Mistakes to Avoid in Caring for Your Teeth

There is a lot of advice out there on what to do for your teeth. A simpler approach might be to let you know which mistakes are the worst and how to avoid them. Here is a list of things to avoid, with useful links to more in-depth information:

Forgetting to Clean Your Gums
Gingivitis results in diseased, inflamed, bleeding, and sore gums. Gingivitis is reversible if it is treated. If left untreated, it will turn into periodontitis, which is not reversible.

More on Periodontal Disease

With all the advice to floss, brush, use waterpiks, chew gum, drink water, avoid sugar, and use mouthwash, we hear a lot about what to do, but seldom about how best to do it.

It’s important to know how to brush gums adequately. The best method for brushing teeth at the gum-line is with a soft-bristled toothbrush with rounded bristles and at a 45-degree angle.

Moving the toothbrush in small circles helps to dislodge bacteria and food particles from the gum-line and helps to prevent and reverse gingivitis.

Allowing or Advancing Yellowing of Teeth
Yellowing teeth are a huge concern for some people. There is a never-ending selection of teeth-whitening products on the market, and they’re also available at the dentist.

However, you hardly find anyone who tells you how to avoid yellowing of the teeth beyond avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.

For instance, brushing your teeth immediately after you have any acidic food or drink will strip away your enamel, which makes your teeth more susceptible to yellowing. It’s best to wait 30 minutes after eating and drinking to brush your teeth.

How to Choose the Right Toothpaste

Don’t Underestimate Water
Whether you ingest water or use it to rinse your mouth, you may not be doing either enough. Waterpiks are especially useful in blasting away bacteria around the teeth and gums, but simply rinsing your mouth works wonders too. Drinking an adequate amount of water helps to keep saliva at a low viscosity, which helps to prevent bacteria from forming plaque. The average American doesn’t drink the right amount of water. Try having 8 cups of water a day.

More on Beverages and Brushing

There are many things to do for your teeth, but aim at the basics of brushing, flossing, and try to use a waterpik to adequately clean your mouth.

Remember to visit Studio City Dental Center twice a year to avoid dental issues down the road. Click here to schedule an appointment today.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/mistakes-avoid-caring-teeth/

Save Your Smile: Oral Hygiene Best Practices

One of the most important aspects of your health is having good oral hygiene. It results in healthy teeth and gums, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful, long-lasting smile. Here are some easy steps to take to ensure that your teeth are the healthiest they can be.

Brush Your Teeth Twice Per Day
Brushing your teeth twice a day is important. It will eliminate plaque and prevent cavities as well as help fight bad breath and gum disease. When you brush your teeth, be sure to also brush your tongue. Doing so will eliminate even more bacteria.

Floss at Least Once a Day
Floss at least once a day to eliminate excess bacteria from between your teeth. It will prevent bacteria from getting under your gumline and minimize the amount of plaque in your mouth.

Drink Plenty of Water
One of the reasons you may have bad breath is that your mouth is too dry. Drinking plenty of water may help to prevent this problem. Six eight-ounce glasses of water are recommended each day. You should also cut down on drinks like soda and coffee, which can dry out your mouth.

See Your Dentist Regularly
You must always keep up on regular checkups with your dentist. Appointments should be scheduled once every six months. The dentist will take X-rays of your teeth, examine them, and give you a thorough cleaning. He or she can also perform additional procedures if necessary.

Limit Sugar Intake
Of course, sugar can harm your teeth if you eat too much of it. To avoid cavities, limit the amount of sugar you eat. This may be difficult if you have a sweet tooth, but a sugary snack should only be eaten as an occasional treat. And if possible, always brush your teeth after eating a sweet treat. The sooner you get that sugar off, the better!

Need a checkup and cleaning? Studio City Dental Center can help you out. Click here to schedule an appointment today.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/save-smile-oral-hygiene-best-practices/

Dental Implants: Possibly the Perfect Solution for a Healthy, Youthful Smile

As we get older, we tend to lose things — memory, muscle mass, and most noticeably, teeth…

Teeth, however, are among the easiest to keep young. If a tooth falls out or becomes too decayed from lack of care, dental implants can be perfectly solid replacements.

