James W. Mellert DDS

There are people who get nervous even when they just think about going to the dentist. They might be scared because they think the visit might hurt. Others are scared because they haven’t been to James W. Mellert, their dental clinic in Torrance,  in a long time and they aren’t sure what the dentist will find.

No matter the reason for your apprehension, the fear is real and it affects many people, some to the point they haven’t seen a dentist in years. Dental phobia is a serious condition that up to 20 percent of the population suffers. They exhibit classic avoidance behavior. That is, they will do just about everything to avoid going to the dentist.

You might think their fear of the dentist is totally irrational, and it is, but they are unable to do anything about it. Other signs of dental phobia include trouble sleeping the night before a dental appointment, feeling physically ill the day of your appointment and difficulty breathing.

There are many reasons people are afraid of going to the dentist, here are a few.

Fear of Pain

Fear of pain is a common reason people avoid going to the dentist office. This fear stems from earlier dental experiences in which the treatment was painful or otherwise unpleasant. But thanks to advances in dentistry, most procedures and less painful and many are pain-free.

Feeling of Helplessness

It is common for some people to feel helplessness or a loss of control. You are, after all, sitting prone in a chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what is going on.

Fear of Needles

The notion of a huge needle being jammed into your mouth isn’t easy to swallow. Needles are scary enough without having to think about the fact you will be having one going in your mouth.

Others fear that the injection won’t work and they will suffer immense pain when the procedure begins.

Side Effects

There are people who worry about the side effects that can crop up when getting a dental treatment. You might feel faint or suffer nausea during a treatment and it is likely you will have a numb lip when it is all done.

Loss of Personal Space

Some people have a difficult time when people are invading their personal space. Others feel self-conscious about their breath or the appearance of their teeth.

The key to coping with your fear of the dentist is talking to your dentist about your fears. Once your dentist knows what your fears are, they will work with you to determine ways to make you feel less anxious. Here are other ways to manage your anxiety about going to the dentist.

Kick out the Jams

If the sound of a drill in your mouth bothers you, drown the buzzing out with some gnarly tunes. If you are feeling tense and scared, calm yourself with some relaxing classical music or some other kind of music that relaxes you.

Bring a Friend

Bring someone you trust, someone who isn’t afraid of dentists, to sit with you during the exam to help put you at ease. This would also be a person who could speak for you when you can’t and help take control of the situation.

Therapy

There are professionals out there who specialize in fears people have and help them to overcome them. So, yes, you can go and lie down on a couch and tell the guy with the pen and notepad about your life and how you hate going to the dentist office.

Meditate

Teach yourself how to relax through meditation. Practice a mantra or do whatever you can to learn how to better control your fears. Once you have mastered this, go to your dentist and see how well it works.

Wear Sunglasses

We all seem to feel a little more at ease while wearing sunglasses.

Hold on Loosely

Bring something with you that you can hold during the procedure, like a teddy bear or a stress relief ball. A teddy bear will bring you comfort and a stress ball is a way to take your mind off what is going in at the moment.

Medication

If your anxiety is bad enough, you might want to consider taking a medication to keep you calm. This is something you should discuss with your dentist.

Give the Signal

Before your procedure, let the dentist know that if you raise your hand, it is a signal for them to stop for a moment.

Sedation Dentistry

If your fear of the dentist is bad enough, you might want to talk with your dentist about sedation dentistry. Anesthesia just might be the best option.

If you have dental phobia, give us a call at James W. Mellert and we can discuss ways we can work around your fears.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In case you have been too busy to notice, spring is here. It’s that time of year when the days are longer and warmer and we can once again take to the great outdoors for fun and exercise. We have little doubt that most of you have already taken advantage of the lingering sunlight to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. We also know there are some of you who have yet to take advantage of the spring weather because you are either too busy or lazy.

When it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle, you must focus on all aspects of your life. Just as it is important to visit your dentist on a regular basis, it is just as important to get outside and enjoy some time in the sun. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, offers you these fun activities to indulge in this spring.

Fly a Kite

It is very likely that as a child, you ran through an empty parking lot or grassy field with the string from a kite firmly grasped in your hand. You were so thrilled to see that kite rise up into the air and the feel of the wind pulling your lite was exhilarating.

Well, it’s time to recapture that feeling.

Head over to a hobby store near you and buy a kite. You don’t want just any kite, you want one that is colorful and uniquely shaped, like a dragon for example. After that, head over to the park and find a perfect location, a big space without trees or power lines.

