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562-860-6626

13017 Artesia Blvd, Suite D120, Cerritos, CA 90703

Dentist Cerritos

Jesmine Boghawala DDS

10929 South St #110B

Cerritos, CA 90703

 (562) 860-6626

Which Stains Can Teeth Whitening Remove?

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Stains are a common dental issue due the natural wear and tear your teeth endure. This can be exacerbated by poor lifestyle habits, such as an unhealthy diet, poor oral hygiene, and smoking. Despite how common stains are, they can cause a lot of embarrassment and make people feel self-conscious. The good news is that there are effective ways to improve the shade of your smile. A healthy oral care routine and professional teeth whitening can help you achieve your desired smile. You may wonder, which stains can teeth whitening remove?

Types of Teeth Stains

There are two main types of teeth stains, including extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Consider the differences between each type of stain below.

Extrinsic Stains:

These are superficial stains that affect your enamel, the outermost layer of your tooth. Extrinsic stains are surface stains that are often caused by your diet and poor lifestyle habits, such as smoking. They often cause discoloration that appears yellow or brown and can impact the appearance of your smile.

Intrinsic Stains:

This type of stain impacts your dentin, the middle layer of your teeth. Intrinsic stains are much deeper than extrinsic stains and are caused by different things. Common causes of intrinsic stains include the natural aging process, excessive fluoride exposure, trauma, or certain medications. They often appear a yellow, brown, gray, or orange color and can severely impact your smile.

Which Stains Can Teeth Whitening Remove?

Teeth whitening can address both types of stains, including extrinsic and intrinsic. Teeth whitening can be highly beneficial for both in terms of improving the look of your smile. Extrinsic stains are much easier to address with teeth whitening. You may need multiple treatments depending on your shade goals, but it is possible to achieve a whiter smile with a professional teeth whitening treatment if you have intrinsic stains.

Extrinsic stains are slightly harder to address depending on their severity. Extrinsic stains can be addressed with professional teeth whitening, but it may take a series of treatments to achieve a white smile. However, severe extrinsic stains may require a different type of treatment in addition to whitening. Alternative treatments to treat discoloration include veneers, crowns, or dental bonding. A dentist in Cerritos skilled in cosmetic dentistry can create a treatment plan that’s right for you based on your unique goals.

Stain Prevention Tips

Teeth whitening treatments can be beneficial in improving the look of your smile. However, you need to maintain your oral health to keep your teeth white, consider the following tips to help preserve your whitening treatment and prevent stains.

  • Consistent Daily Oral Care Routine: Maintaining a consistent daily oral care routine is critical when it comes to your oral health and keeping your teeth white. This includes brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes. It’s important to floss at least once a day. If you only floss once, it’s important to floss at night. Having a clean mouth before you go to bed can help reduce your risk for harmful dental issues.
  • Regular Dental Visits: Regular dental visits are important for your oral health, but they can also help improve the look of your smile. It is recommended that adults get a teeth cleaning in Cerritos at least every six months.
  • Healthy Diet: Eating a diet that is filled with fruits, vegetables, and healthy proteins can be beneficial. Avoid foods that are highly processed or high in sugar due to the harmful effects it can have on your oral health. These foods not only impact your oral health, but can also cause discoloration.

Why Do Kids Fear the Dentist? How to Help Them Overcome It

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It is completely normal for children to have some fear or anxiety about the dentist. While some anxiety is normal, you may wonder, why do kids fear the dentist? How to help them overcome it and help your child feel prepared and confident is important. Consider the following tips before your child’s next dentist appointment.

Why Do Kids Fear the Dentist? How to Help Them Overcome It

Anxiety about the dentist is pretty normal as many people experience it. Roughly 9% of the population dreads going to the dentist. So, it makes sense why children may not like going to the dentist. Whether it’s having things in their mouth, the sounds, and even the smells, the dentist can be overwhelming in the beginning. Consider the following tips to ensure your child overcomes their dental fear.

Begin Early:

It is recommended that children see the dentist when their first tooth erupts, or when they turn 1 (whichever comes first). This is helpful as you can get them used to the dentist before they can develop any fear or anxiety around the appointment. Familiarizing your child with the sounds, sights, and feelings that come with a dental visit can be highly beneficial for their long-term oral health.

Find A Pediatric Dentist:

Pediatric dentists are not only skilled in pediatric dentistry, but they know how to work with children’s unique complexities. Children can be energetic, scared, excited, and even cry during their appointment. A pediatric dentist in Cerritos is well aware of the ways in which children can respond during their dental appointment, and how to manage those big emotions accordingly.

Be Clear, But Brief:

Avoid providing too much information. Give them age appropriate information about their dental visit. Let them know what will happen (x-rays, cleaning, oral exam) and how long it will take. This can help them feel somewhat in control on the day of their appointment.

Read Dental Books:

Find a fun book about going to the dentist that is age appropriate. It is even better if you can find a book about their favorite character going to the dentist. Reading this well in advance before they go to the dentist can help build a strong sense of familiarity once it’s their turn to go to the general dentist in Cerritos.