Cosmetic dentistry implants from Studio City Dental Center are a great solution for many patients. Dr. Zareh Kouyoumdjian and the entire dental staff are leaders in this particular field. Dr. Kouyoumdjian has extensive training in esthetic dentistry, and has been recognized for research and education in oral implantology.

What are some of the benefits of implants over dentures?

Permanent.

Dentures are removable. Implants are attached permanently and can be treated more like actual teeth rather than an accessory.

Sturdy.

Our implants are made mostly of titanium and are attached solidly to the bone. They’re not going to break, and they’re not going anywhere.

Natural feel.

Implantations catalyze additional bone growth in the area surrounding the implant, meaning your whole mouth will grow accustomed to the implant. Implants can be easily forgotten about after the implantation process is complete. Dentures, on the other hand, are a constant reminder of missing teeth.

If implants are the best solution for replacement teeth, they are worth it given the longevity of the solution and the overall benefits.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/dental-implants-possibly-perfect-solution-healthy-youthful-smile/

Not Your Grandfather’s Dentist

Scared of going to the dentist? Don’t be.

It’s not the 1950’s, and Studio City Dental Center is not your grandfather’s cosmetic dentist.

Any contemporary dentist in Studio City should have the most up-to-date comforts and amenities to ensure patients are as comfortable as they can be. We are no exception. In fact, we go out of our way to make sure our patients are relaxed and at ease from the moment they walk in to the moment they leave.

How do we do that?

It starts with our friendly dental staff, committed to both professional expertise and individual attention. Whether it’s helping with forms or keeping you informed, we believe patient education is the key to your peace of mind. We’re always here to answer any questions you have about any dental conditions or proposed procedures.

What do our patients say about us?

Don’t just take it from us; you can read our patient testimonials here:

http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/testimonials/

Or, you can see what they say on Yelp:

https://www.yelp.com/biz/studio-city-dental-center-studio-city

What’s stopping you?

Still apprehensive? Chances are there’s some underlying reason for your feelings. We can help; call our receptionist and talk about your concerns. Chances are we have a solution that will help you manage your apprehension and get you the dental care you need. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know to feel comfortable about the process.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/grandfathers-dentist/

How We Create a More Attractive Smile with Just One Appointment

What can be done in just one dental appointment?

Lots, as it turns out …

A Good Old-Fashioned Checkup and Cleaning

At Studio City Dental Center, you can get your standard checkup and teeth cleaning. We’ll provide:

● Fluoride-based cleaning
● Removal of any plaque we can see
● Tooth enamel polish
● Gum disease and cavity check

Usually, we can fix any problems we find that same visit. But sometimes we see problems bigger than an everyday cavity…

… And we are also often able to fix those in the same visit, too!

CEREC

Our dental office here in Studio City employs CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or CEramic REConstruction) for teeth that are damaged and need additional protection.

This technology uses 3-D imaging and computer-assisted design and manufacturing for several types of dental restorations, allowing the procedures to be quickly crafted by our experts right here in our office, even before you go home.

At the end of the appointment, the patient walks out with a durable, natural-looking restoration.

So don’t let time be your excuse anymore! Contact us today to make your next appointment.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/create-attractive-smile-just-one-appointment/

What Else Is There Besides Brushing and Flossing?

Teeth are essential. They help us chew food (for survival), they help us talk (for communication), and they help us smile (for photographs). They’re typically pretty strong, unless we neglect them.

A lot can go into caring for your teeth. Brushing and flossing are of course the two most important things you can do.

But if you want to keep your teeth truly healthy and bright, here are three ways you can go the extra mile for your mouth:

1) Add Mouthwash to the Mix

Mouthwash has a reputation as a breath-freshener, but it’s for more than just minty exhalation. Mouthwash is great for teeth in a number of ways.

There are two types of mouthwash: cosmetic and therapeutic. Cosmetic mouthwashes come with added benefits of super-fresh breath and possibly even whiter teeth.