And now for the fun part. Stand with your back to the wind and let the force take the kite from your hand and watch it go up into the air.

Go on a Picnic

When was the last time you have been on a picnic? It has probably been way too long. A picnic is an escape from the ordinary, a great way to get you out of your stuffy house or office and into a more relaxed and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere.

Time seems to slow down while you are eating your gourmet sandwich on a picnic and you really don’t seem to care what is going on in the real world. There is no better way to enjoy the beauty of nature while enjoying a nice meal.

Ride a Bike

There was nothing more peaceful than riding your Schwinn Sting Ray down the street when you were a kid. As you know, even way back then, bikes are freedom. Bikes mean you don’t have to worry about traffic jams, your only concern is the sweet air you are breathing and the wind on your face.

Bikes are a beautiful thing. You can ride solo and get your mind sorted out or you can ride with a group of friends and have good conversations and laughs together. You can also ride with a significant other, or someone you just met and are taking on a date.

It doesn’t matter what you ride or where you ride, just make sure you get out there and ride this spring.

Go for a Swim

No doubt that as a kid, you spent many hours in a swimming pool in the summer. We are sure you have some very fun and fond memories of your time in the pool.

Well, spring is here and it’s a great opportunity to make some new memories of you splashing around in a pool. Not only will going swimming bring back great memories, it will burn quite a few calories as well.

Go Hiking

The best part of going hiking in the spring is that you get to enjoy the wonderful weather and you get the trails all to yourself. The best hiking spot in your area will no doubt be filled up for the better part of the summer. But when you hike in the spring, you will definitely encounter fewer people.

You can plan a solo hike, one in which you can enjoy quiet time with nature, or you can plan a hike with the family and enjoy doing something together that doesn’t involve an electronic device.

Go to the Beach

Going to the lake if fine and going to the river is good too, but that just doesn’t compare to going to the beach. A soak in the salt water is therapeutic to your joints and muscles and the sand does a fine job exfoliating your skin. Fall asleep under the sun and get your daily dose of vitamin D.

Go Camping

With spring here, you need to pack up the tent and go on a camping trip. Camping in the spring means you get to enjoy great weather and you beat the summer crowds.

Spring is here, don’t let it get away without enjoying the outdoor activities that you love. Take a day off this next week to get your dental checkup and then go on a picnic or go on a hike. Call James Mellert to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In these times when beauty and eternal youth are of paramount concern, it is of little wonder that cosmetic dentistry has emerged as a popular choice. Numerous people choose to utilize the many treatments cosmetic dentists offer to improve their smiles.

While cosmetic dentistry might not be the proverbial Fountain of Youth, there are certainly plenty of benefits that come with choosing to visit James W. Mellert, your cosmetic dentist in Torrance.

Motivation

You thought we were going to start off by telling you one of the benefits of cosmetic dentistry is that it improves your smile. Well, while that is certainly true, there are plenty of less obvious benefits associated with cosmetic dentistry.

Once you have had your teeth cleaned, straightened or whatever procedure you have done to improve your smile, you will want to maintain the results. For this reason, you are motivated to improve your dental hygiene.

So suddenly, instead of spending 30 seconds brushing your teeth once a day, you spent two or three minutes brushing your teeth two or three times a day. And instead of sucking down a sugary soda when you get thirsty, you choose a glass of water instead. You even cut down the amount of coffee you drink because it can stain your teeth.

You go from someone who never really gave oral hygiene a second thought to someone who takes great care of their teeth.

Improves Self-Confidence

When you have unsightly teeth, you don’t want to show off your smile; in fact, you don’t really want to be seen at all. You might avoid any type of social situation because you are embarrassed by the look of your teeth.

But then you have a few cosmetic procedures performed by your dentist and they really improve the way your teeth look. In fact, your teeth look so good that you want to show them off.

Of course you do, this is because you have improved self-confidence. You no longer think about how your teeth look because, well, they look amazing. And now your social calendar is all filled up.

Health Boost

Teeth that are straight are much easier to keep clean that teeth that are crooked. This means that people with bad teeth tend to have more dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.

Unfortunately, there are several other health issues that are tied directly to oral health including heart disease, kidney problems and oral cancer. People with poor oral health may also suffer headaches and joint pain.

Restoring your smile with cosmetic dentistry will boost your oral health and therefore boost your overall health.

Look Younger

Some common signs of aging include dental erosion and discolored teeth. Think about what your grandparent’s teeth looked like and you get the idea. By correcting these minor issues, you can take years off how old you look. No kidding, a few minor dental procedures can go a long way.

