Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist During COVID?

The global pandemic has brought worries to many people due to the uncertainty of the times. These fears are valid and completely understandable due to all of the changes that have occurred since COVID began. With that, keeping up with your regular dental appointments is just as important as staying safe from COVID as regular dental checkups are vital for your dental and overall health. You may wonder if it is safe to go to the dentist during COVID. Below you will find helpful information on how you can stay safe when you go to the dentist during COVID.

Is It Safe to Go to the Dentist During COVID?

It is recommended that you have a dental checkup at least every six months. Because the pandemic has been in full swing for over a year, you’ll need to visit the dentist during COVID. A new survey by the American Dental Association found that less than one-percent of dentists in the United States have tested positive for COVID. This is a major accomplishment due to the nature of the profession. However, experts stated that because the profession was highly focused on cleanliness, safety, and sanitation prior to COVID, the policies and practices were effective both before and during COVID. Because of the importance of your dental health, as it is related to your overall health, experts suggest keeping your appointment and safely visiting the dentist.

Tips to Stay Safe at the Dentist

Each dentist office will likely have their own COVID office protocols. You should follow these as the field of dentistry is highly focused on patient safety due to the nature of the profession. While at the dental office it’s important to maintain social distance guidelines, wear a mask, and follow the dentist’s protocol.

In addition, consider waiting in the parking lot until right before your appointment check-in time. That way you can reduce the amount of time you are in the office. You can also keep hand sanitizer or sanitary wipes in your car. We recommend using these shortly after the appointment to ensure you don’t transfer any germs into your own space. It’s helpful to be diligent about following the health guidelines. But you should also take a deep breath and relax as unnecessary stress is not healthy.

Dental Checkups and Treatment Options

As mentioned, maintaining your regular six-month dental checkups is vital. However, it may be a good idea to also get your whitening treatment done at the same appointment. Due to the pandemic, many people have been straying from a healthy diet. Some have even slacked on their oral care routine due to staying home significantly more than before. A routine cleaning in conjunction with teeth whitening in Arcadia can restore your pearly white smile.

Teeth whitening is a great way to:

  • Improve the appearance of your smile
  • Take years off of your face
  • And can even improve your self-confidence

Many people spend hundreds to thousands of dollars on over-the-counter products only to end up disappointed when their smile doesn’t look substantially brighter. Professional bleaching can get to the deepest layers of your stains. In order to achieve your brightest and whitest smile the treatment has to go beyond just your enamel. You will notice results after your first treatment, but multiple treatments may be needed depending on the color of your teeth.

Premier Dentist in Arcadia

If your teeth are discolored and you are interested in teeth whitening options, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible. And we ensure you get the right treatments for your unique dental needs, including teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry treatments. Contact the premier dentist in Arcadia today to make an appointment today!


Why Are My Kids’ Teeth Yellow?

A large part of parenting is a constant concern about your child’s health and well-being. Concerns likely include whether your child has taken their vitamins, eaten enough nutritious foods, or brushed their teeth before they went to school. While you can’t monitor everything with pure perfection, it is important to take stock of your child’s health and well-being consistently. This is especially true for their dental health as dental health impacts one’s overall health. One of the more common issues among kids is yellow teeth. But why are your kids’ teeth yellow?

This may make you assume that they don’t brush their teeth well or give you some serious cause for concern. However, yellow teeth in children can be caused by various things, so keeping yourself informed and staying in communication with a pediatric dentist is important. Below you will find the reasons your child’s teeth may be yellow and what you can do about it.

Why Are My Kids’ Teeth Yellow?

We have put together the top reasons why your kids’ teeth are yellow. The good news is that most causes are easy to take care of. To find the cause, visit the best kids dentist Arcadia has to offer at Premier Dental Esthetics.

Plaque Buildup:

Plaque and tartar buildup is often caused by poor oral hygiene. Your child should be brushing at least twice a day for two minutes (each time) and floss each day. If your child brushes and flosses regularly and still have yellow teeth, they may be doing it wrong. Work with your child on proper flossing and brushing techniques. However, if their teeth are yellow already contact a pediatric dentist. They will be able to clean and get rid of any tartar or plaque so your child can have a fresh start working on brushing and flossing effectively. Discuss how often your child should be visiting the dentist’s office with a pediatric dentist.

Permanent Teeth:

If your child’s baby teeth are falling out and their permanent teeth are erupting, you may notice that they are more of a yellow color. Permanent teeth have more dentin (the second layer of defense on your teeth—right below the enamel) and it is more yellow compared to baby teeth, which are more of a creamy white color. There is no need to be concerned if your child has been attending their regular dental visits. If you are concerned, contact a pediatric dentist to see if it’s worth a visit to the dentist’s office.

Genetics:

As with all health issues, family history is a huge factor. Certain people may have weaker enamel as compared to others. Your enamel is the first layer of defense on your teeth, as it is the outermost layer. Your enamel is what gives your teeth their white color as the underlying dentin is more yellow. A thick enamel will allow the yellow color from the dentin to come through more visibly. Talk with a pediatric dentist about what steps to take to ensure your child’s thin enamel is protected.

