Eric Johnson, DDS

Snoring...A Minor Annoyance or Something Serious?

2011-10-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Are you prevented from getting a good night’s sleep due to snoring (be it your snoring or your spouse’s snoring)?

If you snore, do you wake up from a seemingly sound sleep gasping for air?
Do you wake up at night because you need to use the bathroom?
Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired?
Do you feel sleepy in the afternoon and wish you could just sneak in a short nap to re-energize yourself at work?

If any of the above conditions sound familiar to you, please think seriously about getting tested for Sleep Apnea, a dangerous, potentially life-threatening condition.

Sleep apnea is defined as interruptions of breathing during sleep...imagine someone who is sleeping and does not take a breath for more than 10 seconds....then doing this a minimum of five times each hour during their sleep.

Since oxygen enters our bodies through our breath, and our organs (such as our heart, liver, kidneys, etc.) need oxygen to function properly, we are starving our bodies of oxygen with each 10-second non-breathing interval.

If left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to other serious medical conditions such as: depression, high blood pressure, heart attack, or stroke.

A more frightening fact is this: as many as 90% of all sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, largely due to the fact that sufferers are unaware that their symptoms are a sign of a serious breathing disorder.

Talk to a medical doctor or a dentist (but, make sure they are specially trained in sleep medicine and dental sleep medicine) about getting tested for sleep apnea...secure your future by improving your quality of life and getting a more restful sleep each night!

Teeth Straightening for Kids: Purely Cosmetic or A Real Necessity?

2011-03-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

By Guest Blogger: ThanksDrMom.com, Marie Johnson

As kids reach elementary and middle school, the topic of braces (orthodontics) comes up more frequently. Should parents spend the money to straighten their kids’ teeth? Is it for purely a cosmetic reason? You may be surprised to know there are significant health reasons to seriously consider providing orthodontic treatment for your child.

Aside from the obvious esthetic reasons for orthodontics, a healthy mouth and straight teeth in kids are very important concerns because:

1) Straight teeth are easier to keep clean - healthy teeth and gums are extremely important to our overall health, adults and kids alike! Did you know that gum disease is closely linked to heart disease, stroke, and diabetes?

2) A poor bite can lead to muscle problems and headaches.

3) Crooked teeth will wear unevenly, which may lead to future dental problems and the need for future dental restorations such as crowns.

4) It is best to straighten teeth earlier when a child’s mouth and palate are still growing to avoid extracting teeth...and treatment may take less time as a child rather than adult orthodontics.

5) If crowding of the teeth is present, orthodontically creating space and growth in the mouth can help prevent future dental problems and possibly obstructive sleep apnea (a serious condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep).

If you are faced with the question of whether or not to straighten you kids’ teeth, remember that cosmetic reasons are not the only factors involved. Serious health issues may need to be considered. Talk to your family dentist. Find out ALL the details of your child’s diagnosis. Then, decide what is best for your child and your family.

“Every tooth in a man’s head is more valuable than a diamond.” -Miguel de Cervantes, Don Quixote, 1605

And if insurance coverage is a deciding factor for you, follow Robert Brault’s advise (www.robertbrault.com), “My health plan doesn’t cover dental, so I enrolled my teeth as 32 dependents, each needing a complete physical once a year.”

A Tragic Pregnancy

2011-01-15T16:40:00.000-08:00

Please watch this news report regarding a tragic pregnancy; the first case proving the connection between the health of your gums and the health of a developing fetus. The LANAP protocol for treating gum disease is a patient-friendly, minimal invasive procedure that is very effective in treating gum disease. Watch it here: http://tinyurl.com/5wjlabu

Successful Periodontal Therapy May Reduce the Risk of Pre-Term Birth

2010-11-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

According to a study at the University of Pennsylvania, successful treatment for gum disease may reduce the risk for pre-term birth. Read more here. http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/news/successful-periodontal-therapy-may-reduce-risk-preterm-birth-according-penn-dental-study

Of course LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) could be considered as part of successful periodontal therapy.

Nobody Ever Told Me That!

2010-06-18T20:19:00.001-07:00

Nobody Ever Told Me About That!

1. You will look older faster with the following dental problems: gum disease, missing, stained or broken teeth; and ill-fitting dentures or bridges.