Therapeutic mouthwashes, though, provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease. When choosing a mouthwash, you don’t necessarily need to avoid those cosmetic benefits, but make sure you get a mouthwash that indicates it protects against germs, gingivitis, plaque, etc.

One other thing: keeping mouthwash beside the toothbrush has a psychological effect of increasing the chances you won’t skip brushing and/or flossing your teeth, even if you’re running late in the morning or really tired at night.

2) Drink More Water

Just about any medical professional from any field would advise us all to drink more water. For dental professionals, water is a great solution to many common issues, especially those arising from drinking coffee or tea.

As noted previously, coffee and tea are acidic beverages that wear away your teeth. Water is a great counterbalance, helping rinse away that acid, especially if you drink water at the same time.

It can also be somewhat dangerous to brush your teeth immediately after drinking coffee, so a glass of water with, or after, your coffee helps rinse away that acid and clear the enamel for a proper brushing.

3) Eat More Vitamin-Rich Foods

According to Live Science, your teeth will be able to stay strong and healthy using nutrients that you can easily consume. Cheese for calcium, eggs and fish for phosphorous…the list goes on.

See their complete blog post at:
http://www.livescience.com/44111-foods-healthy-teeth-bad-breath.html

Quick note — the first thing they recommend is tea. Of course, we don’t recommend not drinking coffee or tea, but do pay attention to the advice above — drink more water with your tea and keep your teeth’s enamel strong!

And, as always, the best advice comes straight from your dentist, so schedule an appointment at Studio City Dental Center today!

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/else-besides-brushing-flossing/

What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Did you know that Studio City Dental Center specializes in cosmetic dental implants?

Dental implants have several advantages over standard removable dentures. They are an excellent choice for most people who want a great looking smile with full functionality.

One reason to get dental implants is that they look just like natural teeth, unlike some dentures. Dental implants look great and help replace lost teeth, giving you a complete set and all the confidence that goes with it.

A second reason for dental implants is that you will have a wider choice of foods you can eat. Dentures may slip or move because they aren’t permanently attached to your jaws. Dental implants are permanently attached, allowing you to chew your food more thoroughly and eat a greater variety of healthy foods to keep you strong and vivacious.

Dental implants are also the right choice when you need to replace one or two teeth only. There are no bridges or wires required to hold dental implants in place; just a direct connection for a natural appearance. Dentures, on the other hand, replace a set of several missing teeth, often a whole top or bottom row.

Dental implants also clean and floss much easier than do dentures. You can clean your mouth and the teeth surrounding your implant very easily, with no denture breath and no soaking.

For dental tooth implants, Studio City Dental Center is happy to take an appointment for a consultation. Call today to speak with one of L.A.’s finest cosmetic dentists!

Make an appointment here.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/benefits-dental-implants/

When Is It Necessary To Extract A Tooth?

No one enjoys the prospect of having a tooth pulled. But sometimes a tooth extraction is necessary after the dentist makes every effort to repair and restore a tooth. In the case of wisdom teeth, many dentists recommend their removal before they’re fully developed to eliminate potential problems.

There are a variety of other reasons why teeth extractions in Studio City may become necessary:

Decay/Damage

When teeth become extensively decayed or damaged, such as broken or cracked, an extraction may be needed. Excessive decay puts patients at the risk of an oral bacterial infection, while teeth affected by advanced gum (periodontal) disease often loosen to the extent that they are pulled.

Misaligned Teeth

Teeth that are poorly positioned and/or affecting surrounding teeth may be pulled to ensure good future oral health.

Orthodontic Treatment

Teeth are sometimes extracted to make needed space for improved teeth alignment through orthodontic treatment such as braces.

Extra Teeth

Extra teeth – also known as supernumerary teeth – may block other teeth from breaking through the gum.

Chemotherapy

Because chemotherapy weakens the immune system, it puts the patient at an increased risk of tooth infections that may lead to extractions.

Radiation

Radiation therapy of the head and neck may require extraction of teeth in the field of radiation to prevent potential problems such as infection.

