James W. Mellert DDS

Many people wait years between dental appointments. In fact, they would not see their dentist in Torrance at all except for those times when they get a terrible toothache. If it wasn’t for tooth decay, some people would write off dentists as fictional characters.

Now, you don’t go years between dental appointments, you know better than that. Still, you might see your dentist once every year, maybe year and a half, which you think is pretty good. Except that it is not.

If you go longer than six months between dental visits, you aren’t doing yourself or your teeth any favors. Here is a list of reasons you need to visit James W. Mellert on a regular basis.

Problems Under the Surface

A critical part of your bi-annual dental checkups is having your teeth x-rayed. These x-rat images enable your dentist and other dental professionals to see what is going on beneath the surface of your mouth. They can discover and diagnose problems that cannot be seen on the surface. This could include issues like impacted teeth, tumors and cysts.

This is especially important when it comes to some very destructive diseases that show no symptoms but tend to progress very rapidly. Dental check-ups are very beneficial to your overall health.

Keep Those Bad Habits in Check

There are several bad habits that can have a negative impact on your oral health. The biggies include smoking and eating sticky candy, but biting your nails, drinking coffee and wine and grinding your teeth are all habits that can do harm to your teeth.

When you visit your dental clinic on a regular basis, your dentist can check for any damage caused by your bad habits that you may not have noticed. In all likelihood, your dentist will inform you that your habits are destructive and possibly deadly. You will probably be encouraged to make better lifestyle choices. As for the damage that has already been done, your dentist can fix those up when you pay him or her a visit.

Plaque and Tartar

Even if you are a diligent daily brusher and flosser, there are still areas in your mouth that are missed by your toothbrush and floss. Plaque then starts to build up and becomes quite difficult to remove. If left unchecked, it hardens and turns into tartar, which is extremely difficult to remove without professional help.

Regular visits to your dentist office for cleanings prevent plaque and tartar from eroding and otherwise damaging your teeth. Having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis is a lot less expensive and less painful than having to have your dentist fill the cavities created by plaque and tartar.

Gum Disease

It’s bad enough that plaque and tartar cause cavities, but they also can cause gum disease. When this happens, the gum begins to pull away from the tooth, then it only gets worse from there. If you have gum disease, there will be swelling, bleeding and soreness in your mouth.

Along with the breakdown of your gum tissue, you can expect the bones that hold your teeth in place to break down as well. Having your dentist treat gum disease will certainly take a blow on your wallet. The best way to avoid all of this is by seeing your dentist on a regular basis.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is a very serious disease that can manifest itself in numerous ways. If it is not discovered and diagnosed in the early stages, it could become life-threatening. Early stage oral cancer is often easily treatable.

Your dentist is highly-trained to recognize the symptoms and signs of oral cancer. Seeing your dentist every six months increases the chances that you will have any signs of oral cancer detected in the early stages.

Healthy Body

Studies repeatedly confirm that the state of your oral health provides insight into your overall health. Oral conditions can lead to other conditions and diseases including heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Setting a Good Example

If you aren’t seeing your dentist every six months, you can’t expect your children to understand the importance of regular dental checkups. If anything, seeing your dentist on a regular basis sets a good example for your kids and other children including nieces and nephews.

Having to visit your dentist every six months isn’t the appointment you are necessarily looking forward to. In fact, it could be the appointment you dread most. But it is one of the most important appointments that you need to keep.

If you are finding yourself skipping out on dental checkups for whatever reasons, you need to stop and consider all of the risks you are taking. Keep telling yourself that it is very important that your visit James W. Mellert every six months. Call and schedule an appointment today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Your smile is the first thing people notice about you. And what they say is true; first impressions are everything and you are judged by the way you look. Your smile is your calling card on first dates, job interviews and meeting your child’s teacher for the first time. Smiles get you through awkward moments, they make you look younger, or older and they can help you defuse a potentially angry situation.