Field Trip:

One way to get your child familiar with the dentist’s office is to go there. Talk with the receptionist and see if you can swing by before the appointment to familiarize your child with the office. Most pediatric dental offices have child-friendly waiting rooms that can get your child excited to get to their dentist appointment early!

Stay Calm and Relax:

If your child is worried about the dentist, stay calm. Avoid getting flustered or anxious yourself as it can rub off on your child. Additionally, utilize relaxation techniques to help your child calm down. Deep breathing and listening to soothing sounds on the way there can be really helpful.

Positive Reinforcement:

While some parents may use bribery, try and use positive reinforcement to encourage your child before and after their dental appointment. This can help build their confidence and self-esteem, in addition to helping them feel better about their next dental appointment. While bribes aren’t something you want to begin using, you can schedule something your child can look forward to after their appointment to help keep their spirits up.

Educate Them:

Helping your child feel comfortable at the dentist can take some effort. Let your child know the importance of their oral health and how the dentist can help keep them healthy. This can help them understand why they need to go to their appointment and stay consistent with their daily oral care routine.

6 Tips for Your First Week of Invisalign

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Having a nice, straight smile is something everyone desires. It can help you feel more confident, smile more, and even improve your oral health. For those who are considering orthodontic treatment, Invisalign is highly effective. The treatment is smooth, fast, and offers amazing results. Below you will find the top 6 tips for your first week of Invisalign treatment.

6 Tips for Your First Week of Invisalign

Consider the following tips to try during your first week of Invisalign treatment. These can help you seamlessly transition into your treatment plan.

Protect Your Tongue:

As you get used to Invisalign, you may notice that the plastic edges of your aligners cause sores on your tongue and other areas of your mouth. Your mouth will eventually get acclimated to the trays, but it can be helpful to use Invisalign wax to cover any sharp edges or rough spots. If the sores are exceptionally painful and the wax does not help, contact your dentist in Cerritos. They can help determine if there’s an issue with your aligners. In the meantime, use a peroxide-based mouthwash to regularly rinse out your mouth. This can help heal any minor irritations and provide your gums with some needed relief.

Address Any Pain or Discomfort:

Getting used to your aligners will take some time so it’s important to be patient and care for your mouth as needed. The first week may include some pain or discomfort, but this should subside as you continue with treatment. Chewing exercises can be really helpful in the beginning as they can have a massage effect on your gums and act as a natural pain reliever.

Monitor Your Daily Wear Time:

Your aligners need to be worn for 22 hours each day. This means you should only take them out to eat, drink (anything besides plain, room temperature water), and care for your teeth. This can be difficult in the beginning, but it’s important to stick to the schedule to ensure you stay on your treatment timeline. It’s helpful to monitor your daily wear time by tracking when you have your aligners out. If you notice that you don’t have them in for the recommended amount of time then create a schedule for your meals and oral care routine.

Safely Remove Aligners:

Removing your aligners in a safe and effective way is necessary to preserve your trays and avoid getting any harmful bacteria in your mouth. There are aligner removal tools that are small and can easily fit in your aligner case. These can help keep your mouth free from bacteria and help you avoid any issues if you try to pry them out with your own fingers.

Clean Your Trays:

Cleaning aligner trays is an integral component of your Invisalign in Cerritos journey. Because they are so form-fitting, dirty aligners can impact your oral health. This can cause unwanted dental issues and extend your treatment timeline. Clean your trays daily while you brush and floss your teeth for optimal convenience. You should also clean your aligner tray as they should be placed in a clean, dry container when you are not using them.

Maintain Your Oral Care Routine:

Your aligners stay on your teeth for the vast majority of your time. So it proves important to stay consistent with your daily oral care routine. This includes brushing at least twice a day for two minutes with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing at least once a day, and regularly visiting the dentist. Be sure and attend all of your regular checkups and Invisalign treatment appointments so your dentist can monitor your progress.

Tips for Improving Your Braces Treatment

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It’s important to care for your oral health during braces treatment. There are a number of ways to ensure your treatment is effective and that you stay on your treatment timeline. Each patient is uniquely different so it’s important to consult with your orthodontist about how to ensure your braces treatment goes as planned. However, there are some basic tips that can help you achieve your desired smile. Consider the following tips for improving your braces treatment!

Tips for Improving Your Braces Treatment

Braces are an effective orthodontic treatment option. It can address a variety of dental issues and leave you with a beautiful smile. Consider the following tips for improving your braces treatment.

Follow Your Orthodontist’s Braces Treatment Instructions

While this may seem intuitive, many people forget to follow their orthodontist’s instructions for the duration of their braces treatment. This can impact the success of your treatment, in addition to possibly extending your treatment timeline. Because each patient is different, your treatment instructions will be catered to your unique needs. This is especially helpful as any issues that arise can be modified at your regular checkup appointments.

