Are Stained Teeth Unhealthy?

Having a white smile is something everyone wants. It portrays an image of confidence and good oral health. On the other hand, stained teeth that are yellow or darkened are often seen as the opposite. But are stained teeth unhealthy?

Really, stained teeth are not always an indication of poor oral health. The opposite is true as well, as white teeth are not always an indication of good oral hygiene. Below you will find more information on what causes teeth stains, what it means about your oral health, and how you can keep your teeth white.

Are Stained Teeth Unhealthy?

You may watch television or see celebrities on social media with the whitest teeth. Teeth are not naturally perfectly white and most of what you see is due to a combination of cosmetic treatments and filters. With that, most people have stains, and there are two types of teeth stains. The first type is extrinsic stains, which are on the outer surface of your teeth. The second type is intrinsic stains, and these are caused by changes in the inner layers of your teeth.

Causes of Stained Teeth

The two types of stained teeth discussed above have very different causes. Intrinsic stains are often caused by excessive fluoride use. This is much rarer as compared to extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains, or those stains on the outside of your teeth, are most often caused by things that we do. Below are the most common causes of extrinsic stains.

Foods and Drinks:

Tea, coffee, soda, and dark juices can all stain your teeth. In addition, sugary foods like cookies, candy, and highly processed foods can also stain your teeth. So, stay away from highly processed foods and beverages that are high in sugar to keep your teeth white.

Oral Hygiene:

Poor oral hygiene can lead to your teeth looking more yellow. Focus on brushing at least twice with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Floss at least once a day and use mouthwash after you eat or drink when you cannot brush.

Smoking or Chewing:

Nicotine can stain your teeth quickly and cause your teeth to deteriorate much faster. Smoking and chewing are both bad for your teeth, so focusing on quitting or at least reducing your current amount of use can be helpful for your dental and overall health.

Genetics:

Your family history does play a part in the color of your teeth, in addition to the health of your teeth. Talk with your dentist about your family’s dental history so they can provide prevention tips unique to your oral health.

Natural Aging:

Just like the rest of your body, the effects of natural aging can impact the color of your teeth. As we age, our teeth can become more and more colored due the normal wear and tear. Talk with your dentist about whitening treatments to see if they are right for you.

Prevention Measures

In order to keep your teeth white and healthy, it’s important to focus on your oral hygiene. As mentioned, keeping your teeth clean involves brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily. However, it’s also important to go to your regular six months checkups as the dentist will be able to adequately monitor your oral health. Your checkup will include a teeth cleaning Arcadia, which can also help with any issues with discoloration. However, if your teeth are severely discolored, talk to your dentist about whitening treatments.

Dentist Arcadia

If you have yellow teeth and are interested in a cleaning or whitening treatment, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure you get the right treatments for your unique dental needs. Contact dentist Arcadia and make an appointment today!


How Long Should You Brush Your Teeth?

Brushing your teeth may be the last thing you do before you leave in a rush out of the house in the morning. The busyness of daily life can leave little time for caring for yourself and your health, including your oral care routine. Instead of making brushing your teeth, the last thing you do before you leave in a rush, give yourself some time to care for your teeth and mouth, so you save yourself unwanted dental visits later. Below you will find how long to brush your teeth for, what exactly to brush, and how you can improve your oral care routine.

Oral Care Time

Dentists recommend the 2/2 rule, which means that you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes. You should be brushing in the morning thirty minutes after you eat breakfast and before bed. You may not have a clock in your bathroom, so keeping track of the time you spend brushing your teeth may be difficult. There are a few ways you can help remind yourself to brush twice a day and to monitor how long you are doing it. You can set a reminder on your phone to brush your teeth and set a timer for two minutes once you begin. You can also slowly count to 120.

Lastly, you could sing your favorite song all the way through once (be sure it’s a longer song, otherwise sing it twice!). Whatever you need to do to ensure you brush your teeth for at least two minutes twice a day is all you need to worry about!

Two Minutes to Clean

Many people who brush for two minutes for the first time are shocked at how long it feels. So, what do you do with your two minutes, and how do you make the most of your brush time? Focus on the outside, inside, and bite of your teeth. Use small circles to get each tooth and slowly move your way around your mouth. Be sure and brush your gum line as well so you can get any debris between your teeth and gums. Then, focus on the roof of your mouth as food and harmful bacteria can build up there. Lastly, brush your tongue well. It’s a hotbed for harmful bacteria that can cause cavities.