Having a great smile is sort of like having a superpower. But if you don’t have a great smile, you wake up each morning and don’t like what you see in the mirror. If you are less than satisfied with your smile, perhaps it’s time for a change. James W. Mellert, DDS, your cosmetic dentistry clinic in Torrance, offers several ways in which you can improve your smile.

Floss Daily

Flossing removes plaque between your teeth and out from under your gum lines, these are places your toothbrush simply cannot reach. Flossing every day helps prevent gingivitis and tooth decay. If you let plaque build up, it can lead to tooth loss and bone destruction, either of which won’t do any good for your smile.

Don’t Smoke

You probably already know how bad smoking is to your health. Well, it will also take a toll on your smile. Smoking stains your teeth, leaving them yellow and brown. The superficial stain can be polished out, but it can also soak deep into the enamel.

Smoking also poses a danger to your gums. It can cause them to recede and develop large pockets around your teeth. Your teeth will appear longer and with dark spaces between them.

Limit Tea, Red Wine and Coffee

Beverages like tea, red wine and coffee can stain your teeth. Just like smoking, these stains can be polished out by your dentist, but they can also stain deep into the tooth enamel. When you do drink beverages that cause stains, rinse your mouth frequently with water.

Teeth Whitening

A bright smile requires white teeth and the best way to achieve this is by having your teeth whitened at your dentist office.

Over time, your teeth can get stained from smoking, drinking certain beverages and even by some medications. A professional bleaching is much stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.

Bonding

Bonding is an easy and safe way to correct the appearance of teeth that are cracked, unevenly spaced or stained. Bonding uses a tooth-colored plastic base material called composite resin to correct these problems. Bonding can be accomplished in just one visit to your dentist and the results can last for several years.

Crowns

A crown is a custom cap that fits perfectly over a damaged tooth. If you have a damaged tooth or one that is more than 3/4 filling, then you can get a crown to place over it and give you a better-looking smile. Your crown will also help protect the tooth by preventing further bacteria from entering it and causing an infection.

Veneers

Veneers are custom shells, typically made from porcelain, that cover the front side of teeth and change their shape and color. Veneers are similar to bonding, but last longer and provide superior appearance. Veneers improve the looks in teeth that have spaces between them, are permanently stained, have chips, are poorly shaped and are crooked.

Implants

Implants are an involved and expensive form of cosmetic dentistry, but are a long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. Implants are surgically placed into the jawbone and come in three parts. You have the titanium metal which fuses to the jawbone, the abutment which fits over the part that sticks out of the gums and the crown which has a natural, tooth-like appearance.

Braces

People of all ages can enjoy the benefits of braces. Braces not only improve the look of teeth that are crowded or crooked, they also improve jaw positioning and bite. Braces are worn to apply pressure and reposition teeth. It is a procedure that can take several months, if not longer, to complete.

Bridges

Bridges are used to replace missing teeth with artificial teeth. Bridges can be made of porcelain, alloys, gold or a combination. Your dentist will anchor a bridge to the surrounding teeth that holds the false tooth.

Enamel Shaping

If you are not happy with the way your teeth are shaped, your dentist can shape them to make improvements. Through enamel shaping, your dentist can alter the size, shape and position of your teeth. Chips and cracks can also be corrected.

Regular Checkups

Making sure that your teeth are clean and healthy goes a long way in improving your smile. Keeping regular appointments with your dentist will help ensure that problems are spotted early and treatment is sought to divert issues that could affect your smile. Schedule a visit with James W. Mellert, DDS today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s never going to be a good day when your dentist tells you that you have a cavity. After all, it’s nothing to be proud of. It is especially hurtful if you are the type who diligently brushes your teeth at least twice a day and do what you can to keep your teeth healthy. And let’s not forget the fact you will have to get a filling, which is cause for anxiety for some of you.

After the cavity is discovered, the next step is typically the dental filling. Dental fillings come in several different materials and each has advantages and disadvantages. James W. Mellert, your dental clinic in Torrance, takes a look at the various types of fillings.

