Why Is Dry Mouth Risky For Your Teeth?

Why Is Dry Mouth Dangerous For Arcadia Dental Patients?In this blog post from Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, we are going to talk about dry mouth, an unpleasant condition that can have a negative impact on your dental health.

Reduction of saliva flow resulting in a dry mouth is a common issue, especially among older adults. However, men and women of all ages experience the symptoms of dry mouth at one time or another. These include a dry, red tongue, difficulty swallowing, and persistent sore throat.

Sometimes dry mouth is caused by a disease or infection, but a more frequent cause of dry mouth is prescription medications. Decongestants, blood pressure medications, antidepressants, and painkillers are just some of the drugs that list ‘dry mouth’ as a common side effect.

It is common for allergy-prone people to complain of dry mouth when they start taking antihistamines during the hay fever season. Aside from being an uncomfortable nuisance, untreated dry mouth can cause tooth damage. Adequate saliva is required to keep the mouth lubricated, wash the food from teeth, and neutralize the acidic environment caused by plaque. Extensive dental caries can ensue in the absence of saliva for dental patients with chronic dry mouth.

If you are unsure of the cause of your dry mouth, or if you are looking for dry mouth treatments, call Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA. Family dentistry, and maintaining dental health, are among our services.

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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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


Filtered Water And Oral Health

Filtered Arcadia Water And Oral Health

A simple way to choose beverages that won’t harm your teeth is to keep it simple and make water your go-to drink. For many reasons, some people choose to drink bottled water or filter it themselves at home. But a word of caution from the dentist at Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA: filtered water can be bad for your dental health if it doesn’t contain fluoride, which helps to prevent tooth decay.

If you choose bottled water and are wondering if any naturally occurring fluoride has been removed, you can check the label. If you prefer to filter your own tap water, look to see if the American Dental Association has given the filter its seal of approval.

Water filters that carry the ADA seal don’t remove fluoride, so you can be sure that the fluoride is still in your water and benefitting your teeth.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, the dental health of each of our patients is our top priority. Our services include family and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup 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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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


Three Reasons Not to Skip a Dental Checkup

Life gets busy. Sometimes it seems impossible to keep up with everything you “gotta do.” At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA, we understand that. But we encourage you to think twice before you cancel or postpone a dental checkup because you think it’s less important than the other twenty items on your to-do list.

Twice-yearly dental exams are vital for keeping your smile in optimal shape!

“But my teeth feel fine.”
Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. The fact is that no news isn’t necessarily good news. Dental troubles can be progressing without you being aware of it.

1. Your Gums May Be Receding
Gum recession doesn’t happen all at once. Gum tissue can move back almost imperceptibly until teeth and bone are in danger.

2. Decay May Be Lurking
When the acids in plaque start drilling into a tooth, we usually don’t feel it until it has passed through the enamel and dentin and hits the nerve. Ouch! By that time, there is a crater in the tooth. Regular cleanings remove plaque before it can do any damage.

3. Prevent Oral Cancer
About 50,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.1 Doctor dentist will screen for oral cancer during your exam. As with all types of cancer, early diagnosis is essential.

After your entire mouth has been examined, we will detail what is necessary moving forward. Whether that’s flossing more often or discussing major fixes such as braces, we will make certain that you get all the information you need to ensure your smile is bright and beautiful!

Scheduling twice-yearly exams with Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia CA will ensure you avoid acute dental problems. 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

 


Premier Dental Esthetics – Peter S. Young, DDS Works To Earn Your Trust

Premier Dental Esthetics - Peter S. Young, DDS in ArcadiaHello! I’m Dr. Peter Young, DDS, of Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia. I have been practicing general and cosmetic dentistry since 1997. Dentistry is a challenging and fascinating profession; dentists must have diagnostic skills, dexterity, extensive scientific knowledge, and good visual memory. Dentistry also requires artistic ability. In addition to the technical aspects of dentistry, I really enjoy interacting with my Arcadia dental patients.

I recognize that my patients have other choices in Pasadena area dental practices, and I work continually to earn their trust and surpass their expectations.

Each dental patient is unique. Many of my patients come in twice-yearly for an exam and cleaning. We help them maintain excellent oral health. Some San Gabriel cosmetic dentistry patients come to me seeking major restorative dental work. It is extremely gratifying to complete a smile makeover and see the patient’s reaction when they see their new smile for the first time.

When I have a pre-treatment consultation with a new South Temple City patient, it is very informative for both of us. The patient learns the specifics about the possible procedures and I learn about the patient’s goals, concerns and expectations. Then I work with the patient to develop a dental treatment plan that fits the patient’s needs, desired outcome and budget.

My dental practice is located at 301 W Huntington Dr. Ste 217 in Arcadia. If you are looking for an experienced dentist in the Pasadena area, call 626-445-2536 to schedule a consultation.

I look forward to meeting with you.

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

 


Confidence Or Caution At the Dentist

Whether you are one of the folks who goes willingly for your check-up, or are hesitant about getting dental work done, Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia wants to see you every six months to make sure you’ve got excellent oral health.

There is a direct connection between poor dental health and underlying, systemic conditions. To put it another way, a healthy mouth can help you maintain a healthy body.

Oral bacteria and inflammation may be associated with a host of health issues, from heart disease and endocarditis, to premature birth and low birth weights. Oral bacteria can spread from the mouth into the blood and cause serious, even life-threatening infection of the heart valves.

We aren’t trying to frighten anyone, but clearly your oral health is a  serious issue. It’s a good reason (maybe the best) to brush and floss daily (twice a day is better), and see us at Premier Dental Esthetic in Arcadia every six months for a cleaning and checkup. We provide family dentistry, along with teeth whitening and other cosmetic dentistry procedures. 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

 


Know The Facts About Oral Piercings

health risks of oral piercings Arcadia

Body piercings are a common form of self-expression. This post is about oral piercing, and its effects on oral health.

Since this is a dental blog, you may be expecting all sorts of alarms about the dangers of piercings. You are right. Unfortunately, these piercings and the jewelry they accommodate can lead to serious troubles with not only your teeth and mouth, but your entire body.

Oral piercings can cause tooth damage, tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth loss, bone recession, compromised immune system function and, in rare cases, death. Any oral piercing opens you up to  harmful infections and complications. The mouth is full of germs and introducing foreign objects permanently is not natural for your body’s health.

A tongue piercing can result in difficulty chewing with unnatural chewing patterns that may lead to swallowing problems. The jewelry produces excess saliva from the salivary glands, which throws off the natural balance of your oral cavity. Permanent nerve deterioration, excessive bleeding, and allergic reactions can also develop.

Metal jewelry also can easily come in contact with your teeth, leading to cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your teeth are built to last a lifetime. Chips, cracks, and enamel erosion compromise their durability and shorten their life span.

Complications with some piercings ensue by the introduction of hepatitis and herpes simplex viruses, and even more complications have occurred with bacteria entering the bloodstream and eventually lodging in the heart valve. In rare cases, such infections are fatal.

Though not technically a piercing, some California people drill small holes in their teeth to place rhinestones or other jewelry. Drilling into a tooth is harmful for many reasons, including damage that can make a root canal necessary. The jewel also can attract bacteria that can directly go into the drilled cavity of the tooth.

At Premier Dental Esthetics in Arcadia, we are providers of family and cosmetic dentistry. We encourage patients with oral piercings to remove their jewelry before it puts their health at risk. If plan to keep yours, we urge you to have regular dental cleanings and check-ups. We will set up a schedule for regular visits so we can discover and correct problems in their early stages before they become more severe.

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