Check us out on Orange Coast Magazine

22 Players with the Worst Teeth in Hockey History | Bleacher Report

22 Players with the Worst Teeth in Hockey History | Bleacher Report

Need A sports Guard!
Sportsguards by HealthySmile360 are custom fit for all sports including football, basketball, hockey, baseball, boxing and other sports.

Some Advise for The Holidays

As each October creeps up on Cindy Flanagan, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), her mind always wanders to the amount of sweets both children and adults will be consuming during the last few months of the year.

"Too many sweets can cause a spooky mouth," says Dr. Flanagan. "People have the tendency to graze on the sugary treats lying around the house during the holidays, and this increases the likelihood of cavities."

Dr. Flanagan knows that candy consumption is almost unavoidable at this time of the year, so she's offering some advice as to which sweets are less damaging to your teeth than others.

The Good:

1.Sugar-free lollipops and hard candies: These treats stimulate saliva, which prevents dry mouth. A dry mouth allows plaque to build up on teeth faster, leading to an increased risk of cavities.
2.Sugar-free gum: Chewing gum can actually prevent cavities, not only because it helps to dislodge food particles from the teeth, but also because it increases saliva. Saliva works to neutralize the acids of the mouth and prevent tooth decay.
3.Dark chocolate: Chocolates are loaded with sugar, but studies have shown that the antioxidants in dark chocolate can be good for the heart and may even lower blood pressure. Just be sure to eat it in moderation.


The Bad:

1.Sugary snacks: Candy corn, cookies, and cake all contain a high amount of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
2.Chewy/sticky sweets: Gummy candies, taffy, and even dried fruit can be difficult for children and adults to resist, but they are a serious source of tooth decay, particularly when they get stuck in the crevices between teeth and make it nearly impossible for saliva to wash away.
3.Sour candies: High acid levels in these treats can break down tooth enamel quickly. The good news: Saliva slowly helps to restore the natural balance of the acid in the mouth. Dr. Flanagan recommends that patients wait 30 minutes to brush their teeth after consuming acidic foods or drinks, otherwise they will be brushing acid onto more tooth surfaces, increasing the erosive action.


So this Halloween season, try not to overdo the sweets. And, that goes for the little ones, too. "Parents, remember: A proper oral hygiene routine for your little ghosts or goblins is essential to maintaining good oral health all year-round," says Dr. Flanagan.

www.Healthysmile360.com
Michael Mostofi D.D.S.
15 Mareblu #360
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Straightening Teeth In 8-12 Weeks?

The Inman Aligner - what is it?

The Inman Aligner is a fast and simple way of straightening crooked front teeth, for both top and bottom jaws.

In essence, it's a removable brace that applies continuous gentle pressure to straighten up your front teeth.

The initial treatment can usually be completed in 8-12 weeks and minor crowding can be corrected in 8 weeks or less. It is one of the most exciting breakthroughs in recent years in terms of orthadontics.

Latest News Healthy Smile, Healthy Heart?

http://video.foxnews.com/v/4503997/healthy-smile-healthy-heart-/
Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Making it easy for our patients to communicate with us

We have made a few changes to the look of our email patient communication system. We are confident that these changes will not only improve our level of service, but also our ability to communicate even more effectively with you. One of the most significant additions is the ability for you to provide feedback to us following your appointment. We appreciate your patronage and invite you to communicate with us online any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. With our new system, you will be able to:


Receive Email Appointment Reminders
Confirm Appointments via Text Message
Request Appointments Online
Receive Exclusive Specials & Promotions
Refer Friends & Family
and more

Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Cavities Are Contagious

Did you ever think a cavity could be contagious? According to two studies, cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth can be transmitted from person to person.

"Particularly, the easiest way to catch a cavity is when a mother is feeding a child," Dr. Irwin Smigel, creator of Supersmile, told AOL Health. The mother will taste the food to check the temperature and then continue feeding the child. "Immediately, that's how kids get cavities," he says.

Kissing between couples can also cause the spread of harmful bacteria. Smigel has seen many patients, particularly women, who have clean, healthy mouths, discover a cavity or two after entering into a relationship with a man who has cavities, gum disease or hasn't been to the dentist in several years.

Dr.Michael Mostfi
www.Healthysmile360.com
Aliso Viejo Ca 92656

Pregnancy Gingivitis: What Every Expectant Mother Should Know

http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk for developing oral health problems like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums) and periodontitis (gum disease). As a result of varying hormone levels, between 50%-70% of women will develop gingivitis sometime during their pregnancy - a condition called pregnancy gingivitis.

The hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy - especially the increased level of progesterone - may make it easier for certain gingivitis-causing bacteria to grow as well as make gum tissue more sensitive to plaque and exaggerate the body's response to the toxins (poisons) that result from plaque. In fact, if you already have significant gum disease, being pregnant may make it worse.

Dr.Michael Mostofi

HEALTHY SMILE 360

15 Mareblu, Suite 360
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

Take care of teeth — and toothbrushes

Some advice: Don't cover up brushes between uses. Allow them to air-dry instead. Bacteria and other organisms will grow faster on bristles kept in a closed, damp environment.

Rinse them thoroughly. After each use, hold brushes under running tap water until you've cleaned off all remaining toothpaste and visible debris.

Store them correctly. Place brushes in an upright position to best air them out. Also keep them at least 6 feet away from a toilet to avoid contamination with (yuck) airborne particles after a flush.

Don't share brushes. You'll be swapping germs with the other user, which can make you sick. If you store more than one brush in the same container, keep their heads completely separated.

Replace them often. Get a new brush at least once every three or four months, and after each time you've been sick, according to the American Dental Association, or ADA. If bristles look worn or frayed, the brush needs to go. Children may need replacements more often than adults.

Consider disinfecting them. Some dentists recommend soaking brushes in an antibacterial mouthwash such as Listerine for five minutes a day. You also can buy an ADA-approved sanitizer machine, which uses ultraviolet lamps or steam and dry heat to fry nearly all bacteria and viruses. Just note: Studies to date haven't confirmed a health benefit, and not all dentists believe frequent disinfecting is necessary



From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110303/LIFESTYLE03/103030318/Take-care-of-teeth-—-and-toothbrushes#ixzz1FtbUeQKH

5 Reasons to use Your Dental Insurance Before the End of the Year

Did you know that you could actually save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? While some dental insurance plans run on a fiscal year, most run on a calendar year. If your dental insurance plan is on a calendar year, these 5 reasons will show you why you should make a dental appointment now.
1. Yearly Maximum
The yearly maximum is the most money that the dental insurance plan will pay for your dental work within one full year. This amount varies by insurance company, but the average is around $1,000 per year, per person. The yearly maximum usually renews every year (on January 1 if your plan is on a calendar year). If you have unused benefits, these will not rollover.
2. Deductible
The deductible is the amount of money that you must pay to your dentist out of pocket before your insurance company will pay for any services. This fee varies from one plan to another and could be higher if you choose an out-of-network dentist. However, the average deductible for a dental insurance plan is usually around $50 per year. Your deductible also starts again when your plan rolls over.
3. Premiums
If you are paying your dental insurance premiums every month, you should be using your benefits. Even if you don’t need any dental treatment, you should always have your regular dental cleanings to help prevent and detect any early signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer and other dental problems.
4. Fee Increases
Another reason to use your benefits before the end of the year are possible fee increases. Some dentists raise their rates at the beginning of the year due to the increased cost of living, materials and equipment. A fee increase can also make your copay higher.
5. Dental Problems Can Worsen
By delaying dental treatment, you are risking more extensive and expensive treatment down the road. What may be a simple cavity now, could turn into a root canal later.

Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511

Whiten Your Teeth Now for a Dazzling Summer Smile

Summer is fast approaching, and people everywhere are getting ready to look their best in the sun. For some, that means working on a tan. Others are focused on toning and improving their bodies. However, your smile is just as important to your appearance as your skin and body. Whitening your teeth for a dazzling smile can make a big difference in both how you look and how confident you feel.




Zoom Whitening For Only $199

Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511

9 Reasons to Suspect It May Be More Than Just Snoring

9 Reasons to Suspect It May Be More Than Just Snoring







Sure snoring isn't sexy, but it can also be an indication of a more serious medical problem called Obstructive Sleep Apnea. In people with sleep apnea, the throat collapses during sleep cutting off the flow of oxygen. 90% of people who have sleep apnea are not aware of it. Usually its the bed partner who notices the signs of apnea so check with your bed partner.

