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Where is the new office located? Our new facility is conveniently located at the intersection of Dublin, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, just minutes from our current Dublin office. It is very close to Workday and Stoneridge Mall in Pleasanton. To avoid confusion, the exact address details will be shared closer to the move. We will make sure you receive plenty of notices and are clear when we have moved to the new location. When will the new office open? We are planning to transition to the new Pleasanton office this winter. We’ll provide specific dates and updates as we get closer to the move. Why is Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics moving to a new location? We are moving to a new, state-of-the-art facility in Pleasanton to better serve our growing community. The new office offers more space, advanced equipment, and a modern environment to enhance your experience while maintaining the same high-quality, personalized care you trust. What improvements can I expect at the new facility? The new Pleasanton office will feature: More spacious treatment areas for your comfort Modern sterilization area to ensure highest standard of infection control Dedicated consultation room to discuss your treatment plan privately Advanced dental technology and equipment for enhanced care A thoughtfully designed environment to make your visits more enjoyable All dental specialists (general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and periodontics) under one roof for convenience Will my scheduled appointments be affected during the move? We are working to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your scheduled appointments. We’ll notify you in advance if any changes are needed and will provide clear instructions for visiting the new office. Can I still book appointments at the current Dublin office? Yes, you can continue booking appointments at our Dublin office until the move is complete. Once we transition to the new Pleasanton location, all appointments will be moved to our new location. Will my dental team change? No, the same dedicated team of general dentists, hygienists, oral surgeon, periodontists, and orthodontist will continue to care for you at the new location in Pleasanton. We are also adding a prosthodontist and pediatric dentist to our team. We’re bringing everyone under one roof to make your experience even more comprehensive and seamless. We remain committed to providing the same exceptional quality of care, personalized attention, and core values you’ve come to expect from Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics. Will my insurance or payment options change? No changes are planned for insurance or payment options. We will continue to accept the same insurance plans and offer the same flexible payment options as we do now. How can I stay updated about the move? We’ll keep you informed through newsletters, emails, our website, and social media. Be sure to check your email for updates, and feel free to contact our office with any questions. How can I contact the office if I have more questions? You can reach us by phone at (925)828-5500, email at [email protected] or visit our website for more information. We’re happy to answer any questions you have about the move. Thank you for your continued trust in Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics. We’re excited to welcome you to our new Pleasanton office and continue caring for your smiles!

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When it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy, regular cleanings are crucial. But did you know that modern technology can make those cleanings even more effective? One such breakthrough is Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR), a fast, painless treatment that can help improve your oral health in ways traditional cleaning methods can't. Let’s dive into what it is and how it works, in simple terms. What is Laser Bacterial Reduction? Laser Bacterial Reduction is a treatment that uses a special laser to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in your mouth. During a routine cleaning appointment at our office in Dublin, California, one of our dentists Dr. Ryan, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Naina, Dr, Zoe, or Dr. Leung or our hygienists Sanam, Sandra, Karina, and Armine will use a laser to target and eliminate bacteria lurking in the gums and around the teeth. This procedure is super quick—typically taking less than 5 minutes—and is completely painless. We can add this on to your annual cleanings or deep cleanings done in our office in Dublin, California. What makes LBR so effective is its ability to reduce the bacterial count from billions to just hundreds? Why does this matter? Because bacteria can spread to other parts of your body, including your heart and bloodstream. By reducing bacteria in your mouth, you’re not just improving your oral health—you’re helping to protect your overall health too. Is Laser Bacterial Reduction Right for You? Laser Bacterial Reduction is a great way to boost your oral health, especially if you’re dealing with gum disease or want to ensure your mouth stays as healthy as possible and have a smile makeover! The procedure is fast, effective, and painless—so there’s no reason not to give it a try. By reducing bacteria, it not only improves your smile but can prevent infection and also make a difference to your overall health. If you’re curious about whether laser treatment is right for you, talk to our wonderful dentist Dr Zoe, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Leung, Dr. Naina Arora, and Dr. Ryan. They can help determine if Laser Bacterial Reduction is a good fit for your dental needs and guide you through the process here at Live and Smile Dental and Orthodontics in Dublin, California. Here's to a cleaner, healthier mouth—and a brighter smile!

As the year wraps up, many of us find ourselves busy with holiday plans, but don’t let your dental health take a back seat! Regular dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile, and now is the perfect time to schedule your dental cleaning appointment with one of our amazing dentists in Dublin, California. Why Are Cleanings Important? Dental cleanings do more than just freshen your breath. They help remove plaque and tartar buildup, reducing your risk of cavities, crowns, extractions, and gum disease. Plus, any of our gentle dental hygienists or dentists, Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Ryan, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Naina, or Dr. Leung, can catch any potential issues early on, saving you time and money in the long run. Maximize Your Benefits If you have dental insurance, you may have benefits that reset at the end of the year. This means you could lose out on coverage if you don’t use it! By scheduling your dental cleaning with one of our dentists in Dublin, you can maximize your benefits before December 31st and can take full advantage of your plan and ensure your oral health is in tip-top shape. 

Your smile is more than just white straight teeth, you want to ensure the functionality, gum health, and bone structure for your overall health and check for any risk factors for impaction to other teeth or your jaw in the future. We want you to get the care that you deserve, so we encourage you to speak to your general dentist at your next appointment about the possibility of orthodontic treatment. This would be the first step in ensuring that you understand why your dentist recommends it, explain the areas of concern, and can write a referral to pass along to the orthodontist in creating the perfect plan for your orthodontic treatment. Once you schedule your consultation, talk about what your dentist advised as well as your concerns in the treatment process. This would include: misaligned teeth difficulty chewing shifting jaws Growth of wisdom teeth ( if they have not been removed yet) If orthodontic treatment is needed and left untreated, they could cause health issues down the line like tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, tooth impaction due to abnormal growth, and so much more. Orthodontic treatments can ensure: Ensure proper function of teeth Create a healthy, attractive smile and facial structure Maintain a good bite making it easier to chew and speak Avoid tooth decay/loss by making them easier to clean Avoid expensive dental procedures that could result from untreated orthodontic issues If you are still unsure, take time and speak to your dentist or schedule a complimentary consultation at our office.

At Live & Smile, we don’t only care about your oral health, we care about your overall health too! With the holidays right around the corner, there is so much to do. Festivities, family and friends dinners, hangouts, and family trips; it can all get really crazy, so what are you doing to make sure you are in a good place for your health? Taking breaks is the key, but sometimes we need more than just a break, we need a nap. Napping offers a wide variety of benefits for adults such as: Relaxation Reduce fatigue Improvement in mood Increases your alertness Better memory  To get the most out of your naps you want to make sure to keep them short because the longer the naps are the more likely you are to feel groggy waking up. Plan your naps out to have the most production out of your day. Napping after 3 pm can cause some interference with your night time routine, so plan accordingly. Giving yourself the space and time to recharge is great for your health in order to bring productivity to your life. Not only is it great for your physical health but your mental health too. Who says naps are just for kids?

