5 foods you should avoid during the holidays to protect your teeth!

The holidays are here! While this can be such a great time of year that is filled with celebrations, friends, family and food, the holidays can often take a toll on your teeth. Considering that many of us travel, have extra-long nights or simply forget to tend to our oral care needs, many patients will visit our Pasadena office in the New Year to get their dental needs back on track. Even though we do love seeing you at our dental office, we have a few food choices you should avoid this holiday season in order to ensure that your smile stays healthy and bright, well into the New Year:

1. Limit acids: This goes for food and drinks. Juices, cocktails and candy usually fall into this category. Strong acids in these types of foods and beverages can cause enamel erosion and tooth decay. Don’t know if it has acids? Food choices that can stain your teeth are usually a good indicator that it has acid. 
2. Stay away from red wine! We know. It’s tasty and is often a beverage that hosts choose to serve at dinner parties. However, because it has such a deep color, it can stain your teeth. If you must, keep a glass of water nearby or brush your teeth after finishing your glass. 
3. Say no to sugar: By sugar, we mean candy…even those after dinner mints. This can prolong exposure of harmful substances that can severely damage teeth. 
4. Soda: You were probably expecting this. All brands and colors of soda are harmful to your teeth and should be avoided at all costs. Opt for a glass of water instead and keep yourself hydrated for extra pearly whites. 
5. Dried fruit: As a before dinner favorite, dried fruits are sticky, chewy and can easily attached to teeth and stay there. This is why we stress brushing AND flossing to make sure that all food particles are cleaned away. 

Whatever you do this holiday season, we hope that you enjoy them. Spend time with friends and family, relax and have fun! Yes, we do want you to take care of your teeth and recommend sticking to our guidelines, but this also does not mean items on our list our completely off limits. Moderation is key. 

From our dental family to yours, we wish you happy holidays and a New Year full of health and prosperity!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

How to take care of teeth during Thanksgiving...

This Thanksgiving, we want to extend our special gratitude to our patients for their trust and confidence in our practice. Thank you for your loyalty‼! At Prestige Dental, we strive to elevate the standard in dental care by providing top quality service, customized treatment, and modern technology in a comfortable setting. We want to show our appreciation by providing some great tips that will help you take care of your teeth during this holiday season.

The Pilgrims and Native Americans found creative ways to keep their teeth healthy. Fortunately, keeping your teeth clean and healthy is a much easier task nowadays. Our suggestions:

• Watch out for the Turkey bones! Use care when feasting on the holiday turkey. Tooth damage can occur by accidentally biting into the small bones. 
• Remember to brush twice daily and floss daily. During the holiday time, schedules can get busy, but be sure to keep up with your home care. Your teeth and gums will thank you! 
• Cranberries help protect your teeth against decay! Including them with your Thanksgiving feast is a good idea. 
• Take your toothbrush with you wherever you go: Don’t forget your floss, toothbrush, and toothpaste! A lot of people forget to pack them for trips during the busy holiday season. But they’re very important if you want to keep your teeth clean and healthy. If you can’t access a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water after you eat to help remove food debris and acid. 
• See your dentist soon after thanksgiving: Seeing your dentist before you have a problem keeps your dental bill as low as possible. 

Prestige dentist Dr. Vasag Bouzoghlanian uses his advanced skills, traditional care, and modern technology to provide his patients with comprehensive general, restorative, cosmetic, and preventive dental care. With a variety of treatments and services, including porcelain veneers, dental implants, TMJ treatment, gum treatment, teeth whitening, snoring and sleep apnea management, and more. Dr. Vasag Bouzoghlanian has created beautiful smiles for patients from across Pasadena, South Pasadena, La Canada Flintridge, San Marino, Altadena, Arcadia, San Gabriel and surrounding communities. Give us a call at (626) 577-2017 to reserve your end-of-the-year dental appointment!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

How eating candy may increase the risk of cavities?

We can all agree that candy is delicious! However, not eating it in moderation or practicing unhealthy oral care habits can put your teeth at an increased risk for cavities or other infections. Yes, candy comes in shapes and sizes that can be a treat for everyone, every now and then, but it’s important to monitor candy and sugar intake—especially during Halloween and the holidays.

Candy is made of processed sugars that are generally bad for your teeth and overall health. They can raise your blood sugar level if consumed in large quantities. In children it can even interfere with growth and bone strength. With this in mind, it is understandable that parents be worried about sugar intake on Halloween. However, we simply recommend monitoring candy consumption on this day and leading up the holidays while practicing strict, healthy oral care habits. Prohibiting the candy will only make your child want it more.

Candy pieces can become trapped between teeth while eating. If the pieces stay for too long, bacteria can begin to multiply which starts building plaque and tartar which can eventually lead to tooth decay or gum disease. We highly recommend brushing right after eating candy, if possible. If not, we recommend drinking a glass of water to help wash away any remaining particles.

Call our office for more information on caring for your teeth on Halloween or to schedule your next visit to our office. Remember, seeing a dentist every 6 months in addition to brushing and flossing ensures exceptional oral health!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

Could I have sleep apnea?

Do you snore? Feel tired when you wake up and throughout the day? You could be suffering from a common condition called sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is a disorder in which you have pauses in your breathing or experience shallow breaths while you are sleep, causing you to go from deep sleep to light sleep or causing you to wake up completely. In obstructive sleep apnea, the airway becomes blocked during sleep which causes pauses or shallow breathing. Untreated sleep apnea can increase the risk of developing other health conditions. At Prestige Dental, our Pasadena dentist Dr. Bouzoghlanian can help you treat this condition and will review your various treatment options.

