Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Floss Your Way To Better Health!

Healthy Smiles in Beverly Hills
Floss Once A Day!
Dr. Giri Palani follows the ADA recommendations that you floss your teeth at least once per day. Whether you choose to make this a part of your morning or evening routine is up to you; it is how you floss that is important.

The Importance of Flossing

Flossing is the only way to get the debris that settles between your teeth as well as any bacteria. If food is left to settle, it turns into plaque and is a job that only your dentist can handle. Even extreme amounts of brushing your teeth will not effectively get rid of all of the debris between your teeth, which is why flossing is so important.

Choose Your Favorites

There is no hard and fast rule about the type of floss that you must use; whatever feels good to you is what you will be the most likely to use on a daily basis. You can choose between waxed and unwaxed floss and various interdental cleaners to get in between your teeth. The interdental cleaners can be brushes or sticks that easily get between your teeth.

Look for the ADA Seal


The best products to purchase are those that have the ADA seal on them. These products tend to be safer to use in your mouth as well as the most effective at removing debris, bacteria and plaque. Each product will have a reason for the ADA seal, which will help you decide which product you are most comfortable using with your daily brushing and flossing routine. 

For more dental health information, and information on cosmetic dentistry in Beverly Hills, visit our website at www.cosmetic-dentistry-beverly-hills.com.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Chewing Gum = Healthy Mouth!

Chewing gum is good for youIf you like to chew gum, you might be happy to hear that chewing sugarless gum can be good for your oral health. It is important to know the facts when it comes to chewing gum, however, because not all gum is created equal. In order to receive the oral health benefits, the gum should be both sugarless and approved by the ADA as is signified on the packaging. Another great benefit of gum that has xylitol added is that it can help prevent cavities as well.

How is Gum Good for you?

Research shows that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after your meal can help to prevent tooth decay. This is possible because of the increase in the production of saliva that gum produces. The more saliva that is in your mouth, the more food residue and bacteria that gets washed away, instead of staying on your teeth and causing tooth decay. In addition, it helps to remove the acids that are on your teeth as a result of eating acidic foods. Too much acid can cause the enamel on your teeth to break down, which is another culprit in tooth decay as well as sensitive teeth.

Brushing is Still Necessary


Even though chewing sugarless gum is good for you, it does not mean that you do not need to brush and floss. You should still be brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing at least once. This will help ensure food particles and bacteria that are stuck between your teeth and in hard to reach places are removed, reducing the risk of tooth decay. 

For more dental health information, visit our website at DrPalani.com today!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Eating Disorders Can Harm Oral Health

The dangers of eating disorders are fairly widely known, but one aspect that is not as well-known is its danger to a person’s oral health. Dental health is highly dependent on the nutrition that the body receives. When a person suffers from an eating disorder, they are not providing their body with the required nutrients, which could result in swollen or bleeding gums, dry gums as a result of a lack of saliva being produced and damaged tooth enamel as a result of chronic vomiting.

It does not matter if you suffer from anorexia or bulimia; your teeth are at risk. In addition to talking to your doctor in order to get help to overcome the disorder, you need to stay in close contact with your Beverly Hills dentist and it is vital that you practice proper oral health. On a regular basis you should be:
Eating Disorders Can Harm Oral Health - Call Giri Palani today
  • Practicing proper brushing techniques at least twice per day. This includes brushing all areas of your teeth and replacing your brush every couple of months.
  • Flossing at least once per day in order to rid your teeth of harmful bacteria that the toothbrush cannot eliminate.
  • Rinsing your mouth with baking soda and water after vomiting in order to neutralize the acid from the vomit.


Be sure to maintain your regular dental appointments. In general, you should see Dr. Giri Palani once every six months, but if you are suffering from additional dental problems as a result of your disorder, it is essential to see him more often. 

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Do You Know How to Care for Your Toothbrush?

Total SmileCare in Beverly Hills, CA
How Do You Care For Your Toothbrush?
You brush your teeth at least twice a day and even floss at night before going to bed. You are practicing proper dental hygiene right? Not quite yet. You are forgetting an important aspect of dental hygiene, caring for your toothbrushes. If you are not replacing your brushes at least every 3-4 months, you could be exposing your mouth to harmful bacteria. This bacteria could come from your own mouth as well as the environment that your toothbrush is stored.

