All Posts in Category: Dental Blog

Oral cancer is not something most people think about often, but catching it early can make a huge difference in treatment and recovery. The tricky part is that the symptoms can be subtle, especially at the beginning. That is why it helps to know what to look for so you can bring anything unusual to your dentist’s attention.

Mouth Sores or Ulcers

One symptom people commonly overlook is a sore or ulcer in the mouth that does not heal. Most mouth sores heal within a week or two, so if something lingers for several weeks, it is worth getting checked.

Red or White Patches

Another sign is unexplained patches in the mouth. These can look white, red, or even a mixture of the two. They may not hurt, which is part of why people tend to ignore them, but they still need to be evaluated.

Throat Pain

Persistent throat discomfort is another symptom to pay attention to. If you frequently feel like you have something stuck in your throat or swallowing suddenly becomes difficult, this can be a warning sign.

Numbness

Numbness in the lip, tongue, or cheek area can also be associated with oral cancer. Many people assume numbness is temporary or related to biting the inside of the mouth, but if it lasts, it deserves a closer look.

Hoarse Voice

Chances in your voice, such as persistent hoarseness, are also worth noting. Sometimes this can be related to sinus issues, but if it stays for more than a couple of weeks, it should be evaluated.

The idea is not to scare yourself but to stay aware. Early detection truly saves lives, and regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to catch anything unusual early. You know your body better than anyone, so if something feels off, it is always better to ask.

Every year, a lot of people make resolutions about eating healthier, exercising more, or taking better care of themselves. One resolution that often gets overlooked is taking better care of your teeth. The truth is, starting early with a few simple habits can make a huge difference in the way your smile looks and feels in the months ahead.

Brushing Practices

A good place to start is brushing technique. Many people brush every day yet still struggle with plaque buildup because they brush too quickly or miss key areas. Try slowing down and brushing for the full two minutes. Make sure you gently clean along the gumline because plaque loves to hide there. Using a soft bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste can help protect your enamel while keeping everything clean.

Flossing Habits

Flossing is another habit that is easy to push aside, especially during the busy holiday months. But flossing is what removes buildup between teeth, where toothbrush bristles simply cannot reach. If you are not consistent with it, try floss picks or a water flosser. They are easy to use and great for people on the go.

Drinking more water throughout the day is another simple way to help your teeth. Water helps rinse away food particles and bacteria while also keeping your mouth hydrated. This is especially helpful after snacks or meals when you cannot brush right away.

Food Choices

It also helps to be aware of what you are snacking on. Sticky or sugary treats tend to hang around your teeth longer than you would think. Consider swapping in crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples or carrots, which naturally clean the surface of your teeth while you eat.

Finally, getting your regular cleaning on the schedule early in the year is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Professional cleanings remove tartar and buildup you cannot remove at home, and they help catch small concerns before they turn into larger issues.

If you can commit to just a few of these tips now, your smile will be in great shape long before the new year even begins.

If you have ever taken a sip of something cold or hot and felt a quick jolt of discomfort in your teeth, you are definitely not alone. Tooth sensitivity is incredibly common, but it can also be confusing because there are so many reasons why it happens. Think of sensitivity as your teeth’s way of trying to get your attention. They are telling you that something underneath the surface needs a little bit of care.

Enamel Wear

One of the most common causes is enamel wear. Enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth, and once it thins out, the layer underneath called dentin becomes more exposed. Dentin is full of tiny pathways that lead to the nerve of the tooth, which is why cold air or a spoonful of ice cream can suddenly feel uncomfortable. Enamel can wear down from brushing too hard, grinding your teeth at night, sipping acidic drinks frequently, or simply from natural aging.

Gum Recession

Gum recession is another sneaky culprit. When your gums pull back, even slightly, they expose the roots of your teeth. The roots do not have enamel, so they feel temperature changes much more intensely. This is one of the reasons dentists keep such a close eye on gum health during every checkup.

Cavities, Loose Fillings

Tooth sensitivity can also be related to issues like cavities, cracked teeth, loose fillings, or even recent dental treatments. Whitening treatments, for example, can temporarily increase sensitivity for some people. It is nothing to panic about, but it helps to understand why it happens.

