Denture Care

               Your dentures need to be treated just like normal teeth in order to keep them in good condition. This means following the same routine you would with your natural teeth. The American Dental Association as well as Dr. Sam Lavi recommends the following tips to help keep your dentures clean and in good condition:

                Brush your dentures every day: Just like your natural teeth dentures need to be brushed daily to remove food particles that could stain or get caught in your teeth. You should also rinse your dentures prior to brushing to get off excess food particles. This will help when you go to brush them as well.

                While you are brushing your dentures, you should also be sure to brush the inside of your mouth, including the inside of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth and tongue, this will help remove any food particles that may have been left behind as well.

                After you have cleaned your dentures you should soak them in water overnight and keep them in a safe spot as well so they aren’t disturbed. This will help keep your dentures clean as well overnight. If you should use adhesive be sure to follow all directions to safely wear your dentures.

                You can also visit our website at: ­­cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com to make an appointment or call us today to fix any of your dental needs. We look forward to hearing from  you!

To learn more ways to help keep your dentures clean as well as other dental tips visit: http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/02/19/health-tip-take-good-care-of-dentures

8 Causes for Tooth Decay

There are various reasons that a person can get tooth decay. Some of the causes of tooth decay can be poor dental hygiene or genetics. Listed below are the top 8 reasons Dr. Sam Lavi at their Studio City and Los Angeles, CA dental practices has found to cause tooth decay in their Los Angeles, CA dental patients:

Acidic Foods: Some foods that contain a lot of acid may harm any exposed nerves at the base of your gums and teeth. To reduce the chances of this pain occurring, try eating foods that are less acidic and you won’t feel as much pain on your teeth and gums.

Tooth Grinding: Grinding your teeth at night can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your teeth. This strain on your teeth can lead to tooth decay. Ask Dr. Lavi about mouth guard options to help you stop from grinding your teeth.

Tooth-Whitening Toothpaste: Tooth whitening toothpaste can help whiten your teeth, but the chemicals in the toothpaste can also wear down your teeth’s enamel and make your teeth more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Ask Dr. Lavi which toothpaste is the right option for you.

Mouthwash: On that same note, the chemicals in certain mouthwashes can also have an effect on your teeth’s enamel. If you should decide to use a mouthwash, you should choose one that has more neutral ingredients in it so as to not wear down your teeth’s enamel.

Gum Disease: Gum disease can have an effect on your teeth as well. As your gums recede, they expose nerve and root endings on your teeth that can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, as well as vulnerable to bacteria. Be sure to consult with Dr. Lavi if you think you have the symptoms of gum disease.

Excessive Plaque: Plaque is the sticky clear film that grows on your teeth after you eat or drink. Overtime this buildup can cause cavities to your teeth if it is not removed. Daily brushing and flossing of your teeth will help remove the plaque and keep it away.

Cracked Tooth: If you crack your tooth, contact Dr. Lavi at their Studio City or Los Angeles, CA dental practice immediately. Having a cracked tooth can impair you from eating and chewing properly, it can also cause damage to other healthy teeth as well.  Do not wait if you crack a tooth!

Regular Dental Checkups: Maintaining a regular dental schedule with Dr. Sam Lavi at their Los Angeles, CA dental practice will ensure that your teeth stay clean and healthy. Dr. Lavi will also be able to notice any issues before they can progress and treat you accordingly. Make an appointment with Studio City and Los Angeles, CA dentist Dr. Sam Lavi by clicking here.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Improving More Than Just Your Smile

What comes to mind when you hear “cosmetic dentistry”? For most people, they think of a bright, beautiful smile. While you are not going to read here that they are wrong, it is important to understand that cosmetic dentistry offers many more benefits.

 

Cosmetic dentistry procedures can help patients improve their overall health. Certain procedures have been proven to significantly improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

 

Improve Your Physical Health!

