The end of the year is approaching...

Don’t let your insurance benefits slip away. Now is the time to take advantage of unused money and maximize your dental benefits. Putting off needed treatment or visits with the hygienist to the new year will leave you with less money to use during 2012. Call us to schedule an appointment at (818)785-0750.

Do you ever feel neck, shoulder or back pain as soon as you sit up from bed? Most of us probably think it’s time for a new mattress; however, the answer to your restless sleep could be something you may not be aware of is a problem. These pains could be symptoms of an uneven occlusion (bite) or of improperly aligned teeth. Come in for a dental examination to evaluate your occlusion and TMJ.

Dental Hygiene Visits Be sure to make that long over due appointment to see the hygienist and the annual exam with the doctor. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to your dentist every 3-4 months could reduce your risk of serious health problems!

Email and Text Message Appointment Reminders

Our office now offers email and/or text message appointment reminders. Call us at (818)785-0750 or email us at optimumdentistry@sbcglobal.net today!

Whitening Forever

Unhappy with your smile? Take action...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!
Call or email us to find out a how to achieve that pearly white smile with our Whitening Forever program.

Visit our website for more information.

TMJ DISORDER

TMJ Disorder may affect one or both of the joints in the jaw which work together to control chewing, speaking and swallowing.

What causes it? The disc that pads the Temporomandibular joint (which connects the lower jaw to the skull) wears down or gets displaced as a result of chronic teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism), or trauma to the face.

Could you have a TMJ disorder? If you have symptoms which include headaches, an achy jaw first thing in the morning, a clicking or popping of the joint while eating, muscle spasms in the jaw area or headaches-you may have TMJ Disorder.

The Solution: Repeated trauma to the joints can be extremely painful and in severe cases surgeries is the only treatment that can remedy it. But before reaching this point, there is a preventable tool that may aid in taking care of the all these symptoms. The solution is splint therapy. A splint (mouth guard) creates proper alignment between the upper and lower teeth to take pressure off the jaw. Call us to find out more information about our custom mouth guards and splint therapy.

Tips to Maintain Your Pearly Whites:

Milk it-According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, as little as 2 ounces of dairy a day may reduce your risk of gum disease. Calcium helps keep your teeth and jawbones strong. Some products also contain lactic acid which help fight off bacteria.

Take a breather-Deep breathing and exercise helps lower cortisol levels (which is the hormone produced in excess when your body and mind are stressed). High levels of cortisol has been associated with gum disease. Deep breathing will reduce your stress and therefore, reduce your risk of gum disease.

Consider fluoride treatments-If you’re prone to decay, or have dry mouth or high levels of bacteria, the American Dental Association (ADA) says you can benefit from fluoride treatment.

Chew sugarless gum-Chewing gum increases saliva flow, helping to flush plaque away.