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!

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!

Have You Considered Porcelain Crowns?

How would you like to enhance your smile with new porcelain crowns?

Now consider being able to accomplish a healthy beautiful smile enhancement in just one visit. Sounds amazing, right?

That's the kind of result you could accomplish after visiting Dr. Thomas Stelmach, a leading dentist in Beverly Hills, Ca.


Using Dr. Stelmach’s in-house CEREC machine, the image of the your teeth and gums can be digitally captured and previewed- eliminating the need for temporary crowns or messy impressions virtually altogether. We can create full porcelain crowns in approximately an hour and a half- instead of weeks.
Dr. Stelmach will create a custom fit that naturally matches your shape, size, contour and bite.

The result will be long-lasting and make your smile shine brighter.

Learn more about CEREC Dental Crowns, view before and after photos, and contact our office today. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Stelmach to find out if CEREC Dental Crown may be the right choice for you!

Trying out a New Dentist

We don’t always know what to ask about or what kind of threats could possibly be wreaking havoc on our teeth and gums. We don’t always know the best methods for prevention or how often we should be coming in. Much like going to the mechanic, most of us are at the mercy of our Dentist and just hoping to high heaven that they are a decent individual with supreme knowledge and skill.

That can be intimidating , especially when starting with a new Dentist!

Dr. Stelmach and his staff understand this dental reality. We want you to be confident that when you are in that dreaded dental chair that your teeth and you are in good hands.

One way you can be assured that Dr. Stelmach will be the perfect dentist for you is to review his leading  ratings on Sites such as Dr. Oogle and Yelp! where countless other patients have shared their experience

Your initial dental exam with Beverly Hills dentist Dr. Thomas Stelmach will be thorough and gentle. Dr. Stelmach will conduct a comprehensive dental exam that covers all the basis. He will take appropriate x-rays using safe and effective digital x-ray technology. He will conduct a careful examination of these diagnostic x-rays to detect any presence of decay, tumors, cysts, and bone loss. X-rays also help determine tooth and root positions. He will check for gum disease oral cancer and tooth decay.  If you like, Dr. Stelmach can also examine your smile and make recommendations for enhancements.

Most importantly, he will make sure that through it all, you are comfortable, secure and that your questions are being answered.

Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive dental exam and begin a new era of dental health.

Inner Peace Creates Outer Beauty

One of the key reasons people come to me for cosmetic dental improvements is they feel that their outside appearance doesn't match the way they feel inside. In those cases, cosmetic dentistry creates a wholeness that brings new life and spark to every aspect of the patient's life.

Other times, I've created beautiful smiles, perfectly suited to a patient's physiology, but something still isn't quite right. Often the reason has more to do with psychology. Stress, anxiety and fatigue are all-too-common in these difficult times, and these inner conditions definitely affect both inner and outer beauty. In addition, even temporary bouts of these types of tensions can cause early aging.

If you're struggling with tension, consider these calming techniques.

• Smile. That's right, smile. Even if you don't feel happy or upbeat or even the least bit pleasant. Take a private moment for yourself – simply by turning away if that's all your situation allows. Then close your eyes, take a deep breath, and bring the corners of your mouth up into a smile. Hold it. Feel the immediate change in your state. Allow yourself this one moment of peace. It will help restore your ability to navigate challenges that come your way.
  
  
• Be grateful. Even in the most complicated and challenging circumstances, life offers magnificence and much to be grateful for. So when you are overwhelmed by problems, make sure to find time to appreciate the positives as well. In other words, take a break from your problems. Take a walk. Write in a journal. Listen to music. Laugh at television. Read a book. Play with your children. Hold hands with your partner. Cuddle with a pet. Take a nap. Breathe in and out, turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and feel grateful.
  
  
• Choose to be interested. Another effective technique for dealing with tensions is to develop interests. Mentor. Volunteer. Learn something new. Develop a positive passion. Contribute to positive conversations online.  People who are active in creating an interesting life for themselves are happier and healthier than those who are bored and disinterested in themselves and others. Not only with this approach help you through difficult times, it helps you create a rich and full life where problems become bumps in the road you navigate efficiently, because your focus is so much larger.
  
  
• Be healthy. Invest in yourself through proper rest, exercise, good hydration, nourishment and personal care. The effort is worth your time. You are worth the effort.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted

Top 10 Ways to Evaluate a Cosmetic Dentist

In an earlier post, I shared some of the ways I evaluate your smile to determine the best cosmetic dental plan for your needs and desire for a beautiful new smile.

Today I want to share some of the ways you can evaluate me! Changing your smile is an exciting, life-changing event. The outcome is central to many important areas of your life. Your confidence and sense of self. Your openness to the world. Your inner peace and relaxation. Not to mention your overall dental health. Therefore it's essential to find a dentist you can trust to understand both the aesthetics and health of your teeth.

Here are steps you can take when evaluating cosmetic dentists. Enjoy the process. I look forward to meeting you and sharing my best recommendations for creating your beautiful new smile.

1. Get Referrals  Best are from friends and social websites such as Yelp! and Dr. Oogle where people share their experiences in detail.
2. Evaluate the Website Compare credentials, educational background and before and after photos. Beware of hype!
3. Compare  Contact at least three dentists to begin with and make appointments for an evaluation – and keep all three appointments.
4. Communicate   Share what changes you want to make – this post on evaluating your smile will help you think it through.
5. Bring Photos! Of you and of smiles you admire. Maybe you want to restore features of your smile that have been damaged. Maybe you want a visual aid to look at as you discuss a new smile. And maybe someone else has a smile you've always loved.
6. Bring x-rays or study models  If you happen to have these, please bring them to your appointment.
7. Ask questions
1. Does the dentist have photographs of patients with conditions similar to yours
2. Does the dentist use computer imaging to design your smile.
3. Will the dentist give you a preview of your smile.
4. If you have dental fears, is the dentist an expert in gentle dental techniques.
5. Who are the assistants and technicians that will assist the dentist.
6. How much of the work will be done by the dentist vs. his technicians. '
7. How many patients does the dentist work on at the same time.
8. Listen It's easy to get caught up in a 'sell' situation. Have fun and enjoy the excitement of discussing your new smile, but at the same time, think about what's being said – and what might not be said.
9. Discuss fees  Be up-front if you have budget restrictions, but be careful of shopping for bargains or you might be opening yourself up to corrective work in the future.
10. Be early or on time This recommendation is for you, not the dental office. You want to be relaxed and focused so you can get the information you need to make the decision that's best for you.

Posted by Beverly Hills Dentist 

Dr. Tom Stelmach. 

Expert Dental Care. Gentle Dental Techniques. 

Exceptional Cosmetic Dentist. Extraordinary Whole Life Dentist.

Dedicated to your health and well-being. 

Call or email today!

310.659.5399

8920 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA  90211

Insurance Accepted