental health as well.

Tips and Tricks to Keep Dental Health in Check During Halloween

According to the American Dental Association, there are a bunch of tips and tricks that you can use to be safer with your teeth this Halloween season.

  • Eating candy is alright as a treat, but be careful not to snack throughout the day, choose candy that doesn’t sit in your mouth for a long time, and eating your sweet treat directly after or during a meal will help cancel out the acids produced by bacteria that can harm your teeth.
  • If you are going to enjoy some candy during the Halloween season, be sure to maintain a healthy diet the rest of the time, drink more water than normal to prevent tooth decay, and do not tempt yourself by buying more candy than you need.
  • Two things you should avoid if you are going to treat yourself to candy is sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, and sticky candy.
  • Brush your teeth twice a day, and floss once a day to be sure that sugar does not get more time to prey on your teeth.

Halloween can be an extremely fun time as long as you enjoy candy in moderation, and don’t take your teeth’s health for granted. Scheduling routine appointments with your dentist is a great way to make sure that you do not run into any tooth trouble. Samaritan Dental offers many services to help your family, including dental crowns in Los Angeles; contact us today to schedule an appointment and keep your teeth as healthy as can be!

When to Get Dental X-Rays

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Dental X-rays are a key component in helping dentists see medical issues of the teeth and surrounding tissues that cannot be seen with the naked eye during your regular oral examinations. They allow the dentists to see far beyond the surface to help diagnose potentially problematic issues. X-rays help the dentists identify and treat dental issues early-on in their development, which can help save you time, money, and pain down the road!

 

But, what do you need dental X-rays for? And how frequently can you expect to get them? As you know, each medical professional has different approaches and opinions about medical procedures like X-rays, so you can expect there to be some discrepancies between dentists. But, if you are consistently going to the same dentist, you will be able to establish with your dental professional how frequently dental X-rays are required for your oral health journey to be its healthiest. If you are looking for an emergency dentist in Downtown Los Angeles, get in touch with Samaritan Dental today.

 

For adults, dental X-rays serve many purposes. They can be used for the following purposes:

 

● Show decayed areas that are not visible during an oral exam
● Show areas of decay that are small and between the teeth
● Show areas of decay beneath existing fillings
● Show bone loss as a result of or revealing gum disease
● Show changes in bones or root canals due to infection
● Show abscesses
● Reveal cysts and tumors
● Reveal developmental abnormalities, deformities, or issues

 

For children, dental X-rays are used for the following purposes:

 

● Watch out for decay
● Ensure that there is enough room in the mouth for all incoming teeth
● Ensure that primary teeth are being lost quickly enough to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly
● Track the development of wisdom teeth and whether teeth are impacted or not

 

But, when do you need dental X-rays? How often you get dental X-rays varies person-to-person and depends on your dental and medical history as well as your current dental and medical condition. Some people need X-rays as often as twice a year, while others require them every few years.

 

If you are an adult, adolescent, or child visiting a new dentist, it is very likely they will X-ray your mouth to get familiar with your current oral state and make sure there are no issues that have gone undiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the past.

 

If you are visiting the same dentist you have seen before but are at high risk for decay or presently have decaying issues, X-rays will be taken anywhere from every 6 months to every 18 months. If you do not show signs of or are experiencing decaying teeth and are not at high risk for decay, then you can expect dental X-rays somewhere between every 12 and 36 months, depending on your dentist. If you have gum disease or a history of gum disease, your dentist will likely X-ray the affected area of your mouth.

 

X-rays, though something you should be educated about, are something that are going to change from dentist to dentist, patient to patient. Your oral health is incredibly personal, and your patient care should be as well. Please consult your dental professional, and together, with your dental history, you can come up with a treatment plan and X-ray schedule that you both agree on and will help you achieve your health goals.

Emergency Dentist Downtown Los Angeles

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we are dedicated to the highest standards in medicine, quality patient care, and patient comfort and education. We want you fully educated about what your personalized medical plan entails, what your desired results are, and how we plan to get you there. If you would like to set up a consultation, please reach out to us!