Power Eating for Better Teeth

Posted by

Sugarplums may dance around this time of year, but sugar itself is detrimental to healthy teeth. Any food which contains large amounts of sucrose will increase and intensify the production of plaque. Plaque is a sticky biofilm which will adhere to your teeth, and eventually turns into tartar when it hardens. Plaque and tartar on your teeth will result in gum disease and tooth decay, over time. Do you think you know which foods to stay away from in order to avoid cavities? Conversely, are you aware of foods which can actually reduce plaque production?

Raw Vegetables

Plaque is a mixture of acid, food debris, and germs. Chomping on raw vegetables such as carrots, celery, cauliflower, and broccoli will actually dislodge and remove food bits while you eat. Nutritional dynamos, cruciferous veggies also (more…)

filed under: Nutrition, Patient Education

The Trouble with Tooth Abscesses

Posted by

From stains to cavities, your teeth can go through a lot in a lifetime. When a tooth is cracked or infected, it can sometimes develop an abscess, or pocket of pus, on its root. The trouble with tooth abscesses is that they can make restorative treatment more difficult than usual. When one develops, the symptoms can include fever and swelling around the tooth, as well as severe levels of pain and sensitivity, and treating the condition is the only way to relieve the discomfort. (more…)

filed under: Oral Health, Restorative Dentistry, Tooth Decay

Tags: ,

Tips for Addressing Dental Emergencies

Posted by

A dental emergency refers to any sudden pain or damage to the oral cavity. When you experience one of these situations, you should call our office immediately. Leave detailed information so we can call you back and schedule a visit. However, if the problem s potentially life threatening, call 911 or visit the emergency room. In addition, there are a few steps you can take to alleviate the issue before you see Dr. Hofkes.

(more…)

filed under: Emergency Dentistry

FAQs: What are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

Posted by

When you lose a tooth or even multiple teeth, you may find simple daily activities, such as eating or speaking, become difficult. In addition, you may feel hesitate to engage in social situations or interact with friends. Don’t let tooth loss have a negative impact on your life, especially when replacement options, such as innovative dental implants, can return your smile to full function and health.

(more…)

filed under: Dental Implants

Dental Implants in Your 30s, 40s, and 50s

Posted by

We’ve come a long way since the days when dentists replaced patients’ missing teeth with those of dogs, baboons, and even cadavers (not even kidding). And while there have been remarkable advances in the materials, function, and fit of dental prosthetics and implants, not everyone realizes how many different groups of people can benefit from their use. Dr. Shawn Hofkes, who offers dental implants in Cerritos, CA, debunks misconceptions about tooth replacement options. (more…)

filed under: Dental Implants, Dental Prosthetics

Tags:

Community Spotlight: Asian Food and Crafts at the 626 Night Market

Posted by

What’s the best part about having healthy teeth and gums? For some people, the answer is a beautiful smile. Others appreciate a life without fear of cavities or root canal treatments. Us? We love being able to eat our favorite foods, something that’s a serious challenge for someone with missing teeth or a bad toothache. It’s no wonder that we have food on the brain—the 626 Night Market is on our calendar for Sunday, August 17th. Just a half-hour drive from Cerritos to Arcadia seems well worth your while, especially if you share our passion for Asian cuisine. Inspired by traditional Asian night markets, the event showcases food, crafts, and live music from more than 200 vendors.

Dr. Shawn Hofkes, whose office performs tooth extractions in Cerritos, CA, explains circumstances in which an extraction may be your best option. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that a tooth needn’t be severely decayed or damaged to warrant an extraction, although both are common causes that would warrant removal. (more…)

filed under: Community Events, Extracting Wisdom Teeth

Tags:

Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?

Posted by

Think about the last time you treated a minor burn or a skinned knee. If you’re like most people, you headed immediately to your home first aid kit. Gauze, antibiotic ointment, bandages – you’ve got it covered. Now, think about what you would do if you or a family member breaks or chips a tooth. Is your first aid kit fully stocked, or will you end up scrambling for the necessary supplies. Your Cerritos, CA emergency dentist Dr. Shawn Hofkes shares his list of must-have items for your dental first aid kit. (more…)

filed under: Emergency Dentistry

Tags: ,

Brushing Your Teeth With Bacon Toothpaste and Other Funky Flavors

Posted by

If you were to walk into your bathroom right now, what oral care products would you find? Toothpaste and a toothbrush, perhaps dental floss and mouthwash. And it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to assume that whatever you use, it tastes like mint: fresh mint, peppermint, spearmint, or any one of several variations on the traditional flavor. What’s wrong with this picture?

How about the fact that the average person devotes an estimated 38.5 days to brushing their teeth? And that doesn’t even take into account the time spent flossing and using mouthwash. That’s 38.5 days spent on mint. Since when is oral hygiene excluded from the “variety is the spice of life” rule? We can’t say, but we do know that the average person also spends much less time brushing their teeth each time: less than 30 seconds, despite the ADA’s recommendation that each brushing session should last at least two minutes. Following these guidelines protects your teeth and gums against tooth decay, a common oral health concern that could be addressed by tooth-colored fillings. (more…)

filed under: Healthy Living, Oral Health

Tags: