Category Archives: Teeth Whitening

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How At-Home Whitening Treatments Burn Gums

If you have visited your local convenience store lately, you have likely noticed a wide range of at-home whitening kits available to purchase over the counter. From whitening strips to at-home chemical formulas, plenty of companies are selling products that anyone can use in the comfort of their own bathrooms. Below, we look at how at-home whitening treatments burn gums.

How At-Home Whitening Treatments Burn Gums

While tooth whitening products are designed to lift extrinsic stains from the surface of your teeth and restore a bright, white appearance to your mouth, improper use of them can cause some harmful side effects. Your gums are made up of sensitive tissue, which is prone to burning after being touched by certain chemicals. Today, your trusted DTLA dentist will explain how at-home whitening treatments burn gums much more often than professional, in-office teeth whitening procedures.

What Are At-Home Treatments Made Of?

There are a vast number of teeth whitening products made by different brands for over-the-counter use. From Crest to SNOW, companies continue to innovate cosmetic dental care by putting the convenience of professional treatments in a take-home package. There can be a lot of benefits to using teeth whitening strips regularly, as this shows that you greatly care about your oral health. However, there are also a few risk factors that every consumer should be aware of.

Many tooth whitening treatments contain hydrogen peroxide as the main ingredient. While this chemical is good for treating wounds and wiping out infections, it can also burn. When hydrogen peroxide touches the gums, they can become overly sensitive or even painful for an extended period of time. While minor reactions can go away fast, more severe burns will leave white spots and painful marks on the gums.

How to Avoid Getting Burned By Teeth Whitening

Since hydrogen peroxide and other common bleaching agents cause burning gums, it is best to use caution when selecting your next set of dental hygiene products. While any dentist-approved product is safe to use for a short period of time, you may not be able to predict when side effects may occur. This is why our Samaritan Dental Arts experts recommend that you make an appointment with your dentist before you buy anything so you can discuss the best course of action.
There are other ways you can protect your teeth and gums from becoming too sensitive:

  • Follow the instructions provided with your teeth whitening products as this can help you prevent undue pain or discomfort.
  • Ask your dentist about in-office whitening treatments or a customized whitening tray that can be made to fit your unique set of teeth.
  • Limit the number of acids you put in your body through foods like tomatoes, citrus, and soda.
  • Do not whiten your teeth every day, even if you have enough products to do so at home; extended use can severely weaken your teeth by eroding the protective enamel layers that surround them.
  • Make sure that the tooth whitening product does not get on the gums, and wipe it off as soon as you notice it.

If the damage has already been done, do not worry – there are still plenty of ways to calm your symptoms while you reach out to your dentist for professional help. You can rinse your mouth with salt water, which will remove leftover bleaching products from your gums. If your pain or irritation persists after a couple of days, you should get in touch with your dentist right away.

Get Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening for Best Results

The safest, most effective, and most comfortable way to apply long-lasting whitening to your teeth is through your dentist. Our in-office teeth whitening treatments use products and techniques that are not sold in the store as regular, over-the-counter items. If you want to give your teeth the best of the best, visit us to learn how our pain-free whitening services can keep your smile bright for a long time to come.

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

Importance of a Healthy Smile

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!

The Power of Your Smile

 

The Power of Your Smile

There’s a reason cosmetic dentistry is the most popular form of dentistry in the world. It’s not just to make you look good – it’s to make you feel good too! In fact, a confident smile is one of the most powerful acts you can have.

 

It’s amazing how much a smile can make an impact on a person, a group of people, and, most importantly, yourself. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we delve deep into a research project that shows just how important confident smiles really are.

 

The great medical, psychological, neurological, and social benefits of smiles are seemingly endless! Here’s just a few things that prove the power of your smile.