 

Stronger Teeth – Procedures such as dental implants, dental bonding, and porcelain crowns can be used to restore chipped, cracked, damaged, or missing teeth. The goal of Los Angeles and Studio City dentist Dr. Sam Lavi and his dental team at Sam A. Lavi, DDSis to develop a smile any patient can be proud of while saving as much of the natural tooth enamel as possible. After having a cosmetic dentistry procedure completed, patients often experience stronger and more properly aligned smile that tends to stay healthy, longer.

 

Jaw Realignment – Cosmetic procedures can prevent teeth from becoming misaligned over time as well as reducing joint pain from TMJ disorders.

 

Airway Realignment – These procedures help your body breath at night aligning the airway and oral soft tissues. They can end sleep apnea, reduce snoring, and improve the overall quality of your (and your partner’s) sleep.

 

Increase Your Self-esteem!

Did you know that research has proven a correlation between self-esteem and physical health?  Cosmetic dentistry improves your smile which in turn improves your self-confidence and self-esteem, giving you a greater self-image.

 

Smiling More!

With your great new-found smile and your greater self-image, you will naturally smile more. Smiling more makes you more attractive to others in all aspects of your life, from business to love. Research has also indicated that people who tend to smile more often live longer and lead a higher quality of life.

 

What are some cosmetic dentistry procedures?

Teeth Whitening – For the cost and amount of work involved, teeth whitening is an excellent option to get a brighter smile without a major investment. Options include over the counter strips, customized dental trays, in-office bleaching, and more. Talk to Dr. Sam Lavi at his Studio City and Los Angeles dental offciesfor more information on what would work best for your smile.

Dental Implants – If you are missing teeth, there’s a good chance you feel uncomfortable while smiling. That could lead to self-esteem issues and worse – physical ailments. Luckily, there’s a natural way to replace missing teeth: dental implants. Dental implants can work for one tooth or several. The best part is they should last a lifetime!

Dental Bonding – This quick, one-visit procedure involves using tooth-colored materials that bond to the teeth and can shape, lengthen, or color your teeth.

Porcelain Veneers – Veneers are a thin layer of material placed over a tooth that look extremely natural and resist stains. Even though they are more expensive option, their ability to flawlessly change the shape, color, and length of your tooth for a lifetime makes them an attractive investment.

And more! – There are many more procedures available that depend on your exact needs. Make an appointment with Dr. Sam Lavi and his Studio City and Los Angeles dental teams by dialing 818-980-8472 or 213-623-2212 or visiting http://cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com/ to go over your best options. There, Dr. Sam Lavi will demonstrate how your smile and your well-being can benefit.

6 Bad Oral Health Habits You Should Stop Today

Dentist Dr. Sam Lavi at Sam A. Lavi, DDS in Studio City and Los Angeles, CA offers 6 bad oral habits that you should drop immediately to protect your smile.

 

1. Not flossing

Most people realize that brushing your teeth is important make a real effort to do so twice a day. Unfortunately, they believe that brushing means they don’t need to floss. They are wrong. Flossing at least once a day is just as critical to achieving and maintaining a healthy smile. Toothbrushes cannot remove the cavity-causing bacteria left behind from food particles that get stuck in between your teeth. When you start to floss regularly, your gums may bleed and get irritated but it’s important to keep at it.

 

2. Brushing too soon after eating

Foods and beverages like citrus fruits, wine, sports drinks, and energy drinks can erode the outer layer of your tooth, known as tooth enamel. While you know you must get this acid off of your teeth, it’s crucial to understand that brushing your teeth too soon after eating or drinking can cause more damage to your teeth. When you brush too soon, you are essentially brushing the acid into your teeth, not getting rid of it. While waiting the 30 minutes to brush your teeth after consuming these acidy foods, rinse your mouth with some water.

 

3. Not replacing your toothbrush often enough

Los Angeles and Studio City, CA dentist Dr. Sam Lavi recommends replacing your toothbrush every two to three months. Old toothbrushes are ineffective because they harbor harmful bacteria that can cause infections and tooth decay. Remember to replace your toothbrush after you’ve had a cold!