You visit your dental office twice a year and a lot of things can happen within that year. It can be hard to keep track of everything that's going on in life so we want to make it easier for you with this simple checklist for your next dental visit. To have a mental or physical checklist is a great way to make sure nothing gets missed because most of the time your appointment lasts about an hour and there are dental tools in your mouth for the majority of it. Here’s the list to ensure you are full prepared: Check your dental coverage Jobs may change or even the insurance can change within the company anytime through the year. It is always best to check that your coverage is up to date and currently active so there are no surprises when you come in for your visit. If you are coming in for a dental treatment, it is best to confirm what the coverage is and how much your portion will be out of pocket as well. Meeting your deductible Most of us are unsure how insurance even works, like what is a deductible? A deductible is a certain amount that you must pay before the insurance company starts to cover any costs. This can range from $50 to $100, however every plan is different, so it is always good to check the amount you must meet. Deductibles tend to be applied at the first appointment for dental treatments, but some plans can have it be applied to x-rays that are taken during a cleaning. Talk to the front desk if you have any questions, at Live & Smile, we review the cost and coverage before scheduling any appointments and we are always happy to answer any questions you may have. Review your dental history Our office may not be the first one you have been to, but are certainly glad you chose us to maintain your beautiful smile. Previous dental treatments or ongoing dental issues are a key part of your appointment. Your dentist would like to know what has and what has not been done for you so you both can address the issues and come up with the best plan moving forward. Questions!! Don’t ever be afraid of asking questions during your appointment. We want to make sure that before moving forward with any treatments or plans, you understand what is going on, the process, and the procedures. Write down any possible questions that may come up before you come in for your visit so you don’t forget or take note of a general idea during your visit and then elaborate it more with your dental team. It is important for us here at Live & Smile, that you all come in with great confidence in our team. We want to make sure that you leave as part of our family. See you all soon!

Sometimes we get aches and pains throughout our body, and that signals something is wrong,so we slow down and fix the issue. For example, if we get a cramp, it's signaling that we are overdoing the strenuous workout and need to rest and hydrate. It is the same with our teeth! Early signs of having a cavity can be from mild pain to no pain at all, which make it hard to detect. Of course, any pain signals to you that something is wrong, like when you bite down there’s pain or there is a sharp, spontaneous pain in your tooth. However, the pain would be constant, from eating, talking, to doing absolutely nothing at all. Besides pain, there are visible markers that indicate a cavity is coming. Such as: Holes or pits in the tooth Black, brown, or white staining on the surface of the tooth Unfortunately, there is no natural home remedy to get rid of the cavity on its own. The best way is to consult your dentist on the best treatment option for you. As long as we catch it early, the easiest fix is with a composite filling. However, the longer you wait the more the bacteria goes deeper into the tooth and worsen the damage, all the way to the root of the tooth. After the treatment, it is best to discuss preventative measures to keep the cavities from occurring again and the possibility of spreading. So let’s beat that by visiting your dentist at least twice a year for your bi annual cleaning and exam, so we can make sure that your smile is in tip top shape!

Do you ever feel like your jaw is in pain or sore when you wake up in the morning? It is possible that it comes from teeth grinding throughout the night. Don’t worry though, many people are affected by teeth grinding, let's talk about why and how to fix it! With teeth grinding, it gradually wears down your teeth that can cause damage to the underlying bone structure or even break the tooth. At your regular dental appointments, your dentist would check for the signs of grinding such as tenderness in your jaw muscles, obvious abnormalities, and will take x-rays to see if it has reached underneath. Depending on how severe the case is, there are several different ways to treat it. Some children outgrow the grinding as they get older, but if it persists a great cost effective alternative may be a mouthguard. It will take some time for you to get used to since you would be sleeping in it, however it would protect those nice strong teeth! If the wear down has gotten very severe then a solution would be dental treatments of crowns to repair the damage. A great way to understand the source of your teeth grinding is to think about any stress triggers or possible behavioral changes that initiate it. If it is stress induced, learn strategies to promote relaxation and ease your mind into a stress free slumber. If it is due to behavior or habit, ask your dentist for the best mouth and jaw position and practice to get your structure used to it and decline the teeth grinding. If you are still unsure what is the best method for you, just contact your dentist and they will be happy to help!

We talked about a composite filling last time, so let’s discuss another option for fillings, amalgam. The more common term for amalgam fillings are known as the “silver teeth”. Most dental offices no longer provide amalgam fillings as an option due to the material that it was made from, such as a mixture of mercury, silver, copper, tin, and zinc. Amalgam fillings tend to be the more cost effective way to treat cavities but due to the material it can cause a slightly higher mercy level in your blood or urine, but usually remain at a level considered safe. Studies on people with dental amalgam do not show conclusive evidence that causes harmful health effects in the general population, however small amounts of mercury in the form of a vapor (gas) may be released and can be harmful in certain patients. People who should be concerned about the effects of amalgam would be women who are pregnant or plan to be, nursing mothers, children under the age of 6, people with neurological impairment/kidney dysfunction, or sensitive to mercury or other components in the material of the amalgam. Composite fillings are more known and widely used today in replacement of amalgam. If you currently have any dental amalgam, you can always consider and ask your dentist if it is necessary to replace it, but if there is no decay underneath it can be discouraged to be removed. Removal when not needed can cause loss of healthy tooth structure or possibly releasing more mercury gas. Be sure to always consult with your dentist and discuss all your treatment plan options before deciding what is the best route for you. The explanation of the procedures, materials used, and your health history can really have a big impact for your dental hygiene future.

After your dental checkup, sometimes a dental treatment plan is presented to you in regards to what your next steps should be to help your smile. Some of those dental recommendations can be about composite fillings. But what is a composite filling? Composite fillings are usually recommended when your teeth have been decayed or damaged, and it is also used to replace broken teeth. It is tooth colored, so it can best match your teeth and look as natural as possible. The resin used for the fillings provides good durability and resistance to fracture and can handle pressure from the constant stress of chewing. Most composite fillings last about 5- 7 years, sometimes replacements are needed but not all the time. This depends on the natural wear and tear of your teeth depending on your dental hygiene and as well as what you eat or drink. This is the recommendation over an amalgam filling, also known as the silver teeth, some of us may have had as kids. Amalgam fillings may contain mercury, which is not something we would want in our body at all. Amalgam fillings have not been the standard for a while now and we are glad that technology as improved over the years to help educate and enhance dentistry. Of course, the best filling is no filling at all, so remember that prevention is key. Keep up with your dental hygiene and get your bi annual dental check ups to get cleanings and dental advice on what is best for your smile.

It is the standard to brush your teeth twice a day, every day. But what is the best tool to utilize for it, electric or manual toothbrush? The most common and most cost efficient is the regular manual toothbrush. You can easily buy a big pack of them at any store and replace them every few months. You can choose how to brush your teeth with them because you get to choose the guidance and maneuver the cleaning however you please. The pressure that you put on your teeth is also all up to you, but remember that more pressure can sometimes cause sensitivity and pain because it is wearing away at your enamel. Electric toothbrushes can be costly, running around $100 to $200. However, it has been proven that the electric toothbrushes help tremendously with breaking down plaque and giving your teeth a better clean. Due to the electric bristles on the toothbrush heads, it is able to get in between the tooth that sometimes a manual toothbrush cannot get into. Ultimately in the end, the choice is completely up to you. You can speak with your dentist about it as well and discuss the pros and cons about which toothbrush works best for you. You want to make sure that at the end of each brush you know that you did a fantastic job making sure those cavities are brushed away!