If you are dealing with sensitivity, there are simple things you can do. Switching to a desensitizing toothpaste can make a real difference after a few weeks. Being gentler with your brushing and choosing a soft bristled toothbrush can protect your enamel. And if you notice gum recession or lingering pain, it is definitely worth mentioning to your dentist.

You do not have to live with sensitive teeth forever. Most causes can be managed or treated once you know what is going on. Sometimes a small change in your habits can make your smile feel a whole lot more comfortable.

When we think of holiday food, fruits and vegetables aren’t usually the first things that come to mind. Between pies, candies, and festive drinks, it’s easy to overlook the healthy options. But adding more fruits and vegetables to your holiday menu can help balance your diet and keep your teeth and gums in great shape.

Apples, Carrots, Celery

Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, and celery act almost like natural toothbrushes. Their firm texture helps scrub away plaque and stimulate saliva flow, which is your mouth’s natural defense against bacteria and acids. Even just munching on raw veggies during appetizers can make a noticeable difference.

Spinach, Kale

Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are packed with calcium and folic acid, both of which strengthen tooth enamel and support healthy gums. Adding a fresh salad to your dinner table not only brightens your plate but also benefits your oral health.

Vitamin C

Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, such as  oranges, strawberries, and kiwis, can also help by promoting healthy gum tissue and reducing inflammation. It is important to keep in mind that citrus fruits are acidic, so it’s best to rinse with water afterward to protect your enamel.

Another great tip is to choose fresh fruits over sticky or dried ones. Dried fruits like raisins and apricots can cling to your teeth, feeding bacteria that cause decay. Fresh fruits are a better choice because they don’t stick and contain more water to help rinse your mouth naturally.

Incorporating more fruits and vegetables doesn’t have to be boring. You can serve fruit skewers, make roasted veggie platters, or mix spinach into your holiday meal. These simple changes bring color, flavor, and nutrition to your table while keeping your smile healthy.

So while it’s perfectly fine to enjoy your favorite sweets, balance them out with a few teeth-friendly foods. Your smile will benefit and you can enjoy the holiday switch less oral health concerns.

For more tips on how to eat well to manage your oral health, visit Shervin Louie DDS, serving Los Angeles, Larchmont Village, and Hollywood for 30 years and counting.

With the holidays right around the corner, most of us are thinking about gifts, travel plans, and of course, all the delicious food we’ll be eating. But while we enjoy our favorite treats, it’s also the time of year when good flossing habits become extra important. Those festive snacks and sweets can easily find their way between teeth, where brushing alone can’t reach.

Keeping your smile feeling fresh and healthy through the season is always important, here are a few flossing tips that make a big difference.

Floss Before Bed

Flossing before bed is the most important time to do it because food particles left overnight can feed the bacteria that cause plaque buildup and bad breath. Even if you forget during the day, make sure you never skip the nighttime floss.

Gentle Flossing

Be gentle, many people floss too aggressively, thinking that harder pressure means a better clean. In reality, pressing too hard can irritate or even cut your gums. Slide the floss carefully between your teeth, and curve it in a “C” shape to clean along each side.

If you have trouble using traditional floss, try floss picks or a water flosser. They’re especially convenient during busy holiday travel when you might not have access to your full routine.

Maintain Consistency

The holidays tend to throw off our schedules, but keeping up with flossing can help prevent a post-holiday trip to the dentist. It only takes a minute or two, but it goes a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.

Remember, your Los Angeles dentist can always help you refine your flossing technique or recommend the right tools for your needs. A little extra care now will let you enjoy the holiday meals and sweets without worrying about lingering plaque or gum irritation later.

Schedule your regular cleaning at Shervin Louie DDS. Our practice has been proudly serving Larchmont Village, Hollywood, and Los Angeles for 30 years and counting.

It’s easy to assume that a bright, white smile automatically means your teeth are in perfect health. After all, most toothpaste commercials and social media posts make white teeth the ultimate sign of confidence and cleanliness. But here’s the truth: while white teeth can look great, they aren’t always a reliable indicator of how healthy your teeth actually are.