After Brushing

Always rinse your toothbrush with warm water and let it thoroughly dry. Try to keep other toothbrushes separate from yours or at the very least, facing away from one another. It is very important that you leave toothbrushes free to dry and avoid covering them, as that is how mold and bacteria grow, in dark, damp places. 

Watch for Wear and Tear


Watch your brushes very closely for wear and tear. Typical use will cause most brushes to last between 3 and 4 months. If you brush harder than normal or more often, you might have to replace your brushes sooner. Simply check the bristles to see if they look worn down. If you do not replace them, they will not effectively clean your teeth, leaving you at risk for debris, bacteria and plaque. In addition, if you become ill, you should replace your toothbrushes when you are well again, to avoid contaminating yourself with the germs once again. 

For more dental health information, visit our website at www.drpalani.com.


Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Your Beautiful Smile - Should You Consider Replacing Amalgam (silver) Fillings?


Beautiful-Smiles-in-Beverly-Hills-with-Dr-Palani
Recently, the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network conducted a 24-month study to evaluate the long-term effects of amalgam and resin-based composite restorations. For decades, many dentists were leery of using composite resin for restorations, claiming that they often left open contact areas, pits and voids, tooth preparation margins and postoperative tooth sensitivity. However, there were problems with amalgam as well, including “difficulty in making tight contact areas, over-carving potential, overhanging amalgam material and postoperative sensitivity”. (Ref. 1)

Dental amalgam consists of a combination of mercury, silver, tin and copper. As a result, the finished product’s silvery color fails to take on the natural aesthetics of a living tooth. The closer the amalgam is to the front of the mouth, the more noticeable the silver color can be. Although many people have shown concern about the risks in mercury, it poses no threat when combined with the other dental material. (Ref. 2)

In the study, there was no conclusive evidence that favored the longevity of either resin-based composites, which blend in with the natural tooth and are more pleasing to the eye, or amalgam fillings. Instead, the variables that determined restorative longevity include age, sex, number and size of surfaces, and practice workload. Researchers suggest that clinicians should try to recognize risk factors on an individual basis in order to promote longevity. (Ref. 3)

While Dr. Palani would suggest replacing the silver amalgam with the more aesthetically-pleasing composite filling, the most desirable answer is to prevent the need for any fillings with daily brushing, flossing and routine cleanings. Our goal is to help our patients prevent the need for restorative care with professional exams and cleanings; providing you with a true Beautiful Smile!


Reference 1:
Christensen, G. J., D.D.S., M.S.D., PH.D. (1998, December). Amalgam vs. Composite Resin: 1998. American Dental Association. Retrieved June 16, 2013.

Reference 2:
Amalgam - Silver-Colored Dental Fillings. (n.d.). Mouth Healthy -American Dental Association. Retrieved from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/a/amalgam.aspx

Reference 3:
McCracken, M. S., Gordan, V. V., & Litaker, M. S. (2013). A 24-Month Evaluation of Amalgam and Resin-Based Composite Restorations Findings form The National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. JADA, 144(6), 583-593. 

Monday, August 5, 2013

Anxiety-Free Dental Care with Sedation in Beverly Hills

Sedation provides comfortable dental care in Beverly Hills.
You can experience anxiety free
dentistry with sedation.

If you are preparing for a filling, root canal, crown, tooth extraction, or other dental procedure, you now have an option to relieve your dental anxiety. At Total SmileCare in Beverly Hills, there are several options available to our patients for relief of pain and anxiety during routine dental visits.

Conscious, or moderate sedation, allows patients to remain awake during dental procedures. Patients are able to interact with their dentists but do not feel any discomfort or pain. Moderate sedation can also help patients avoid more severe side effects of general anesthesia such as nausea, headache, vertigo and long-term drowsiness. This form of sedation generally causes the patient to not remember anything about their dental appointment other than a pleasant experience.

One of the most common forms of non-IV sedation is Nitrous Oxide, known as 'laughing gas'. Patients of all ages can use Nitrous Oxide with minimal to no side effects.

