Why Your Teeth Need the same Dental Care as a Panda

On September 10th, Bai Yun, a giant panda bear at the San Diego Zoo, did the same thing we should all do on a regular basis, and took a trip to the dentist. For Bai Yun, things may have a been a little more convenient for her than they are for the rest of us because the dentist actually came to her. One of her keepers noticed that Bai Yun was suffering from a chipped tooth. 

The process went much the same as it would for a human. X-rays were taken, and work began to repair the panda's chipped tooth using similar materials and tools that you'd find at any dentist's office. Dentists were relieved to find that Bai Yun's pulp canal hadn't been damaged. The dental pulp is the soft tissue within the tooth that houses the nerve endings. Much like a human, without restoration, the panda would have begun experiencing significant pain with an exposed tooth, and had difficulty eating. Fortunately, the operation went off without a hitch, and she's already back to her favorite diet of bamboo. 

Though Hamlin Dental Group wouldn't attempt to operate on a priceless panda, we are experts with human family dentistry. We dedicate ourselves to our patients with the highest caliber of dental treatment and deliver warm, friendly, care. Just remember the next time you're brushing: oral hygiene is just as important for you as it is for a panda!

You Say It's Your Birthday (Cake)

Believe it or not, we celebrate birthdays here at Hamlin Dental Group in pretty much the same way you likely do at your home and office. Yes, when our own Dr. Reza had his birthday only hours before we wrote this, we celebrated with the traditional, sugar-laden, ice cream and cake.

Yes, while some folks might assume that an Encino, Northridge or North Hollywood dentist and dental team might live some kind of ultra-ascetic lifestyle, at least when it comes to tasty tooth-decay causing sugar products, we're only human. Of course, we know how to minimize the harm that comes from eating sugary foods when it comes to teeth, and that's really the rub.

In the coming months we'll all be celebrating Halloween, aka dental plaque's favorite holiday, as well as Thanksgiving and Christmas, not to mention countless birthdays. Let's just say that while doctors and dentists might suggest we'd all be better off if we skipped the sugary treats entirely, our approach to family dentistry involves more of what you might call a harm reduction model.

In other words, celebrate now; brush and floss thoroughly later...but not too much later!

5 Surprising Little Known Dental Facts

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're all about spreading awareness of good oral hygiene. You probably already know the basics: brush at least twice a day, floss regularly, and get to your dentist for checkups twice a year. Still, there's plenty of fascinating information about your teeth that eludes most people. Here are some great dental facts that everyone should know!

1. Tooth decay is the most common and widespread disease amongst human beings. It's the 2nd most common disease, behind the common cold, in the US alone, and 3 out of 4 Americans have some form of gum disease! Most don't know it.
2. Clean teeth can prevent heart attack! Studies have proven a link between gum disease and certain life threatening conditions such as lung disease, stroke, and even heart attack. Practicing good dental habits cuts back on risk. 
3. Most parents take their kids in for their first visit to the dentist at three, but children should have their first visit at age one. Babies begin to develop their primary teeth six weeks after conception!
4. The average brushing time is 48 seconds, but that doesn't cut it. Recommended brushing time is for 2  to 3 minutes.
5. Tooth brushes should be replaced at least every three months to prevent the buildup of bacteria. You should also replace it after a cold. Avoid placing a cap on your toothbrush becuse this actually has the opposite effect of keeping it clean. It makes it easier for bacteria to flourish in the enclosed environment.

Good dental hygiene requires proactive treatment. Since the vast majority of Americans have gum disease, make sure you're not one of them! Visit you dentist regularly, and make sure you're in good shape. Our specialists at Hamlin Dental are ready to take you and are the Dentists in Northridge that residents trust!

Be Happy, Smile Brightly!

At Hamlin Dental Group, we're proud to be the number one option for families looking for a gentle dentist throughout the San Fernando Valley. While our conservative, comfort-centric approach to family dentistry is perhaps our chief claim to fame, we're equally proud of the cosmetic dentistry that we perform on patients at every age. After all, scientific studies have shown that smiling brightly can go a long way toward making you feel happy...and at Hamlin, we're all about happiness!

At the University of Cardiff in Wales, a study was done that found people who were unable to frown due to Botox injections were happier on average than those who were able to frown. "It would appear that the way we feel emotions isn't just restricted to our brain - there are parts of our bodies that help and reinforce the feelings we're having," says Michael Lewis, a co-author of the study.

Of course one of the chief reasons a person might not smile is a lack of confidence in their teeth, which is why we're proud to offer teeth whitening, Invisalign® in North Hollywood, Van Nuys and Northridge, and other cosmetic options.We know that a bright, beautiful smile is a great way to boost confidence, and therefore boost smiles. Another great thing about smiling, it's contagious. So remember, every time you flash your pearly whites, you're passing on the happiness in your heart, and making the world a little brighter!

Tips For Avoiding Teeth Stains

At Hamlin Dental Group many patients ask us what foods and drinks stain their teeth the most in order to avoid them. We’d never encourage you to avoid any foods or beverages -but you can do some things to help fight stains. First of all, don't let stain-causing foods and drinks stay in your mouth for long. Instead, swallow and chew them quickly to help protect your teeth. It's also important to rinse and brush after eating.

Another tip is to use a straw to sip on some of these drinks. This way, the liquids are kept away from your teeth and reduce the risk of staining. While iced coffee and tea are easy to drink through a straw, hot beverages and wine are more difficult. Be sure to rinse with a sip of water in between and after drinking.

Tea has many great health benefits, but black teas and other dark-hued teas can cause teeth staining. Our dentist in North Hollywood says by adding some milk into these dark teas or sticking to green, white, or herbal teas to lessen the staining.

Berries like blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and other brightly colored fruits can stain teeth. The juices from berry pies or tarts can also cause discoloration. Our dentist in Northridge suggests opting for light colored grapes instead or just be sure to brush & floss because the acidic components can harm tooth enamel.

Who can resist a glass of red wine with a nice dinner? Just make sure to drink water and swoosh it around in your mouth in between sips, because the acidic content of red wine can cause staining and wear away tooth enamel.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing about your success stories regarding these tips!