Help Prevent Future Damage

While many cosmetic dental procedures simply improve the look of your smile, some can actually help prevent future damage. For example, bonding is used to improve your appearance, but it also strengthens your teeth and can prevent further damage and wear on these already compromised places.

Enhance Your Career

Unless you are an actor or model, you might not think that the appearance of your teeth is a factor for your success. But then you would be wrong.

If your teeth are an embarrassment to you, you probably mope around the office not smiling or talking to anybody. You might even be perceived as unfriendly or unmotivated by colleges and your boss.

But after a few visits to the dentist and a whole new look, you look better and it shows in your demeanor. And when you feel more confident in how you look, you are more likely to talk to people, smile and take on the challenges that can boost your career.

You also look happier, which gives the appearance of greater motivation and dedication to your career.

Short Recovery Time with Long-Lasting Results

An additional benefit of cosmetic dentistry is that most of the treatments require very little recovery time. In addition, most of the procedures are very limited in the amount of pain you will feel. In fact, you won’t feel any pain during or after many of the treatments and there is no downtime whatsoever.
Of course, you could ignore the problems you now have with your teeth, but down the road it could make matters worse. A treatment that would be painless with little recovery time could wind up becoming a problem that takes a painful, expensive treatment to fix.

Eat the Things You Like

Teeth that are decayed, cracked or otherwise damaged make it difficult to eat some of the foods you love. When you have these problems corrected, eating is once again pleasurable.

If you are interested in cosmetic dental treatments, contact James W. Mellert.

It can be quite daunting when your list of New Year’s resolutions is longer than your holiday shopping list. But you still soldier on full of optimism that you will be a better person by reaching and sustaining your resolutions. You know, those promises you made to yourself including losing weight, drinking less alcohol and visiting James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, more than once every three years for teeth cleaning and check-ups.

Things start off well, they usually do you know. But by the end of January, you discover you have already gained four pounds, you drink more than ever and you still haven’t called your dentist to make an appointment. You are not off to a very good start.

Resolutions are important because in reaching these goals that you have set for yourself, you stand to be a better and healthier person. It does you no good to resolve to eat healthier foods and start the new year scarfing down two triple cheeseburgers from Burger King for lunch every day.

The problem is that you just don’t realize that you are capable of keeping your resolutions. That is, if you make the right resolutions and if you follow tips on how you can keep and achieve your resolutions. And that is just what we are going to do today, give you tips that will help you keep your resolutions.

But first, make a quick call and schedule a visit to your dentist, check-ups are rather important you know.

Make Your Goals Very Specific

You resolve to get in shape, but what does that mean? Getting in shape means so many things from losing weight to working on doing 10 pull-ups. What you need to do is make your goals as specific as you can. For example, you can resolve to lose 10 pounds a=or resolve to workout until you can do 10 pull-ups.

You will want to resolve to visit your dentist twice a year. That is a specific resolution you can actually keep.

Give Yourself realistic Goals in a Timely Manner

If you resolve to lose 40 pounds by the end of January, you are just setting yourself up for failure. Even if you work hard and lose 20 pounds, it is only half of your goal and you consider it a failure when you really did a great job.

Instead, you should resolve to lose 40 pounds, but over the course of several months, or even a year. Start by setting smaller goals that are easier to reach, like losing three or four pounds a month until you have reached your goal. This way, if you lose five pounds in January, you surpassed your goal, feel really good about yourself and are eager to move on towards your ultimate goal.

Don’t Beat Yourself Up

No matter what goals you make, there will be challenges and times that you totally fail, but it really isn’t that big of a deal.

You might resolve to eat healthier foods and find yourself at a Super Bowl party downing loaded nachos, chicken wings, pigs-in-a-blanket, bacon-wrapped cheesy jalapenos and washing it all down with Cherry Dr. Pepper. So what? Chalk it up as a mistake, brush the chip crumbles off of your shirt and move forward.

Make Your Resolutions Public

Research shows us that you are more likely to achieve your resolutions if you make them public. Sharing your goals on social media or by telling others holds you accountable and makes it that much harder for you to back out.

It also helps if you write your goals out and post them in a place where you will see them every day, like on the refrigerator or the bathroom mirror.

Reward Yourself

If you do resolve to lose three or four pounds and wind up reaching your goal, there is nothing wrong with giving yourself a little reward. In fact, it might be enough to motivate you to do even better the next month.

