What is coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). COVID-19 is the disease caused…
General Health
Is Your Breath Cringe-Worthy?
Categories: General Health
It’s common for people to wake up sometimes with foul morning breath. It’s not normal, however, for a people to cringe, wince, or cover their nose when you’re talking to them. No one wants to be that person with chronic bad breath — but what if you didn’t realize your breath is buzz-killing every social…
The Chronic Childhood Condition That’s 100% Preventable
Categories: General Health
Did you know that cavities are four times more common than childhood asthma? Did you also know that 20% of children ages 5 to 11 have untreated tooth decay? Tooth decay the most common chronic condition in children — and it’s 100% preventable! Influencing Factors of Childhood Decay You may have heard that bad teeth…
5 Holiday Indulgences That May Not Be Worth the Cavities They Cause
Categories: General Health
‘Tis the season to throw caution out the window and indulge in goodies we would normally skip during the rest of the year. This is understandable given the sweets and other delicacies that are offered at parties and gatherings during the holidays. But consider yourself forewarned that too much of a good thing can turn…
The Different Colors of a Cavity and What They Mean
Categories: General Health, Modern Dentistry
When many of us think of a cavity, we think of it as being brown and ugly. But did you know that a cavity can form in a variety of colors. That’s right! A cavity’s color can range from white to black — and even yellow. And, it’s all dependent upon bacteria, the level of…
27% of People Say They’d Rather Clean a Toilet Than Do This For Their Oral Health
Categories: Dental Stories, General Health
Here’s the thing: Patients tend to stretch the truth when they visit their doctor or dentist. You know it and we know it. It’s really not all that surprising. But what is surprising is the consistency of the types of fibs patients like to tell. A national survey conducted for the American Academy of Periodontology…
Good Dental Hygiene During the Holidays
Categories: General Health, Oral Hygiene
Happy Holidays from the staff at Sherman Oaks Dentistry! The holiday season is a great time to spend time with loved ones while spreading holiday cheer through charity work and gift giving. It’s a time to eat, drink, and be merry. But of course, much of that eating and many of the gifts you will…
Evidence of the Importance of Good Dental Hygiene
Categories: General Health, Oral Hygiene
As National Dental Hygiene month concludes, we’d like to bring your attention to a couple of studies that reinforces the importance of good dental hygiene. The first study was conducted in 2010 by researchers from NYU. They determined that there is a link between Alzheimer’s disease and gum inflammation. Though the study was relatively small,…
Infection Control Practices and Cleanliness
Dear patients, Many patients ask and wonder about cleanliness at their dental office, and some express concerns that in today’s world, they worry about the cleanliness and safeness of places they visit, particularly dental and medical offices, and their sterilization and cleanliness procedures. My staff and I want to put your minds at ease and…
What to Watch for to Prevent Periodontal Disease
If you have bleeding gums, or feel pain or even discomfort in your gums, you may have periodontal disease. We’re learning more about this common infection all the time, and I wanted to pass along some of the latest findings. It should help you understand why I think it’s so important that we take action…