Make sure you tell Dr. Palani about any drug allergies or dependencies, existing prescriptions or over-the-counter drug use, medical conditions, changes in your health, history of anxiety, heart conditions or alcohol use before undergoing treatment. You and your Beverly Hills dental team will discuss the benefits and risks of each option. We will work with you to make sure you have a pain-free, anxiety-free, comfortable experience.


Sources Used:



Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Are Dental Implants Worth the Cost?

Affordable Dental Implants with Dr. Giri Palani in Beverly Hills
Will Implants Break the Bank?
In contemporary society, it might be shocking to know that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to an accident, gum disease, a failed root canal or tooth decay.” By the time most adults reach their seventies, 26% have few if any of their original teeth left.
With so many people losing teeth and with our current dip in the economy, many people cannot afford the cost of implants and so go either without their teeth or with the less favorable option of bridges or dentures. Yet dental implants are the most desirable of all teeth-replacement options: they look natural, last virtually forever, do not cause pain, discomfort and bad breath and are permanent. Unlike dentures and bridges, implants do not sit on top of the gums or adhere to adjacent teeth. Instead, your dental implant expert, Dr. Giri Palani, places them inside the jawbone, making them a natural, long-term replacement for teeth.
Thankfully, there is an alternate solution for those who need implants but cannot afford the cost. With a moderate-term, esthetic provisional, patients would be able to preserve their implant site and have the benefit of a temporary replacement tooth. Using computer-aided design and manufacturing, dentists can digitally create temporary implants for a fraction of the cost of permanent ones. The result, produced by a milling machine, is almost as strong as gold.
What this means is that there is now a predictable and successful stopgap for people who do not want dentures but who cannot afford implants. Call your Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Giri Palani at Total SmileCare for further details on how you can get your grin back.
Sources:
Kalman, Les. “Implant Site Preservation Using a Novel Post and Crown” C.E. Article

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

The Sugar Remains!

Frozen-Yogurt-Not-Good-For-Teeth
Consider how the food you eat
affects your dental health!

If you believe that frozen yogurt is better for your health than ice-cream, you may want to think again! While frozen yogurt may be healthier for your diet, it is not good for your teeth. Frozen yogurt contains a variety of sugars that can lead to tooth decay.

Contained within the ingredients of frozen yogurt resides evaporated cane juice. Evaporated cane juice is another form of sugar, and should never be referred to as a "healthy" sugar. Both contain molasses, but evaporated cane juice has a somewhat lower percentage.
Regardless of the types of sugar you eat, when you consume food containing sugar you are putting yourself at risk of getting cavities. Sugar is a leading contributor to dental decay which can lead to other dental diseases. Don't feel like you need to eliminate frozen yogurt all together, but realize that the "health benefits" of frozen yogurt also include risks to your dental health.
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Have you scheduled your next dental cleaning? Visit our exceptional dental office in Beverly Hills, CA. Call Total SmileCare at (310) 894-8301 today and visit Dr. Giri Palani, your cosmetic dental expert.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Will the Best Toothbrush Please Stand?

Beautiful Smiles at Total Smilecare - www.drpalani.com
How Do You Choose?

Everyone knows that choosing a dentist is important, but dental care outside of our dental office is equally important. If you put a lot of thought into your teeth, finding the best toothbrush is just as important as finding the best dentist. Both have a huge impact on your smile, so it is best to get it right.
The days of the simple nylon bristled toothbrushes have long gone, and now we have electrical powered toothbrushes, in addition to disposable toothbrushes.
Size matters when you are choosing a toothbrush. You need to find a toothbrush head that is one-inch tall, and half inch wide. Next you will need to browse the bristle varieties. Soft bristles are more popular, because they are comfortable. If you are a heavy brusher, you will want to avoid hard or medium bristle brushes, because the heavy brushing can cause damage to your mouth.
Heavy brushers who use a medium or hard bristle brush are more likely to damage their:
  • Protective Tooth Enamel
  • Gums
  • Root Surface
Parents should purchase a soft bristle brush with a small head for children.
Before you place that toothbrush in your shopping cart, look over the recommendations. You do not want to purchase a toothbrush that has not been tested for safety, regardless of how expensive – or cheap – it is. Fancy toothbrushes may be the most stylish, but they may not be the best. If you do not see a Seal of Approval from the American Dental Association, we don't recommend purchasing it.
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Have you scheduled your next cleaning visit? Give our office at Total SmileCare a call at (310) 894-8301 or visit our website at www.drpalani.com to learn more about your beautiful smile.

