Emma comes to us from USC with a strong background in microbiology and soft tissue management. Her research focused on oral bacterial infections and the effect various types have on systemic health. She personally takes care of my dental prophylaxis and it's like a spa day for my gums. Come...
Let's face it. Masks are here to stay for the time being and that means a higher temperature in your mouth making a better breeding ground for bacteria that cause both bad breath and gingivitis! Brushing 3 x a day flossing and hydrating appropriately will help to combat the new...
The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus. But...
1. Hydrate. As the weather gets warmer we lose water by evaporation and a dryer mouth leaves us prone to decay, bad breath, and staining fluids that dry to the tooth surfaces. A sip of water after dark liquids helps wash the stains away and keep...
Increased temperatures in your oral cavity can lead to dry mouth and increase the rate the bacteria multiplies. This means a more acidic environment primed for cavities and dehydration that can increase the amount of tartar building up. We can combat these new situations by simply drinking more water and...
We are excited to learn more about ways to better serve you! Streamlining digital advances in laboratory communications and insurance updates as well as up to the minute infection control data. We look forward to sharing this information with you! In the meantime, Dr. Karen Nakagawa is on call for...
Bacteria from your mouth can invade your gums and cause infections that can travel to your heart. As a past member of the UCLA- Heart- Lung transplant team, dental examinations and care were a routine part of the protocol to keep patients safe during their organ transplant procedure and afterward...
Leave your 2020 Toothbrush in the past! Keeping Your Toothbrush for Too Long The ADA recommends changing your toothbrush every 3-4 months, so make a resolution to change your toothbrush with every season this year. Frayed and broken bristles won’t keep your teeth clean—these are signs it’s time to...
Daniel Berger, EMT, published a recent article in The Journal of Emergency Medicine comparing different marks types for healthcare professionals reported that fluid resistant surgical masks (level 3) provided filtration at a smaller particle size than the N95 respirator and proved sufficient at filtering of aerosol and droplets associated with...
1. Keeping a gratitude journal causes less stress, improves the quality of sleep, and builds emotional awareness (Seligman, Steen, Park and Peterson, 2005). 2. People who express and feel gratitude have a higher volume of grey matter in the right inferior temporal gyrus (Zahn et al, 2014). ( Make you...
We know emergencies occur, if you need to reach Dr. Sakurai or Dr. Merchant directly please call . . (800)233-7231 ID#12356
As old silver mercury fillings age and are exposed to extreme hot and cold, like coffee and ice cream, they expand and contract leaving gaps between the tooth and the filling over time. when that happens bacteria can sneak between and under the filling where it can't be seen visually...
Please welcome Dr. Merchant to our practice. He is a highly talented dentist as well as a culinary wizard! I have had the privilege of watching him work on the most challenging cases at LAC+USC Medical center during his residency with empathy and acute skill beyond his years. I am...
As the year closes, it's a great time to review your dental insurance benefits. Make appointments early enough to make sure your family maximizes your hard-earned benefits. Your benefits usually renew annually and are not additive. So if you have 2000 worth of benefits this year and 2000 next year...
Although Coke caused the most staining OJ was the most acidic and caused demineralization of the shell. Brushing your teeth right after acidic drinks can wear away the enamel because the minerals have been taken away by the acid. Try drinking water to neutralize the acid and wait 30 min...
Hidden acids in common drinks can cause enamel erosion, tooth decay, and sensitivity. Being aware of what you put in your cup and your mouth can be an important way to preserve that beautiful smile and prevent pain and disease. Drinks with very low pH's can pull away minerals out...
The Flu and Dental Care: A Closer Look The 2018 flu season has been one of the worst in 15 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, in the final week of January 2018, 7.1% of all outpatient visits were for flu-like symptoms, an increase of .5% from the week before. This...