Oral Health Care Tips

Maintaining a good oral care routine is all about the right products and maintaining consistency. Be sure and brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Replace your toothbrush every three months as it can become worn out and lose its effectiveness. Floss at least twice a day and rinse after to get any leftover debris. Be sure you make a “C” motion in between each tooth to ensure you get all of the debris and harmful bacteria.

Use mouthwash with fluoride as your rinse to increase the strength of your enamel. Lastly, attend your regular dental checkups every six months. If you are putting off going to the dentist, be sure and make an appointment as dental issues can lurk in your mouth and get worse over time. For those with dental problems, you may need to visit the dentist more often, so follow the dentist’s order when it comes to frequency.

Dental Implants at Premier Dental Esthetics

If you need to schedule a checkup or require any dental care appointments, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can help with getting your teeth cleaned and checking for any possible dental issues. If you are struggling with your oral care routine, the experts at Premier Dental Esthetics can help. Their goal is to get you back to health quickly and effectively. Contact their office and make an appointment today!


Tooth Tips For Traveling

Premier Dental Esthetics - Peter S. Young, DDS Tooth Tips For Traveling

If you will be traveling soon, the team at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia reminds you not to forget the dental hygiene component.

That means more than remembering to pack your toothbrush. It’s always a good idea to have a checkup before leaving on long vacations, especially if you’re headed somewhere without adequate dental care options. This quick check-up will help you be sure that your mouth is ready to travel.

Another important consideration: if you have any dental procedures scheduled before you leave, discuss it with us. Many procedures are actually surgical procedures. You may need more time to heal than you realize.

Also, if you’re leaving by plane, you should be aware that changes in the cabin pressure may cause tooth pain or discomfort for patients who have just had oral surgery. Additionally, make sure you are aware of any needed follow-up appointments with your dentist or orthodontist before you schedule a vacation.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, we want our patients to practice good dental hygiene at home and on the road. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment today – and bon voyage!

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007

 

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Do You Love Your Smile? Try Cosmetic Dentistry in Arcadia!

Pasadena Cosmetic Dentistry Cosmetic Dentistry in Arcadia The South Temple City people who are most happy with their smiles have healthy, straight teeth that sparkle when they laugh. If nature didn’t bless you with attractive teeth, remember that you are not alone. Most perfect smiles you come across in San Gabriel were not always that way. They are the result of cosmetic dentistry performed by an experienced Pasadena aesthetic dentist.

At Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS in Arcadia, Peter Young DDS provides the state-of-the-art procedures that deliver dazzling, flawless teeth for cosmetic dentistry patients. We treat patients from 1 to 99. You are never too young or too old to improve your smile; but it will definitely make you feel younger! Two common smile problems are yellow enamel and chipped teeth.

Suffering from Discolored Teeth?

Few people in Arcadia have pearly white smiles that stay that way forever. Even with consistent brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings, our teeth darken as we age. Fortunately, the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedure is tooth bleaching. Picture yourself with a celebrity-caliber smile. It is possible with safe and affordable teeth whitening at Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS.

Repair Damaged Teeth with Cosmetic Dentistry in Arcadia

Our teeth work hard for us day after day, year after year. Sometimes they get chipped or cracked in the process. If you would like to fix your tooth flaws, schedule a consultation by calling Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS at 626-445-2536. We use porcelain veneers every day to remedy tooth trauma. Cosmetic bonding has been used with fabulous results for many years and bonding is usually a fraction of the price of a crown.

Ask Dr. Young which of our cosmetic dentistry procedures can be completed in one appointment. How about a same-day smile makeover with cosmetic dentistry in Arcadia? If you have never been eager to show your teeth when you smile or laugh, now is the time to change that with cosmetic dentistry in Aracdia. Call Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS today at 626-445-2536 to schedule a smile design consultation.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


Both Smoking And Vaping Put Your Smile At Risk | Oral Health in Arcadia

oral health risks of e-cigarettes Arcadia Oral Health in Arcadia

A recent study on the influences of e-cigarettes on oral health has more troubling information for people who believe vaping is safer than smoking traditional cigarettes. In a study published in the journal Oncotarget, researchers concluded that e-cigarettes may cause chronic inflammation and irreversible cellular deterioration. These conditions, in turn, can result in gingivitis, oral cancer, and tooth loss.