You may have seen our post about Give Kids A Smile, but what is it you may ask? The Give Kids A Smile (GKAS) program provides underserved children free oral health care. Each year approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at local GKAS events to provide free oral health education, screenings, preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children. GKAS was launched nationally in 2003 and has been going strong ever since. We are so happy that our dental team at Live & Smile has decided to participate once again in this fantastic event. We want to bring this event to our community to help children learn and understand the importance of their dental care and how it affects their overall health care. The ADA foundation has been a great guide to helping the children, dentists, and volunteers into making each event better than the last with care packages and other great tools. If you know anyone that can benefit from this year’s GKAS, please call our office at (925) 828-5500 . To learn more, please visit https://www.adafoundation.org/give-kids-a-smile/about-give-kids-a-smile .

There are a lot of different ways to whiten your teeth, but most people try to find natural remedies in order to avoid costly procedures and going to the dentist. One of the ways people find that eating strawberries help whiten their teeth. Although it may seem that their teeth are whiter, the illusion of it only lasts for about an hour. The stains don’t actually life from your teeth. Ripe strawberries contain citric acid, which may give teeth a whiter appearance after you apply it to them. However, citric acid is known to accelerate the demineralization of your teeth. This type of acid breaks down your tooth enamel, making any benefit of whitening insignificant. You must also remember that strawberries have natural sugars already in them, so smashing them and brushing it on your teeth or even just eating too many of them can cause cavities and loss of your enamel. There are plenty of great over the counter remedies to whiten your teeth, such as strips or gels. Make sure you speak with one of our great dentists at your next appointment to talk about your concerns and which method is best for you.

May is Stroke Awareness Month and we want to make sure that everyone is prepared and learn the warning signs of a potential stroke. Here at Live & Smile, we do not only care about your dental health, we care about your overall health as well. The health of your body determines the health of your teeth, gums, and bones. Poor oral hygiene is one of the main risk factors associated with higher risks of strokes. This is because oral bacteria can enter the bloodstream and cause inflammation of the blood vessels. This inflammation can then lead to blood clots, which can block the flow of blood to the brain and cause a stroke. Another way oral health can impact your risk of strokes is by causing gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the gums that can damage the tissues and bones that support the teeth. Gum disease has been linked to an increased risk of strokes and other severe health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age. It is always a good idea to get your physical check up with your doctor annually as well as making sure that you are up to date on how to prevent strokes from happening. This year, the American Stroke Association wants everyone to come together to defeat strokes by acting F.A.S.T.! F - Face drooping Does one side of the face droop? Or is it numb? Ask the person to smile, is it uneven? A - Arm weakness Does one arm drift downward ? weak or numb? S - Speech Slurred speech? Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? T - Time to call 911 Call 911 immediately if you or someone else is having any symptoms! For more information about strokes and stroke prevention, please visit www.stroke.org

Let’s learn the different parts of the tooth! We all know that we get one set of adult teeth and that they are these shiny, white, hard surfaces that help us with eating, but what is it underneath? Your teeth are actually made up of four dental tissues. 3 of the 4 are hard tissues, enamel, dentin, and cementum. The fourth tissue is the pulp, located in the center of the tooth that is soft and non-calcified. Taking a look at the photo for guidance, this shows the breakdown of how each individual tooth is made up. Now let's break down what each tissue does: Enamel - Hard calcified tissue covering the dentin in the crown of the tooth. It contains no living cells, so it cannot repair damage from decay or from wear. Only a dentist can correct these conditions. Dentin - It is beneath the enamel and cementum. It contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering (enamel), the tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing sensitivity. Cementum - Hard connective tissue covering the tooth root, giving attachment to the periodontal ligament. Pulp - the soft tissue at the center of your teeth containing nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Our team here at Live and Smile, takes amazing care of your dental health, which is why we sometimes refer you out to specialists that take special care for each individual part of your teeth.For example, an endodontist that specializes in the complex problems in the tooth pulp. The tooth is such a fascinating thing to look at on its own, considering that there is so much that goes on underneath that we cannot see. Dental care is so much more than getting cleanings above the surface, we need to always look underneath as well, to get to the “root” of the problem. ;)

Most of us get our wisdom teeth removed because we just know that we have to. But why do we remove them? Many times, our wisdom teeth are not given enough proper room to grow in our mouth and can cause long term problems. Wisdom teeth can grow at various angles in the jaw, sometimes not vertically like all our other teeth, but horizontally too. Some of the many issues that can occur are: Remain completely hidden within the gums. If they aren't able to emerge normally, wisdom teeth become trapped (impacted) within your jaw. This can cause an infection or can cause a cyst that can damage the teeth roots or bone support. Emerge partially through the gums. Because this area is hard to see and clean, wisdom teeth that partially emerge creates a magnet for bacteria that cause gum disease and oral infection. Crowd nearby teeth. If wisdom teeth don't have enough room to come in properly, they may crowd or damage nearby teeth. There is never a “good time” or the “best time” to have oral surgery for your wisdom teeth. It is always best to speak with your primary dentist and an oral surgeon to see what positions your wisdom teeth are in as well as its health to see when is the time for the removal.

At Live and Smile, we don’t only care about your dental health, we care about your overall health. Everything you do to your body affects every inch of your wonderful self. Over half of Americans say that they experience stress during the day, and that is not okay in our book. We want you all to take a step back and focus on yourself and see the big picture on what you can do to help boost your health. Here are a few ideas: You can release your tension with a physical activity like kickboxing, hiking, or even gardening. Or consider something less intense like painting, knitting, or meditating. Whatever your preference, research shows that when you engage in interests you enjoy, you’re more likely to have lower stress levels, a lower heart rate, and a better mood. If you are a person who does enjoy physical activity, this is also very great for your brain. Research shows that if you are getting about 150 minutes of moderate to intense activity a week it will help reduce your chances of heart diseases, certain cancers, and diabetes. If you enjoy a more low intensity physical workout, for less than an hour a week, it can still reduce your chances of health risk by 18%. Physical health also boosts your mental health. Intense workouts are not always for everyone, but we do encourage you to go out and find something you love that can help you start. There is always something new going on that you can ease your way into a hobby that gets you moving. Sign up for a local sports league, like kickball or volleyball Strike some starter yoga poses Try resistance band exercises Swim a lap in your community pool Go for a walk around your neighborhood Join a walking, running, or biking group Whatever it is that you chose to do, do it because you like, and enjoy the health benefits that come with it.

We all know that sugar is bad for you, but it’s hard to avoid it when it is everywhere and in everything. It is important to know the different types of sugars to understand the amount of consumption you need and what to avoid. Natural sugar is a simple carbohydrate found in some foods and drinks. Many healthy foods, like dairy products, vegetables, and fruit, have natural sugars like lactose and fructose. They provide the body with calories, or "energy." Foods with natural sugars also provide essential nutrients that help prevent disease. But when there is added sugar, like fruit juices, it adds more calories but no nutrients. Your body digests those added sugars very quickly, causing you to burn through the energy, which is why you may feel a crash/ burn out. Added sugars can be in many foods that we don’t expect it in, like yogurts or fruit drinks, but it can be in less obvious things like bread, sauces, and salad dressing. So make sure you read the food label to see how much is being added into your daily foods. Sugar substitutes, like NutraSweet and Sweet’N Low, are synthetic artificial sweeteners.They often contain few or no calories and taste much sweeter than refined sugar. They’re sometimes called "intense sweeteners." Natural sweeteners include honey, molasses, and coconut sugar. They may seem like healthier choices than refined sugar, but they aren’t much different. Your body processes honey and sugar the same way since they’re nutritionally similar. Always remember that less is more. We don’t have to avoid sugar completely or quit it cold turkey, moderation is key. Think about other healthy alternatives to satisfy that sugar rush and before you know it, you won’t need to turn to added sugars.