Smiles Predict Your Health

It’s true; the more you smile, the healthier and happier you may be. Researchers at UC Berkeley spent 30 years trying to predict the outcome of certain students’ lives based on their smiles (or lack of smiles). It turned out that the students with the brightest and most confident smiles had the longest-lasting marriages, the best scores on standardized tests, and the highest level of general happiness.

 

Next time you look in the mirror, smile wide – you could be predicting your own future happiness!

Smiles Can Determine Your Lifespan

Further studies have concluded that the lifespan of a person can be predicted by how widely they smile. Those who smile less don’t tend to live as long as those with great, bubbly smiles.

 

According to Wayne State University, those who don’t smile tend to live an average of 79 years, while those with great smiles can outlive them by an average of 6 years or more!

 

For a closer look at cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles, contact Samaritan Dental Arts today.

Smiling is In Our Nature

Did you know that humans are born smiling? It may not seem that way to the face of a crying baby, but we are a species that loves to smile. New technologies have even been able to show that babies can smile while still in the womb, too!

 

Ever notice how easily a baby can smile when they hear the sound of their mother’s voice? Or how easily things can make them laugh? This is because they know they are meant to smile. Humans are born with superpowers; we have the ability to strongly impact a social situation from the strength of our smiles.

 

Not to mention that smiling is one of the and most primal and basic types of human expression that has been around since the dawn of man. All humans across all cultures, societies, and environments all use the biological smile. It’s been around for centuries, and it has been a universal form of communication for thousands of years.

We Smile Quite Often!

About 30% of all humans smile over 20 times a day, whether in response to a great joke or a pleasant morning. And often, our smiles can impact others’ smiles, too. Only 14% of the human population smiles less than 5 times a day, marking it as quite the rarity.

 

The most frequent smilers? Children! Babies and toddlers will smile over 400 times per day! They love flexing their superpowers, and they smile quite often as they learn how to control and influence their facial expressions.

Smiling is Always Rewarding

Our brain interprets the smile as something that always brings us a reward later on. It is similar to the experiments on classical conditioning, but it happens naturally within the brain.

 

Think about how good it feels when you eat a piece of chocolate. The chocolate stimulates the brain and gives you a sense of pleasure for a short while. Now imagine this: A single smile provides the brain with up to 2,000 times the amount of pleasure and satisfaction as a piece of chocolate. Not to mention the mental and physical health benefits are multiplied as well.

Improve Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry in Los Angeles!

Having a big and confident smile can have serious positive effects on your overall health and well-being. Having misshapen, discolored, or misaligned teeth can definitely strike down your self-esteem and keep you from smiling as much as you might want to. At Samaritan Dental Arts, we can provide high-quality cosmetic dentistry in Los Angeles to improve your smile in a painless and affordable way. For more information, contact us online. Or, give us a call at (213) 986-2933 to schedule an appointment. Our friendly staff members are here to help!

Top Reasons to Smile More

Top Reasons to Smile

Did you know that smiling not only puts out an inviting, good energy to those around you but can benefit your health? Children offer smiles all the time but as they enter adulthood it seems harder and harder to crack one out. Go to a playground and look at the kids running around and having fun! Then look at the parents sitting on the benches looking at phones or starting into nothingness because their mind is elsewhere. Adults would benefit from trying to disconnect from work and stress to join the children in their carefree day.

Research has found many health benefits associated with smiling. As well as having health benefits, smiling will have a positive effect on all areas of your life. When you smile, physiological changes in your body take place without you even being aware of them. If you don’t believe it for yourself, contact your dentist in Beverly Hills.

1. Endorphins are released when you smile

The muscles in your face trigger the release of endorphins when you smile.  Endorphins are responsible for suppressing our stress and making us feel happy.  Faking a smile can do the same thing since the brain does not know the difference – the release of endorphins will be triggered by the movement of the facial muscles and we will feel happier.  The more often we can stimulate our brain to release endorphins, the more often we will feel happy and relaxed.

