Redondo Beach Dental Group

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving from Redondo Beach Dental Group! Have a wonderful holiday!

In-Office Whitening vs. At-Home Whitening: Things to Consider

Whiter, brighter teeth can result in a confident smile that makes you look younger and healthier. There are many tooth whitening options available today, from in-office procedures performed by your cosmetic dentist to at-home kits you can use daily. Each has its pros and cons, so information is key when considering which is right for you.

The Basics

There are three types of tooth whitening options you can consider: over the counter at-home kits, dentist-supervised at-home kits, and in-office services performed by your dentist. At-home kits utilize strips or trays to apply a bleaching agent to your teeth. When you visit your cosmetic dentist for a tooth whitening procedure, a gel is painted on and then accelerated with a special light. At-home kits must be used nightly over time, while in-office bleaching takes approximately one hour.

Customization

Some types of tooth discoloration don’t respond well to bleaching, so asking your dentist what you can expect will help to ensure you get the results you’re after. Additionally, when you choose a take-home kit provided by your dentist, it will include a personalized mouth tray to deliver the bleaching agent to your teeth. Store-bought kits only provide a single-sized bleaching tray that will not provide the same fit.

Supervision

If you receive a take-home kit from your dentist, he will supervise the concentration of bleach you receive and give you specific instructions before you leave the office. During in-office bleaching, your dentist will take special care to protect your gums and mouth from bleach. Store-bought whitening options are used on your own, at home and without any type of dentist supervision. This option does not take into account any special concerns with your personal dental or overall health.

Redondo Beach Dental Group offers cosmetic dentistry options for you to achieve the whiter smile you’re after. Call (310) 542-6988 to find out more about your options and schedule a consultation today. Before you visit, click through our website to learn more about us!

Discover Great Dental Tips

Good dental care should start early, with parents encouraging their children to brush. To learn more about cultivating positive oral health routines throughout life, check out these great resources:

• Many people ignore their tongues without realizing they can be indicative of oral and overall health. Find out what your tongue says about your health in this article on HealthyLiving.MSN.com.
• Learn more about tongue bacteria by checking out this information on HealthGuidance.org.
• Get more information about toddlers and teething to know what to expect when your child’s teeth erupt on BabyCenter.com.
• Find out how to care for your toddler’s teeth with this helpful information on Colgate.com.
• Do you know what baby bottle tooth decay is and how to prevent it? Find out more from MouthHealthy.org.
• Learn about the causes of oral cancer, including smoking, on the website of the National Cancer Institute.
• Bad breath is sometimes indicative of other health problems. Learn more in this article in the Wall Street Journal.
• Often a change of diet or oral care can help relieve bad breath symptoms. Check out these ten tips for better breath on the Discovery Health & Fit website.

At the Redondo Beach Dental Group, we strive for patient health and satisfaction. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for you and your family to inspire and enhance brighter, more beautiful smiles. Learn more by checking out our website or calling (310) 542-6988 today!

What Should You Know About Your Toddler's Teeth?

Just like toddlers themselves, toddlers’ teeth may sometimes come in all shapes and sizes. Although your child’s teeth may look significantly less than perfect, there is not always cause for alarm. Learn more about what to expect as your toddler’s teeth come in and when to start taking your baby to the dentist with the information below.

The Purpose of Primary Teeth

Primary teeth not only help your child eat and talk, but they also hold places for his or her permanent teeth. Although primary teeth may come in crooked or with significant gaps, this isn’t a reason to go running to the dentist—the alignment of primary teeth often has nothing to do with the alignment of your child’s permanent teeth, and straightening baby teeth with not help permanent teeth.

Tooth Decay and Primary Teeth

While alignment of baby teeth is not an issue, tooth decay can still occur and it’s important to take your child to their first visit to the dentist approximately six months after the eruption of their first tooth. Talk to your dentist about brushing and other tooth care techniques; while you do not need to use toothpaste at first, it’s important to establish a routine of regular brushing to avoid severe primary tooth decay that can even lead to premature loss of primary teeth and the need for a space maintainer until permanent teeth erupt.

Other Issues with Primary Teeth

Some issues with primary teeth do require dental treatment, such as the failure of a tooth to erupt or, conversely, the eruption of extra teeth. Consult your dentist about these concerns, as further steps may need to be taken to ensure that permanent teeth have the space to grow in properly to avoid problems later in life.

Start your child on the road to healthy teeth for life with the Redondo Beach Dental Group. We offer general and cosmetic dental services for young and old alike, focusing on each of our patients’ specific needs and concerns. To learn more about our services, visit us on the Web or call (310) 542-6988 today!

Win a FREE Teeth Whitening Kit!

Redondo Beach Dental Group is giving away a fantastic FREE teeth whitening kit when we reach 100 fans on Facebook! All you have to do to be eligible for this prize is Like us on Facebook and fill out the form in our sweepstakes! Good Luck!