Love is in the air today because it's that time of year where we shower our loved ones with special treats. Chocolates and special sugary treats are coming off the shelves like wildfire! We know that Valentine’s Day can be a special occasion for most people but it is right up there with Halloween when it comes to sweets. We want to share some tips to help keep your dental health in tip top shape through this holiday. Chocolates are a delicious sweet treat, but the darker the chocolate the better it is for you. Dark chocolates, that are 70% or above in cocoa, contain great antioxidants that have natural chemicals limiting oral bacteria; as well as containing less sugar per serving. Cocktails are great to have during dinner, but try to skip the sugary mixers. Just like candy, the sugar can stay on your teeth and strip away the healthy enamel. Stay hydrated with water in between each cocktail, and limit the number of alcohol drinks because it can cause dry mouth. This goes without saying, but as a friendly reminder, floss, brush, and use mouthwash! Doing those three things will keep your mouth minty fresh and ready for a sweet Valentine’s day kiss.

It’s a brand new year and we want to help with, possibly, one of your new year’s resolutions and that is to see the dentist more often! At Live and Smile, we are not just a dental office, we are an extension of your family. We want to welcome each and every one of our patients with the best care we can possibly give, but we understand that some people may have dental anxiety and tend not to come in as often as they need to. The most common thing that people who are afraid of the dentist do is to avoid going at all. Avoiding the dentists means that you are avoiding your preventative care and avoiding the issues or concerns of your dental/overall health. This can lead to cavities being left untreated, mouth/tooth pain, gum recession, and more. We are not trying to scare you here, but want you to keep in mind that going to the dentist is a benefit. In overcoming your dental anxiety, you need to find the right dentist for you. You deserve someone that is kind, compassionate, listens to your concerns, and works with you in creating the best experience. Consider the atmosphere of the office, friendly staff, past reviews from other patients, and anything else that may have caused the anxiety in the first place. When you come in for your dentist appointment, be sure to arrive early so you are not rushing in and get worked up about the appointment you were already worried about. Give yourself ample time to take it all in slowly. Bring a friend to help comfort you if needed as well. Seeing a familiar face can help so you wouldn’t be experiencing it all alone. Let your dental team know about your dental anxiety and they can help you as they see fit to make sure that your experience keeps you at ease. Ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Our dentists and staff are always here to help you understand what is being done at the appointment today and what may need to be done for the future. At Live and Smile, everyone is always here to help and we want you to ask those questions! The dentist can be stressful, but we don’t want it to be. So let us know what we can do to help. We hope you will see us more often in the new year!

As the year is coming to an end, we want to send a ginormous thank you to all of you. A big shout out to all of our wonderful patients and another big shout out to our amazing team of dentists, assistants, hygienists, and front office staff. A lot can happen in a year and we hope that everything that you were able to witness and experience in 2022 has now been a special core memory. Since the COVID lockdown, we have seen the world change tremendously and it has given us a lot to wish and hope for the next year and years to come. Our office has been thriving better than ever and our team has been so amazing with the numerous changes we did throughout the year to provide stress free and smooth operations for all of our patients. Our team has also grown so much this year by welcoming new team members as well as our team growing their own little team in their personal lives. We share these special announcements and memories with you just as much as we love hearing about what is going on in each and every one of your lives: such as weddings, big milestones, growing a family, graduations, and so much more. We cannot wait to hear what other great adventures your life has been able to give you and we look forward to seeing you smile happily as you walk out of our office knowing that you feel like family when you see us. From everyone here at Live and Smile, we wish you all a wonderful happy new year! Ring in 2023 !!! WOOOO!!!

We all know that flossing is super important as part of our everyday dental hygiene, but there is an alternative option more suited for people who have braces, arthritis, or even just a hard time getting the back of the mouth. A waterpik or water flosser is a device that aims a pressured stream of water in between your teeth. Just like regular floss, it helps remove food particles and plaque from your teeth. It will feel weird at first because it’s a stream of water just hitting your teeth, but with practice and correct precision, it can work effectively. Those with braces, a waterpik can be beneficial for not just between the teeth, but in between the brackets as well. Manually cleaning the brackets can get tiring, so utilizing a waterpik helps getting into those crevices where food particles tend to build up and create bacteria that erodes the teeth and gum lines. For best results with a waterpik, try starting at the back teeth and work your way up to the front. Continue this method until you are a pro at cleaning the upper and lower teeth to ensure the entire mouth gets clean thoroughly. There will be a learning curve to this and it may get messy with the water splashing everywhere, but this is a great alternative if flossing is a challenge.

Thanksgiving is now over, so here comes the Christmas holiday festivities! That clearly means another big feast and all those yummy Christmas treats! The holidays are such an amazing time of the year where we get to come together and bring in that holiday cheer. But with all these delicious encounters, our patients with braces must be even more careful about their teeth home care. This can include drinking sugary beverages like hot chocolate or even sweets like candy canes. Let’s go over the most proper and effective ways to clean your braces: Cleaning the top part of your teeth, between your brackets, and gums are essential. To properly clean the enamel, toothbrush bristles must touch the gums, but not too hard. You should brush with softer bristles to avoid irritating them and direct the brush at an angle toward the gums. Brush frequently because brace wires catch food debris, and in doing so it will help prevent plaque. If you don’t have a toothbrush on hand when you are out, you can always rinse with water thoroughly until you get home. An exception is brushing after eating acidic foods. You should wait 30 minutes to an hour before brushing after eating foods like oranges or sports drinks because doing so can soften tooth enamel. Try to start brushing your teeth with only a wet toothbrush. It will allow you to clean around the brackets and between wires. Then, add a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and continue cleaning. One of the challenges we found with some patients has been flossing. Tying floss to a threader will make it easier to guide it through the wire. Use a saw-like motion to eliminate more plaque. Purchasing a waterpik water flosser is another option as well. It cleanses with a stream of water and is a quick, easy way to floss. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinse with an anti-cavity, fluoride mouthwash that will reduce tooth decay and protect enamel. Rinsing for one minute will help get rid of any remaining debris.

Do you ever wonder why we take your blood pressure? You would think it’s weird because you’re at the dentist and we are treating your mouth, not your body. But, your oral health is always connected to your overall health. Taking your blood pressure at the very first visit to our office, and most times before a dental procedure, helps give our providers a baseline on your health. When there is an issue with your blood pressure, it will affect how you receive your dental care. The hygienists and dentists plan your dental treatments accordingly to give you the best outcome for your teeth and gums. If you are someone who already has high blood pressure, dental treatments can sometimes cause a spike which can lead to other risks of health concerns, such as hypertension. Hypertension that is left untreated or poorly controlled can lead to heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease. A study of 20,000 adults, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found that people with poor oral hygiene habits, such as infrequent tooth brushing, were more likely to suffer from hypertension. Here are some of the common causes that raise your blood pressure during a visit to the dentist: Patient’s anxiety about the visit or procedure ( also known as white coat syndrome) Pain that the patient may feel during the procedure Local anesthesia applied by dentists to numb the mouth. However, the anesthesia itself does not increase blood pressure. What causes a spike in blood pressure is the presence of substances such as epinephrine in anesthesia, as epinephrine can raise blood pressure. If your blood pressure is too high before a procedure, the treatment must be put on hold and your provider would recommend you to see your primary care physician to seek medical advice on how to lower your blood pressure. At Live & Smile we are always doing our best to give the best dental care and we want to make sure that our patients’ overall health, not just dental health, is taken care of as well.