Types of Extractions

There are two types of extractions – simple extractions and surgical extractions. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth and are generally done under a local anesthetic. Surgical extractions involve teeth that aren’t easily reached or seen in the mouth. These types of extractions generally can be done with local anesthesia or conscious sedation.

There’s nothing to fear — our staff is well trained and experienced, and our primary focus is on the comfort and good health of our patients. Call us today for a consultation to see if extraction is necessary for you!

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/necessary-extract-tooth/

Should I Brush My Teeth After Coffee?

Many people tend to brush their teeth after having a meal, especially a meal that included coffee or tea. It seems like a natural next step; drink, then brush. But this isn’t a good practice after all.

It may actually cause more harm than help for your teeth.

The Harmful Effects of Brushing Right After Coffee

Drinking coffee or tea not only stains your teeth, but it can also weaken the enamel on the surface.

Brushing your teeth immediately afterward will remove some of this weakened enamel, which makes your teeth even more vulnerable. Teeth will become even more exposed to harmful external forces.

Prevention of Damage

Coffee and tea break down the teeth’s enamel because of their acidic composition. It can take about 30 minutes after drinking coffee for the effect to wear off. Don’t brush for at least half an hour.

Instead, drink some water and swish it around in your mouth after consuming coffee. Water not only rinses the coffee off the teeth, it helps to restore the flow of saliva after consumption. (You can also chew sugar-free gum for the same effect.) Saliva can help restore the minerals on your teeth and wash away the decay-causing acids from coffee or tea.

Keeping Teeth Healthy

Although the above tips can help prevent tooth decay, it cannot stop it completely. Visit us for a thorough cleaning of your teeth and to make sure that your enamel isn’t too thin. Our dentists in Studio City are willing to make sure that you have strong, healthy teeth. We can also help whiten your teeth for a brighter smile.

Schedule a dental appointment today!

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/brush-teeth-coffee/

Three Easy Steps To Dental Veneers

Do you find yourself hiding your smile? Are you embarrassed by broken, chipped, discolored or damaged teeth?

You might think that getting the perfect smile is complicated, expensive and painful, but it’s not. Dental veneers can give you the perfect smile you’ve always wanted.

And luckily, installing dental veneers is not an overly complex process. We install veneers in just three simple steps:

1. Consultation

First, you will meet with the dentist to assess the condition of your teeth. During this appointment, the dentist will take x-rays and do a manual inspection of your teeth to determine if veneers are a good fit for you. If so, we’ll schedule you for a preparation visit.

2. Preparation

During the second visit, an ultra thin layer of enamel must be removed from each tooth to prepare for the installation of the veneers. Once removed, the dentist will take impressions of the teeth so that custom veneers can be constructed.

You can then have temporary veneers installed while you wait for the lab to complete your custom veneers, which typically takes one to two weeks.

3. Installation

On your final visit, the temporary veneers will be removed and your teeth will be cleaned and polished in preparation for the installation of the permanent veneers. The veneers are then bonded to your teeth in one short visit. The dentist will then evaluate the installation and make adjustments as needed.

You may need to return for a follow-up appointment to check the health and fit of your veneers in a few weeks time, but that’s it. In only three simple steps, you can have the smile of your dreams.

If you live in the Los Angeles area, dental veneers from Studio City Dental Center can help you gain confidence by repairing damaged or stained teeth.

Let us help you get your best smile. It’s simple and easy. Give us a call today to get started.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/three-easy-steps-dental-veneers/

What Can I Eat After Getting Cosmetic Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front surface of your teeth to imitate natural enamel and improve the shape, color, or appearance of your teeth. Veneers can completely transform your smile, but they do require a little additional care as they cannot repair themselves like teeth can. One of the most important adjustments to make is changing your eating habits.

In general, you can eat any food you like with veneers, but it is important to go easy on them. These guidelines will help you protect your new veneers and keep your smile looking its best.

Food & Drinks to Avoid with Veneers

One of the most common questions among patients getting new cosmetic dental veneers here in Studio City is: “What do I have to avoid?”

The good news is this list is short; you can eat and drink anything you like with veneers, but it’s important to keep the veneers in mind.