But what you don’t want to do is reward yourself in a way that will set you back. In other words, if you lose four pounds, don’t celebrate by sucking down three triple cheeseburgers from Burger King.

Get Support

There is no shame in asking family members or friends to help you reach your goals. Even if all you want them to do is encourage you, it might be enough that you are able to follow through.

You also want to keep in mind that there are professionals out there who specialize in behavior and for a price, are willing to talk to you and help out in any way they can.

As you can see, there are many tips that can help you keep your resolutions. Now, you did resolve to visit your dentist more often, so do the right thing and call James W. Mellert today.

Old habits die hard. This is particularly true of bad habits. Basically, this means that when you resolved to eat healthier foods on New Year’s Eve, you presented yourself with an opportunity to fail. The same holds true for all of you who resolved to save more money, lose weight and be more productive at work. Your New Year’s resolutions came on a surge of optimization and, perhaps, hope, but they often die before the end of January.

Don’t fret, you are hardly alone when it comes to breaking New Year’s resolutions. Some studies put the rate of failure at around 90 percent. Which means that if you are like most, you have a one in 10 chance of actually ditching those 20 pounds you resolved to lose. We don’t know about you, but we don’t like those odds at all.

It’s the same story every year; you resolve to better yourself and wind up failing. But, you think to yourself, this year will be different. Why? Well, because you rationalize that the old you will change into the new you and actually achieve your resolution goals. But you are just kidding yourself.

Don’t feel bad about it and don’t just give up and walk away. There are ways in which you can improve your chances of achieving your resolution goals. So if you resolve to visit James Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance twice a year, you stand a better chance of following through if you follow these tips.

Only Make Resolutions if You are Serious About Change

Are you making a resolution because you truly want to achieve a goal with all of your heart or are you doing this because it is what everybody else is doing? If you expect to achieve a goal, don’t do it for all of the wrong reasons, you are just setting yourself up for failure.

If you are truly passionate about making a change for the better, you stand a much better chance of success. But this means you have the urge to change even when nobody else is watching.

Take a Mulligan or Three

You will find it very difficult sticking to good behaviors all of the time. That is, you can expect to mess up every once in awhile. But that’s fine, just as long as you get back on track as soon as possible.

For example, if you resolve to eat healthier foods and find yourself at McDonald’s slamming down a Big Mac with cheese, two McRib sandwiches, an eight-piece McNuggets and washing it all down with a Coke, shrug it off and start again tomorrow.

Start Small

You will find that when your New Year’s resolutions are small, you stand a lot better chance of achieving your goals. It is really unrealistic to set very high standards and expect to reach them right away, if at all. Take, for example, maintaining a healthier diet. You can’t expect to quit fast foods cold turkey and suddenly sustain your body with tofu, avocados, protein shakes and brown rice. You will have better success if you slowly ease yourselves into this.

Start by swapping out a couple of meals a week of burgers and fries for healthy alternatives. As time progresses, continue weaning yourself from McDonald’s until the Big Mac is just a faded memory.

Yell it from the Top of a Mountain

Not literally, of course, but do what you can to let people know what your goals are in the new year. Tell your friends about your goals, post them to Facebook and Instagram and even let your co-workers know what your resolutions are, the more you tell, the better. You see, you are less likely to cave in and give up if everybody knows what you are up to.

Replace the Bad With Good

You have a better chance of success if you find ways to distract yourself from what you are trying to quit. For example, instead of eliminating alcohol from your life, replace it with something else. Instead of coming home from work and pouring a glass of wine, have a snack as a replacement. This is a better way to quit bad habits and form good ones.

Ask for Help

There is no shame to ask for support from friends and family members. Reaching some of your goals will be tough and you would be a fool to go at it all alone. Family and friends can be there to support you, encourage you and help you find success.

It is also a good idea to seek professional help. Professionals are trained to understand the connection between the mind and the body and can offer strategies as to how to reach your goals as well as change unhealthy behaviors and address any emotional issues you might have.

If one of your resolutions was to see your dentist more often, give James W. Mellert a call today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Teeth are important. You know this, which is why you visit James W. Mellert, your Torrance dentist, on a regular basis and brush your teeth twice a day. You also do your best to minimize all of the foods that are bad for your teeth like chewy candy, soda and other sugary treats. However, there is the chance that you are eating too much of certain foods and beverages that are bad for your teeth but you just don’t know it. Here are a few.

Crackers

The refined carbohydrates found in many crackers are quickly converted into sugar in the mouth. This acts as fodder for cavity-forming bacteria. And what happens in your mouth when you eat crackers? They turn mushy and pasty, this goop then gets lodged in between your teeth and wreaks havoc.