It's that time of year again, Halloween is back and kids are going to be out and about trick or treating! It is always fun to see who gets the most candy or who gets the best candy, but we will take the reins on this to make sure who gets the least amount of cavities. It is okay to let your child have some sweets, but you need to have a plan in place to let them have it in moderation. Here are some tips to keep your child on track for a healthy smile. Eat Halloween candy with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles. YOU MUST CHOOSE YOUR CANDY CAREFULLY. TRY TO AVOID HARD CANDY AND OTHER SWEETS THAT STAY IN YOUR MOUTH FOR A LONG TIME. THE LENGTH OF TIME SUGARY FOOD IS IN YOUR MOUTH PLAYS A ROLE IN TOOTH DECAY. UNLESS IT IS A SUGAR-FREE PRODUCT, CANDIES THAT STAY IN THE MOUTH FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME SUBJECT TEETH TO AN INCREASED RISK FOR TOOTH DECAY. Gummies, caramel, or any other sticky candies cling to your teeth. The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay. If you have braces, keep in mind how much and what type of candy you are eating. Popcorn is also popular during this time of year so be careful with the kernels. Always remember to floss, especially after sticky and hard sweets. Drink plenty of water to wash down all those sweets. Stay away from sugary beverages such as soda, flavored water, or sport drinks while eating candy. Of course, it goes without saying, brush and floss your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day. Check out the ADA website for more information: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/halloween-tips/ If you have any concerns in regards to your child’s dental health, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Live & Smile team. Happy Halloween!

After most dental treatments, such as braces, you might notice a few white spots that don’t go away. These are usually caused by tooth decay or dental fluorosis (enamel development defect). Bleaching or teeth whitening alone will not give you the bright white smile you want to achieve when the white spots are deeper than the surface of your tooth. Veneers and other dental treatments can be very costly and sometimes sacrifices healthy tooth substances along the way. There is a reliable and pain free solution to all of this. Live & Smile Dental is happy to introduce you to ICON Smooth Surface. ICON is a new treatment that we provide to help with all those white spots and the healthy tooth structure stays preserved. The treatment works by starting off with Icon Etch, a 15% hydrochloric acid gel, that can be easily placed with a thin applicator, without etching the adjacent tooth. The etching process takes about 120 seconds, then the gel is thoroughly washed. We would then apply Icon Infiltrant, a highly fluid resin, that will penetrate deep into the enamel through capillary action (absorption throughout the tooth).

We love seeing our patients smile proudly from the great work our Live & Smile team accomplishes. To keep our patients’ smiles looking nice and bright, we recommend an option that you can do right in your own home! We want to introduce the Opalescence Go Teeth Whitening trays! This is a great option when you are on the go and want a quick whitening or to gradually get the shade of brightness you are happy with. Opalescence Go is a pack of 10 trays that are prefilled with whitening gel. No impressions or molds are required to obtain this whitening treatment. Each pack of trays are packaged individually so they are ready to be used right of the box. The UltraFit trays are designed to conform to any smile, so you are able to move the tray around your teeth to maximize the whitening gel. A few other great things about Opalescence Go : teeth whitening gel contains potassium nitrate and fluoride for patient comfort Vegan—no animal products used Certified gluten free Certified kosher Most patients are able to use Opalescence Go, however we do recommend you speak with your dentist to make sure that this is the right product for you. There is a potential risk of teeth sensitivity or gum sensitivity if the gel is left on for too long or reaches the gums. Please read all instructions before starting the trays. As always, we are more than happy to answer all of your questions in regards to Opalescence Go, so next time you’re in the office, just let us know. We would be so glad to help you on your smile journey!

We all enjoy that fresh brewed coffee each morning before starting our day, we sometimes can’t function without it! But have you ever thought about what it does to our teeth over time? Coffee can cause bacteria to grow in your mouth which can lead to tooth and enamel erosion. This can cause your teeth to become thin and brittle. Drinking coffee can also cause bad breath because it sticks to your tongue throughout the day. The best way to avoid bad coffee breath is to eat food before you drink coffee, and use a tongue scraper and toothbrush after you finish drinking. Avoiding creamer and sugar is the best way to stop the growth of discoloring bacteria. You can also try to drink your coffee in one sitting instead of small sips throughout the day to prevent bacteria buildup. If you cannot give up that cup of joe try to prevent stains by cutting back and drinking less, like using a smaller cup to slowly wean off the size of consumption. Stick to drinking only one cup a day and substitute the afternoon or evening with tea or water. For iced coffee (or any cold drinks), we recommend drinking it through a straw to reduce the risk of stains. This prevents the drink from touching your teeth as much. We of course always recommend brushing your teeth twice a day to help keep those teeth shiny and bright, but remember that coffee is acidic so wait at least 30 minutes after drinking to brush. Brushing immediately will weaken your tooth enamel and cause the staining to worsen.

Have you ever had a nice cold drink with the perfect bite size pieces of ice? Those are the best to just chew on with the loud crunch and the best texture. But did you know that it is doing harm to your teeth? Chewing on ice can cause a lot of damage such as cracking and chipping. It can also damage your enamel, causing increased sensitivity to hot and cold, and more likely for you to have tooth decay and cavities. Chewing ice can create even further problems by damaging existing dental work like fillings, crowns, and veneers. We definitely do not want more damage to those since you most likely spent a lot to fix. When you chew ice, you start to create a cycle where your teeth quickly cool down and heat up over and over again. This makes your enamel expand and contract, which usually always leads to micro fractures forming in the surface of your teeth. We recommend that you stop chewing on ice, obviously. However, if you find yourself not being able to break the habit, we suggest switching the ice out for something else. To get that crunchy texture and the cooling sensation together, try veggies and fruits (nice and crisp!) They have a great texture and crunch, but are so healthy for you at the same time! There is also an additional benefit to munching on crisp fruits and vegetables, too. All that chewing of fibrous material will stimulate saliva production, which acts as a natural mouthwash and the particles of fiber will help scrub your teeth. (Of course, you should still brush and floss, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings.) We may not think about these small things when doing it but trust us, in the long run this will save your teeth.

Last time on the blog we talked about how mouthwash can be a great addition to your daily dental routine. A product that we definitely recommend is the OraCare Health Rinse. You may have tried it at your last appointment before starting your cleaning, given to you in a small cup by our lovely Live & Smile staff. What is OraCare you may ask? OraCare is an activated oral cleanser. Activated chlorine dioxide, the secret behind their award winning health rinse, is a formula that OraCare created to help care for the whole mouth. When the two solutions are mixed together, the chlorine dioxide is activated. Since true chlorine dioxide is a gas, the two solutions must stay separated until ready to use, which is why each box comes with two bottles. When utilizing the rinse you must place equal parts (4 pumps from each bottle) into the cup. Allow the rinse to activate for 30 seconds, then rinse for 30-60 seconds. ​​What’s really wonderful about OraCare is that there is no staining, no additional calculus/tartar buildup, and no altered taste. OraCare helps fight off and kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, neutralizes bad breath, reduces bleeding/inflammation, and promotes great tissue health. OraCare is exclusively sold in dental practices, but you are in luck because Live & Smile Dental has them just for you! The next time you are in the office, come and ask about OraCare and how you can add it to your dental routine at home. Our team would love to help you be more confident with your smile.