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Suffering from Dental Pain?

Dental Pain? We have the cure at Total SmileCare in Beverly Hills, CA
Are You Suffering From Dental Pain?

When you suffer from a tooth abscess, you will suffer, literally. The pain from the bacteria infection is often severe, and it can keep you from getting a good night’s sleep, in addition to stopping you from completing work at the office during the day. You could fall victim to a tooth abscess at any time, so it is best to be prepared in case it happens.
When you have a tooth cavity, it can cause an infection, known as an abscess. When bacteria grows a pus pocket will form. There is no specific region where an abscess can occur.
There are various symptoms that can alert you that a tooth abscess has arrived. Some of those signs include:
  • Red Face and Mouth
  • Swelling
  • Tenderness
  • Gum Inflammation
  • Pus Drainage
  • Pain…and lots of it.
You can rinse your mouth out with warm water if you are suffering from a dental abscess. To treat the pain, you can purchase naproxen or ibuprofen, but these anti-inflammatory medicines will provide a small – if any – amount of relief. The pain may stop temporarily, but the infection is still alive and well. You will need to consult with a dentist as soon as possible to treat your infection, and get you back to work, and resting without issue during the night.
Keep in mind that if a tooth abscess goes untreated, it could lead to a more severe dental issue. This condition can spread, and cause you to become extremely ill.  


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Have you scheduled your next cleaning visit? Give our office at Total SmileCare a call at (310) 894-8301 or visit our website at www.drpalani.com to learn more about your beautiful smile.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Can Poor Oral Health Contribute to Dementia?

Cosmetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills with Dr. Giri Palani
Protect Your Mind - Brush & Floss!

Dental researchers have determined a relationship between oral health habits and dementia. According to a University of California study, oral health habits may affect whether a person develops dementia later in life. Researchers measured oral health habits of residents of a Laguna Hills, CA retirement community between 1992 and 2010. They followed 5,468 adults with no previous diagnosis of dementia age and a median age of 81 and determined that participants who reported brushing their teeth less than once per day had up to a 65 percent greater risk of developing dementia than those who brushed three times daily.

Research has already shown a relationship between periodontal disease, heart disease, and diabetes. More and more we are learning that oral health is necessary for overall health and wellness. Dr. Giri Palani recommends a twice yearly professional cleaning and exam to ensure that you are maintaining your oral health. For our patients who have periodontal disease, we may recommend up to four visits per year to keep your dental disease in check.

For more information about your oral health, please visit our website at www.cosmetic-dentistry-beverly-hills.com or call us at (310) 547-1128.

Friday, January 25, 2013

What is Gingivitis?


Cosmetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills with Dr. Giri Palani
Prevent Gingivitis -
Keep Your Beautiful Smile!
Gum disease starts with gingivitis; an inflammation of the gums (gingiva). It occurs when bacteria creates plaque and the plaque develops under the gumline on the roots of the teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress into the more serious periodontitis which can eventually lead to a loss of teeth.
Patients with gingivitis will have red and puffy gums, and they generally will bleed during brushing and dental exams. Many times gingivitis can be treated simply with better oral hygiene - longer and more frequent brushing and daily flossing. Signs and symptoms of gingivitis may include:

1 - Bright red or purple gums
2 - Tender or painful gums
3 - Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
4 - Bad Breath (halitosis)
5 - Inflamed gums
6 - Gums that are receding or soft
.
Dr. Giri Palani and his hygienist check for symptoms of gingivitis at your regular cleaning and exams, and will remove any buildup of calculus (hardened plaque) around the gumline so that gums can remain healthy. It is important to have regular dental checkups to keep dental disease and decay in check and be treated for any initial signs of disease. Learn more about preventive dental care.

To learn more about preventive care and the importance of oral health in creating a beautiful smile, visit our website at www.cosmetic-dentistry-beverly-hills.com or call us at (310) 894-8301 to schedule your dental checkup!