2. Endorphins boost our mood

Endorphins act as natural pain killers for our body.  If you suffer from chronic pain, smiling can help with pain management.  If you fall or bump your funny bone, smiling or laughing about it can ward off the pain.

3. When endorphins are released, cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced

When we feel stressed or anxious, cortisol is more active and we experience higher levels of unpleasant feelings.  When cortisol levels are reduced it helps to lower the instances of negative feelings.

4. Smiling attract people to you and helps you to be more social

When you smile, people will see you as approachable.  Having positive interactions with others is no doubt, good for your health.  Smiling is contagious and those around you will also feel better and start to smile more.  Spread the love!

Happiness and positivity will serve you well in life.  When you face a challenging situation, smiling will help you relax, feel more at ease, and get you through it.  Smiling shows that you are confident and can send the stress on its way.

Tips for Smiling and Laughing More Often

1. Smile and laugh regularly

Smiling and laughing is habit forming. The more you do it, the more naturally it will happen on its own.

2. Get goof with your entertainment

Inject some humor into your life by watching sitcoms, comedic movies, or YouTube videos that make you laugh. It can be hard to avoid negative feelings when you regularly watch the news or dramatic programs. Make sure to balance your viewing.

3. Spend time with family and friends who lift your spirits

Make sure to surround yourself with people who are happy and people who make you happy.

4. Look for things that you can smile and laugh about

When you consciously look for things to smile and laugh about, you are more likely to find them. You become more in tune with things that make you happy and are more likely to find a smile on a regular basis.

 

If you are among those who avoid smiling because you do not find your smile attractive, do something to improve those pearly whites so that you can lead a happier and more fulfilling life. Visit your dentist in Beverly Hills who can give you a brighter, whiter smile will be good for your dental health and your overall wellbeing.

 

At Samaritan Dental Arts, we can give you the smile that you dream of. Book an appointment for an assessment with your qualified dentist in Beverly Hills who can assess your needs and give you a smile that will last a lifetime.

Portrait of happy young woman in swimsuit and beach hat

The Best Teeth Whitening for a Perfect Smile

Portrait of happy young woman in swimsuit and beach hat

Nothing makes a lasting first impression like a dazzling smile. Unfortunately, as the years pass and cups of coffee come and go, many bright smiles simply aren’t what they used to be. Even mild discoloration or fading can cause unnecessary self-consciousness regarding one’s appearance. Whether it affects your confidence meeting new people or the way you smile for a photo, the quality of a beaming grin goes a long way. The state of dental hygiene has come a long way and fortunately for you, has delivered some of the best teeth whitening techniques available to help you smile like you mean it.

What You Can Do for a Whiter Smile

Good dental hygiene starts with you at home. It doesn’t matter if it is before you undergo whitening treatment or after, the path to long-lasting white teeth can be maintained by utilizing a few key habits.

Dairy Products

Good news for yogurt lovers, high-calcium foods provide the nutrients your pearly whites need to stay strong and bright on a daily basis. In addition to calcium foods like cheese, milk, and yogurt contain lactic acid which shield your teeth from damaging decay. Hard cheeses also help remove food particles from your teeth, promoting a healthier smile.
Other helpful smile shiners include:

● Strawberries
● Crunchy Produce (apples, carrots, celery)
● Pears
● Pineapples
● Water

Whitening Toothpaste

In between dentist visits, the right toothpaste can give you added protection against fading and staining. Whether it’s Crest, Colgate, or an off-brand, finding an effective, fluoride-filled toothpaste can aid you in gently cleansing your teeth, lessening stains, and keeping your mouth feeling fresh.