A patient can have naturally darker or yellowish teeth and still have strong enamel, healthy gums, and no cavities. The natural color of teeth varies from person to person depending on genetics, enamel thickness, and even diet. Some people’s teeth are more ivory than white, and that’s completely normal.

Looks Do Not Always Tell the Full Story

On the other hand, someone with very white teeth might have issues that aren’t visible on the surface. For example, teeth can appear bright but still have enamel erosion, gum disease, or even cavities forming underneath. Whitening treatments only change the color of your enamel; they don’t strengthen your teeth or treat any underlying conditions.

It’s also worth noting that over-whitening can sometimes make teeth more sensitive. If whitening products are used too often or incorrectly, they can wear down enamel, which is the protective outer layer of your teeth. Once enamel is worn away, it doesn’t grow back.

Areas to Closely Monitor

So, instead of focusing only on color, it’s better to look at the bigger picture of oral health. Are your gums pink and firm, not red or puffy? Do your teeth feel smooth and clean, not rough or sensitive? Are you keeping up with regular dental checkups and cleanings? Those signs tell you more about your dental health than the shade of your smile.

Of course, if you love having a whiter smile, that’s perfectly fine, but make sure your whitening routine is done safely and supported by a good daily hygiene routine along with visits to your Los Angeles dentist. White teeth can be beautiful, but healthy teeth are the real goal.

For more information on teeth whitening in Los Angeles, visit Shervin Louie DDS, serving the Larchmont Village neighborhood of Los Angeles for 30 years.

Tooth sensitivity can make eating, drinking, and even breathing in cold air uncomfortable. Fortunately, desensitizing toothpaste provides an effective, affordable, and non-invasive way to manage this issue and improve daily comfort.

Protect Exposed Dentin

One of the primary benefits of desensitizing toothpaste is its ability to block pain signals. These toothpastes contain active ingredients such as potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride, which work by calming the nerves inside your teeth or forming a protective barrier over exposed dentin. With consistent use, patients often notice significant improvements in sensitivity within a few weeks.

Protection Against Decay and Erosion

Another benefit is the added protection against tooth decay and erosion. Many desensitizing toothpastes are also formulated with fluoride, which strengthens enamel and reduces the risk of cavities. This dual action—reducing sensitivity while protecting against further damage—makes them an ideal choice for patients with weakened enamel or exposed roots.

Integration with Your Oral Hygiene Routine

Desensitizing toothpaste also offers a convenient and cost-effective solution. Unlike dental procedures, it can be used at home as part of your regular oral hygiene routine without requiring special appointments or treatments. For patients with mild to moderate sensitivity, this simple adjustment can make a dramatic difference in comfort.

Cosmetic Treatments

In addition, these toothpastes can help patients who have recently undergone dental procedures, such as whitening, fillings, or crowns, which sometimes lead to temporary sensitivity. By incorporating a desensitizing product into their routine, patients can ease discomfort and protect their smile while their teeth adjust.

While desensitizing toothpaste can provide long-lasting relief, it’s also important to remember that persistent sensitivity may be a symptom of a deeper issue, such as gum recession, cavities, or cracked teeth. Using the toothpaste daily can reduce discomfort, but patients should also consult a dentist to rule out underlying conditions.

Overall, desensitizing toothpaste is a simple yet powerful tool that improves quality of life, making it easier to enjoy hot, cold, or sweet foods without hesitation while improving long-term oral health.

Many patients notice a little bleeding in their gums when brushing or flossing and assume it is not a serious issue. However, gum bleeding is never something to ignore. It often signals irritation, inflammation, or the early stages of gum disease—and addressing it quickly can make a big difference for your oral health.

Oral Hygiene

The first step when you experience gum bleeding is to evaluate your oral hygiene routine. Bleeding gums may occur if plaque buildup has irritated the gum tissue. Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing gently but consistently can reduce inflammation and restore gum health. Avoid brushing too hard, as aggressive scrubbing can worsen bleeding.

Next, consider lifestyle factors that may be contributing. Smoking, poor diet, and stress can all weaken gum tissue and increase the risk of bleeding. Increasing water intake, eating vitamin-rich foods, and quitting tobacco can improve gum strength over time.

