Bad Breath - Don’t Feel Insecure

By Arthur Kezian

Bad breath, also known as halitosis, can make people feel very insecure. Apart from the discomfort associated with bad breath, it can also make socializing very difficult. Given the effects of bad breath on one’s life and social circumstances, Dr Kezian has outlined the causes, treatments, and best dental and lifestyle habits that can help one entirely eliminate bad breath from their lives.

Halitosis is basically caused by bacteria which cling onto the teeth, tongue, and gums causing a foul smell as they multiply and thrive. Further, bad breath varies in intensity with the mouth being particularly smelly in the morning or right after a meal. This is because at night the mouth doesn’t get the oxygen that it requires which gives the bacteria a chance to multiply and produce awful odors, especially if one fails to brush their teeth before sleeping.

Bad breath can either be transient, which goes away after brushing, or it can be chronic, which means brushing will not necessarily stop the smell. One of the most common causes of transient bad breath is diet. Eating food with strong odors such as garlic, cheese, onions, and meat usually leaves a persistent bad odor in the mouth unless one brushes their teeth or uses mouthwash. On the other hand, chronic bad breath is usually caused by dental health problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and dry mouth. Other causes of bad breath include diabetes, lesions caused by viral diseases such as herpes or HIV, and lifestyle habits such as smoking, tobacco chewing, and alcohol consumption.

According to Dr Kezian, the simplest way of effectively combating bad breath is through a regular thorough mouth cleansing. One should faithfully brush their teeth twice a day taking special care to brush hidden parts like the back of the tongue. This is a notorious area for bacteria to hide. If this fails one can book an appointment with Dr Kezian who is highly qualified for halitosis treatments. Alternatively, if the culprit is not one of the major dental problems such as gum disease or tooth decay, Dr Kezian can refer you to a specialist or a general practitioner who is better placed to make the appropriate diagnosis.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

How Dental Technology Is Effectively Used By Dentists

By Arthur Kezian

Dental health is very important, which means visiting a dentist on a regular basis is highly recommended. With modern day advancements in dental technology, making and going to an appointment has become less stressful. Dentists who are up-to-date with dental technology can actually help make your dental visit pleasurable.

DIAGNOdent:

Many patients have had to endure the uncomfortable experience of dental probing tools. DIAGNOdent is a handheld laser device that aids in the detection of cavities. This innovation gives your dentist a chance to check for tooth decay without the need to use a probe. Small lesions can be detected at an early stage which means you can save your tooth before the decay enlarges. Protecting and preserving your teeth have never been simpler.

Intra-Oral Photographs:

Another great advancement in general dentistry is the intra-oral camera. This is a diagnostic equipment that allows dentists to visualize parts of your mouth that an X-Ray won’t necessarily show. It is a digital camera made specifically for the mouth; this camera has a built in light source and can magnify an image by about 25 times. Intra-oral cameras are great because they can show patients areas of their mouth that are not visible when looking in the mirror (i.e. their wisdom teeth, the back portion of their upper and lower teeth, in between areas, and etc…). At Dr. Kezian’s office, intra-oral pictures appear on the screen right after they are taken. This way, the doctor and the patient can review areas of the patient’s teeth together.

The use of new dental technology helps dentists give precise diagnosis and treatment to the patients. Not only do these equipments aid the doctor, but they are great for the patients too. Why not opt for time-saving, simpler dental visits? Call Dr. Kezian’s office for a free consultation and take advantage of the use of these new innovations, you’ll be glad you did.  

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

The Easy Road to Great Dental Cleaning

By Arthur Kezian

A dental cleaning can be looked at in two ways – the first being basic tooth brushing at home, and the second visiting a dentist. Many people brush their teeth twice a day, floss, and even use mouthwash to keep their breath fresh. Dental homecare is very important, but it is equally important to visit your dentist for more thorough cleanings.

Dental cleanings with you dentist:

Visiting your dentist once every six months is not mandatory, but it is definitely recommended for good dental hygiene. In doing so, you can keep your teeth free of tartar build-up and also stay on top of the condition of your teeth in regards to gum recession, bone loss, cavities, and even staining. Your teeth can stain, turn yellow, or lose their shine if you are a smoker, if you drink coffee, tea and wine regularly, or even because of age. To help reduce the staining your teeth are prone to, make sure you get your teeth polished along with a cleaning every six months.

Dental cleanings usually consists of a three step process. If your dentist is up-to-date with technology, then the cleaning usually starts with an ultrasonic scaler, or in dental terms, a cavitron. This instrument helps chip tartar away a lot more efficiently. The next step is the hand scaler, which the doctor uses manually to go over all the areas making sure not to leave any tartar behind. The final step in the cleaning is the coronal polishing. The dental assistants usually do the polishing; they use a polish paste to help remove stains off the surface of the teeth. In cases with a great extent of staining, powdered pumice can be added to the paste to make it coarser and help rid the stains quicker.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.

Silver Fillings- A Thing Of The Past?

By Arthur Kezian

Did you know that if you replace silver fillings you may be protecting yourself from the toxic effects of mercury?  People have always had to deal with dental cavities, but now you need to worry about mercury exposure too!  Silver amalgam fillings often contain about 50% mercury and many consumer advocacy groups are saying that they are dangerous. 

You can take action even if you have had the same fillings for decades. Dr. Arthur A. Kezian, who uses white fillings, can replace old silver fillings with new non-toxic ones.

What Are Amalgam Fillings?

Amalgam fillings are silver in color and contain a mixture of metals such as copper, tin, silver and mercury.  As a filling material they are inexpensive and durable, sometimes lasting up to forty years.

Why Is Mercury Dangerous?

Mercury present in silver fillings will vaporize into a gas when the filling is irritated or rubbed vigorously.  This leakage of mercury increases with more and more stimulation against the silver filling.  Mercury is believed to be a neurotoxin, and your body has difficult time expelling it from your tissues.

How Dangerous?

This question is very difficult to answer and quite controversial.  Many expert dentists and toxicologists debate over the safety of this amount of mercury exposure. Currently the FDA is reviewing peer reviewed literature and clinical studies to make a final recommendation. However, as of 2009, the FDA has issued a statement saying amalgams are safe for people over the age of six.  It is a fact that mercury leaks from the amalgam fillings and people with them have been documented to have higher levels of mercury in their bodies. However, these levels typically do not reach unsafe levels. 

Should You Replace Silver Fillings?

This question too is a challenging one.  If you are exposed to mercury in other ways in your life you may want to consider undergoing a replacement to limit your exposure. However, replacing fillings can be a tricky procedure.  It is strongly recommended that you consult a dentist to undergo a complete history and oral exam. Together you can determine a treatment plan best suited for your needs.

Dr. Kezian prefers composite resins to avoid the potential toxic effects of mercury and because composite fillings look better aesthetically. Make an appointment today for a free consultation.

Dr. Arthur A. Kezian DDS DDS 443 N. Larchmont Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90004 (323) 467-2777 

-N.S.