Now, if you only eat crackers on occasion, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about, if you brush and floss daily. If you eat crackers on a regular basis, you might want to consider an alternative.

White Bread

While all bread contain sugar and can potentially be bad for your teeth, white bread is by far the worst. If you have ever taken a bite of white bread, you will notice that it immediately balls up and sticks to all parts of your mouth.

Sports Drinks

After an intense workout or an hour of biking in the hot sun, you are in the mood for a cold sports drink to quench your thirst. But this isn’t the best idea. You might think that a sports drink is a good alternative to soda, but that just isn’t the case. Not only do many of these sports drinks have too much sugar, many are acidic as well. This can also be very damaging to your teeth. Many experts agree that sports drinks are as bad for your teeth as soda.

Wine

There isn’t a disaster as bad as spilling red wine on a white carpet. You can expect to have a stain that will never go away. If red wine can stain a carpet, it makes perfect sense that it would stain your teeth.  Both red and white wines contain an erosive acid that allows stains to penetrate more deeply.

In addition to staining your teeth, wine tends to dry out your mouth, which makes it sticky and a place where bacteria thrive.

Dried Fruit

Dried fruits are a great source of fiber and very tasty as well. It is unfortunate that many dried fruits contain way too much sugar. Now, fresh fruits contain sugar, but dried fruits stickiness causes the fruit to stick in the crevasses of your teeth. This is bad. To keep this from happening, you need to remove those fruit remnants as soon as possible.

Pickles

While it is no surprise that sweet pickled foods are bad for your teeth, it might come as a surprise that pickles are also bad for your teeth. All pickled foods use vinegar, which just happens to have a very high acid content. Acid wears down the enamel on your teeth, which makes them much more vulnerable to problems.

Citrus Fruits

Even though citrus fruits are high in fiber and full of vitamin C, they also have a high amount of acidity, which is tough on your enamel. You need that layer of enamel on your teeth to help protect them. Your best bet is to brush and rinse out your mouth after eating citrus fruit.

Just as there are foods that are bad for your teeth, there are also foods that you might be surprised to know are actually good for your teeth. Here are a few.

Cheese

Cheese holds the ability to combat acid erosion of your teeth. Every time you eat an orange, soda or glass of wine, you are exposing your teeth to acid that can cause erosion. Eating some cheese after these foods and drinks can counteract the acid left in your mouth.

Salmon

Fatty fish, such as salmon, are a great source of vitamin D, which just happens to be very good for your bones and teeth.

Sugarless Gum

Sugar-free gum helps clean your teeth and stimulates the production of saliva, which is nature’s way of cleaning the bacteria from your mouth.

Leafy Veggies

Leafy vegetables and other foods high in fiber promote healthy digestion, which can do wonders for your teeth. Eating a leafy salad is like giving your teeth a nice, hot shower. All of that chewing generates saliva and the leafy foods themselves scrubs your teeth clean.

Water

If you drink a lot of water throughout the day, you are helping to wash sugar and acid from your teeth. Water also contains minerals that protect your teeth against erosion.

Even if you eat all of the right foods and brush your teeth twice a day, it is still important that you visit your dentist on a regular basis. Call James W. Mellert for an appointment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What’s more important than a bright, white smile? A healthy smile warms you up and makes others around you smile as well. But what if you are embarrassed by your teeth? If you are, then it is likely that you rarely smile, if at all. And that is a sad situation.

One thing more important than your smile is the overall health of your teeth. If you are ashamed to smile, it is likely that you suffer the ill effects of an unhealthy mouth. Poor oral health can lead to pain and mouth infections. Oral health is also directly tied to your overall health. Did you know that gum disease is linked to heart disease and strokes?

The truth of the matter is you need to take proper care of your teeth, even if you aren’t self-conscious of your smile. Taking good care of your teeth will help you live a long, healthy and pain-free life. After all, nobody wants to suffer through a painful cavity or gum disease. It is critical that you develop an excellent dental care routine early in life and follow through with it as you get older.

Good oral hygiene is more than just brushing your teeth once or twice a day and visiting James W. Mellert at your Torrance dental clinic. Healthy teeth are the result of a healthy diet, good habits and professional care when the need arises. Here are ways in which you need to care for your teeth.

Proper Brushing

One of the most basic and easiest ways to keep your teeth cleaned is by brushing them at least twice a day. When you brush, you should do so for at least two minutes. This will give you the necessary time to get the surface of all of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush the backs of your teeth as well.

For the best results, use a toothbrush with soft bristles or an electric toothbrush. No matter which type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you swap it out every three months. Don’t brush your teeth right after eating as your mouth is more acidic, which makes the enamel on your teeth temporarily softer.

Use a fluoride toothpaste as it protects enamel and makes it less likely you will get cavities.

Floss Daily

Flossing is the most effective way to clean the surface that is between your teeth. These are areas that you have difficulty reaching with your toothbrush. If you have trouble using traditional floss, try using a floss pick. Be gentle when going below the gum line and if you are new to flossing, your gums might bleed for the first few days, but this will stop in time.

Use Mouthwash

Find a mouthwash that has fluoride in it and use it once a day. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for two minutes or so to ensure it coats all of your teeth. Many types of mouthwash also contain protective substances that help fight against bacteria. Just make sure you don’t swallow the mouthwash.

Brush Your Tongue

The surface of your tongue is rough and uneven, making it a great place for food particles and bacteria to hide. These food particles and bacteria don’t stay on the tongue and they will eventually wind up in your teeth, which could cause of cavities and other oral issues. For this reason, you need to either brush your tongue when you brush your teeth or utilize a tongue scraper. There are even toothbrushes that have a rubber patch on the back that can be used to scrape your tongue. Be careful when scraping your tongue as you don’t want to hurt yourself.

Don’t Use Tobacco Products

Tobacco products will give you bad breath, stain your teeth and make it more likely to get gum disease and mouth cancer.

Healthy Diet

We all probably know that certain foods are better for your teeth than others. For example, it is far better for your teeth to eat an apple rather than sticky candy. In fact, the act of eating an apple or other fruits and vegetables actually keep your teeth clean while eating sticky candy sticks to your teeth and causes decay.

The same holds true with the liquids you drink. Water is always best as it rinses away food particles and bacteria that cause decay. You will definitely want to stay away from soda and other sugary beverages.

See Your Dentist on a Regular Basis

One of the easiest and most effective ways to take good care of your teeth is by seeing your dentist on a regular basis. Professional cleanings remove tartar, which cannot be eliminated by a toothbrush alone. Regular checkups also help identify small problems that can be dealt with before they turn into big, painful problems.

If you need to see the dentist, call James W. Mellert and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite improvements in dental care over the years, millions of Americans still suffer from tooth loss. The biggest reasons we suffer tooth loss include periodontal disease, tooth decay and injury. For a very long time, the only treatment options available to those who lost teeth were dentures and bridges. But today, due to some pretty amazing advances in dentistry, dental implants are available at James W. Mellert, your Torrance dentist.

Your teeth were designed to last a lifetime, but as we all know, sometimes this just doesn’t happen. Replacing missing teeth is important not only for aesthetics, but for your general health and well-being as well. In addition to losing chewing ability when a tooth is absent, an unreplaced tooth can also cause other teeth to be tipped, crowded and lost.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for the crown or replacement tooth. Dental implants provide a strong foundation for fixed replacement teeth that are made to match your natural teeth. There are lifelong benefits of implant-supported replacement teeth.

Improved Appearance

One major benefit of dental implants is that they preserve bone, which prevents deterioration of the facial structure. This improves the appearance of the patient. When teeth are missing and not replaced, there is nothing left in the jawbone to stimulate bone growth. Our bodies sense that the jawbone is no longer necessary to support teeth and slowly dissolves away. The result is a rapid deterioration of the facial structure and the lower face shrivels up, wrinkles develop around the mouth and the lips fold in. This makes people who have missing teeth look a lot older than they really are.

Even if you are just missing one tooth, long-term aesthetics will be much better with a dental implant.

Results are Immediate

Your dentist can replace your missing teeth with new and beautiful dental implants in just one or two procedures. You get an implant right away and enjoy a lifetime solution for a smile that was compromised by a missing tooth. You will also experience teeth stability, better comfort and a dramatic improvement in the ability to chew.

Built to Last

Traditional bridges made to support teeth may only last five to seven years; with proper care and a little luck, you might get 10 years of service out of them. But regardless how long they last, at some point they will have to be replaced. Over time, the cost of replacing bridges adds up. Your dental implants may need to be adjusted over time, but can easily last a lifetime when cared for properly.

Speak Easy

Dentures and dental implants that don’t properly fit can mean struggling to pronounce everyday words. But this just isn’t the case with dental implants. Dental implants fit tightly and function like natural teeth, so you are able to speak just like anybody who has all of their natural teeth. Dental implants save you from the embarrassment of struggling to pronounce words.

