The 411 on Cavities and Gum Disease

When it comes to cavities and gum disease, here are the essential “need-to-know” facts.

• The mouth is home to millions of bacteria. 
• These bacteria don’t need oxygen to live, so a moist, dark mouth is the perfect place for them to thrive. 
• Some bacteria along with substances they secrete form a sticky, troublesome substance called plaque. 
• Plaque is so soft and sticky that it forms a stubborn film on and between teeth and around the gums. 
• Like a bathtub ring, plaque needs to be brushed off regularly. If it sits too long on teeth and under and around gums, plaque hardens to tartar which cannot be brushed away and needs to be removed by a dentist. 
• The longer plaque and tartar linger around and under a person's gums, the more likely they are to cause irritated gums and lead to gum disease. 
•  The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis and is reversible with good plaque control. More advanced gum disease is called periodontitis and requires treatment by a dentist. 
•  Other mouth bacteria produce acids which cause tooth decay. 
• At first, the released acids break down tooth enamel by dissolving its minerals. At this stage, the decay will stop if the enamel is restored and the acids are put in check by good oral hygiene. 
• If the acid attacks continue unchecked, they can eat through the enamel and form a cavity, which then needs to be cleaned out and filled by a dentist.

Here’s the 411 on how to prevent cavities and gum disease: Call 310.659.5399 or click on this contact link to make an appointment with Dr. Stelmach today. 

Our Beverly Hills dental office is a full-service dental practice that is dedicated to creating, restoring and maintaining optimal dental health using a full range of leading edge dental techniques. I look forward to answering your questions and creating a personalized treatment plan for your specific needs. 

To your health!

Dental Health and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a disease that decreases bone density and weakens bones, affects 10 million people. More than one-third of women over age 65 display signs and symptoms of the disease. As the disease progresses, the vertebral bones can become weakened, resulting in a curved backbone. Also, the other bones in the body, such as the hip, will become susceptible to fracture during normal everyday activities.

Some of the risk factors for the disease are: heredity, calcium deficiency, smoking, menopause, excessive caffeine or alcohol and an inactive lifestyle.

Sadly, most individuals inflicted with osteoporosis are not diagnosed until they experience a bone fracture.

What many patients have been grateful to realize is that Dr. Stelmach can help them interpret early signs that they may be dealing with osteoporosis. Oral-health issues such as tooth loss and gum disease, are early signs he has detected that lead him to suspect osteoporosis and recommend follow-up appointments with each patient’s personal physician.

If you are diagnosed with osteoporosis, it’s more important than ever to continue practicing good oral hygiene. This includes maintaining regular dental checkups for frequent dental cleanings. Other important health practices include consuming calcium and vitamin D and adding weight training to your exercise regimen.

We invite you to let Dr. Stelmach help you continue on the path to living your best, healthiest life. Take action today by making your next regular dental appointment at our leading Beverly Hills Dental Practice.

To your health!

Your Dental Health: How to Beat The Statistics

The American Dental Association reports that a shocking 1 in 10 adults age 50 to 64 are missing all of their teeth!

In addition, periodontitis, or gum disease, affects more than 1 in 10 adults age 50 to 64  and 1 in 20 adults between the ages of 20 and 64.

As for cavities, it is estimated that at least 1 in 4 adults between the ages of 20 and 64 have untreated decay in 1 or more of their permanent teeth.

Adults who grew up before the age of fluoride - which was added to toothpaste in the 1950s and to public water in the 1960s - are likely to have many fillings in their teeth and tend to form cavities around these old fillings. Cavities involving the roots of teeth are also more common in older adults, primarily because of gum recession that exposes the root to decay-producing bacteria. Root cavities can be more difficult to fix and if left untreated, are more likely to lead to the loss of a tooth.

You can beat these statistics and enjoy a healthy, pain-free mouth throughout your lifetime through regular dental care. Keep your teeth clean and stay on top of any emerging problems by visiting us regularly to get your teeth cleaned and have a thorough review by Dr. Stelmach. Call Cami todayto set up your next appointment.

To your health!

Dr. Stelmach Welcomes Patients with Diabetes

Excellent dental care is particularly important for those who live with diabetes. This is because issue with out-of-control blood sugars make oral health problems more likely to arise. Why? Because uncontrolled diabetes impairs white blood cells, which are the body's main defense against bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.

Our practice becomes an active partner with patients who have diabetes. Our goal is to ensure their ability to maintain the best possible oral heath. Here are just a few elements of the individualized care  we provide.

• At each visit to our Beverly Hills Dental Office, we ask about the status of your diabetes. We inquire about the details, from your current blood sugar levels to your most recent hypoglycemic episode to when you took your last does of insulin if it is taken.

• When booking your appointment, we’ll remind you to see your diabetes doctor before any periodontal treatment, and if your dental care plan calls for oral surgery we will work with you to properly schedule any pre-surgical antibiotics into your meal schedule and insulin schedule, if you take it.

• We keep your diabetes doctor's name and phone number in your personal file, readily accessible should any questions or concerns arise.

