Many people don’t realize the importance of good dental hygiene. By not brushing and flossing regularly, your teeth can become damaged and this can lead to pain, cavities, and even the loss of irreplaceable teeth. Tongue scraping should also be part of your routine since it harbors bacteria and germs that can cause disease and bad breath.  

This may be the year you vow to have your crooked teeth fixed and the Bedford Dental Group offers a variety of ways to achieve a straight, perfect smile. Whether you want traditional braces or the latest Invisalign System of virtually invisible aligners, we provide the best in caring, dedicated service.

Please take a minute to add better dental health to your list of resolutions. We can make your teeth healthy, your smile white and bright, and help you learn how to keep them that way for years to come!

With all the hustle and bustle that comes around this time of year, it’s a great opportunity to take a moment and spend some time on yourself. There’s no better way to do that than by having a checkup with one of our cosmetic dentists. They can give you the beautiful smile you’ve been craving during 2009. Don’t let a sore tooth ruin holiday get-togethers or feasts; we can help your teeth and smile so you can enjoy the holiday season pain-free!

This may be the right time to have your teeth whitened or start having them straightened by the Invisalign system. Your smile and dental health can make next year brighter, which can help you keep your spirits up all winter long!

We know most resolutions don’t get filled, but if you start now, having a bright, healthy smile for 2010 won’t be one of those unfilled resolutions! If you have stained teeth that you can’t make any whiter on your own, need a thorough teeth cleaning, or are thinking about veneers or teeth straightening systems, you’re just a phone call away from having the smile you have been thinking about all year.

The winter skies can be gloomy and dark, but your smile can be fresh, new, and bright by making an appointment today!

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Bedford Dental is just a short commute away from anywhere in Los Angeles. Whether you need a new filling, have a chipped or cracked tooth, or need a routine cleaning, the dentists at Bedford Dental can do it all. Even parking is a breeze with valet inside the building and free parking right across the street. We make sure you’re treated with the utmost care and concern as soon as you walk in.

Many people put their routine dental cleanings aside and postpone it for months and even years. The amount of hidden plaque continues to build up in your mouth; the kind of plaque that regular brushing cannot get rid of. Only a trained dentist can really get rid of the hidden, built up plaque that eventually causes cavities and tooth decay. These types of routine cleaning and exams are recommended twice per year for optimal dental and gum health.

We use the most current and up-to-date equipment and procedures, providing you with the best dental treatment in Beverly Hills. You are never rushed in our office and are encouraged to take all the time you need during your visit. This enables us to answer any and all of your questions or concerns. Call Bedford Dental today and arrange an appointment or consultation for any of our cosmetic dental services.

A root canal procedure can possibly save your tooth and make it stronger after the infection. This may be done in a series of one to three visits and involves the removal of the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and canals of the root are cleaned out, removing all of the diseased pulp tissue, and is then sealed.

Your treatment starts with an opening through the crown of the tooth to reveal the pulp chamber. The infected pulp is removed and the canals are cleaned thoroughly and enlarged. A temporary filling will be placed in the opening to protect your tooth in between visits. Medicine may be given if necessary to help control infection.

The next step involves filling and sealing the pulp chamber and root canals after the temporary filling is removed and the area is cleaned. The final step is placing a crown over the tooth to protect and seal the exposed tooth. Your tooth is now healthy and strong again. The restored tooth can last a lifetime if proper care is taken.

Flossing is extremely important and should be done at least once a day. This is because layers of plaque and bacteria still remain on your teeth, especially in harder to reach areas, even after you brush. Flossing will remove the remaining plaque and food and reduce your risk of gum disease.

Plaque is bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums in the form of a sticky film. After you eat, your tooth enamel is attacked by the acid that plaque releases, which may lead to tooth decay. You should limit the amount you snack in between meals because these snacks will cause the plaque bacteria to release continuous acids onto your enamel, constantly wearing it down throughout the day.

The plaque and bacteria can also irritate your gums, not just your teeth. If your gums are not properly cleaned and treated, the bone around your teeth can be severely damaged and destroyed. This can possibly cause you to have your teeth removed. Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.

Eating a well balanced diet is a good way to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Limit the amount of the snacks in between your meals to avoid unnecessary build up and plaque. If you must snack, choose items such as fresh, raw veggies, plain yogurt, fruit, or cheese.

Nicotine and the other toxins found in these products can lead to several health defects such as oral cancer, lung cancer, periodontal disease (which is a leading cause of tooth sensitivity and tooth loss), and a slower healing process after tooth extractions or oral surgery. Being a tobacco user can also make you a poor candidate for certain dental treatments like implants or porcelain veneers. This is because smoking can make your teeth too weak to withstand certain procedures.

