Monday, April 29, 2013

Iodine Mouthwash May Clean the Arteries as Well as the Mouth

 At Hamlin Dental Group, we have garnered a reputation throughout Southern California for being the most gentle and also the most knowledgeable dentists on all subjects relating to oral health. However, every so often, even we are surprised by new findings related to dentistry. That's why we were delighted to learn of the results of a study reported on in a recent Medical News Today article which found that cleaning your mouth and cleaning your arteries could be as simple as a once-a-day rinse with mouthwash.

On April 23rd, Biomedical Development Corporation presented data to the American Academy of Oral Medicine showing that its oral rinse was safe and effective at fighting gingivitis in a clinical trial. However, the researchers were surprised to find that users of the oral rinse showed lower LDL cholesterol levels than the placebo group.

"We didn't expect to see any difference in LDL cholesterol", says Dr. Charles Gauntt, the study's principal investigator. "We expected to see improvements in oral health, and we did. But we also monitored a number of biological markers for inflammation. The results showed the oral rinse had no adverse effects and users exhibited lower levels of LDL, or what many people know as bad cholesterol.

 As the premiere location for those seeking a dentist in Van Nuys, studies like these are always fascinating, and important to keep apprised of. Remaining on the cutting edge of dental discoveries is important in assuring our team maintains an expert skill level, allowing us to focus on the warm, patient-focused dentistry we're known for today.  Whether you're looking for a dentist in Northridge, Van Nuys, or any number of placed throughout the west, contact us today for truly top notch dentistry.

To schedule a consultation, contact us today, and remember to brush, floss, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash regularly!

Friday, April 26, 2013

Smiling is Also Good for Your Mental Health

While we don't profess to be psychologists—we're happy enough being a community dentist in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, and Northridge—the team here at Hamlin Dental Group believes that our work can boost the spirits of our patients.


For one, we know that low self-esteem coming from unhappiness with a person's smile can have a serious negative impact on a patient. Many who come into Hamlin Dental Group for a dentist in North Hollywood, Northridge, or Van Nuys don't feel fully confident in revealing their full smile. This can affect their feelings of self-worth and the way they interact with others. However, after a smile makeover from Hamlin Dental Group, these patients can leave happy, confident, and full of smiles.

Once our patients are out there and smiling more, their mental and physical health is bound to improve. One study published in Psychological Science showed that smiling (even faking it) reduces a person's stress level. We're confident that our patients who have a new-found pride in their smiles will begin leading a life with a little less stress.

So, please contact the Hamlin Dental team to schedule a meeting with a dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood, or Van Nuys.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Less is Less

We're only human here at Hamlin Dental Group and we're not immune to the latest 'net memes. Even so, it kind of goes without saying that you don't have to be a dentist in Northridge to be simultaneously sort of amused and horrified by the "Actresses Without Teeth" meme that's been going around. We'd feature an image but we don't want to scare any small children.

If you haven't seen it, it's not hard to imagine. Basically, the meme consists of pictures of famous and beautiful actresses with their teeth Photoshopped out. Sometimes, the effect is surreal, sometimes the celebrities really look like glammed up versions of the unfortunate toothless people you might see in a developing country or an extremely poor neighborhood here.

On the other hand, that's not the entire story. Although the pictures are chosen for comic effect, sometimes they still look more attractive than you might expect. If you've seen a few Japanese samurai movies, you'll have noticed the ancient fashion in which aristocratic women and some men in Japan once died their teeth black. It's sort of like that. (According to Wikipedia, the lacquer that was used to blacken teeth in pre-20th century Japan was actually beneficial for teeth back in the days long before flouride and a decent dentist in Van Nuys.)

Still, we've got to say the effect is more weird and funny than even remotely flattering. Which is why we're not forced to mention that if you want to avoid that actress-without-teeth look (at least when you remove your dentures at night), it might be a good idea to schedule a consultation and remember to brush, floss, and rinse with fluoride mouthwash regularly. Right?

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Is Coconut Water Just Another Disguise for Sugar and Water?

Americans have been increasingly skeptical about the drinks we ingest, especially with the focus on childhood obesity and the news articles about Gatorade removing a chemical (brominated vegetable oil) used in some places as a flame retardant. This has the team here at Hamlin Dental Group thinking about sugar in drinks that we consider healthy. Recently, there has been a spotlight on Pom and Vitamin Water and how overly sweet they are, with many questioning that they have any positive health effects.

This made us think about the very trendy coconut water. Keep in mind that the USDA recommends about 40 grams of sugar per day (based off of a 2000 calorie diet). Here are a few popular coconut waters and the amount of sugar they contain per 1 serving:
  • Zico: 14 g of sugar per 11 oz.
  • Vita Coco: 20 g of sugar per 11.2 oz.
  • C2O: 12 g of sugar per 8 oz.



As a local dentist in North Hollywood, Van Nuys, and Northridge, Hamlin Dental Group is concerned about so-called "healthy drinks" and their effects on the oral health of our patients. Here at Hamlin Dental Group, we stress good oral hygiene, including maintenance at home and making sure your diet is having a detrimental effect on your teeth.

Of course, we can't ask our patients to cut out all sugary food and drinks; it's just not reasonable and everybody should be able to have a treat every now and then. For many, the risk from the added sugar intake is not important because of the health benefits they perceive. However, as your dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood, or Van Nuys, a Hamlin Dental Group doctor can ask you to make smarter decisions and to consider everything you're putting into your body for the sake of your teeth!

A regular cleaning and check-up will also help counterbalance the ingestion of sugary drinks. Call 888.400.8011 to schedule a meeting with a dentist in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, or Northridge today!

Monday, April 8, 2013

Oral Health Plays a Major Role in Your Overall Health

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're passionate about giving people clean, healthy mouths. As a trusted dentist in Northridge, Van Nuys and North Hollywood, our patrons appreciate the sparkling smiles and clean mouths we leave them with. Yet, many people are still unaware of just how important oral health can be towards ensuring overall health.

Believe it or not, a healthy mouth, or a mouth suffering from infection are both teeming with bacteria. However, in a healthy mouth, most of these are completely harmless, or even beneficial, if controlled. If uncontrolled, though, they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or a myriad other infections. How do you control bacteria? Simple - Through regular brushing and flossing.

However, the human body is a remarkably complex organism, and even a small disruption of the balance within the mouth, such as reduced saliva flow can have massive implications. That's why it's important to have a top-rated dentist who can ensure your mouth is protected, regardless of the circumstances.

As a top-ranked dentist in Van Nuys, and throughout the San Fernando Valley, Hamlin Dental Group has served that role for our many satisfied patients. Our top-notch dentistry and relaxed, comforting environment has become renowned throughout the field. Our professionalism and warmth alleviates any feelings of anxiety our patients might feel, and actually leaving many eager to keep their mouths clean with regular check-ups.