We all floss and brush our teeth daily, but do you use mouthwash? Mouthwash is not a replacement for flossing and brushing, but can be an addition to your daily routine. Mouthwash is a great tool to use for your dental hygiene to get to the areas that are not easily accessible with your toothbrush. You can rinse with mouthwash either before or after brushing and flossing, but it all depends on what your dentist recommends as well as what ingredients are in the mouthwash. Carefully read the directions on the label for the correct usage. Mouthwash has great benefits that include reducing the risk of bad breath, cavities, or gum disease; or for relief of dry mouth or pain from oral sores. The American Dental Association (ADA) has the approval seal on many brands and types of mouthwashes in stores. Look for the ADA Seal the next time you shop for your mouthwash because it would mean that your product has been evaluated for safety and efficacy by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. 

At Live & Smile Dental, we love seeing all of our patients smile confidently. We strive to help with all of the dental needs and repairs to make sure you have a healthy and bright smile. Not only does your smile look amazing after your cleaning appointments, but just smiling in general is good for you too! When you smile, your brain releases tiny molecules called neuropeptides to help fight off stress. Then other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins come into play too. Dopamine helps with blood flow, serotonin is an antidepressant, and the endorphins are a natural, mild pain relief. Studies show that smiling can help lower blood sugar and blood pressure, reduce stress, and boost immune systems. Some people may believe that smiling helps prolong your lifespan. Who knew that smiling would have so many great benefits besides looking great?! We love to see all of your beautiful smiles, so don’t forget to come in for your biannual teeth cleaning or even to purchase some teeth whitening trays to help brighten the smile!

What is fluoride? You may know it from your routine dental check up-- that sticky stuff that's lathered onto your teeth at the end of the appointment and you can't rinse it off for at least an hour! What does it even do for your teeth?!  Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel, which is the outer coating on teeth. The varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. It is sticky but hardens once it comes in contact with saliva. You will not be able to lick it off, and yes we know that it may taste a little funny, but it’s only going to be for a little while. Remember that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments are an extra layer of protection. It is best to help prevent tooth decay by brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet. At Live & Smile Dental, all of our amazing doctors recommend to our patients to take advantage of receiving fluoride varnish as part of their routine cleaning! It is almost always 100% covered by insurance. Please speak to our front desk for questions in regards to pricing or insurance coverage. Let us know if you have any questions about fluoride or if you are ready to receive it for your next appointment, hooray!

Last time on the blog, we talked about periodontal disease, what it is and how it affects our teeth. Today we are going to talk about what happens to help combat the disease -- deep cleanings and periodontal maintenance. If you get diagnosed with periodontal disease your dentist and hygienist would prescribe the treatments of a deep cleaning and then followed by periodontal maintenance. This is different from your routine cleaning. Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a dental procedure that involves removing tartar and plaque from the pocket area between the gums and teeth, from the surface of the teeth, and even from the surface of the roots of the teeth. This helps reduce the size of the space between your teeth and gums, helping your gums reattach to the teeth. Once all the deep cleaning treatments are completed, you will be on a plan to continue your dental health with periodontal maintenance. The hygienist will remove the tartar build up from in between your teeth and gums down the entire length of each tooth. Each gum pocket is carefully monitored over time to make sure that the gums are not inflamed, have no infection, and that the periodontal disease is gone. Periodontal maintenance is usually recommended to be done every three to four months in order to maintain your gum health and stop the bacterial growth going further down your teeth. These procedures are not painful, but your gums may feel sore afterwards. Each person feels different after each appointment. Dr. Zoe, Dr. Hanamova, Dr. Leung, and Dr. Brodsky all strive to do their best and help each and every patient to combat and eradicate periodontal disease. It is preventable too, so remember to continue flossing, brushing, and seeing our lovely dentists and hygienists here in Dublin, CA for your routine cleanings!

We all know that drinking water daily is great for our bodies. It has been drilled in our heads that we must drink 8 glasses of water each and every day to stay hydrated and healthy. Have you ever thought about the great benefits that it does for you too? To start off, water is a great way to wash those leftover foods after a meal that get stuck behind your teeth causing bacteria to grow and eventually cavities to form. Those cavity-causing bacteria love to eat the sugar and produce acid that destroys your enamel. Slowly your teeth will start to deteriorate, requiring a lot of dental treatment in the future. Drinking juice, soda, or any sugary drinks can also leave unwanted sugar behind, so wash it away by simply drinking water! Another great reason why water is the best, is that it helps with lowering the chance of having dry mouth. Dry mouth is a condition that makes it hard to swallow and chew because of a lack of saliva. Saliva is 99% water, so when you are low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth. Saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. It washes away leftover food, helps you swallow with ease, and keeps your teeth strong by washing them. There are so many other great reasons why drinking water is good for your oral health, however drinking plenty of water does not mean that you can diminish the time and effort for the other ways to keep your teeth strong and healthy. On top of drinking water throughout the day, you should still floss and brush your teeth regularly. As well as seeing your favorite dentist for your biannual teeth cleaning! (Don't forget to call Live & Smile Dental to make an appointment!) But don't worry, Dr. Zoe, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Hanamova, and Dr. Leung will always be happy to answer any questions you may have in regards to prevention for your oral health. Floss, brush, & drink water!

Here at Live & Smile Dental, we do everything that we can to help your dental journey be better and exceed your expectations; this would include investing in new technology. Technology is constantly changing, so when it comes to our patients’ dental health, we want to create a smooth, comfortable, and positive experience for all restorations and orthodontic treatments. You may have seen a machine that looks like a computer on wheels at the office, but it features so much more! It is called the iTero scanner! The iTero scanner puts a whole new definition in restorative dentistry. The scanner is able to replace alginate impressions, which is that goppy soft material that takes impressions of your teeth and sometimes makes you gag or hard to breathe while the material sets in. Good riddance! It also provides an excellent source for visualizing restorative dentistry treatments, such as dental crowns. The iTero scanner assists our doctors and assistants to take a quick, accurate, and comfortable 3D digital impression of your teeth to help design your treatment. This would include scans for invisalign, night guards, and retainers. It can demonstrate a full 360 view of all your teeth that have been scanned, and helps our team create and build a perfect dental plan that works best for you. By using the iTero as our intraoral scanner this helps make the process for your dental treatment a breeze and we are able to send the scans out to dental labs ASAP. Which means the faster it goes out, the quicker it comes back. The speed and accuracy of the scanner helps your dental experience become even more pleasant and enjoyable. Dr. Huang, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Hanamova, Dr. Leung, Dr.Yoon, and Dr. Ted all approves of our new intraoral scanner because it has given our office an advance in efficiency and effectiveness to help our patients smile bigger with great teeth! We constantly look for better ways to advance your experience with us as well as becoming the best dental office in Dublin,CA.