The Classic

Amalgam fillings are what most think of as silver fillings, but they are really composed of a mixture of silver, copper, tin and mercury. Dentists have been using amalgam fillings for over 150 years because they are long-lasting, strong and an inexpensive option.

The downside to this type of filling is that they are very noticeable and tend to get dark over time. If you are worried about your smile, you might want to go with a different option.

Composite

Composite fillings are made of acrylic resin and powdered glass. You read that right, powdered glass. The beauty of composite fillings is that they can be colored to match your natural teeth. This is why they are a popular choice.

However, they do wear out faster than other filling options and they aren’t the best choice if you have great chewing pressure.

Million Dollar Smile

Gold fillings won’t literally cost you a million dollars, they just make you look like a million dollars. Gold fillings aren’t made of pure gold, but they are still one of the most durable choices available. But they will cost you a pretty penny to have gold fillings, about six to 10 times more than amalgam fillings.

Ceramic

Ceramic fillings are made mostly of porcelain, which makes them a great low-profile option. In addition to being tooth-colored, they are also resistant to stains. One drawback to ceramic fillings is that they are more brittle than other filling options and are rather expensive.

Glass Ionomer

Glass ionomer fillings are made of acrylic and fluoroaluminosilicate, which is a component of glass and a really long word. This type of filling is typically used for fillings on front teeth or fillings when the decay goes into the root of the tooth. The downside to this type of filling is that they don’t last very long, around five years or so and they don’t match the color of teeth as closely as composite fillings.

If you still have questions about the types of fillings dentists use, feel free to give James W. Mellert a call. You should also come and see us if you are having problems with any existing fillings that are bothering you. A loose or damaged filling can lead to complications, so you don’t want to wait to schedule an appointment.

 

 

 

Your resume might be quite impressive with all of the years experience you have and your education. But it seems as though it’s your colleagues and friends who are the ones landing their dream job or getting huge raises and impressive promotions. Heck, even your younger brother, who has neither the education nor experience that you have, recently was promoted to a better paying and more prestigious position within the company he works.

It just doesn’t make any sense why you are left spinning your wheels.

In the professional world, what matters just as much as your education and experience are your looks. So no matter how impressive your projects are, they don’t have as much impact as your smile. Even if you waltz into work wearing board shorts, a tank top and flip-flops, as long as you have a great smile, nobody is going to criticize you.

Research has discovered that over 75 percent of Americans think that an unattractive smile can tank your career. So it is likely that this is exactly how your boss feels, or the person interviewing you for your dream job.

James W. Mellert, your dentist in Torrance, offers the professional benefits of a smile makeover.

You Will Look Good

You would be amazed at how much difference a smile makeover will do for your overall appearance. And really, who doesn’t want to look good? If you care anything about your career, you should be well aware that looks really do matter.

Fountain of Youth

A smile makeover could take years off your age. Wouldn’t be nice if your colleagues thought you were five years younger than you really are? A younger look means that you are just as competent as the younger competitors at work. A smile makeover will give you a look of accomplishment and vitality.

You Look Healthy

Stained or otherwise discolored teeth make you look unhealthy. Going in and having your teeth whitened could land you a promotion the very next day. The people you work with will notice a white smile to be sure.

You Feel Confident

When you don’t have to worry about hiding your teeth when conversing with others, it makes you look like a confident person. Great looking teeth will leave you oozing confidence form your pores.

People Will Pay Attention

When you see somebody with bad teeth and an unhealthy smile, you do your best to look away. Nobody wants to stare at that. A healthy smile is inviting, it draws people in and they will pay attention and they will listen to what you have to say.

You Look Smarter

It is unfortunate that we stereotype people, but it is what we do. This means if you have bad teeth, people will label you. Now, the person with a clean and healthy smile will be labeled as well, only in a positive sense. People with great teeth are perceived as smarter.

As you can see, a smile makeover would be a big boost for your career. Call James W. Mellert today.

 

 

 

 

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.