Why is this article appearing on a pediatric dental blog? Unfortunately, many adolescents in the Pasadena area have taken up vaping. It has become an issue for dentists who provide dental care for adolescents. As defined by the FDA, “E-cigarettes are devices that allow users to inhale an aerosol containing nicotine or other substances.”

Before e-cigarettes emerged on the scene in 2005, the number of men and women who smoked traditional cigarettes had remained fairly steady. The unanticipated rise in popularity of e-cigarettes, however, has generated a widespread health risk, especially for the nation’s teenagers. “Between 2011 and 2015, the U.S. Surgeon General found e-cigarette use among high school students increased by 900 percent, with more teens now using e-cigarettes than cigarettes.”

At Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS, we care about our patients physical and oral health in Arcadia. Our experienced team treats patients suffering from smoking-related oral health conditions with expertise and compassion. We also attempt to offer accurate information about public health issues and oral health in Arcadia. We add our voice to the healthcare professionals who are working to inform the public about the dangers of e-cigarettes and clear up the misconception that they are somehow less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. If you have questions about oral health in Arcadia or some of our services, feel free to give us a call. We offer treatments such as cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


We Know When A Simple Problem Can Become Serious

 stomatitis in Arcadia

Today in the Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS dental blog we are going to discuss those small irritations in the mouth that have the potential to become big problems. Injuries, sores, or inflammation in the mouth can be very uncomfortable. These non-specific irritations, called stomatitis in Arcadia, have many different causes, but it’s best to get them taken care of as soon as possible.

What is Stomatitis in Arcadia?

They may be caused by cold sores, gum disease, teeth grinding, or biting the inside of your mouth. They may also be linked to broken teeth or braces. In fact, any inflammation of the membranes in the mouth can be classified as stomatitis. Stomatitis can impact a person’s ability to speak, eat, and even to fall asleep at night. Fortunately, most of these irritations clear up on their own within a couple of weeks. However, there is a possibility that a viral or bacterial infection can occur. It’s important to let your dentist know about these sores if they don’t clear up after several weeks. Even if there are no complications, your dentist can help you treat the symptoms of stomatitis in Arcadia.

Schedule Your Next Appointment

At Premier Dental Esthetics, Dr. Peter Young takes care of our patients in the Pasadena area at our comfortable Arcadia dental office. Our friendly dental staff wants our patients to have the best oral health possible. We also want them to look their very best, so if you have any questions about a smile makeover, give us a call at 626-445-2536. Common cosmetic dentistry procedures used in smile makeovers include teeth whitening, veneers, dental bonding, and dental implants. Learn more about us during a dental consultation. We hope to see you in our office soon!

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


Clean Teeth, Happy Mouth

Good dental health means having healthy teeth and gums. Maintaining it is something that you have to work at every day. Dental hygiene can be a real balancing act: using the right oral care products, your personal oral care habits, and seeing the dentist at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia twice a year.

Your dental health strategy should include:

  • Daily brushing and flossing. You should brush and floss twice a day. Just before bedtime is especially important, because it cleans out the germs and plaque that build up during the course of the day.
  • Proper brushing. It’s important not only to brush, but to brush properly. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush in a gentle, circular motion along the gum line. Take your time; a minimum of two minutes is recommended. Don’t forget to brush your tongue!
  • Using fluoridated toothpaste. There is a myriad of choices when it comes to toothpaste. Whether you prefer mint flavored or bubble gum, fluoride is the most important consideration. It is your best defense against cavities.
  • Limiting sugary and acidic foods. Acidic fruits, teas, and coffee contributes to enamel erosion. Sugar converts into acid when it’s in your mouth. You don’t have to avoid these foods entirely, but choose carefully and minimize.
  • Seeing the dentist twice a year. You saw this one coming, right? Your daily dental health care habits are essential, but so is the attention and care of a dentist. A professional teeth cleaning alone is worth the trip, but we can also identify issues before they become serious, and treat them.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, we promote good dental hygiene, and are committed to the dental health of each one of our patients. Our services include restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Call today to schedule your next cleaning and checkup.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


The Importance of Six Month Checkups

When you leave Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA after a cleaning and checkup, our front desk always makes sure to schedule your next appointment with us, six months down the road. Is that really necessary? Isn’t having the dentist look inside your mouth once a year enough?

The short answer is: no. An unfortunate reality of dental health is that it doesn’t take very long for new problems to appear, and the sooner we identify and treat them, the better. You don’t want to give a cavity an extra six months to eat away at the enamel of your teeth.

We understand that no one really likes going to the dentist. Even when you’re confident that your teeth are in great shape, do you really want to sit for an hour while a hygienist pokes and scrapes your teeth and gum line?

But as the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Benjamin Franklin said that more than two hundred years ago, and it’s as true now as it was in his day. If you don’t have cleanings and checkups on a regular basis, you’re gambling with your dental health – and that can result in other health complications.

By now, we think you get the point. But here are three very good reasons to see us every six months:

  • Plaque and tarter. Even brushing and flossing twice a day won’t get everything. There are areas that simply won’t be reached. Plaque and tartar has a way of settling into those areas, and should be removed frequently.
  • Bad habits. When you see us on a regular basis, we have the chance to identify new problems that may appear. Additional stress in life may lead to teeth grinding or jaw clenching; the early stages of gum disease, not noticeable six months ago, may be plain to see. No matter the issue, early detection and early treatment are the best ways to treat it.
  • Oral cancer check. You don’t have to be a smoker to get oral cancer, although tobacco use increases your risk. Once again, the sooner it is found, the better the chances of successful treatment and recovery.

During those six months between cleanings and checkups, remember to brush and floss your teeth twice a day. And mark your calendar; your next checkup will be here before you know it.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, we provide general and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007

 


Beware of Hidden Sugar

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, we counsel our dental patients to watch their sugar intake to prevent cavities and other health troubles.

If you are trying to de-sugar your diet, you are probably skipping the usual suspects: candy, soda, and baked treats. But not all sugar is as conspicuous as the frosting on a piece of chocolate cake or the powdery stuff in pixie stix.

Here are some foods found in grocery stores and school cafeterias with a surprisingly high sugar content:

  • Ketchup
  • Low fat versions of snack foods (Manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.)
  • Salad dressing
  • Breads, buns, rolls
  • Spaghetti sauce
  • Protein bars
  • Granola
  • Canned soup
  • Peanut butter
  • Yogurt
  • Fast food meals (Hamburgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads are often loaded with sugar, not to mention the dessert items.)
  • Antacids
  • Cough drops
  • Fruit smoothies (Even a small serving has a whopping amount of sugar.)

Reading the fine print on labels is a must. The following terms are all types of sugar:

raw sugar, cane sugar, glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose, dextrose, honey, sorghum, molasses, cane sugar, confectioner’s sugar, crystallized cane juice, invert sugar, maltodextrin (or dextrin), maple syrup, concentrated fruit juices, evaporated cane juice

Do the math: when shopping at markets or health food stores, carefully assess food labels before you buy. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Add up all the grams of every type of sugar listed and divide by four to truly comprehend how much sugar an item contains.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, we advocate and practice preventative care for lifelong dental health. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


Top Ten Reasons to Visit Your Dentist

Your smile deserves regular attention. If you haven’t seen the dentist at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia lately, consider these important reasons why you should:

  1. Check Up: It’s time, and this is the best way to head off any dental problems.
  2. Clean Up: Our dental hygienist is ready to give you a super clean smile.
  3. Brush Up: If it has been a while since your last dental visit, it’s probably time to come in for a refresher course on correct dental hygiene.
  4. Avoid Pain: If you have dental pain and have been putting off a trip to the dentist, come in now, because we specialize in relieving dental pain.
  5. Fillings: We can find and fill all your dental cavities in almost no time at all. This will help you abstain from more painful issues down the road, and helps some of those sensitivities to hot and cold.
  6. Prevent Gum Disease: We’ll assess the health of your gums and suggest treatments or practices that are available to help you improve the health of your gums.
  7. A Whiter Smile: We can help. We have tooth whitening options available that will enhance your smile and make your teeth whiter.
  8. Tooth Replacement: If you are missing a tooth, we can help restore your smile with the latest in tooth replacement technology.
  9. Cosmetic Dentistry: Considering making improvements to your smile? We can help you evaluate the options.
  10. Confidence: Nothing brings you more confidence than a healthy,  smile.

The team at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA provides the cleanings and checkups that give you peace of mind. We provide family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment with us today.

Contact Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS:

626-445-2536

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007