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!

Smoking and Periodontal Disease

Inflammation and Discoloration

Most people are aware of typical medical problems associated with smoking, such as lung disease, cancer, heart disease and low-birth-weight in infants.

But I want you to realize another real and significant threat to smokers: periodontal disease.

Periodontal disease is essentially a chronic, open infection in your mouth. Smoking worsens this very serious dental condition by damaging the natural process your body uses to fight the periodontal infection.

Research has shown that smokers are four times more likely to have advanced periodontal disease, and are twice as likely to lose their teeth because of it.

Periodontal disease begins with calculus, which is dental plaque that hardens on your teeth and can only be removed by a professional cleaning. If it isn't removed, it will continue to build up, not only on visible portions of your teeth, but below the gum line, too. 

Once it reaches below the bum line, the bacteria in the calculus can destroy your gum tissue and cause your gums to pull away from your teeth. These spaces are called periodontal "pockets" and they fill with disease-causing bacteria that destroy tissue and supporting bone. At that point, the gums can shrink away from the teeth making them look longer, and left untreated, cause teeth to become loose, painful and even fall out.

And there's more. Cigarette smoke contains over  4000 harsh, damaging chemicals – including formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, ammonia and arsenic – and those chemicals can slow down the healing process. So even if you've had periodontal treatment - or any type of oral surgery – smoking can severely compromise the results.

We hope this information will help you find the strength to stop smoking. But even if you don't stop, please come in for a cleaning as soon as possible. We'll welcome you and develop a treatment plan of frequent cleanings and regular pocket measurements to make certain we protect your health against this serious condition.

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

Gum Disease: Serious Infection That Can Lead to Tooth Loss

Did you know that periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection? It is. In fact, it's a particularly nasty infection that affects the gums and bone that hold your teeth in place.

Periodontal disease begins with dental plaque – that sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. Because plaque contains bacteria, it causes the gums to become inflamed - just as an infected cut on your finger would become swollen and inflamed. If that happens, you have a case of periodontal disease.

There are two types of periodontal disease: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.

Gingivitis. The mildest form of periodontal disease is Gingivitis. It causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily and is typically caused by inadequate oral hygiene. There is usually little or no discomfort at this stage, and gingivitis can be reversed with  professional treatment and good oral home care. Nonetheless, gingivitis is serious, because it can – and too often does – lead to periodontitis.

Periodontitis. With time, bacteria-filled plaque can spread below the gum line. Toxins produced by that bacteria irritate the gums, stimulating a chronic inflammatory response in which the body in essence turns on itself. In the process, the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and destroyed. As that occurs, gums separate from the teeth, forming "pockets" of space between the teeth and gums that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. This destructive process often has only the mildest of symptoms, but extremely serious results. Left untreated, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

Periodontal Disease is Preventable and Treatable

Just as gum disease starts with plaque, it can end with it, too. Plaque is removed every time you brush your teeth, and plaque that has managed to build up anyway can be safely removed when you have your regular dental cleanings. 

If you've waited too long in between cleanings and gum disease has developed, it is treatable. But sooner is definitely better. I invite you to contact our dental office today to schedule a professional dental cleaning. Our hygienists are gentle and thorough, and following your cleaning, I will conduct a thorough exam. We'll see if this disease is present, how far it has progressed, and map out a treatment plan that will return you to optimum dental health.

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