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It is a common assumption that you only need to visit the dentist when you’ve got a problem. But nothing could be farther from the truth. According to recent reports, nearly half of adults in the U.S. do not visit the dentist for preventative dentistry, such as regular exams, x-rays, and cleanings.

Gum Disease is Rampant in Adults in America

The fact that almost half of American adults lack preventive oral healthcare is a disturbing statistic considering that nearly the same percentage of adults have some level of gum disease and nearly three-quarters of adults are estimated to have at least one cavity.

While the individuals skipping their regular check-ups may feel like they are saving time and money in the short-term, they may actually end up spending more money on expensive interventions down the road.

The Answer to Fighting Gum Disease

Keeping your dental exams and periodic cleanings is not just about saving money. Maintaining good oral health is an important part of keeping your whole body healthy. While daily brushing and flossing is essential for a health mouth, regular check-ups and cleanings are also very important. For most adults, it is recommended they get a dental checkup and cleaning every six months. However, depending on your individual needs and personal dental history, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits.

By regularly monitoring your oral health and keeping up on necessary preventative care, dental disease and decay is less likely to occur. If a problem is found during your regular check-up, it is often easier to fix because it was spotted quickly. As a result, the need for expensive intervention and treatment is virtually eliminated, and any threat to your overall health has been removed. When it comes to keeping your dental exams and periodic cleanings, remember the old saying: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

If you have put-off scheduling your next dental checkup and cleaning, we would love to help get you back on track. We have appointments available to fit into even the busiest schedules. Make 2019 the year you made a change for the better. Contact Pacific Dental Care today to schedule your appointment.

Flashing an attractive, captivating smile exudes confidence, makes a memorable first impression, and gives a great boost to self-esteem. If you are looking for yet another way to make your smile even more stylish, you might want to consider adding something really special.

Enter, Tooth Jewelry – bedazzling gems, jewels, and temporary cosmetic appliances for your teeth.

What is Tooth Jewelry?

Tooth jewelry is a temporary, non-invasive aesthetic smile enhancement. Tooth jewelry comes in many different shapes and sizes. One option is a tooth gem – a small rhinestone jewel is attached to the surface of a tooth using a dental adhesive. Another option is a jewel-encrusted cap fitted over a single tooth. Lastly, are the big statement pieces – decorative grills – that fit over most of a person’s front teeth, popularized by artists such as Lil Wayne and Jonathan Davis.

How long will my tooth jewelry last?

In most cases, a tooth gem applied in the dentist’s office will last from six months to one year. If you wish to have it removed before it falls off naturally, your dentist will be able to remove it safely without any lasting damage to your natural tooth.

How do I care for my tooth jewelry?

Tooth jewelry requires no additional maintenance. After you have had your tooth gem applied by your dentist, simply continue with regular daily brushing and flossing. It is also advised that you continue to keep your regular dental cleaning appointments. Your dental hygienist can easily polish the top and around the jewel with a soft point. The only exception is that we do not recommend you use an electric toothbrush for the first 24 hours following your procedure.

If you are looking to make your smile particularly memorable, contact Pacific Dental Care today to schedule your cosmetic consultation and see how tooth jewelry can add an eye-catching pop to your pearly whites.

Sunday, February 3rd 2019 marks the day of this year’s Super Bowl! This year our own Los Angeles Rams face off against the dynastic New England Patriots.

Pacific Dental Care thought we would go over a few snacks you can whip up for your sports viewing pleasure, snacks that won’t destroy your smile like the normal soda pop (not to mention alcoholic beverages), or carb-heavy foods like bread, potato chips, and more.

Below are a few snack ideas that at the very least won’t contribute to tooth decay or create damaging scenarios that can seriously affect your teeth and gums.

1.) Bean Dip

Creating something like a 7-layer bean dip will be less damaging to your teeth than many Super Bowl mainstays. Of course if you opt to put tomato in your bean dip, your teeth will be exposed to the high acidity found in tomatoes. However, if you balance out this acidity with Greek yogurt, you’ll be good to go. Opting to eat veggies with your dip instead of chips will give your oral health an added boost.

2.) Meat and Cheese Tray

Cheese is good for your teeth because it has a ton of calcium that strengthens your teeth, not to mention casein, which is a protein that effectively protects the surface of your teeth. Meats included on a cheese tray don’t have the high sugar, carbohydrate, or acidic content that can do a number on your teeth. If you can, opt for whole wheat crackers, which have fiber that is beneficial, although all crackers will stick to teeth and cause bacterial growth regardless. Make sure to pack a portable brush.

3.) Double Down on Your Veggies

It doesn’t matter if it’s a veggie tray or you’re whipping up a spicy jalapeño cream cheese dip, raw veggies are the way to go because they don’t have the damaging sugar and acid content that most Super Bowl foods are going to have. Vegetables like carrots are super rich in beta-carotene, too, which your body converts to vitamin A — which helps strengthen and fortify your pearly whites. Cream cheese will help give your teeth a boost of calcium as well, which keep them strong and capable. Veggies also have that crunch factor, which stimulates your jaw bone.

If you’d like to schedule a checkup after the Super Bowl, contact Pacific Dental Care today. Dr. Marine Martirosyan is an oral health professional serving Glendale, not to mention the surrounding communities of Burbank, Pasadena, and the greater Los Angeles area. We provide a broad range of oral health services that will help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Call today to schedule your consultation — and have a safe and fun Super Bowl weekend!