Dark Liquids

Dark liquids that can stain teeth like coffee, tea, and red wine should be avoided if possible. While porcelain veneers are highly stain resistant, teeth and the bonding agent are not. If you do drink tea or coffee, try to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth afterward.

Alcohol & Alcohol-Based Mouthwash

Excessive alcohol may also soften the bonding agent and weaken the bond of the porcelain over time. Avoid mouthwash, which has a high alcohol content. Instead, choose a mouthwash without alcohol or use a solution of water and hydrogen peroxide.

Hard Foods

The most important thing to remember is while veneers are typically strong, they still lack the tensile strength of natural teeth. It’s important to avoid anything that can twist the veneer, including using your front teeth to bite hard foods like raw carrots or eating meat down to the bone. Use your back teeth to chew hard foods to protect the veneers.

Foods to Enjoy with Dental Veneers

You can enjoy all of your favorite foods and beverages with veneers! As long as you eat carefully with hard foods and practice good oral hygiene, your veneers will last for many years without damage.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/can-eat-getting-cosmetic-dental-veneers/

How to Care for Your Dental Veneer

Your dental veneers have made your smile beautiful again. Great! Now, you’re going to want to keep them looking good.

In order to do that, it’s important to care for them properly. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Brush and Floss Regularly

This is the most important part about maintaining your new dental veneers. Now, if you had bad brushing and flossing habits before, this is the time to ditch those old behaviors.

Brush and floss at least twice a day. Three times a day is even better. This is the biggest mistake that people make, so be sure to make a point of this.

2. Be Mindful

It’s important to understand that your veneers might not be quite as sturdy as your old teeth. Things that were bad for your teeth before, like opening a beer bottle with your teeth or tearing open a bag with your teeth, are especially bad now.

Go easy on your veneers; don’t do anything that you know you shouldn’t do.

3. Avoid Grinding

Grinding your teeth is bad for your teeth, and can be bad for veneers as well. Some patients have been known to grind so hard they pop their veneers off in their sleep.

However, most people can’t help themselves; it happens during sleep, subconsciously. If you know this is a problem, tell our staff about this. We can make a mouth guard to fit you that will prevent your grinding from damaging your new veneers.

Your new teeth look great thanks to cosmetic dentistry and veneers from Studio City Dental Center – congratulations! Now, it’s up to you to keep it that way by following these best practices.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/care-dental-veneers/

Avoid the Disastrous Effects of Periodontal Disease with Attention and Care

The gums and teeth are two of the most important components of the human body, but the care is often overlooked by the many. Periodontal disease is nothing to take lightly. This inflammatory gum disease can lead not only to tooth loss, but have an overall detrimental effect on the entire body.

The two main types of periodontal disease are called gingivitis, which causes inflamed sores in the gum line, and periodontitis, which is a more serious type of disease that severely affects the bones in the gums as well as the tissue connecting the teeth and gums.

Symptoms of periodontal disease include:

- Loose teeth

- Bad breath

- Receding gum line

- Swollen gums

Periodontal disease can be prevented by daily hygiene habits such as brushing at least twice a day, eating a well-balanced diet, flossing daily, receiving oral examinations and cleaning regularly and quitting smoking. This can prevent the more extensive procedures necessary for treating periodontal disease such as root planing and scaling and the more serious procedures such as guided tissue regeneration, flap surgery, soft tissue grafts and bone surgery.

Periodontal disease has also been connected to other serious inflammatory issues such as diabetes, heart disease along with conditions such as cancer, respiratory disease and osteoporosis. Preventing periodontal diseases can lessen the risk of developing these diseases, and reduce the severity of its symptoms if any of these conditions appear.

Here at Studio City Dental Center we help prevent the development of periodontal disease as well as treat mild and severe cases of the condition. Contact us today for a consultation and checkup to determine if action should be taken to avoid the complicated effects of periodontal disease!