Schedule an Appointment

If gum bleeding continues for more than a week, schedule a dental appointment. Persistent bleeding may indicate gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, which can progress if untreated. Your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning to remove tartar buildup, which cannot be addressed with at-home care alone. In some cases, deep cleaning treatments such as scaling and root planing may be necessary to treat gum inflammation below the surface.

It’s also important to remember that bleeding gums can sometimes be linked to underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, blood disorders, or vitamin deficiencies. A dental professional can help identify whether your gum health issues require medical follow-up.

The key is to act quickly. Catching the cause of bleeding early ensures treatment is simple, effective, and far less invasive than managing advanced gum disease later.

Gum disease often develops quietly, and many of its early warning signs are so subtle that patients dismiss them as minor or temporary issues. However, overlooking these indicators can allow the condition to progress into more serious stages, which can contribute to tooth loss or systemic health problems. Being aware of the lesser-known warning signs can help you take action before it’s too late.

Bad Breath

One commonly overlooked sign is persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. While many people assume this is caused by food, poor oral hygiene, or digestive issues, it can also indicate bacteria accumulating under the gumline. If breath mints or frequent brushing don’t solve the problem, gum disease may be the culprit.

Gum Recession

Another subtle sign is gum recession. Gums that slowly pull back from the teeth may not be painful at first, but this change exposes tooth roots, making them more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. Many patients assume gum recession is just a natural part of aging, but it’s often an early symptom of periodontal disease.

Misalignment

Additionally, changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite may be related to gum disease. If your teeth suddenly feel misaligned, or if dental restorations like crowns or bridges no longer fit comfortably, it may be due to weakening bone and gum support caused by infection.

Even tooth sensitivity can be a hidden warning sign. Patients often attribute sensitivity to enamel wear or cavities, but inflamed gums and exposed roots are another common cause.

Recognizing these subtle issues and consulting your dentist early can prevent gum disease from advancing to the stage where teeth and bone are compromised. Professional cleanings, scaling, and ongoing gum therapy can restore health to your smile when treatment begins promptly.

If you’re considering professional teeth whitening, this question may come up: How much brighter will my teeth be afterward? The answer depends on a few factors, including the whitening method used, your natural tooth color, and your lifestyle habits following the procedure.

Our trusted Los Angeles dentist who has been serving the surrounding communities for over 30 years, helps patients achieve stunning results with customized whitening treatments designed to meet their individual goals.

Expected Whitening Results

Professional in-office whitening treatments can typically brighten teeth by six to eight shades in a single session. Some patients may even see results up to ten shades lighter, depending on their starting point and the nature of their stains.

Common external stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco usually respond very well to whitening. However, internal discoloration from medications or trauma may require additional cosmetic treatments such as veneers or bonding.

What Affects Your Whitening Outcome?

Starting Shade

If your teeth are only mildly discolored, the difference may be more difficult to notice. The more stained your teeth are initially, the larger the difference in results. 

Enamel Thickness

Thicker enamel tends to whiten more effectively than thinner enamel, which may show more of the underlying dentin (a naturally yellower layer beneath the enamel).

Post-Whitening Habits

What you eat and drink in the first 48 to 72 hours after your whitening treatment significantly impacts your results. Avoiding foods that stain—such as red sauces, dark berries, coffee, and wine—is essential. Sticking to a “white diet” can help lock in the brightness achieved during your appointment.

Maintaining Your Brighter Smile

• To extend your whitening results, Dr. Louie recommends:
• Using a whitening toothpaste or touch-up trays at home
• Rinsing or brushing after consuming staining foods or drinks

Scheduling regular cleanings and check-ups

With professional teeth whitening, you can expect your smile to become several shades brighter—often in just one visit. But maintaining those results requires care, especially in the days immediately following treatment. Dr. Shervin Louie combines decades of cosmetic dentistry experience with personalized care to help you achieve and maintain a luminous, confident smile. Whether you are in Los Angeles, Larchmont Village, or Hollywood and beyond, schedule your whitening consultation today to see how bright your smile can truly be.