Consistent and Effective Daily Oral Care Routine

Braces can make your oral care routine a little longer as you’ll need to pay close attention to all of the hard-to-reach places between your teeth and gums. It is imperative that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes. Most dental professionals recommend brushing after every time you eat. Leftover food debris can combine with harmful bacteria and cause oral health issues. Despite having braces, you still need to floss every day. Keeping your teeth clean and your braces free from debris is necessary to avoid oral health issues that can derail your braces treatment. Talk with your orthodontist in Cerritos to determine what oral care products are right for you.

Attend Your Dental Appointments

Assessing your progress is necessary to ensure that your braces treatment is going as expected. This is why it’s important to attend your regularly scheduled dental appointments during your braces treatment. Your appointments may entail a number of things, including replacing the rubber ties that hold your wires into place, removing your wires, and placing new rubber bands onto your braces. The orthodontist will also assess your progress and adjust your treatment as necessary. Avoid skipping or rescheduling your dental appointments during braces treatment if possible.

Retainer Use Post-Braces Treatment

Braces treatment doesn’t end when you get them taken off. In fact, the aftercare is just as important as your actual braces treatment when it comes to preserving your results. Wearing your retainer is a crucial component of your orthodontic journey. If you don’t, your teeth begin to immediately shift back into the position they were pre-braces treatment. This can happen fairly quickly and some people even need to get braces or other orthodontic treatment again. Avoid this by wearing your retainer for the recommended amount of time.

Braces Treatment in Cerritos

If you are unhappy with the look of your smile, consider braces treatment. Braces can address a number of dental issues, including issues with your bite, jaw alignment, and crooked or overcrowded teeth. There are a number of orthodontic options that can be used to address these issues. The type of treatment depends on your unique dental issues. Invisalign, ceramic, lingual, metal, or even invisible braces can be used.

The team at Jesmine Boghawala DDS has helped patients achieve their desired smile through orthodontic treatment. They are also skilled in general dental care in Cerritos. Contact their office today to schedule an appointment!

Dental Anxiety and Phobia Differences

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Dental anxiety impacts millions of people in the United States. While many people have dental anxiety, some people have a serious fear of the dentist that rises to a phobia. For those who have either, it can result in skipping the dentist. There are serious consequences to avoiding the dentist. In fact, poor oral health not only impacts your mouth but it can also impact your overall health. Consider the following dental anxiety and phobia differences, and why you shouldn’t let your fears impact your health.

Dental Anxiety and Phobia Differences

Dental anxiety and dental phobia are often used interchangeably. They can both result in people avoiding the dentist. While there are some similarities, there are unique differences between the two. Below you will find more information about the key differences between dental anxiety and dental phobia.

Dental Anxiety

Anxiety around going to the dentist is really common. In fact, more than one-third of Americans have dental anxiety. This can be due to a number of issues such as a fear of needles, discomfort with having dental tools in your mouth, the sound of the dental tools, or even some of the smells associated with the dentist. Because being in the dental chair can be vulnerable, it’s understandable that some people may feel uneasy about their next dental appointment.

Dental anxiety can be minor or severe. For some people, they may feel some uneasiness right before their appointment. However, in more severe cases, it may cause other people to avoid their appointment altogether. If you have postponed going to the dentist for more than six months due to dental anxiety, it’s time to address your dental anxiety. Talk with your dentist about your options so you never avoid the dentist again.

Dental Phobia

Dental phobia is a more intense form of dental anxiety. Unlike dental anxiety, a dental phobia can be pervasive and it is much less common. The issue is characterized by really strong feelings of being both overwhelmed and terrified. For many people, their dental phobia was caused by a traumatic issue. This is completely understandable as traumatic experiences can leave a serious imprint on you. However, avoiding the dentist due to your dental phobia can be harmful to your oral health and overall health.

Understanding if you actually have dental phobia is an important step when it comes to your oral health journey. Signs that you may have dental phobia include feeling intensely nervous in the days and hours before your appointment. In severe cases it can also include feeling physically ill, an inability to eat or sleep, intense emotions or crying, and even having trouble breathing. A dental phobia can be very impactful on your health so it’s important to prioritize addressing the issue.

Sedation Dentistry in Cerritos

There are a number of ways to address your mindset around the dentist. Talk therapy, bringing a friend, and even mindfulness can all help alleviate your strong feelings and help you relax. However, it can take some time to fully process your dental anxiety or phobia. In the meantime, you need to visit the dentist in order to ensure your rural health stays in good shape.

Patients who have dental anxiety or dental phobias can benefit from sedation dentistry in Cerritos. Sedation dentistry comes in a number of forms, including oral conscious sedation and IV sedation. The type of sedation that is right for you will depend on your unique needs. The first step in seeing if sedation dentistry is right for you is by setting up an appointment. You can talk with your dentist in Cerritos about the issue to see if sedation dentistry is right for you.

 

562-860-6626

13017 Artesia Blvd, Suite D120
Cerritos, CA 90703


Office Hours
Monday: 9AM-6PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 9AM-6PM
Thursday: 9AM-6PM
Friday: 9AM-6PM
Saturday: By Appointment
Sunday: Closed

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Jesmine Boghawala DDS
10929 South St #110B
Cerritos, CA 90703
Phone: 562.860.6626
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri - 10:00AM - 7:00PM
Sat by Appt.