Obstructive Sleep Apnea occurs more often in people who are overweight, over age 35 and in men (although this may be just because women have been under reported).
Reason 1: Excessive daytime sleepiness

If you tend to drowse off while sitting quietly at home, at work, on the phone or while driving, it could be a sign that you are not getting refreshing sleep at night.
Reason 2: Loud snoring

Almost all people who have sleep apnea snore but not everyone who snores has sleep apnea. Loud snoring also interferes with a bed partner's sleep and can cause high blood pressure.
Reason 3: Cessation of breathing

Your sleeping partner may notice frequent times through the night when you stop breathing. his can occur for a little as 5 times an hour to more than 50 times an hour. The number of times you stop breathing wll determine whether you have mild apnea or severe apnea.
Reason 4: Gasping or choking while sleeping

When the throat collapses during sleep, the brain forces you to partially awaken to breathe. This can happen many times during an hour and keep you from getting the deep sleep you need.
Reason 5: Feeling unrefreshed in the morning

Because you are not getting the sleep you need, you may feel more tired in the morning after a night's sleep than you did the night before. THis can also cause problems with memory, concentration and personality changes.
Reason 6: Heartburn or a sour taste in the morning or at night

Many people with sleep apnea regurgitate stomach acid while sleeping. This is known as GERD and can cause problems with your esophagus and your teeth.
Reason 7: Headaches, sore throat or dry mouth in the morning

Almost half the people with sleep apnea have headaches due to a poor night's sleep.
Reason 8: Sexual dysfunction

It's true! Obstructive sleep apnea sufferers may experience a lack of sexual desire because of fatigue. In men, sleep apnea can be a cause of ED.
Reason 9: Sweating and chest pain at night

Cardiac deaths occur in the early morning hours with people who suffer from sleep apnea.

Something else you should be aware of - shirt collar size is a good indicator of sleep apnea especially in people with high blood pressure and those who awake gasping and choking at night. If you are a woman and have a neck size of 16 inches or more, or you are a man with a shirt collar neck size of 17 inches or more and have any of the above reasons to be concerned, please check with your doctor.


Dr.Michael Mostofi
Aliso Viejo Dentist
www.HealthySmile360.com
949-831-5511

Zoom! Whitening

What is Zoom! tooth whitening?

Zoom! is a bleaching process that lightens discoloration of enamel and dentin. You may have seen the Zoom! process used on ABC’s Extreme Makeover.


How long does Zoom! Chairside Whitening take?
The complete procedure takes less than an hour. The procedure begins with a preparation period followed as little as by 45 minutes of bleaching. (A cleaning is recommended prior to the actual Zoom! whitening session.)

How does the Zoom! In-office system work?
The Zoom! light activated whitening gel’s active ingredient is Hydrogen Peroxide. As the Hydrogen Peroxide is broken down, oxygen enters the enamel and dentin, bleaching colored substances while the structure of the tooth is unchanged. The Zoom! light aids in activating the hydrogen peroxide and helps it penetrate the surface of the tooth. A study has shown that use of the Zoom! lamp increases the effectiveness of the Zoom! gel by 26% or more, giving an average improvement of up to eight shades.

What will I experience during the Zoom! In-Office Procedure?
During the procedure, patients may comfortably watch television or listen to music. Individuals with a strong gag reflex or anxiety may have difficulty undergoing the entire procedure.

How long do the results last?
By following some simple post whitening care instructions, your teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and occasional touch-ups with Zoom! Weekender or Nite White gel. These are professional formula products designed specifically to keep your teeth their brightest. They are available only through your dental professional.

Are there any side effects?
Sensitivity during the treatment may occur with some patients. The Zoom! light generates minimal heat which is the usual source of discomfort. On rare occasions, minor tingling sensations are experienced immediately after the procedure, but always dissipate. You can also ask your dentist to supply you with anti-sensitivity toothpaste for use prior to treatment.

What causes tooth discoloration?
There are many causes. The most common include aging and consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, tobacco, red wine, etc. During tooth formation, consumption of tetracycline, certain antibiotics or excessive fluoride may also cause tooth discoloration.

Do many people whiten their teeth?
More people than you might imagine. A bright sparkling smile can make a big difference for everyone. The Zoom! Chairside Whitening System makes it easier and faster than ever before.

Who may benefit from tooth whitening?
Almost anyone. However, treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental professional can determine if you are a viable candidate for this procedure through a thorough oral exam, including a shade assessment.

Is whitening safe?
Yes. Extensive research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth under the supervision of a dentist is safe. In fact, many dentists consider whitening the safest cosmetic dental procedure available. As with any tooth whitening product, Zoom! is not recommended for children under 13 years of age and pregnant or lactating women.