Eat Your Favorite Foods

Removable dentures can make it difficult to eat some of your favorite foods. Dental implants allow you to enjoy all of the foods you love. With dental implants, you bite naturally and can eat anything you want.

No Cavities

It is impossible for cavities to occur in implant-restored crowns. This means no more dentist drills. Of course, you still need to brush your teeth and schedule dental visits for regular cleanings. Basically, you need to treat your dental implant like you would any of your natural teeth to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

Dental Implants are Sturdy

Dentures have a tendency to slip from time to time and this often occurs when you sneeze, eat, talk and even kiss. Dentures that slip can cause unwanted embarrassment. In fact, it is not uncommon for people with ill-fitting dentures to avoid eating at restaurants or doing other activities that might put them in an unwanted situation. Dental implants are fixed in place and fused with your jawbone, this means your placement teeth won’t move, shift or click. They won’t budge at all.

Save Teeth

A tooth-supported bridge requires other teeth to be ground down. The teeth on one or both sides of a missing tooth will have to be ground down to help support a dental bridge. Basically, you have to cause heavy damage to otherwise healthy teeth to support a bridge. Dental implants go right into the jawbone where the missing tooth root was. None of your teeth need to be ground down.

Dental implants also help prevent the healthy teeth around the missing tooth from shifting.

As you can see, there are many really good reasons why people with missing teeth should seriously consider dental implants. For more information about dental implants, call James W. Mellert.

 

 

 

Having a perfect smile does indeed make you look fantastic. And while looking good is a huge bonus, the benefits of straight and white teeth aren’t just cosmetic. Cosmetic dentistry is very important and your Torrance dentist understands how significant a healthy smile is in all aspects of life.

Many of you might desire better-looking teeth and will be surprised to hear that having straight teeth has a number of health benefits as well. Here are several benefits you will enjoy with straight teeth.

Healthier Gums

When your teeth are too crowded or spaced too far apart, not only does it dampen your smile, it may also cause your gums to be red and inflamed. These characteristics not only make for a sad smile, they are also a sign of periodontal disease. When you have your teeth straightened, the gums fit better and more securely around your teeth and create a strong defense against disease.

Prevents Abnormal Tooth Wear

Crowded teeth cause one, two or even more teeth to jut out. When this happens, the teeth that jut out tend to rub with other teeth and will lead to undue wear on tooth enamel. Over time, teeth that jut out can also cause ineffective chewing function.

Hard to Clean

Crowded teeth make it that much more difficult for you to floss and brush, often missing spots which lead to plaque buildup. Crowded teeth lead to the inability to remove the food caught in tight spots, which can lead to tooth decay.

Decrease in Headaches

Crooked teeth place excessive stress on your gums and also on the bones that support your teeth. This may lead to a jaw misalignment, which can cause face and neck pain and chronic headaches.

Enhance Your Appearance

You might have very straight and very healthy teeth but have fallen victim to staining from coffee or other dark liquids. And while it is possible to whiten your teeth in photos using a filter, this is of no use to you when you are interviewing for the job of your dreams.

Teeth whitening is a big part of cosmetic dentistry and will give you a nice bright smile. A white smile makes you look stronger and more confident.

Boosts Self-Confidence

Many people find that when they have their teeth whitened, it gives them a boost of self-confidence. That is, they feel confident in their physical appearance.

Encourages You to Smile

The world is made up of people who judge you by your looks. First impressions mean a lot, and when you are hiding yellow teeth by not smiling, it gives off a bad first impression. When you have your teeth whitened, you are not afraid to show the world just how great your teeth look. White teeth give you cause to smile and the first impression people have of you is a positive one.

Camera Ready

Whether you have an upcoming wedding or some other important function, you will want to look your best. The last thing you want to have happen is to have wedding photos of you with less than stellar-looking teeth. Having your teeth whitened means you will look your very best on that special day or for that special occasion. So whatever the occasion, making your teeth a few shades whiter will help you feel camera ready.

Look More Youthful

Many people associate teeth with age. White teeth are associated with youth while yellow and otherwise stained teeth are associated with older folks. If you want to knock a few years of the way you look, then get your teeth whitened.

Job Prospects

When you have white teeth, you walk right into that job interview and speak with poise and confidence because you know you look good. Your self-confidence is critical when in a job interview when time is short and you need to explain why you are the best candidate for the job.