Antibiotics:

While this is likely not the issue as it is rare, it still is possible. Certain antibiotics can bind to your child’s teeth if they are taken under the age of 8 or while you are pregnant. The antibiotic that causes this most frequently is tetracycline, which is usually not prescribed to pregnant women or children. However, in some cases it is necessary. If you took this during your pregnancy or if your child was prescribed it, talk with a pediatric dentist to see if this is the actual cause of your child’s yellow teeth.

When your child’s first tooth erupts (or when they turn one if no teeth have erupted), set up a dentist appointment with a pediatric dentist. Most pediatric dentists recommend that your child attend their regular dental appointments at least every six months. This is in addition to having a healthy oral care routine implemented daily.

Best Dentist Arcadia

If you are concerned about your child’s yellow teeth or you need a pediatric dentist, contact Premier Dental Esthetics. Their dentists can provide you with the best care possible and ensure your child gets the right treatments for their unique dental needs. Contact their office and make an appointment today!


Treatment For Sensitive Teeth

San Gabriel cosmetic dental and tooth implants

For those people who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS is here for you. We have been treating this common trouble since 1997.

The team has been treating this common problem for many years and is very experienced – as our family dentistry patients in Pasadena and Arcadia know.

TOOTH SENSITIVITY

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can lead to receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort (who are we kidding—it’s pain).

Here in our Arcadia dentistry practice, our team can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

TIPS ON TREATING TOOTH SENSITIVITY

We usually recommend an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that helps curb tooth pain after several applications. However, some patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth and want to have your teeth whitened. Our team can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening systems will work for you.

Good dental hygiene including

  • brushing and flossing,
  • professional dental cleanings, and a
  • healthy, balanced diet help keep gums healthy and pain free.

For more  information on sensitive teeth treatment, to schedule a gum disease exam or even if you just need a routine dental cleaning or a cosmetic dentistry consultation in the Arcadia area, please call Premier Dental Esthetics 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

 


Saliva And Dental Health

Saliva And Arcadia

At Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS in Arcadia, we get a lot of oral health questions. Today, let’s discuss the significance of your saliva. Though most people may think it’s gross, saliva is important for dental health as well as digestion.

Saliva is mostly water, but a small portion of it is made up of enzymes, antibacterial substances, mucus, and minerals. The optimal pH balance of the mouth is maintained by saliva, and pH balance is an essential factor for preventing cavities.

The minerals in saliva help to maintain the enamel surface of the teeth. Immunoproteins in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth, thereby protecting the gums from gingivitis.

Now that you know how essential saliva is to dental health, I’m sure you can see why adequate salivary flow should concern you. For most individuals, everyday chewing is enough to stimulate salivary glands to release saliva. However, if you have dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, you will need to deal with this quickly before it affects your health.

The team at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia would love to talk to you about teeth whitening, veneers, and other smile makeover possibilities. We offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, orthodontics and a long list of other procedures. Call us today for an appointment.

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

 


Should Teens Whiten Their Teeth

Burlington teeth bleaching best priceGetting a smile just like their favorite singer or movie star might be high on your teen’s priority list. However, you may want to talk with your dentist before buying an at-home tooth whitening product. At Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS in Arcadia, we would like to discuss teens and teeth whitening with you.

As with any cosmetic dentistry procedure, teeth whitening should be overseen by a professional. There are a number of factors that can affect the results such as an existing crown or teeth that have not yet erupted. Some medical conditions can cause teeth to darken. Your dentist can determine if tooth stains are a symptom of an underlying condition.

It’s always a good idea to stress prevention over treatments, especially with kids. Make sure your youth is observing sensible oral health habits. Make sure they understand that coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks can stain their teeth.

And if they need another reason not to smoke, remind them that tobacco products will destroy their beautiful smile along with their lungs. Lastly, warn them of the dangers of oral piercings which include tooth damage and infection.

If you or any member of your family decides to use an over-the-counter teeth whitener, be sure to follow the instructions exactly as the bleaching agents used can damage your mouth and gums.

At Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS in Arcadia, we offer a full range of cosmetic dentistry procedures, as well as family dentistry. Schedule an appointment with us today.

CONTACT PREMIER DENTAL ESTHETICS – PETER S. YOUNG, DDS:

626-433-8290

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007


Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Saliva

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, we believe that establishing a relationship with an experienced, friendly dentist is fundamental. We encourage our patients to come in twice a year for a dental examination and cleaning. We also want our patients to be knowledgeable about oral health issues.

Let’s discuss saliva. This typically yucky substance is, in reality, a finely balance body fluid that not only maintains dental health but also aids in digestion of your food.

But what’s in saliva?

  1. Water. No surprise here! Your saliva consists mostly of water.
  2. Enzymes. Enzymes are vital biological catalysts that speed chemical reactions. The enzymes in saliva begin the process of digestion.
  3. Immunoproteins. These are powerful cells that fight cellular invaders, such as bacteria. Those in saliva inhibit the overgrowth of microbes in the mouth. This is essential to avoiding gingivitis and keeping a healthy pH balance in the mouth.
  4. Minerals. Saliva minerals assist in maintaining the protective enamel surface of the teeth.