Be aware of the following signs or symptoms to detect sleep apnea:
•    Loud snoring and choking sounds while sleeping.
•    Feeling tired when you wake up or daytime sleepiness.
•    Abrupt awakenings with shortness of breaths.
•    Morning headache
•    Attention problems
•    Breathing cessation during sleep (other people can detect this).

Sleep apnea is the leading cause of daytime sleepiness and can often go undiagnosed. Visit us today at Prestige Dental for a consultation! 

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

My teeth hurt when I bite down, what does it mean?

If your teeth hurt when you bite down, there are various reasons that could cause this to happen.  You could have an infected tooth or teeth, sensitivity, a TMJ disorder or various other conditions.  It is very important to visit your dentist if you are experiencing any tooth pain or discomfort.  At Prestige Dental, Dr. Bouzoghlanian and his staff are professional and will treat you with the utmost care you deserve!  Pain when biting down can mean a number of things; we will check for:

• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Tooth fracture
• Infected root
• Sensitivity from worn gums, exposed roots, or excessive tooth wear
• Cavities in teeth
• TMJ syndrome (jaw pain)
• Problems with fillings

Our caring Pasadena dentist will examine your particular case and will provide you with all the latest technology to help provide you with an accurate diagnosis.  Call us today!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

How can I replace my missing teeth with dental implants?

It’s most likely that you’ve heard of dental implants by now. With dentists now offering the treatment nationwide, it has become fairly common for patients to look into getting dental implants. But, how do dental implants actually work? What will they do? Below we’ve provided some general information, but you can always visit our dental implants FAQs (link here) page for more in-depth information.

Dental implants are fixed teeth that attach to the bone, and have a natural look, function and feel. Dental implants are recommended when a patient has missing teeth due to an accident, disease, trauma or even decay. There is no need for any special type of care for your dental implants as they should be treated just as you would treat the rest of your teeth. Brush and floss regularly while making sure to continue visiting our dentist in Pasadena for routine cleanings and exams.

As dental implants are surgically implanted, they function like regular teeth. After the completion of the procedure, you will be able to eat, chew, speak and smile just as you did before. This is a great solution to recover your winning smile, so visit our dentist today in Pasadena to see if dental implants are right for you!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

When should I take my child to the dentist?

As parents, we want our kids to receive the best care possible. This is often when we become their biggest support. If a smile is properly taken care of from birth by wiping gums clean, it is likely that the child will have excellent oral health. It is in the hands of the parents to instill healthy oral care habits for a lifetime of great oral care.

Parents are advised to take their kids to their first dental appointment at around a first birthday. More specifically, you should take your child to visit a dentist six months after the eruption of the first tooth. You should be sure to set the appointment sooner if you see any discoloration or lesions. At your child’s first visit, a check for any possible decay, gums, jaw and bite will be conducted. Parent can also take the advantage to discuss any questions regarding their child’s dental health. The dentist will also give the parents tips on how to care for their children’s teeth. Toddlers should be helped to brush and include this in their bedtime routine to start the habit early for a glowing smile. Routine visits are recommended every six months if no complication is detected.

At Prestige Dental, we promise to provide the best oral care for your child. We have an experienced dental staff that will make your child’s first dental visit a happy memory! Visit us in Pasadena to learn more.

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

Did You Quit Smoking? Brighten up Your Smile Again!

Smoking is a bad habit. We all know it and promise to quit someday. Some people really do make it happen even though it takes a lot of conviction and common sense to realize it is bad for you, determining to quit for good.

CONGRATULATIONS! if you are a one of the strong ex-smokers out there with only one more thing left to recover—a beautiful bright smile!

Cigarette causes teeth stains which is the most common side effect for this habit. If you have been a regular smoker and quit, chances are your will have stains.

Additionally, if you also drink wine, coffee or tea, these items often cause stains as well. Fortunately though, there are a lot of teeth whitening products that work for each specific case. Some mild stains may be whitened by home products and others will need a deeper, more aggressive approach which is better determined by our dentist in Pasadena once a complete check out is done.

At Prestige Dental we have a wide variety of dental services for you, including cosmetic dentistry. We are currently offering a 40% discount for our teeth whitening treatment where we can brighten up your smile quickly! Visit our website and schedule your appointment today!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com

Overall Health Directly Linked to Dental Health

A mouthful of healthy teeth and gums probably means good overall health. There is a bacterial component that links our oral health with the overall condition of our bodies.

However, even under the best conditions, our mouths continue filled with bacteria. This is why it is important to listen to the warnings of your dentist in order to be sure that this bacteria remains harmless and that your defenses remain intact. The warnings we’re talking about are the reminders we give patients regarding brushing and flossing, while also watching daily sugar intake.

We recommend creating the following habits if they aren’t already a part of your lifestyle:

• Brush and floss regularly, and be certain to change your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months or sooner if you see that the bristles start to wear.


• Schedule routine dental checkups at least twice a year. Be sure to keep these appointments.


• Be aware of what you eat, avoid sweets and foods containing acids.


• Make antioxidants like green tea, pomegranates, blueberries and raw cranberries a part of your diet. These are excellent for your dental health and overall health.


• If you experience any pain or signs of disease, contact your dentist immediately. As with any illness, catching it early is always better.

A healthy SMILE means a healthy YOU!

Prestige Dental
Vasag Bouzoghlanian, DDS
1060 E. Green St, Suite 203. Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 577-2017
Fax: (626) 577-2003
http://prestigedentalpasadena.com