Less severe effects of tobacco use include bad breath, stained teeth and tongue, and a loss of taste and/or smell. Smokeless tobacco products have numerous negative effects on your health just as smoking products do. Researchers have found at least 28 cancer-causing chemicals in smokeless tobacco products. Your mouth and lungs aren’t the only areas susceptible to cancer; your voice box, esophagus, colon, and bladder are also at risk because of the toxins that are carried to these parts of your body through your blood.

Quitting is very important for your short term and long term health. The American Dental Association recommends these tips to help quit smoking:

– Set a date to quit and stick to it. Choose a “low stress” time to quit
– Enlist the support of your family, friends and co-workers.
– Ask your dentist or physician about nicotine replacement therapy for use in cessation attempts. Using these medicines can double your chances of quitting for good.
– Remove tobacco and tobacco paraphernalia from your home, office and car.
– Seek tobacco-free environments to curve your temptations.
– Exercise. It may make you feel better about yourself and your decision to quit smoking.
– When you crave a tobacco—exercise the 4 D’s:
**Delay—craving will pass in 5–10 minutes
**Drink water—it will help to wash the toxins from your body
**Do something else—distract yourself by being active.
**Deep breathing—deep inhalations and exhalations are relaxing.
– Anticipate problems and have a realistic plan to deal with challenges.
– Call 1-800-QUITNOW or go to www.smokefree.gov

If you are going to be playing sports or participating in recreational activities, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and gums from impact. This is especially important during activities with a lot of physical contact or where movements are unpredictable. Avoid chewing ice or hard candy, or foods such as popcorn kernels and bones. These items can chip or fracture your teeth or cause you to bite your tongue, lips, or cheek.

Avoid using your mouth in place of your hands when doing certain tasks such as cutting tape or opening bottles. Your teeth should never be used if your hands are occupied. Dental accidents can still occur no matter how cautious you are, so knowing what to do during a dental emergency is very important.

Time is always a key factor during an emergency because it can mean the difference between saving your tooth or losing it. If you have a dental emergency, get to our office immediately to be seen by one of our cosmetic dentists. We treat numerous dental and oral emergencies and can work hard to save your tooth after an accident. For a list of what to do during specific dental emergencies, click HERE.

Proper diet and oral health should start at an early age. The foods you consume growing up, especially when you receive your permanent teeth, are extremely important for your dental health in the future. You only have one set of natural, permanent teeth, and you must make sure you are eating the right foods and drinks to ensure your dental longevity and health.

Sugar is one of the biggest enemies for your mouth and teeth. When bacteria, or plaque, comes in contact with sugar in your mouth, acids are produced. The acid can then attack your teeth for 20 or more minutes which can eventually lead to tooth decay.

Many foods naturally contain sugar, such as fruits, vegetables, and milk. They should not be removed from your diet based on their natural sugar occurrence but their consumption should be monitored and balanced. The nutrients that they contain are a big health benefit which is why they should still remain a part of your well balanced diet. Added sugars in certain foods are the types we need to be aware of and limit.

Click HERE for more information about diet and oral health.

Gum has evolved over time since ancient use with the Greeks and Mayans. Today, the base of gum products are made from a blend of synthetics such as resins and waxes. The American Dental Association supports the use of chewing gum based on numerous studies of the positive effects sugarless gum has in oral care. Studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can reduce the risk of tooth decay.

The act of chewing initially starts to increase the flow and production of saliva in the mouth. Chewing gum after eating will help neutralize and wash away the acids produced during the break down of foods. Without sufficient saliva flow, plaque and bacteria can remain on the tooth, causing it to break down the enamel, which then may result in tooth decay.

Chewing gum should never replace brushing and flossing. It is still necessary to brush twice a day and floss at least once. For a complete list of ADA approved sugarless gum, check out this list.

When your child’s first tooth appears, you should generally schedule a dentist appointment within 6 months to a year. Dental education is very important, no matter how young your child is. If they have teeth, proper oral, dental, and gum health is extremely necessary. This will prevent diseases and infections from occurring. The initial appointment is not only for your child, but it is very necessary for the parent to understand the importance of childhood dental health, too.

Nutrition, diet, and feeding all play a role in the health of your child’s teeth. Unlimited consumption of sugary liquids, beverages, or foods containing fermentable carbohydrates can contribute to early childhood tooth decay after the appearance of the first tooth. Your child’s intake of these kinds of foods need to be limited and monitored at all times.

Bottle feeding and breast feeding need to be restricted at certain times of the day, especially at night before bed. Their bottle feeding should be finished before they are in bed. The use of a cup after their first birthday is also encouraged by the American Dental Association. Training cups should be limited and not have frequent use.

One of the most important preventive measures for baby bottle tooth decay is proper oral hygiene at home. This includes cleaning the infant’s teeth after he or she has consumed foods, liquids, or medications. Your dentist will also give you advice on how to check your child’s teeth regularly at home to monitor their condition.

For more information on Early Childhood Tooth Decay, go to www.ada.org.