• We work with you on scheduling, understanding you might need flexibility if your blood sugar is not in good control.
  
  
• We are diligent in keeping you on schedule for regular dental cleanings and provide helpful ongoing education in how to prevent plaque buildup on your teeth.

Unfortunately, diabetes has sometimes created significant dental complications up to and including tooth loss. But we want you to know that our Beverly Hills cosmetic dental practice specializes in creating, restoring and maintaining beautiful healthy smiles.

We invite you to contact Dr. Stelmach's leading Los Angeles Dental Practice today. From dental implants to veneers to tooth whitening, we’ll restore your confidence and peace of mind with a beautiful new smile.
 

To your health!

What Are Veneers?

Anyone who is interested in having the whitest, brightest, best smile possible – which is pretty much all of us – has heard of veneers. Celebrities are famous for their “Hollywood smiles.” The great news about that is everyone can see the gorgeous transformations that can occur with excellent dental work.

Dr. Stelmach has provided Hollywood smiles to some of cinema’s brightest stars. But you should know he brings that same life-changing talent to patients in all walks of life. Quite frankly, he is passionate about the life-changing power of creating ‘signature smiles’ - bright new smiles that are uniquely designed to fit each individuals unique facial structure.

One of the most powerful cosmetic dental techniques Dr. Stelmach uses are dental veneers.

Veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic (porcelain) or a composite resin material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. This procedure requires little or no anesthesia and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth. Generally, veneers will last for many years, and the technique has shown remarkable longevity when properly performed.

Veneers are placed to mask discolorations, to brighten teeth and to improve a smile. Veneers can also be an excellent alternative to crowns in many situations. They provide a much more conservative approach to changing a tooth's color, size or shape. Veneers can also mask undesirable defects, such as teeth stained by tetracycline and damage due to an injury or as a result of a root-canal procedure. They are ideal for masking discolored fillings in front teeth. And patients with gaps between their front teeth or teeth that are chipped or worn may consider veneers.

Are veneers right for you? Find out by contacting us today. Dr. Stelmach will assess your needs and help you make this all-important decision to improve your looks – and your outlook – with cosmetic dentistry. The result will be a daily, bright, happy reminder of one of the best gifts you ever gave yourself.

To your health!

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that can strengthen enamel, which in turn makes the teeth resistant to decay. Over the years, it has been the subject of intense dental research. Experts have now proven that fluoridated water alone can reduce the occurrence of tooth decay by up to 40 to 60 percent, and toothpaste with added fluoride has been found to help reduce decay by up to 50 percent.

You may be more aware of fluoride’s critics. This is because the use of fluoride has been challenged again and again. What’s important to realize is that no scientific evidence has been found to prove adverse effects of water fluoridation.

On January 25,1945 - Grand Rapids, Michigan became the first city in the world to adjust the level of fluoride in its water supply. Since then, cities across the country have enhanced their water supplies with fluoridation and it has dramatically improved the oral health of tens of millions of Americans. In fact, the American Dental Association reports that community water fluoridation is the single most effective public health measure to prevent tooth decay. And The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of 10 great public health achievements of the 20th century. Today, over 72% of the U.S. population is served by public water systems characterized by optimally fluoridated water.

I encourage you to schedule an appointment at my Beverly Hills dental practice to learn more about the benefits of fluoride and a full range of additional healthful dental information. You’ll be welcome to a peaceful, one-on-one consultation in which we can discuss all of your dental needs. Feel free to contact us online, or call us right now at 310.659.5399. To your health!

Be Aware: Sports Health Drinks Can Affect Your Teeth

Did you know: Most sports drinks are quite acidic?

A new study in an Ontario dental journal indicates that the typical sports drink has a pH of 3-4, and if taken to excess, may lead to dental erosion and de-mineralization. With names like Rock Star, Monster, and Full Throttle, energy drinks pack a punch that are particularly appealing to young people. Research shows that one in three teenagers drink them regularly. Not surprisingly, another study found that 57% of 11-14 year-olds already showed evidence of some dental erosion.

Dr. Stelmach is concerned about sports drink use among his patients as well. They are often marketed to athletes and as a valuable enhancement to exercise, but in truth, can pose a number of problems for anyone who consumes them.

In addition to the acidic nature of these drinks, they can also be loaded with as much as a quarter-cup of sugar. In addition, because they are marketed as dietary supplements, they often contain unregulated herbal stimulants like Taurine, Guarana, Creatine and B vitamins. They also can cause increased blood pressure and serious dehydration.

The acid in sports drinks erodes the teeth from the first sip until 45 minutes after the last sip, when the saliva returns the mouth to its normal ph balance. If you are going to drink a sports drink – or a soda – here’s a quick tip: It’s better for your teeth to drink it all at once, then rinse your teeth off afterwards.

Our recommendation is twofold. First, as in all things, moderation is key. Secondly – and this will come as no surprise - maintain your regular dental cleanings and checkups! Maintaining your oral health is critical to your overall health. And it’s also one of the most powerful ways to diagnose potential general health questions. Following up on this recommendation is as easy as clicking here to schedule your next dental appointment.

To your health!