Thursday, January 24, 2013

Take Years Off Your Smile!

Take Years Off Your Smile!

Many whitening options exist to help our patients achieve a brighter, whiter smile. Depending on your needs and dental health history, Dr. Giri Palani can suggest a procedure in the office or dispense a system that can be used at home. It is important to consult your dentist before starting any tooth whitening procedure. At Total SmileCare, we offer whitening in our office to achieve excellent whitening results. To learn more about how simple tooth whitening can transform your smile, contact us at (310) 547-1128 today!

Looking for a smile makeover? Visit our website to learn more about our cosmetic dental procedures.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Dental Implants - Merging Art & Science

Dental Implants in Beverly Hills
Dental Implants - Creating A Beautiful Smile

Implant dentistry merges art and experience with science to create naturally functioning replacement teeth. A dental implant serves as a replacement for the root or roots of a tooth. Like tooth roots, dental implants are secured in the jawbone and are not visible once placed. Implants are made of titanium, which has a special property of fusing to bone. This fusion is called “osseointegration” and is the basis of dental implant success. Dental implants have the highest success rate of any implanted surgical device. 

When teeth are lost, the bone that supported those roots is lost too. Placing implants stabilizes this bone, and prevents bone loss. Implants help maintain the jawbone’s shape, and supports the overal facial structure of the skeleton. Dental implants help you eat, chew, talk; all in a completely natural fashion. Are Dental Implants for you?

At Total SmileCare, Dr. Giri Palani is your dental implant expert. Certified by the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI), he lends his expertise to creating beautiful smiles. Call us today at (310) 547-1128 to schedule your personalized consultation with your Beverly Hills dental implant doctor.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Smile Makeovers - Restoring Beauty!

Cosmetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills - Call Dr. Palani for your consultation today!
Let Dr. Giri Palani restore your smile today!

Full mouth reconstruction is a term often used to describe the process of restoring all teeth in the mouth.  Full mouth reconstruction can involve general dentists and specialists such as pedodontists (for restoring teeth in young children), periodontists (specializing in gums and dental implant placement), oral surgeons (to remove teeth or place implants), orthodontists who specialize in tooth movement and positioning, and endodontists (specializing in tooth pulp).

When is full mouth reconstruction needed?
1 - When teeth have been lost due to decay or trauma.
2 - When teeth have been injured or fractured, or are severely worn due to acid erosion or bruxism (grinding).
3 - In occurrences of jaw, muscle, and headache pain requiring adjustment to occlusion.

Before a full mouth reconstruction begins, Dr. Giri Palani will meet with you for a personalized consultation and comprehensive examination to determine the extent of dental decay and to review the treatment options that can correct the problem. Call us at (310) 547-1128 to schedule your personalized consultation today!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

5 Ways to Improve Your Smile!

Cosmetic Dentistry - achieving the look of your dreams with Dr. Giri Palani
Improve Your Smile in 5 Ways!

Cosmetic dentistry offers many options for people who are unhappy with their smile. There are five main ways to improve your smile for a natural and beautiful effect.

1 - Composite bonding: Using tooth colored composite material, your dentist can apply this to the surface of the tooth to repair chipped, broken, discolored, or decayed teeth.

2 - Composite fillings: These fillings are tooth colored and require less tooth removal than traditional silver (amalgam) fillings. Many people choose to have their amalgam (silver) fillings replaced with composite for a more natural look.

3 - Dental Veneers: Composite or porcelain veneers are adhesively bonded to the anterior (front) of the tooth to repair chips and cracks, or to correct severe tooth discoloration. 

4 - Teeth Whitening: Our teeth often become stained from smoking, foods, and poor oral hygiene. Using specialized whitening bleach either in the office or a lower-strength product at home, lightening your teeth can take years off your smile.

5 - Smile Makeover: These involved a comprehensive assessment of your oral health and your smile goals to improve your overall appearance. During a smile makeover, several dental procedures may be required to achieve the look you want.

Dr. Giri Palani will help you create the smile of your dreams in our Beverly Hills, CA dental office. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry, visit our website or call us at (310) 547-1128.