Your Medication and their effect on Your Teeth From antihistamines to over-the-counter painkillers, almost everyone regularly takes medication in one form or another. While these prescription and OTC medications do fill some very important roles, they can also have an effect on teeth that very few patients realize. Our Los Angeles dentist believes that everyone should understand what their medications may be doing to their oral health and a few of the small steps they can take to minimize its effects.
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For those that have been diagnosed with HIV, regular trips to our 
It may be odd to link oral health with one’s overall well-being, but the ties between the mouth and the rest of the body are startling. What many will find even more worrisome is the fact that basic oral hygiene may not take care of all of these problems. This is why everyone should maintain regular oral hygiene habits as well as making a regular trip to our dentist in Los Angeles.
Expecting mothers have more reasons than ever to ensure that they are taking all of the right steps to keep themselves and their soon-to-be baby healthy. From a proper diet to a well-constructed exercise plan, it takes both time and energy to keep a body that is under continuous changes healthy. One of the most overlooked aspects of prenatal care is oral hygiene and health. This is why our 
Oral and facial injuries are common in our sports-crazy world. Children commonly appear at our 
Oral cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer in the United States. It has long been understood that smoking, HPV, and age are risk factors for oral cancer. However, new studies point to the fact that heavy consumption of alcohol can also be a risk factor, especially when combined with other high-risk behaviors. Drinking alcohol, especially when combined with smoking, increases your risk of developing oral cancer substantially.
If you are a senior adult, you may believe that tooth loss is inevitable with age. However, our 
An abscess is a swollen area beneath or around the tissues bordering a tooth that contain an accumulation of pus. The pus becomes trapped and cannot escape. A tooth abscess is generally the result of a bacterial infection which may be caused by extreme tooth decay, a crack or break in a tooth, food or other fragments that become lodged in the teeth and gums, or gum disease. When someone has a tooth abscess they will feel an incredibly painful throb or sudden shot of pain. Chewing and biting only serve to heighten the agony of an abscessed tooth.
Vegetarian diets are becoming more popular in the face of concerns about high cholesterol and triglycerides. However, a diet which is completely deficient in animal products may cause health issues, especially tooth loss and gum disease. 
Most men only visit our 
Gum disease can cause many oral problems like tooth loss and pain. However, it has also been linked to a variety of other health issues including strokes and heart attacks. People develop gum disease when bacteria-filled tarter and plaque accumulate on the teeth. Bacteria create an infection in the gums. When it is not treated, it spreads to bones and tissue that keep teeth in place. That infection or inflammation can also spread to vessels that lead to the brain and heart, making individuals more prone to strokes and heart attacks.
It makes perfect sense that smoking can have a negative impact on your teeth. The smoke, nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes go directly through the mouth. As a result, calculus or plaque can harden on the teeth, deep pockets can develop between the gums and the teeth, and the tissues and bones that support the teeth can be lost. All of these problems will bring on periodontal disease.
Oral piercing is one of the latest fads sweeping the country, and many young people are flocking to piercing locations to have a tongue or lip piercing. While they may not consider the possible negative consequences of this action, our 
Yellow teeth have a negative impact on your self-confidence and self-esteem, since you know others are judging you by your smile. A person with yellow teeth is thought to have poor oral hygiene and a nonchalant attitude about their appearance. While a person's dental habits can definitely be a part of the problem, they are certainly not the only factor that gives rise to discolored teeth.
Untreated orthodontic problems can lead to serious oral health issues. According to the American Dental Association, straighter teeth are associated with teeth that are easier to clean and healthier gums. Even though your primary reason for wanting straighter teeth may be cosmetic, orthodontic treatments may ultimately help you lead an overall healthier life. Your next step will be deciding whether to get traditional 
Smoking has been linked to a growing list of medical conditions, including asthma, yellow teeth, and a long list of cancers, but if you needed more incentive to stop smoking you can add one of the most squirm inducing dental procedures to the list -- 
Some people may be born with beautiful smiles. Thankfully, for the rest of us, there are a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can help. Our 
If you are looking for an easy and quick way to permanently whiten your teeth, our 
Your smile may well be one of the first things people notice about you. Teeth can become discolored for a number of reasons, however, leading you to become less satisfied with your smile over time. You may even lose self-confidence. If your teeth are stained or discolored, our 
If you have teeth which are stained, chipped, broken, or discolored, our 
One of the most popular dentistry procedures available today is 
Teeth can be knocked out or broken in accidents, especially those involving sports. Our 
A retainer is a device used in orthodontic treatment which allows your teeth to “retain” their new shape after braces. Retainers are often used after the removal of braces to prevent teeth from returning to their old configuration. Our 
Our teeth have a smooth, protective enamel surface. As we age, the enamel thins, and the dentin begins to show through as a yellow tint. Stains collect in tiny cracks in the enamel, and our teeth become dull and discolored. 
