Brushing Your Teeth the Right Way

Brushing your teeth is one of those things that’s so simple; that we all know how to do, it’s easy to take it for granted. As an activity that’s the bane of young children everywhere, the twice daily recommendation to brush is essential for helping to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Still, it’s something that a lot of us do wrong! As a leading dentist in West Hills, we want to help make sure you’re doing it right. Here’s how:

Brush for longer. Two to three minutes. That’s how long a good brushing should take, yet the average is barely a minute. Set a timer if you have to!

Don’t brush so hard! You don’t have to press hard against your teeth and gum line. Doing so may damage your enamel in the long term.

Change your technique. A lot of people use a back and forth motion for brushing, but bushing in small circles is better, and you should also only focus on a few teeth at a time then brush away from the gum line to clear loosened plaque.

These small tips can make a big difference, and once you master you technique don’t hesitate to make an appointment with your friendly dentist in Woodland Hills to complete your care. We’re also a top spot for children's dentistry in West Hills!

 

When It’s Good to Be Early

Sometimes you want to be early and sometimes you don’t. For example, it never hurts to be a minute or two early when you’ve got an appointment for something. If you’ve got a job interview, it’s almost considered standard to arrive about 10 or 15 minutes before the appointed time – just to show you really want the position! On the other hand, sometimes it might be a bit awkward to show up early for a party and sometimes you may even want to be fashionably late…it kind of depends on what type of party you’re talking about.

When you’re talking about making an appointment with for treating your teeth, however, it’s so much a matter of social etiquette as self-preservation. In the worst cases, the problems that lead to requiring dental treatment can sometimes result in severe toothaches -- an unpleasant situation whether your dealing with adult or children's dentistry in West Hills. If you’ve never had a really bad toothache, then count yourself lucky; if you have had one, however, you know how much they are to be avoided for both you and your kids.

So, if you have reason to believe that you have an issue that may call for a root canal or other dental treatment -- maybe for dental implants in Los Angeles -- don’t lollygag about making an appointment. While we understand the tendency to procrastinate when it comes to visiting the dentist, there’s nothing to be afraid of. A properly performed root canal by a great West Hills dentist is a surprisingly comfortable process. A toothache caused by a delayed root canal, however, now that’s something you might be concerned about!

 

3 Surprising Foods That Are Bad for Your Teeth

As a leading West Hills dentist, our team at Medical Center Dental Care wants to promote good dental habits and dental hygiene, and sometimes that’s about more than simply providing outstanding treatment. An important part of good dental care is about education, and making sure patients have the tools and the knowledge they need to protect their teeth on their own time for healthy and long lasting smiles. We all know that candy and sweets are bad for your teeth, but here are a few things you  might not realize!

1. Sports Drinks- Sports drinks are often advertised as healthy alternatives as other beverages, but they normally have just as much sugar as soda which is a leading culprit behind tooth decay!
2. Sticky Food- Dried fruits are a popular choice as a healthy snack, but sticky foods like this stay on the teeth longer and are harder to rinse away which can cause damage over time.
3.  Crunchy Food- Crunchy food like potato chips are appealing, but they’re also more likely to get trapped in between the teeth and the gum line. Floss carefully to negate issues! 

Take care around this foods, and enjoy in moderation for the best results! In the meantime, if you need a top of the line children's dentist in Woodland Hills, our team has your back with world class care. We also provide cosmetic dentistry in West Hills to help patients achieve stunning smiles that glisten.

 

The Truth About Your Toothpaste

The thing about purchasing items in the US is that you never have a shortage of options to choose from. Just take one walk through a grocery store to see what we mean. In no area is this more true than with toothpaste. With entire shelves dedicated to various products that promise different results, finding the one that’s right for you can feel overwhelming. Don’t let it be. As a preferred dentist in Woodland Hills, here at Medical Center Dental Care we have the info you need to make the best choice. 

Here’s a little secret about modern toothpaste: most are completely interchangeable. Unless your dentist has you using a specific kind for specific reasons, it really doesn’t matter which toothpaste you choose with one exception: it should have fluoride in it. Fluoride is the most important ingredient. It restores the enamel, and protects your teeth against acid damage. It can even reverse damage and revitalize areas that have started to decay. As long as your tube has fluoride in it, and most do, your selection is arbitrary and completely up to you.  In the meantime, if you’re in need of West Hills dental care, our experts have your back. From general dentistry to the dental crowns West Hills residents rely on, we’ll make sure your dental needs are met.