Perhaps you’ve heard from parents or older relatives what braces used to be like years ago—obvious, uncomfortable, hard to clean, and with inevitable tooth extractions to start off the whole lengthy process. Today, brackets are much smaller and wires are more pliable. You can even choose ceramic brackets or clear aligners for an almost invisible effect. New tools make cleaning your braces easier than ever. And new braces technology means that treatment is often shorter. But what about extractions? Are they still inevitable? For orthodontists like Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova, the objective is saving teeth. And modern practices and technology have made this goal more attainable than ever before. There are several ways that modern treatment procedures can help avoid extractions. Early Intervention We recommend that children visit our Dublin, CA office for an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. Because a child’s jaw is still forming at this age, early intervention can lead to orthodontic treatment that expands the jaw in order to make room for permanent teeth, or starts correcting bite problems before they become more serious. High-Tech Planning Today’s technology allows us to map out the progression of your treatment before we begin. Scanners, X-rays, and computer programs help us to design a treatment plan which will accurately predict how best to move your teeth and correct your bite, taking into account the size and development of your teeth and jaw. Surgical Options By the time you reach your late teen years, the jaw bones have stopped growing and it’s no longer possible to expand them without surgery. Oral surgery can treat serious jaw problems that impact your teeth and bite, usually as part of a combined treatment plan designed by your orthodontist and your oral surgeon. Because we always work to keep teeth intact—using these methods and others—you can be sure that, if we recommend extraction, it is absolutely necessary. What could make an extraction necessary? Severe overcrowding. Sometimes, there’s just not enough room in the jaw for all of your teeth. A tooth or teeth that prevent us from correcting a problem with your bite. Wisdom teeth. Usually, orthodontic work takes place before a patient’s wisdom teeth start to erupt. If yours do make an appearance before or during treatment, we can adapt our treatment plan accordingly. An extra tooth. It’s rare, but an extra, or supernumerary, tooth sometimes develops, and your jaw is not designed to accommodate extras! It’s important that you talk to Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova about every step of your treatment, including extractions. We want you to understand the treatment plan which will give you your best outcome. If we recommend extraction, it is because this decision is the best way to achieve a healthy bite and alignment, creating your beautiful smile—and protecting it—for a lifetime.

** Check out the proper way to floss above! ** We all know that we have to brush our teeth at least twice a day, but how often are you flossing your teeth? Every time you brush? Only when you feel something stuck in between? Do you ever wonder, "Why are my gums bleeding?" Regular flossing helps your gums and teeth stay healthy and strong. Flossing in between your teeth helps get rid of those food particles and plaque that are in those hard to reach areas that sometimes your toothbrush cannot reach. You sometimes may not see it in the mirror, but trust us, it is doing damage to your teeth. As the plaque and food sits in between rotting away and causing bad breath, it is breaking down your tooth little by little, without you even noticing. Eventually, it leads to severe tooth decay, gum infections, and gum diseases. Bleeding gums tends to happen when not enough flossing is being done. The buildup of bacteria, plaque, and tartar rest along your gum line irritating and inflaming your gums. When you attempt to remove that buildup by flossing, your swollen, inflamed gums start to bleed. If only a little bleeding occurs, do not be alarmed, it just means that not enough flossing has been done. Continue to floss daily and slowly it will subside. However, if excess bleeding continues, please visit one of our wonderful dentists (Dr. Huang, Dr. Brodsky, Dr. Hanamova, and Dr. Leung) to get your teeth examined for possible dental treatment. Flossing doesn’t just help keep your teeth clean and healthy, but it is also linked to your heart health as well. Most infections, especially in your mouth, cause a spike in your system that causes the levels of inflammatory substances in your blood to promote blood clots and slow blood flow to the heart. Researchers have found that the bacteria in your mouth infection can easily enter the bloodstream and impact your cardiovascular system. Our lovely and gentle dentists here at Live & Smile, recommend that you at least floss once at night. This will help minimize the gum infection and bleeding, while working to keep your smile at its best. Dr. Zoe Huang suggests to “wrap around the tooth like a letter "C" and go up and down around the tooth.” Our amazing Dublin dentists love that our patients practice and continue to floss daily to help keep those pearly whites at its tip top shape! Flossing is a simple, easy, and low cost way to prevent cavities and boost your oral hygiene, as well as your overall health. Also, saves you money on future dental treatment! Just remember, that flossing: Gets rid of plaque Reduces the risk of cavities Helps prevents gum disease Reduces bad breath May help your heart health Saves you money

We all know that we must brush and floss 2 times a day, but do you know what happens if it is not done regularly or correctly? The gums and bones that support our teeth start to get inflamed and infections can occur. When an infection takes over, it starts to erode the support system around our teeth and causes a lot of bleeding. In its more serious form, called periodontitis, the gums can pull away from the tooth, bone can be lost, and the teeth may loosen or even fall out. These are some of the warnings to watch out for: Bad breath or bad taste that won’t go away Red or swollen gums Tender or bleeding gums Painful chewing Loose teeth Sensitive teeth Gums that have pulled away from your teeth Any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite Any change in the fit of partial dentures With poor dental hygiene, the bacteria in our mouth starts to build up and it gets much worse than any cavities.The bacteria multiplies and forms a hard substance on our teeth called plaque. If the plaque is not removed, it will stay on your teeth and slowly decay your teeth over time, as well as seep into the roots and cause a periodontal pocket (that will cause your teeth to feel loose). YIKES!! Let’s all try to avoid periodontal disease and brush, brush, brush! If you have any concerns regarding periodontal disease, talk to your dentist about it. Everyone at Live & Smile is always happy and ready to help. 

You want to check all the boxes when you consider your child’s dental health. You make sure your child brushes twice daily to avoid cavities. You’ve made a plan for an orthodontic checkup just in case braces are needed. You insist on a mouthguard for dental protection during sports. One thing you might not have considered? Protecting your child from gum disease. We often think about gum disease, or periodontitis, as an adult problem. In fact, children and teens can suffer from gingivitis and other gum disease as well. There are several possible reasons your child might develop gum disease: Poor dental hygiene Two minutes of brushing twice a day is the recommended amount of time to remove the bacteria and plaque that cause gingivitis (early gum disease). Flossing is also essential for removing bacteria and plaque from hard-to-reach areas around the teeth. Puberty The hormones that cause puberty can also lead to gums that become irritated more easily when exposed to plaque. This is a time to be especially proactive with dental health. Medical conditions Medical conditions such as diabetes can bring an increased risk of gum disease. Be sure to give us a complete picture of your child’s health, and we will let you know if there are potential complications for your child’s gums and teeth and how we can respond to and prevent them. Periodontal diseases More serious periodontal diseases, while relatively uncommon, can affect children and teens as well as adults. Aggressive periodontitis, for example, results in connective and bone tissue loss around the affected teeth, leading to loose teeth and even tooth loss. Let Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova know if you have a family history of gum disease, as that might be a factor in your child’s dental health, and tell us if you have noticed any symptoms of gum disease. How can we help our children prevent gum disease? Here are some symptoms you should never ignore: Bleeding gums Redness or puffiness in the gums Gums that are pulling away, or receding, from the teeth Bad breath even after brushing The best treatment for childhood gum disease is prevention. Careful brushing and flossing and regular visits to our Dublin, CA office for a professional cleaning will stop gingivitis from developing and from becoming a more serious form of gum disease. We will take care to look for any signs of gum problems, and have suggestions for you if your child is at greater risk for periodontitis. Together, we can encourage gentle and proactive gum care, and check off one more goal accomplished on your child’s path to lifelong dental health!

