Do I Really Need to Get Regular Teeth Cleanings?

For a lot of us, going to the dentist is not something we look forward to doing on a regular basis. Many people only go when they have a toothache or when they want cosmetic procedures to brighten their smiles. However, most dentists recommend getting regular teeth cleanings every 3 to 6 months. At Medical Center Dental Care, the top resource for cosmetic dentistry in West Hills, we believe that getting teeth cleaned on a regular basis can save you tons of hassle in the future.
Here are the top reasons why you may think about getting regular teeth cleanings:

• Saving money: Believe it or not, you actually save money in the long run the more you go the dentist. Regular cleanings are often covered by insurance for low copayments. However, if your dental hygiene isn’t top notch, you could end up spending much more money on fillings, implants, and more.
• Prevention: Consistent dental cleanings are the best way to ensure that your teeth stay health. Getting rid of plaque at a cleaning can prevent cavities. It can also prevent gum disease, jaw issues, and tooth loss in the long run.
• Health improvement: Studies show that there’s a connection between oral hygiene and your overall health. Regular cleanings can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you’re looking for a West Hills dentist, Medical Center Dental Care has the top dentists in the field. For regular cleanings or cosmetic procedures, choose the Calabasas dentist you can trust.

The Top Mistakes People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

So, you brush your teeth twice a day, every day. Good job! You’re on the right path to keeping healthy teeth and gums. However, there are a surprising amount of mistakes that people make when brushing their teeth. As the top dentist in West Hills, West Hills Dental Care believes it’s out duty to help you out.

Here are some of the brushing mistakes you might be making:

• Using too much toothpaste. Believe it or not, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing. If you use more than a pea sized amount of toothpaste, the additional foam might trick you into thinking you got all of your teeth.
• Brushing too often. If you brush more than three times a day, you could be wearing down your tooth enamel and damaging your gums.
• Not brushing long enough. At least two minutes is the recommended time for brushing your teeth.
• Don’t store your toothbrush near the toilet and keep it out of the sink. Your toothbrush might be exposed to the bathroom germs is they’re left out on the counter. A toothbrush cover is a good remedy.

If you’re looking for general or cosmetic dentistry West Hills, West Hills Dental Care has the top dentists in the field. Whether you need a regular cleaning or dental implants in Woodland Hills, don’t hesitate to call us.

Gain a Child, Lose a Tooth?

Have you ever heard the expression “Gain a child, lose a tooth”? Well, it may not be something you hear every day, but as your West Hills dentist, it’s an expression we’ve heard from time to time. And our patients often ask us if there’s any truth to the idea. Here’s the premise: along with many changes a woman’s body undergoes during the pregnancy process, many believe that tooth loss will be one of them, and 20% of women believe they will lose a tooth occurring to a study released in 2005. So is it true or is this just another urban legend?

Maybe not so much. According to multiple studies that have been conducted over the many years a correlation has indeed been found between pregnancy and tooth loss. This is likely due to a woman having lower calcium levels during pregnancy in addition to changes in hormone levels. These factors on their own aren’t enough to cause tooth loss but, for a mother whose dental health may be less than ideal, it can certainly exacerbate certain issues. In the meantime, as an experienced West Hills orthodontist, our recommendation is to keep those checkups dental checkups going during pregnancy. And don’t forget to visit us again when the baby is born. We’re also a leading children's dentist in West Hills!

The Variable Cost of the Tooth Fairy

The tradition of the Tooth Fairy is one that runs deep in this country, and as your local Calabasas dentist our team at Medical Center Dental Care certainly believes in making dental care fun. Losing the baby teeth is often a big deal for a child, so there’s no reason not to make the experience worthwhile! Still, it begs the age old question: how much is a good amount for the tooth fairy to leave under the pillow? Apparently, the answer to that question depends on where you live.

According to “The Tooth Fairy Study” the payout varies city by city. In Boston, the average is $5.02. In Chicago it’s $5.85. Los Angeles nears the $10 mark at $9.69. But New York takes the sugar free cake at a whopping $13.25 for a single tooth! We understand that the cost of living is astronomically high in New York City, but we don’t think we’re alone in thinking that’s a little pricey. Whatever rate you decide to go with, remember , it’s your call and yours alone! In the meantime, if you’re kids are in need of topnotch care from an expert dentist in Woodland Hills, you can’t go wrong with Medical Center Dental Care. For a dentist in West Hills Ca and beyond, we’re a top choice!

Quality Dental Care: Your Alternative to Impromptu Treatment

If you’re experiencing a dental issue, you have a couple of options at your disposal. You could search for a Calabasas dentist if you’re in the area, or you could try to handle it yourself! At Medical Center Dental Care, our team definitely thinks you’re better served leaving the hard work to the professionals, and yet we can’t help but be amused by this recent news story of someone taking matters into their own hands. 

You’ve probably heard of the proverbial string/doorknob  method for taking care of a loose tooth, but this daring dad decided to take things one step further by involving his red sports car. In the video currently making the waves on YouTube, “Camaro Dad” hops in his car which has a piece of string tied to it. The occupant of the other end? His child and his child’s tooth. The inevitable happens as the car takes off. The end result: one removed tooth, and one happy child. As a children's dentist in Woodland Hills we, of course, can’t in good faith support this rather unique approach. Your best bet is still to wait for nature to take its course, and if you experience issues to seek a dentist in West Hills. At Medical Center Dental Care, our team is more concerned with the results than the stunt!