The last molars to erupt from the gums are called wisdom teeth. Most people have between one and four wisdom teeth, and these molars generally appear when people are in their late teens to early twenties. Although some people may never experience problems with their wisdom teeth, many others experience impacted wisdom teeth that don't emerge or grow properly. Our 
A dental filling is a way to restore a decayed or fractured tooth to its original state. Without restoration, bacteria are able to gain access to the interior structure of the tooth, causing further damage. Several filling materials exist, but silver and white are the two most commonly used. If you have broken or decayed teeth, our 
Whitening your teeth can give you a brighter smile and boost your self esteem. If you are interested in 
Energy drinks are an extremely popular choice for many teens and young adults today. These highly caffeinated, sugary beverages may give people the boost of energy they need to get through their school- or work-day, but the long-term health ramifications associated with these drinks can be profound. 
Researchers recently found that while an apple may keep the doctor away, it may be twice daily tooth brushing that helps keep heart disease at bay. Their study, which was reported in the British Medical Journal in 2010, revealed that study participants who brushed more frequently also tended to show reduced levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen. These are inflammatory markers associated with a higher risk of heart disease.
Canker sores may be considered common and harmless, but if you are one of the 20 percent of people prone to them, you know they are also extremely painful. Canker sores can even interfere with your normal eating, drinking, or oral hygiene habits. Depending on their severity and frequency, treatment of canker sores may include at-home care or prescription medications from our 
According to the March of Dimes, more than half a million babies are born prematurely every year in the United States. Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation may face grave health risks throughout their lives. Respiratory infections, cerebral palsy, vision and hearing loss, learning and behavioral problems, mental retardation, and adult health conditions like type two diabetes and heart disease have all been linked to prematurity. 
Healthy gums play a critical role in maintaining your oral health. Unfortunately, many adults suffer from gum, or periodontal, disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gingiva, or gum tissue, that has been linked to a number of serious health issues, including pregnancy complications, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory infections. 
Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, has been linked through research to a host of serious health concerns, from pregnancy complications and stroke to heart disease and cancer. New research now links periodontal disease to respiratory disease as well. It may not only worsen conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, but it can also cause illnesses like bronchitis, emphysema, and pneumonia.
Plaque is a film that develops on teeth thanks to the bacteria and sugars in the foods we eat. Plaque that is not effectively removed may develop into tartar, a hardened deposit that is also called calculus. Once tartar has developed, you will need to make a visit to our 
Dental plaque is a thin film that accumulates on the surface of your teeth thanks to the bacteria that feed off the tiny particles of food left after a meal or snack. If this plaque is not regularly removed from teeth, it can begin to harden in as little as 48 hours. Once plaque hardens into tartar, you will need to visit our 
Did you know that your every-six-month visit to our 
Research has shown that your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, making your oral hygiene routine just as important to your daily health practices as your diet and exercise. Brushing alone may not be enough to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Learn how to maintain optimum oral health and gain the maximum benefits from your oral hygiene habits.
Late night snacking is an easy habit to develop. A bowl of popcorn while enjoying an evening movie or a glass of milk while watching a late night talk show may seem to help you relax or wind down. The problem with late night snacking is that it can not only increase your waistline but also damage your oral health.
Gum disease is an infection that affects the gums, teeth, and supporting tissue and jawbone. Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth. Plaque develops when microscopic food particles combine with saliva and produce a sticky substance that adheres to teeth and feeds bacteria. Plaque that is not effectively cleaned from teeth develops into tartar, a hard deposit that can only be removed by dental treatment. 
An estimated 100 million Americans experience dental anxiety. For many, fear or anxiety associated with dental work prevents them from visiting the dentist when they need dental care. Unfortunately, avoiding the dentist out of anxiety and fear can lead to severe oral health concerns. Regular dental visits and timely treatment can prevent more serious oral health problems in the future.
Osteoporosis is a condition in which bone tissue deteriorates and becomes porous. It can cause fragile bones throughout the body and make hips, spines, and other bones more susceptible to fracture. A study published in the Journal of Periodontology in 2007 found a link between osteoporosis and tooth loss as well. 
An old wives’ tale once said that women lost a tooth for every birth. In fact, while it’s true that pregnancy can impact a woman’s oral health, the reverse is also true: A woman’s oral health can have a significant impact on the health of her pregnancy and baby.
The TMJ in the term TMJ disorders stands for the temporomandibular joint. This joint allows the jaw to open and close, slide back and forth, and permits chewing, swallowing, and talking. The end result is that it is one of the most frequently used joints in the entire human body. 
Good brushing habits, regular flossing, and visits to the dentist can all help reduce your risk of cavities, but there is one more thing you can do to keep your mouth healthy: Eat a healthy diet.
One of the most popular cosmetic treatments in dentistry today is whitening. A single whitening treatment by our 
Has fear or anxiety kept you from necessary dental treatment? While our 
Several recent studies have linked gum disease and cardiovascular disease. Those who have the bacteria that cause gum disease or periodontal disease also tend to have thicker carotid arteries, which are strongly linked to both heart attack and stroke. 
If you’ve visited our 
A healthy mouth begins at home with good dental hygiene such as daily flossing, and twice daily brushing, but regular dental checkups are also very important to the health of your mouth. While some people only visit the dentist when they experience pain or an obvious oral health problem like a cracked or broken tooth, regular dental checkups help maintain the health of your mouth and your appearance and can even improve your overall health. 
Most people are aware that stress can create a number of health problems from headaches to weight gain, but it can affect oral health as well. Chronic stress, depression, and even periods of temporary stress can be detrimental to a person’s oral health. If you are struggling with stress, it is important to talk to our 310.273.0111