Minimizes Those Wrinkles

A smile that is bright and white shifts the focus from your face to your beautiful teeth. It is natural that people should zero in on your teeth and this lessens the surrounding wrinkles and frown lines.

Makes You More Attractive

Let’s not mince words here; having white teeth makes you a more attractive person. White teeth are an indication to others that you take pride in yourself and take care of yourself and that is pretty endearing quality.

Overall Health

Having straight white teeth is a really great indication that you have strong and healthy teeth. Unhealthy teeth have been associated with a whole slew of medical problems from strikes to pneumonia to heart disease. It may sound overdramatic, but healthy teeth could potentially help you live longer.

As you can see, there are many benefits in having healthy, straight and white teeth.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When you go to your dental clinic in Torrance, you might think your dentist is only looking at your teeth. But typically, dentists look at all of the soft tissues in the mouth as they can identify a number of surprising conditions from diabetes to Crohn’s disease. So even if your dentist doesn’t find anything wrong with your teeth, he may find some other common disease.

Diabetes

Loose teeth, receding gums, dry mouth and bleeding gums are all typical symptoms associated with diabetes. Patients with diabetes are far more likely to suffer from gum disease. Of course, just because you have gum disease does not necessarily mean you also have diabetes as many of these symptoms can also be the result of bad oral hygiene. Your dentist won’t automatically assume you have diabetes unless there are other risk factors. But if your dentist does suspect you have diabetes, he will recommend you see a doctor and have the necessary blood tests.

Diabetes and oral health are closely linked. People who take better care of their teeth and gums have better sugar control.

GERD (Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease)

Stomach acid that regurgitates back into the mouth can dissolve tooth enamel and leave lesions in the back of the mouth. And while many people recognize GERD by the symptoms, including heartburn, some only experience GERD at night and have no idea why they are having trouble sleeping. In fact, some people mistake GERD symptoms for something else and ignore them completely.

Anemia

If the lining of your mouth is very pale, your dentist might suspect you have anemia. Anemia is a condition in which your body does not have enough red blood cells in circulation. Your dentist might also notice that your tongue has lost its bumps and looks smooth.

Oral Cancer

With 30,000 new cases reported every year, oral cancer has become the sixth most common cancer in America. If you wish to catch this culprit in its earliest stages, regular dental visits are recommended. In fact, when caught early enough, survival rates are better than 80 percent. According to Delta Dental, oral cancer shows up as red and white lesions on the floor of the mouth, on the tongue and on the soft palate on the back of the tongue. In the early stages of the disease, these lesions are tough to see and are usually painless therefore likely to be missed by the patient.

Request that your dentist perform a cancer screening during your checkup, especially if you have risk factors like heavy drinking and tobacco use.

Heart Disease

If you suffer periodontal disease at a young age and have good oral hygiene, it could be a sign of heart disease. Signs like red gums, swollen gums and gums that bleed could be a red flag that indicates cardiovascular disease. Ask your dentist about ways to treat your dental disease. Doing so just might keep you out of the hospital due to a stroke, heart disease or other health issues.

If you are concerned, set an appointment with your primary physician to access your risk of a heart attack.

You’re Pregnant

According to experts. nearly 40 percent of women will develop gingivitis during their pregnancy. This is caused by increased progesterone, which just happened to facilitate the growth of bacteria. Now, this happens later in the pregnancy, so it is likely your dentist won’t be the one delivering the good news. But you never know.

Eating Disorder

People who have eating disorders have very distinct patterns of tooth wear that dentists can easily identify. Erosion on the tongue side of the front teeth may be a sign of an eating disorder.

Sinus Infection

Some patients make an appointment for a root canal because of a bad toothache. But in reality, what they suffer from is a sinus infection. You see, the roots of your top teeth are positioned in the same general area as your sinuses, this means both toothaches and sinus infections show the same symptoms in the same place.

Drinking Problem

Alcohol tends to dry the mouth out, which leads to cavities. Also, many alcoholics tend to have chipmunk red cheeks.

Stress

You might realize that you have had a really stressful week at work, but your mouth might indicate that it is more serious than you think. In stressful situations, many people grind their teeth. Yet, you might swear that you never grind your teeth. This is because in all likelihood, you are doing it at night and completely unaware of it. If this is the case, then you might want to look into getting a night guard.

Crohn’s Disease

Around 20 percent of patients who suffer Crohn’s disease or other bowel disorders develop lesions in their mouths. In fact, these lesions precede the cramps and other symptoms of the disease. If your dentist suspects a bowel disease, he will send you to your doctor.