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/avoid-disastrous-effects-periodontal-disease-attention-care/

Finding Your Family Dentist in Studio City

Your smile is more important than you may realize. After all, it’s what you show the world when you express your most positive emotions, and a confident smile can help you advance in both your personal and professional life. Here at Studio City Dental Center, it’s our goal that each patient is able to do everything possible to prevent problems from ever occurring, and there are some simple tips you can employ to do just that.

An Ounce of Prevention Worth a Pound of Cure

When it comes to proper dental care, our staff stresses the importance of daily maintenance. However, all too many people fail to give their teeth the time and attention they need, instead opting to seek dental care only when problems arise. We make it a goal to educate our patients, since we want to ensure they are able to properly preserve and be proud of their smiles.

Just some things we advise everyone to do include:

- Brush and floss your teeth twice daily, preferably after meals

- Avoid frequently eating sugary foods and beverages

- Use approved toothpaste containing fluoride

- Use mouthwash

- Don’t forget to brush your tongue–food particles and bacteria reside there!

Professional Cleanings and Treatments

Whether you’re new to the area and seeking a dentist in Studio City or just looking for a new approach to appropriate oral care, our staff is ready to provide the services you need. Dr. Zareh Kouyoumdjian has earned a stellar reputation for patient comfort and care, and we are here to ensure you are doing everything possible to keep your smile in check. We also help keep you up-to-date when it comes to regular cleanings and treatments, so call today and schedule an appointment.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/finding-family-dentist-studio-city-2/

Is Chewing Gum Harmful to my Teeth?

Growing up, a lot of us had parents who insisted that chewing gum was harmful to our teeth. In some cases this is true; however, recent studies have shown that sugar free gum can have positive effects on your dental health.

Think about plaque. Plaque is bacteria living in the mouth caused by various foods, such as those with sugars and starches. These bacteria will produce acids that will eventually destroy tooth enamel and cause tooth decay.

How does chewing sugarless gum help? Quite simply, the process of chewing gum increases the saliva production in your mouth, which in turn washes away food particles and neutralizes the effects of the acids formed by the plaque as the PH of the bacteria rises.

A European Union scientific study in May 2012 provided evidence of the following benefits of chewing sugar free gum:

- Maintenance of tooth mineralization

- Neutralization of plaque acids

- Reduction of dry mouth

They found that sugarless chewing gum with carbamide (hydrogen peroxide) neutralizes plaque better than gum without carbamide.

Ingredients such as Calcium, Vitamin C, and Xylitol can provide additional benefits.

Additional studies have shown that sugar-free gum sweetened with Xyitol inhibits the growth of a certain type of bacteria called Streptococcus, which causes cavities. Xyitol causes the bacteria to lose the ability to attach to the tooth. The type of bacteria in your mouth will change over a period of time with the frequent use of Xyitol.

While it has been scientifically proven that chewing sugarless gum provides many benefits to your oral health, it should never replace your daily routine of brushing and flossing. Together with flossing and brushing, the use of sugarless chewing gum should result in fewer cavities.

If you have other questions, please feel free to contact us! We are your dentist in Studio City, CA, and we care about our patients’ concerns!
Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/chewing-gum-harmful-teeth/

How to Brush Your Teeth Properly (Simple Tips)

Do you know how to brush your teeth properly? Most people don’t. Toothpaste and a toothbrush may be involved, but that’s where doing it right typically stops.

Many adults swipe the toothbrush around the mouth for a few seconds and rinse, often neglecting certain areas or specific teeth out of simple absent-mindedness. It’s not intentional; it just may be from not having been taught how to properly do it.

So then, how should you brush? Follow these best practices…

The Right Brush

Using the right type of toothbrush is more important than you think. A soft-bristled brush with rounded ends effectively removes plaque and food particles while adequately stimulating the gums. Your toothbrush should be small enough to reach your back teeth comfortably.

Make sure it’s in good condition. If you don’t replace your toothbrush regularly, you could be brushing ineffectively. Splayed bristles can damage the gums and inadequately remove plaque. Replace your toothbrush every three months, or as soon as it looks worn.

The Right Technique

Use short strokes to gently brush every tooth surface, making sure that you reach all the way to your molars. Hold the toothbrush vertically to reach behind the front teeth on the top and bottom. Don’t forget to brush along the gum line. Hold the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle where the teeth meet the gums, and gently wiggle it using small circular motions.