 

4. Excessively bleaching your teeth

Be careful about the frequency and severity in which you bleach your teeth. Bleaching too much can cause your teeth to look unnaturally white and increase tooth sensitivity. Before using an at-home bleaching product, talk to dentist Dr. Lavi at Sam A. Lavi, DDS in Studio City and Los Angeles, CA. Dr. Lavi can recommend the best procedure that meets your unique dental needs.

 

5. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing incorrectly

A great way to cause irreversible damage to your gums is by using a hard-bristled toothbrush and brushing incorrectly. The correct way to brush your teeth is by using a soft toothbrush and gently brushing your teeth and gums at a 45-degree angle, in a circular motion. By using a hard-bristled toothbrush and rigorously brushing back-and-forth, you can expose your gums to recede, exposing the root of the tooth, making them extremely sensitive.

 

6. Skipping dental appointments

Dr. Lavi and the American Dental Association recommend visiting a dentist for a checkup and cleaning every 6 months. Skipping these appointments puts your oral health in jeopardy. Dental cleanings get rid of the buildup of tartar and plaque that accumulate over time that your toothbrush and flossing efforts just can’t clean.

 

To make an appointment with a dentist in in the Studio City or Los Angeles area, visit Sam A. Lavi, DDS’s website at http://cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com/ and book one with Dr. Lavi today!

 

5 Explanations for Bleeding Gums

If your gums start to bleed while you brush your teeth, you may think the worst. The reasons why your gums can bleed are varied, but not all of them are bad and almost all are fixable. Many of the reasons can relate to our daily lifestyles and personal hygiene.

One of the main reasons why gums bleed while being brushed is simply because of having poor dental hygiene. Not brushing and flossing regularly can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth and gums. A simple way to rectify this is start! Dr. Sam Lavi recommends brushing and flossing at least twice a day. On your next visit, our Studio City or Los Angeles dental team will demonstrate the proper techniques to brushing and flossing effectively.

Another reason your gums may bleed could be because of gingivitis. One of the main reasons people get gingivitis is from having inflamed gums. This inflammation in the gums is caused by a buildup of tartar, plaque, food particles, and bacteria on the gum line over an extended period of time. A way to help stop this buildup and inflammation is to maintain a normal dental visit schedule with Dr. Sam Lavi at his Studio City or Los Angeles office. At your appointment, they use specialized cleaning tools to help remove the buildup on your gums that can’t be removed by a normal toothbrush.

Should gingivitis be left untreated it can lead to periodontal disease, a more serious dental ailment.  Periodontal disease is when gums become seriously inflamed and start to pull away from the teeth. You may notice pus forming between the teeth as well. If it remains untreated, tooth loss may occur.

For more information and explanations on why your gums could bleed, visit: http://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/5-explanations-for-bleeding-gums.htm?utm_content=5+Explanations+for+Bleeding+Gums+from+Discovery+Health&utm_campaign=&utm_source=5879&utm_term=&utm_medium=Facebook%3A+Greenway+Center+Denti4.htm

 

 

The easiest way to avoid any dental ailments or diseases is to maintain good oral hygiene and a healthy, balanced diet. Routine checkups and cleanings with Dr. Sam Lavi to remove hard to reach bacteria is a sure way to keep your teeth and gums clean and healthy. To make an appointment with Dr. Sam Lavi and his dental team in Studio City or Los Angeles, visit their website: http://cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com/

What Your Teeth and Gums Reveal About Your Health

When you have bad breath or a canker sore you may, think that these are strictly oral health issues, but there is now proof that these ailments can have a direct link to your overall health.

Bad breath can be more than just embarrassing; it can be a direct indicator of underlying health issues. If your breath has a sweet odor it could be an indicator of diabetic ketoacidosis. Another underlying health issue may be post-nasal drip or a sinus infection as these may cause breath odor.