Most Arcadia dental patients produce enough saliva, but some suffer from dry mouth, which is a lack of saliva. This can be dangerous to your dental health, so be sure to speak with us if you are experiencing this.

The team at  Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia would love to talk to you about cleanings, cosmetic services, teeth whitening, braces, veneers, and other smile makeover possibilities. We are equipped to offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, family dentistry, orthodontics and a long list of other procedures. Call us today for an appointment.

CONTACT PREMIER DENTAL ESTHETICS – PETER S. YOUNG, DDS:

626-433-8290

LOCATION (TAP TO OPEN IN GOOGLE MAPS):

301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217
Arcadia, California
91007

 


Do You Grind Your Teeth While You Sleep?

Arcadia dentist teeth whitening

Do you grind your teeth while you sleep? That may not be an easy question to answer if you sleep alone. It’s a common problem, though, and it can result in tooth damage. A custom-made mouth guard from Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia may be just what you need.

The Issue
Most teeth grinding occurs during sleep. Symptoms of consistent teeth grinding include a sore jaw and dull headache in the mornings. The formal term for teeteh grinding is bruxism. Common causes include anxiety and stress, but it can also be related to an abnormal bite or missing or crooked teeth.

Visit The Dentist
We can be identify bruxism through an oral examination of jaw tenderness and abnormalities in the teeth.

Mild bruxism may not require any treatment. But more serious cases can lead to jaw disorders, damaged teeth, and other problems.

At Premier Dental Esthetics, we can custom-fit you with a mouth guard to wear at night to protect your teeth. These are sometimes called “splints.” They look like an athlete’s mouth guard, but most are made from a rigid material. We also provide a wide range of family dentistry services. Schedule an 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

 

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Are You At Risk For Bone Recession?

dental bone grafting Arcadia

We all know that a healthy smile requires decay-free teeth and healthy gums, but how often do we appreciate our jaw bone? Our teeth need a strong firm foundation to remain healthy and beautiful. This post from Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia looks at bone recession.

Occasionally, a patient experiences bone recession in their jaw which can cause tooth loss and other problems. However, it is ordinarily the other way around. The bone loss occurs as a result of a lost tooth. When a tooth and its root is lost, the blood supply and stimulus required for maintaining healthy bone is taken away.

Let’s look at the most common causes of jaw bone recession:

Extracted Teeth
Bone is living tissue and needs stimulation to stay healthy and retain its size and density. Biting, chewing, talking and all the other normal mouth functions keep the portion of the bone surrounding the tooth root healthy. When a tooth is extracted, the bone that used to anchor the tooth root recedes as if it understands that it is no longer needed. A dental implant provides stimulation similar to the natural tooth and can prevent bone recession.

Gum Infection
A gum infection can result when gum inflammation goes untreated and progresses to periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth creating pockets which provide the perfect breeding ground for the detrimental infection.

Gum infections can progress undetected, though there are usually warning signs. Swollen, painful gums, loose teeth, and gums that bleed when brushed are symptoms of periodontitis. The infection dissolves bone as the gums pull away from the tooth. Inadequate oral hygiene increases the risk of gum disease but other factors can compromise gum health. These include smoking (no surprise here), hormone levels, diseases that lower immune system effectiveness, medications that cause dry mouth, and genetic predisposition.

Abscessed Tooth
An abscess is a pus-filled pocket of infection that occurs in the nerve and roots of a tooth. As the infection attacks the tooth and bone tissue it creates a space that fills with pus. There are several treatments for a tooth abscess including antibiotics to kill the infection, a root canal, or extraction, if needed.

If you would like to replace a missing tooth with a dental implant, but don’t have enough bone at the implant site, you might be a candidate for bone grafting. Bone grafting may sound like major oral surgery but it is really a routine procedure. Call us at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia. Services include family dentistry. Make an appointement 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

 

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Kids Who Like Dental Visits?

friendly children

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, we are passionate about protecting children’s dental health, and proud  that most of our young patients enjoy their checkups, cleanings, and treatments. We believe that establishing a relationship with an experienced, friendly dentist is fundamental.

The Oral Health-Physical Health Connection

Good physical health for children is impossible without the dental health component. Though this seems obvious, cavities in children is a national epidemic, yet for the most part is preventable. Regular checkups are just as critical as well child exams and immunizations.

The health of your child’s teeth and gums affects their speech development, eating habits, academic success, mental health, and social relationships. At Premier Dental Esthetics, we love working with you and your child to establish habits that ensure a healthy smile for life.

The Good News

Today’s children are far less fearful of the dentist than earlier generations. Part of the reason is that dental tools have evolved, and rarely cause any pain. If you are old enough to remember the whining dental drills of fifty years ago, you probably have a greater appreciation for the technological developments that make dental treatment far more pleasant than in years past.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, children’s dental health is huge. We offer family and cosmetic dentistry services. Schedule an appointment for your youngster (or yourself) 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

 

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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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