Be careful, brushing too hard can cause your gums to recede.

Before rinsing, brush your tongue to remove bacteria that leads to bad breath.

How Long Should You Brush For?

Most dentists agree that you should brush for two to three minutes. That can feel like forever. Set a timer to ensure that you’re giving yourself enough time.

If you want to make sure that your teeth are in the best condition, schedule a consultation with Dr. Zareh Kouyoumdjian, a cosmetic dentist in Studio City. We’ll provide a thorough cleaning and show you how to take care of your mouth to remain healthy and stay smiling!

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/brush-teeth-properly-simple-tips/

Floss First or Brush First?

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing – this isn’t news, every one of us is told from early childhood that flossing is important no matter the order. But we recommend that you floss before brushing your teeth in the morning and at night.

The reasons for this are quite simple. First, flossing before you brush means you are more likely to actually do it, because it’s pretty easy to decide NOT to floss while you’re brushing. The second reason is that flossing after you brush isn’t quite as effective for preventing plaque buildup between your teeth.

One thing flossing does is release bacteria that hides between your teeth. When you floss first, you release that bacteria and then follow up by brushing it all away. But if you brush your teeth first and then release all of that bacteria in to your mouth by flossing, you are just creating a petri dish of bacteria growth that will be harder for your toothbrush to keep up with later on down the road.

Studio City Dental Center urges our patients and community to heed this advice. Studies have found that only 15 percent of people who brush their teeth daily actually take the time to floss. This is something we have been taught by our dentists since we were young, but most people don’t think about all of the bacteria that ends up between our teeth because we can’t see it. What we can see, though, is gingivitis and more than likely cavities, which is what happens when you don’t floss first and brush properly afterwards!

The ADA did a survey to get an idea of the number of people that brush their teeth before flossing, and the numbers are in. Fifty-three percent of Americans brush their teeth first which leaves 47 percent of the flossing population giving themselves that extra boost of oral hygiene. There are some arguments that say either way is alright as long as you are thorough, but don’t you want to get the best out of the time you are already spending on it every day? All you would have to do is switch up your routine a little and you will spend less time and money in the future on your pearly whites.

So, floss or brush first? The answer is up to you. The most important piece of information we can give you is to floss no matter what. There are numerous advantages to flossing, regardless of the order in which you do it. But to optimize your oral health, we say floss first!

Contact us to make a dental appointment today.

Source URL: http://studiocitydentalcenter.com/floss-first-brush-first/

Finding Your Family Dentist in Studio City

If you need to find a high-quality Studio City cosmetic dentist, you should be as diligent as possible in your search. You should be just as diligent if you need a family dentist.

A good dentist understands the importance of being gentle. No one wants to go to a dentist who is rough and who seems inconsiderate. People can enjoy positive dental experiences when they visit dentists who always prioritize their comfort. This is especially important for families with young children. Good dental experiences early on can encourage children to regularly visit the dentist for their entire lives.

It’s also important for people to look for dentists who use state-of-the-art technology. The dental world is constantly moving forward and advancing – not just for dental care, but for patient comfort, too – and it’s up to dentists to keep updated on everything. If you want a great dentist, you should search for someone who is 100 percent committed to using the most efficient and safest dental technologies on all of his or her patients.

Dentist Reviews are also extremely important. They’re vital whether you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry (teeth whitening is an example) or basic dental care. If you want to find a great dentist, see how his or her current and past patients feel. Positive patient testimonials can go a long way. If you read an enthusiastic and glowing testimonial from a patient, it may help you feel more confident in your choice to go with one dentist. If you read numerous testimonials from patients who are less than satisfied by the services that are offered by a specific dentist, then it may encourage you to look for another option, too.

If you’re interested in finding a dependable family dentist in Studio City, Dr. Zareh Kouyoumdjian may just make the perfect choice for you. He accommodates the dental needs of patients of all different ages. Call Studio City Dental Center to set up an appointment, or email us with any questions.

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