High Blood Sugar and Dental Problems

Diabetes can affect every major system in your body, including your dental health. The excess blood glucose that can occur in those with diabetes can lead to long-term dental problems, especially if the diabetes is not kept under control. If you are a diabetic, you may need to take special steps to protect your dental health.

Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes

1. Thrush – Thrush is an oral yeast infection that occurs as a result of high blood glucose levels, which create conditions ideal for yeast overgrowth. It can be extremely uncomfortable and will generally require treatment with an oral antifungal treatment. Good dental hygiene habits that include brushing, flossing and using mouthwash twice a day can help keep your mouth healthy and free of thrush.

2. Gum disease – Red and swollen gums are one of the best-known symptoms of gum disease. This common infection begins when plaque and tartar form on teeth and irritate the sensitive gum tissue. The gums often bleed when you brush or floss, and if they are not treated, you could end up losing your teeth. Diabetics are more likely to suffer from gum disease and are more vulnerable to complications as a result. Good dental hygiene can be your best defense here, too, along with regular dental checkups and cleanings.

3. Dry mouth – Diabetics are more likely to have dry mouth as a result of excess blood glucose. Dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, tartar formation, gum disease, and other dental issues. Chew sugar-free gum to keep your mouth moist and comfortable, and sip water throughout the day. Saliva replacement products can also be helpful.

Call us today to learn more or to schedule your appointment with our dentist, Dr. Lozada.

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Preventing Stains from Red Wines on the Teeth

Wine has long been a problem for those who prefer white smiles. The acid content in wine softens enamel and makes it more porous, which allows the tannins and other chromogens in wine to penetrate deep into the structure of the tooth. You do not have to avoid wine altogether to keep your teeth looking bright and beautiful. You just need to learn how to enjoy it in a slightly different way.

1. Sip smart – Instead of sipping directly out of your glass, consider using a wine straw. Wine straws allow the drink to bypass your teeth altogether, which minimizes the risk of staining. The tiny diameter ensures you will not overindulge but will instead sip slowly.

2. Pair with cheese – Cheese has teeth-strengthening calcium, but it also coats your teeth to help protect them from the staining power of your wine. Cheese can also help neutralize the acids found in the drink.

3. Stay clean – Use wine wipes to gently clean the wine film from your teeth. If you prefer to brush, wait about half an hour after your drink to avoid damaging acid-softened enamel.

4. Professional Whitening – You can also keep your teeth white while still indulging in your nightly glass of wine by trying professional teeth whitening. These teeth whitening treatments are more powerful than OTC treatments, and their results are long-lasting. Periodic touch-ups can help keep your teeth looking their brightest.

Call us today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with Dr. Lozada, teeth whitening dentist.

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Benefits of Getting Titanium Implants

If you have lost one or more teeth, you may be considering your options for restorations. Titanium implants offer many benefits over other types of restorations. Implants are a special type of restoration that are designed to replace the root of the lost tooth. Once the implant has fused with the jaw, it can then be restored with a crown, bridge, or denture. Dr. Lozada can help you decide if implants are the best choice for your smile.

The benefits of implants are extensive and include:

• Lasting smiles
Implants can last a lifetime when you take care of them. Titanium is one of the most durable metals, as well as biocompatible, which means that the body is highly unlikely to reject it.

• Attractive smiles
The design of implants means they look just like natural teeth, and the porcelain used to create the final restorations is naturally translucent and colored like your own teeth. You can smile confidently, knowing that no one will ever be able to tell where your teeth end and your implants begin.

• Healthy smiles
Not only do implants not decay, but your own teeth will not need to be altered to place implants the way they would need to be to place traditional dental bridges.

• Clean smiles
Implants may not decay, but they do still need to be cleaned regularly for good dental health. However, this is not a difficult task. Thanks to their natural design, implants can be brushed and flossed just like your own teeth.

Call us today to learn more about how implants can improve your smile or to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Lozada, expert in dental implants in Los Angeles.

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Foods You Can Avoid to Have Whiter Teeth

What you eat can make a big difference in the whiteness of your smile. Some foods and drinks contain natural or artificial dyes that could end up sticking around on your teeth a lot longer than you want them. Before you take another bite or drink, here is what you need to know.

Any food or drink that is likely to stain white cloth is also likely to leave stains on your teeth. Some of the most common offenders include:

1. Wine
Both white and red wines are likely to stain your teeth thanks to the high levels of tannins and chromogens they contain. If you drink more than a glass or two of wine a night, you may notice that your teeth are looking a bit gray. Try using wine wipes after your wine or pairing your wine with cheese, which can neutralize the acid and strengthen the enamel of your teeth.

2. Berries
Brightly colored berries are rich sources of antioxidants and other nutrients, but they are also notorious for staining your teeth. Blackberries, cranberries, blueberries, pomegranates, cherries, and grapes can all stain your teeth, so follow these berries with a glass of water to dilute the juices and flush stain-causing substances from your teeth.

3. Tea
Tea is high in fluoride, but it is also full of tannins, which stain your teeth. Drink with caution, and rinse with water when you are done.

4. Coffee
Coffee is highly acidic and highly staining. Rinse with water after drinking and try not to add sugar, cream, or artificial flavors, which can increase the acidity and staining effects even more.

5. Artificial dyes
Candies, gums, energy drinks, popsicles, soft drinks, and sports drinks are all loaded with sugar and artificial dyes, and many are high in acid as well. These can stain your teeth and feed oral bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities. Avoid them entirely whenever possible, and rinse with water when you cannot avoid them.

Call us today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Randy Lozada, expert in teeth whitening in Los Angeles.