Happily for all of us who like to celebrate with friends and family, there’s no need to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. Every March 17th, many of us take the opportunity to display a bit of Gaelic spirit. Green Clothing (it’s tradition!) Green Hat (for a jaunty look) Green Shamrock (always the perfect accessory) Green Hair (for the adventurous among us) Green Grins? Here’s where we draw the line. Emerald Isle? Delightful! Emerald smile? Not so beguiling. That traditional St. Patrick’s party fare—green-frosted sweet treats and green-colored pastries and green-foamed beers—is full of green-tinted food dyes, which can leave us with teeth in subtle shamrock shades. Luckily, most of us will have only a very temporary tinge to remind us of our dietary shenanigans, and there are simple ways to rid yourself of the green sheen: Indulge sparingly in colorful cuisine, and drink water afterwards to rinse away green-dyed foods and beverages. Use a straw for green drinks. Brush your teeth. (Not only will you brush away the green, but you’ll brush away the sugars from sweet green desserts and the acids from sour green brews.) Try a whitening toothpaste. One special note: if you’ve just whitened your smile, best to eliminate strong food dyes from your diet for a few days. Teeth are more sensitive to staining after whitening, because the whitening process temporarily makes them more porous. Give yourself a few days, and your enamel will be back to (stain)fighting strength. So, celebrate on the 17th and feel secure that on the 18th, your smile won’t be “wearing the green” any longer. But if you find that you’re not happy with the appearance of your smile anytime during the year, if you have more permanent staining caused by natural darkening over time, or workdays fueled by black coffee, or a diet filled with tomato sauce, dark berries, red wine, and other tasty (but discoloring) food, you’re still in luck. Ask Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova about professional whitening procedures at our Dublin, CA office for a brighter, more confident smile. And with a bright, confident smile, every day’s a reason to celebrate!

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients at Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics, we proudly screen our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in North America, someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Oral cancer can occur on the lips, gums, tongue, inside lining of the cheeks, roof of the mouth, and the floor of the mouth. Symptoms of oral cancer may include a sore in the throat or mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal, a red or white patch that persists, a lump or thickening, ear pain, a neck mass, or coughing up blood. Difficulties in chewing, swallowing, or moving the tongue or jaws are often late symptoms. While there is no way to predict exactly which individuals will get oral cancer, there are some potential causes we want you to know about. In some cases, it is possible to minimize these risk factors. Age (most patients diagnosed with oral cancer are over the age of 40) Tobacco use, either from cigarettes or smokeless chewing tobacco Excessive alcohol consumption Persistent viral infections, such as HPV16 A diet lacking or low in fruits and vegetables Finding out you have oral cancer can be devastating news. If you are concerned that you might be at risk for developing oral cancer, talk to us about screenings and other things you can do to reduce your risk. Through a routine visual inspection, Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova and our team at Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics can often detect premalignant abnormalities and cancer at an early stage, when treatment is both less expensive and more successful, and can potentially save your life. Ask Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova and our team at Live & Smile Dental & Orthodontics about a screening at your next appointment! 

Oral health is an important and often overlooked component of an older person’s general health and well-being. Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova and our team know that for many of our older patients, oral health can become an issue when arthritis or other neurological problems render them unable to brush or floss their teeth as effectively as they once did. Today, we thought we would discuss four common oral health issues our older patients face and how they can avoid them: Cavities: It’s not just children who get tooth decay—oral decay is a common disease in people 65 and older. Ninety-two percent of seniors 65 and older have had dental caries in their permanent teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The risk for tooth decay increases because many older adults don’t go to the dentist as often as they used to, thus cavities go undetected and untreated for longer than they should. Keeping regular appointments with Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova is the key to getting cavities treated in a timely manner. Difficulty eating: Oral health problems, whether from missing teeth, cavities, dentures that don’t fit, gum disease, or infection, can cause difficulty eating and can force people to adjust the quality, consistency, and balance of their diet. Dry mouth: Also called xerostomia, dry mouth is a common issue for a lot of seniors. Our friends at the Oral Cancer Foundation estimate that 20 percent of elderly people suffer from dry mouth, which means the reduced flow of saliva (saliva plays a crucial role in preventing tooth decay). Many seniors are on multiple medications for a variety of chronic illnesses or conditions. Common medications taken that may cause dry mouth are decongestants, antihistamines, blood pressure medications, pain pills, incontinence medications, antidepressants, diuretics, muscle relaxers, and Parkinson’s disease medications. To help counter this, we suggest drinking lots of fluids and limiting your intake of caffeine and alcohol. We also encourage you to check with Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova during your next visit if you think your medications are causing your mouth to feel dry. Gum Disease: Gum (periodontal) disease is an infection of the gums and surrounding tissues that hold teeth in place. While gum disease affects people of all ages, it typically becomes worse as people age. In its early stages, gum disease is painless, and most people have no idea that they have it. In more advanced cases, however, gum disease can cause sore gums and pain when chewing. Gum disease, which can range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease, is usually caused by poor brushing and flossing habits that allow dental plaque to build up on the teeth. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form tartar that brushing simply does not clean. Only a professional cleaning at our office can remove tartar. The two forms of gum disease are gingivitis and periodontitis. In gingivitis, the gums become red, swollen, and can bleed easily; in periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces that become infected. Proper brushing, flossing, and visiting our office regularly can prevent gum disease. Seniors with limited dexterity who have trouble gripping a toothbrush should ask Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova about modifying a handle for easier use or switching to a battery-powered toothbrush.

Pregnancy leads to so many changes in your body, so it’s no surprise that your teeth and gums are affected as well! Dental care is very important during these months, so let’s look at some of the concerns you might have about treatments and procedures. Regular Exams and Cleaning Yes and yes! Let us know you are pregnant when you make your appointment. Preventive care is especially important during pregnancy for keeping your gums healthy. Periodontal Care Swollen and tender gums are often one of the first signs of pregnancy. Hormonal changes can make your gums more vulnerable to irritation and infection. Early gum disease, called gingivitis, should be treated promptly to avoid a more serious condition called periodontitis. This form of gum disease can actually cause the gums to pull away from the teeth, leading to pockets where infection can develop. Talk to us about scheduling extra cleanings, if needed, to avoid the plaque build-up that leads to gum disease. Regular Dental Work If you need a cavity filled or a crown placed, talk to us about scheduling. It is important to keep your teeth healthy to avoid infection or more serious dental problems. If you do need restorative work, procedures are usually best treated during the second trimester, where morning sickness is less of a problem and reclining comfortably in the dental chair is easier than it would be in your third trimester. Emergency Work If there is a dental emergency, call us immediately. You shouldn’t put off emergency work, as the complications of pain and infection can be harmful to you and your baby. Elective Treatments If you are thinking about whitening your teeth or having other cosmetic dental work done, waiting until after your baby is born is usually recommended. X-rays Most studies suggest that dental X-rays, because they are so limited in focus, are probably safe during pregnancy. But since there is no definitive answer at this time, it’s recommended to wait until after your baby is born for elective X-rays. In case of a dental emergency, however, an X-ray might be a necessity. If you are worried, talk to us about the shielding we use during X-rays, as well as scientific agreement about the safety of dental X-rays. Let Dr. Zoe Huang, Dr. Zoryana Brodsky, Dr. Stephan Yoon, Dr. Mandy Leung, and Dr. Enejan Hanamova know about your pregnancy, and we will work with you to schedule exams or treatments at our Dublin, CA office so that your dental experience is both comfortable and safe. If you have any concerns, call us immediately. We know your pregnancy brings many significant changes to your life, but our concern for your health and well-being—that’s unchanging!