Take Care of Your Enamel

Tooth enamel is the naturally hardened tissue that protects your teeth from corrosion-causing substances. Considering enamel is not made up of living cells, it does not repair itself like other parts of the body. This is why it is paramount to take care of this natural, biological shield. The fluoride found in toothpaste is an effective way to combat certain acidic foods, however you should also be aware of substances to avoid if you are interested in keeping that smile white:

● Tobacco
● Coffee
● Soda
● Red Wine
● Extra Sugary Foods

A Superior Whitening

If you are sick and tired of purchasing expensive over-the-counter whitening products at your pharmacy, it may be time to explore a higher caliber of teeth whitening. Too many times, these over-the-counter products offer disappointing results at a price tag that makes you wince almost as bad as the tooth sensitivity that comes with them. Luckily, Samaritan Dental Arts are experts in delivering high quality and long-lasting results with the best teeth whitening treatments available.

Bleaching

This quick and easy tooth whitening treatment takes about 2 hours and can be done in-office. A light-accelerated bleaching method is used for a faster and more effective whitening that has proven to deliver safe and dramatically noticeable results.

Whitening Kits

This 10-tray pack contains a powerful whitening agent that only needs to be applied 30 minutes a day. Depending on your condition, the process is repeated for about 3-4 days. Remaining trays can even be refrigerated for preserved touch ups to be used at a later time. Refreshing your smile as never been this easy.

Choosing the Right Dental Care

Led by Dr. Alan Zabolian, Samaritan Dental Arts pledges to gift patients with the smile they want and deserve. With years of experience in cosmetic dentistry and several treatments at our disposal, we are more than equipped and willing to give you a smile you’ll be proud to show off. Contact our dental care office today to schedule a consultation and learn about the best teeth whitening treatments available to you.

Smile! The Holiday Season Is Approaching

It May Be Time to Visit the Dentist Los Angeles

When was the last time you visited the  dentist Los Angeles? The holiday season is quickly approaching. Many people get anxiety during this time of the year because they are embarrassed about their smile. Most people will spend the holiday season rushing to different events and gatherings with family, friends, and co-workers. The anxiety and fear comes from having to talk with people and take many photos. Talking and taking pictures sounds simple but when you are someone who does not feel comfortable with your teeth, the holidays can be a nightmare.

 

What Procedures Can Help Get Your Smile Ready?

 

Start by researching dental care downtown LA. Downtown Los Angeles dentist and cosmetic dentist Los Angeles offer a wide variety of services that can dramatically improve a patient’s smile as well as boost their confidence. Having a healthy mouth and teeth can benefit people in a variety of ways. Oral health can lead to improved breath as well as a more pleasing smile.

Patients can choose veneers Los Angeles to create a gorgeous smile that brightens any room. Veneers are thin overlays that are placed on the teeth to cosmetically enhance the appearance of teeth. Veneers can alter the shape, size, and color of teeth to create that perfect smile. Veneers can also be a healthy choice to prevent further tooth decay.

Dental crowns are another alternative for patients who have damaged teeth for numerous reasons. Dental crowns can improve the function and look of the teeth. Dental crowns can provide a natural-looking smile while also strengthening, protecting, and restoring impacted teeth.

Teeth whitening Downtown LA is a wonderful option for patients who have structurally pleasing teeth but could use some help brightening their smile. Teeth whitening is done on an individualized basis, meaning that you and your dentist can determine the best approach for the best results. Cosmetic dentist Los Angeles can work with patients to achieve results that are pleasing and natural.

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent times. It is more popular than ever. It is not just the movie stars that are investing in their smiles. Many people are choosing cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve their smile. The holidays are just around the corner so it is important to connect with a dentist today and get started on improving your smile. WebMD reminds people to do their research when choosing a dentist and make sure they are clear on costs, healing time, and the details of the procedure including any future maintenance that may be necessary.

 

Get In Contact with a Cosmetic Dentistry Downtown Los Angeles

 

For more information, contact a well-respected Downtown Los Angeles Dentist today. Every patient has an opportunity to consult with a dentist that has experience and passion for oral health. Dentist Los Angeles have experience with people from diverse backgrounds to help inform and guide them as they create a unique plan for your oral care treatment.