Dr. Kanani, Woodland Hills Dentist: Tongue Brushing May Be as Important as Tooth Brushing

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) June 12, 2013

Many people think that brushing and flossing their teeth is the most important way to keep out of the dentist's chair. According to an April 1, 2013 issue of Examiner.com, 8 Common Dental Problems definitely includes a healthy tongue.The tongue is a heavy retention zone for bacteria, which can lead to both gingivitis and cavities. Dr. Kaveh Kanani, a cosmetic dentist in Woodland Hills, lets patients know not to neglect brushing their tongue as well, adding that this can help in more areas than just oral health.

Halitosis is the beginning of troubles for the tongue. It acts much as a sponge, moving moisture around at the same time that bacteria is retained. Unless the tongue is brushed and rinsed thoroughly, it can cause the same type of issue in the mouth as an unwashed sponge left in dirty dishwater a germ factory. Examiner said that brushing your tongue gets rid of excess plaque, drinks, and food.

Foods can also add to the issue, said the Huffington Post on March 14, 2011 (10 Common Dental Problems and How to Avoid Them). Garlic and onion, while they add flavor to food, can also add to mouth problems by causing dryness. Without enough tongue moisture, bacteria can grow at an even faster rate, which is bad news for the teeth.

Also, most know that sugar or fatty foods can indirectly be a cause of cavities, but they may not be sure why. The extra bacteria not being scraped off the tongue can feed on leftover starches and sugars, creating an acid wash that works to eat through the enamel coating on teeth. This is especially why teeth and tongue ought to be brushed in the morning and at night, so that bacteria have less of a chance to help form acids. Drinking lemon or lime juice without rinsing afterward can create a similar effect.

For those who brush and floss thoroughly, but can't understand why bad breath is still an issue, look to seasonal allergies. The Huffington Post also said that nasal drip can increase the grouping of bacteria with extra phlegm and mucus. If this isn't treated, it's possible that bacteria can enter the bloodstream or even be transferred to the lungs, increasing risk of pneumonia or bronchitis.

Treatments can include an extra-heavy tooth cleaning, which is what most people would rather avoid, or a round of antibiotics if the infection has spread. However, if periodontitis is severe, it may be time for dental implant costs. The Woodland Hills dentist would rather that patients be able to maintain mouth health. Even though the Around The Corner dental health spa has a soothing environment and state-of-the-art equipment, Dr. Kanani adds that no implant can truly substitute for original teeth.

Lack of tongue health can also lead to sensitized teeth, if the gum line pulls away to expose the roots or if the tooth has suffered abrasion. Eroded roots, when hit with extra saliva or air flow, can cause very painful tingling sensations, and expose the teeth to more damage. Fortunately, Around the Corner has a monthly special that can alleviate the dental implants cost. Sedation procedures are also affordable at under $ 400.

Dr. Kaveh Kanani was a biology major at California State University, and his doctorate was received from New York University, while a residency was completed at Woodhall Hospital. After a few AAID Maxi courses (which can take up to 10 months for completion), Dr. Kanani worked at facilities such as South Bay Dental and West Los Angeles Dental Health Institute. The American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID) has awarded him with an Associate Fellowship.

To learn more about this procedure Dentist Woodland Hills and Dr. Kanani, visit woodlandhillsdentalspa.com, or call (818) 962-1141 to consult with Dr. Kanani.