Bleeding gums mean more than just that you are brushing too hard! They can also be a sign of gingivitis. Gingivitis occurs when there is a build-up of plaque and tarter on the teeth and gums. It can also be a symptom of Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) or even a vitamin K deficiency.

To learn more about oral health issues and what they can mean for your health click the link: http://blog.naturalgumption.com/2013/11/oral-health-problems/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NaturalGumption+%28Natural+Gumption%29 Also, be sure to visit your dentist Dr. Sam Lavi at his Studio City or Los Angeles, CA practice for your regular cleanings and check-ups.  To make an appointment with Dr. Lavi or to learn more about dental hygiene visit his website: www.cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com

The Real Reason Your Teeth Are Hurting

At the first sign of tooth pain people often think the worst, “Oh no, I have a cavity!” Surprisingly this may not be the case at all. Many people mistake toothache for cavities when it could really be tooth sensitivity. Many of the things we eat and drink are more harmful for our teeth then we really think.

If you have tooth pain, but it’s not cavity, there are a few things you can do to find some relief. The first step is to analyze what you’re drinking. If you’re drinking high acidic fluids like coffee or soda it could have an effect on your teeth. The acids in these drinks can start to wear down the enamel on your teeth. This can heighten your sensitivity since the nerve endings are becoming exposed. Simply reducing your intake could help your teeth in the long run.

Surprisingly, the kind of tooth paste that you use could be affecting the sensitivity of your teeth. If you use a brand that promises teeth whitening, tartar control, or has baking soda as an ingredient it could be eroding your enamel as well. These chemicals tend to be more aggressive on teeth causing the enamel to wear down and expose the nerve endings.

These along with some other surprising factors could be the reason why your teeth are hurting. Fixing these problems now could save you more toothache later on. To read more about how you can fix your tooth issues click here: http://news.menshealth.com/the-real-reason-your-teeth-are-hurting/2013/03/11/

The Importance of a Healthy Smile

Did you know that your smile can link to your confidence level? Having a beautiful white smile means that you have healthy teeth and gums; it also can give your self-esteem a boost. When you have a smile that you love it means that you smile more often. This not only improves your mood but makes you appear more confident in what you are doing and also more approachable and friendly. When you smile, people are more likely to view you as being more sociable and trustworthy.

When you are unhappy with your smile, it can give you the look of not being sincere or genuine. Some people may lose their confidence because they are unhappy with their smile. There are many reasons that people are unhappy with their smile, one of the most common reasons is the color of their teeth. Many people feel that their teeth are not white enough, or that they do not look like they used to. Fortunately, there are many fixes to make your smile the best it can be.  To learn more about why having a healthy smile is a great confidence builder visit here http://www.sheknows.com/health-and-wellness/articles/838185/a-healthy-smile-means-healthy-self-esteem

The first step to a healthy smile is talking to your dentist. Dr. Lavi and his Los Angeles and Studio practice can offer the best in site into what would be the best steps to begin the process towards a more confident smile. Call our office at (213)-623-2212 or visit http://cosmeticdentalcarelosangeles.com/  to set up an appointment with us. We look forward to helping you start the journey to a beautiful and healthy smile!

5 Surprising Things Damaging Your Teeth

What do you think of when you think of things that can harm your teeth? Perhaps you thought of candy, soda, and things high in sugar. There are many different things that can damage your healthy teeth and some can be very surprising. Swimming for example can damage your teeth. The Chlorine in the water can cause the enamel to wear away which is like removing the protective covering for your tooth.  Even brushing your teeth can be bad. If you over brush your teeth you can wear away the enamel. Over brushing is considered brushing more than three times a day, or brushing with too much pressure on the toothbrush.

So what can you do to protect your teeth? Doing more research into what can harm your teeth is a good start. Knowing most of the culprits including the surprising ones in the article is a great way to start. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about what can harm your teeth and be aware of how you treat them.

To learn the other surprising culprits of tooth damage visit: http://tinyurl.com/c2c85o8