Say "Cheese" and Protect Your Dazzling Smile!

As the top Northridge dentist, at Hamlin Dental Group, we couldn't be more proud of our reputation the gentlest dental professionals with the most conservative approach. Perhaps that's how we've become the dentist in North Hollywood and Van Nuys that Valley-dwellers trust most. Yet, we are also celebrated for our impeccable knowledge of dental health practices, and we're eager to share them with our patients.

That's why we wanted to spread the word about the cheesy results of a study published recently in the journal "General Dentistry" and reported on by CBS News. Researchers found that eating cheese increases dental plaque pH, which can decrease the odds of developing cavities in patients.

"What I think is exciting about this is it shows that cheese - particularly as a snack - can reduce the acids that will cause cavities and gum disease," says Dr. Jeffrey M. Cole, president of the Academy of General Dentistry.

In the study, subjects we told to either eat cheddar cheese, drink milk or eat sugar-free yogurt for three minutes and then rise their mouths with water. Those who at cheese had a quick, steady increase of pH as time progressed, suggesting their teeth were increasingly protected. Cheese contains pyrophosphates, as salt or ester that is commonly found in fluorides and toothpaste. This substance can work to re-mineralize a tooth that has been surrounded by acid.

For more tips on what you can do to help ensure your mouth is protected from cavities and other issues, contact the dentist in Van Nuys, Northridge and North Hollywood that you know to trust - Hamlin Dental Group. We promise to offer goud-a advice! (and maybe some cheesy jokes)

Gimme Some Tooth

Sometimes at Hamlin Dental Group, we think we've heard everything. Then we hear something else.

A story that's circulating in the press today tells us that it was more than a musical fanboy/collector impulse that led Canadian dentist Michael Zuk to purchase a "discolored molar" that the late John Lennon -- perhaps sensing it might be valuable some day -- gave to his houskeeper during the mid-1960s. Now Zuk is telling the press that he intends to use the genetic material in the tooth to clone the enormously revered and influential Beatle and solo singer-songwriter.

Of course, as the place to find an outstanding dentist in Van Nuys, Northridge, or North Hollywood, we can't resist at least taking the opportunity to remind readers that the story, however unlikely, is a good reminder that our teeth are very much a part of our bodies, and in no way separate from our overall health. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to even discuss constructing a genetic copy of the man who brought us "Strawberry Fields Forever," "In My Life," "Imagine," and all the rest.

On the other hand, we really wonder whether this is a good idea. Genetically reconstructing a wooly mammoth is one thing because, for one thing, any wooly mammoth would be beloved and popular, just for being a wooly mammoth. A clone is, however, only a genetic copy and one of John Lennon be no different than if the late musician had had an identical twin. Since we can't recreate the exact circumstances that led the original John Lennon to be the giant figure he was, there's no telling how an actual Lennon clone would turn out. One thing is for sure: there's no guarantee he'll be a great singer-songwriter wowing the world from Liverpool and London to Hollywood and Paris. Imagine knowing you were an exact genetic duplicate of John Lennon and discovering you had no particular gift for music!

We do, however, like to think Clone Lennon would turn out to a really outstanding member of whatever profession the young man chose. Considering his origins, in fact, we'd like to suggest he consider leaving New York or London and becoming a dentist in Northridge. We certainly ready and willing to accept his CV.

Meanwhile, we can't guarantee you a visit with a clone of Lennon, or any other British Invasion legend, but we can promise the best dental care in the San Fernando Valley. If your teeth are saying "please, please me" call 888-400-8011 today.

Gentle Dental Care is Why Parents Choose Hamlin Dental Group for their Kids

Pediatric dentistry offered by Hamlin Dental Group is the gentlest dental care available in Los Angeles for young patients. Did you know that half of American children get cavities, but that just one dental visit for a teething baby can mean zero cavities in the future? In fact, you can take your baby to the dentist as soon as her first tooth erupts. Our child-friendly office addresses dental issues for even our tiniest patients, with the training necessary to treat their specific needs, while keeping in mind patient comfort.

You can take your baby to the dentist as
soon as she begins teething!

When scheduling your child's very first dental appointment, keep the advice from the Academy of Pediatric Dentistry in mind:

• Be an active, informed partner in your child's dental care. Patient education is a crucial part of decision-making at Hamlin Dental Group. We make sure that parents are well-informed of the treatment their child will receive and why.
• Be nearby, but don't let your child see your face. Even very young children are attuned to mom or dad's facial expressions, and if you make any sort of "grossed out" or upset face, it can distress your child.
• Ask questions about how to improve oral hygiene. Your pediatric dentist in North Hollywood is an expert in how to improve your child's diet so she has the healthiest smile possible. Tell your pediatric dentist about your child's eating habits and diet for constructive feedback.

To learn more about Hamlin Dental Group or to schedule a visit to see a pediatric dentist in Northridge, Van Nuys or North Hollywood, call 888-400-8011 today!

Got Milk? Recent Study Shows Drinking Milk After Eating Sugary Cereal May Prevent Cavities

Hamlin Dental Group boasts child-friendly offices for families looking for a dentist in North Hollywood, Northridge or Van Nuys. As dental professionals, we are eager to perfect a child's smile, and we encourage limiting sweet foods and beverages, as they are known to promote tooth decay. Eating too much sugar isn't just a source of empty calories with plenty of refined sugar and starch, but it also damages tooth enamel, which leads to cavities. However, a new study shows that a glass of milk after eating dry, sugary cereals may prevent cavities.

Milk marketers would have us believe that "milk does a body good," but this research published in the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests it might have the same effect for your teeth. Milk can help fight cavities as it inhibits plaque growth in addition to proper oral hygiene, including regular brushing and flossing.

As a top dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood and Van Nuys, Hamlin Dental Group is eager to make your child grow strong and healthy, which including having regular dental cleanings to check for cavities. Our friendly staff is family-oriented and specializes in the highest-quality care, including gentle cleanings and preventive dentistry.

If you're looking for a gentle dentist in Van Nuys, Northridge or North Hollywood, use our website to book an appointment or call 888-400-8011 today!

Can Brushing Prevent Alzheimer's?

Here at Hamlin Dental Group, we believe that good dental health has bigger effects on your body than just giving you a nice smile. Clean, beautiful, and healthy teeth can give you better self-esteem, can make eating and drinking your favorite foods easier, and just generally improve your quality of life. Also, more and more studies are emerging that show a link between a healthy mouth and a life free of disease.

Many have discussed the link between poor oral hygeine and heart disease, memory loss, and even diabetes, but a study published in May of this year suggests that there could be a link between dental health and Alzheimer's Disease. The study, which admittedly has a small sample size of 10, looks at brain tissue and found 4 cases of a bacteria that is present as a result of poor dental hygiene. The authors of the study believe that this bacteria makes its way to the brain and contributes to poor brain function related to Alzheimer's.

While the science isn't necessarily fact at this point, we as a local dentist in Van Nuys, North Hollywood, and Northridge do think an overall dedication to dental hygiene makes a person all around healthier. Whether it is because taking care of your mouth makes you want to take better care of yourself all around or if regular brushing actively eliminates this kind of harmful bacteria, it can't be denied that taking care of your mouth leads to a better life.

If it's about time that you start taking better care of your teeth, come see a Hamlin Dental Group dentist in Northridge, North Hollywood, or Van Nuys to schedule a gentle cleaning today. Call 888-400-8011 today!