Can Poor Oral Health Contribute to Dementia?

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.

What is Gingivitis?

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

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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!

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.

Dental Implants - Merging Art & Science

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.

Smile Makeovers - Restoring Beauty!

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!

5 Ways to Improve Your Smile!

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.