2. Amalgam (silver) fillings can expand and, over a period of years, cause natural teeth to crack.

3. A crown is recommended for several reasons. One reason is to reestablish the biting surfaces of the teeth. Another may be to prevent an "at risk" tooth from cracking.

4. A 200-pound man with full mouth dentures has less chewing force than his 90-year old aunt who has all her teeth.

5. Over time, teeth can become discolored from age or continuous exposure to tea, coffee, red wine, dark colas, and tobacco. These stains go deep into the surface of the tooth. In order to get teeth really white, talk to your dentist about a professional whitening that will penetrate the tooth's enamel.

6. Gum disease can lead to the spread of infection through your blood stream, resulting in a loss of energy, creating fatigue.

7. Diet sodas, cough drops, and chewing tobacco can cause tooth decay.

8. People mistakenly believe that their teeth must touch at all times. Not so. In fact, unless you are chewing, talking, or swallowing, your jaw should be in a relaxed, slack position.

Thinking Outside the Box Means Thinking Outside the Tooth

2010-05-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

There is substantial research linking gum (periodontal) disease to serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and even pancreatic cancer. Instead of addressing these systemic disease at advanced stages, why not be pro-active and deal with less pain by creating a healthy mouth.

Our mouths are the easiest line of access for bacteria to enter our bodies. Gum disease starts off as plaque, an opaque bacterial film, which eventually hardens forming tartar or calculus. Calculus deposits harbor bacteria, which infect the gums. In early stages, this is called gingivitis, characterized by red swollen gums that bleed when you brush your teeth. Many people experience bad breath and an unpleasant taste in their mouths as well.

Unchecked gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, a much more serious form of the disease where periodontal pockets are formed, separating teeth from the gums and supporting bone structure. Without treatment, infection becomes severe and the pockets deepen, harboring bacteria (which then enters the blood stream), and eventually resulting in tooth loss. Gum disease is a chronic condition, and the effects are wide-spread. The chronic infection of gum disease exacerbates other systemic diseases previously mentioned above.

The way to repair the damage is to get rid of the infection and close up the pockets. This is where thinking "outside the box" comes in. Until recently treating gum disease meant cut and sew flap surgery (aka, scalpel surgery and sutures). Most dentists are trained to treat gum disease by cutting through healthy tissue on the surface to "scrape out" the infected, underlying gum tissue. Modern technology and the use of a specific laser and protocol have proven successful in treating gum disease, which in turn can help control diabetes and lower the risks of heart disease and stroke.

This "out of the box" successful, laser-alternative protocol I am referring to is called Laser Assisted new Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is the only laser-assisted procedure certified by the FDA for treatment of periodontitis or gum disease. This breakthrough procedure can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue, as shown in dental university studies and among my own patients. I can honestly say the LANAP protocol is a patient-friendly, minimally invasive procedure that is a great improvement over traditional gum surgery.

Be an informed patient/consumer. Always ask what your alternatives are. With the advancement of science and modern technology, there is no reason to settle for old-fashion, "traditional" solutions.

The LANAP Protocol: Periodontal Patients' Best Friend

2010-04-21T22:52:00.000-07:00

I have been providing the LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure) protocol for the last few years. Without exaggeration or hyperbole, in my 25 years in the practice of dentistry, I have never seen a more effective, patient friendly, powerful technique than the LANAP protocol for the treatment of ANY dental concern, including gum disease. Patient acceptance is unparalleled, results are clinically proven, and a positive patient experience is the rule. LANAP is an FDA approved procedure that features no cutting or amputation of gum tissue, no stitches, and virtually no risk of post operative infection. LANAP is a regenerative procedure that features superior healing compared to conventional techniques. There are at present, approximately 1000 user/clinicians in the US and Canada. The number of periodontal specialist users is growing steadily; it is my decided opinion that the "Gold Standard" for periodontitis treatment is now the LANAP protocol. I am honored to help doctors learn the technique as an Instructor for the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry, the sole provider for all continuing education and instruction for the LANAP protocol.

Sleep Apnea Associated to Increased Risk of Stroke? How do I know if I have Sleep Apnea?

2010-04-14T15:56:00.000-07:00

Because sleep apnea symptoms happen at night when the patient is asleep, many don't realize they are affected and can go years, even a lifetime, suffering from the condition and not knowing it.

People who suffer from sleep apnea can have one or more pauses in breathing or shallow breaths while they sleep. It can also be accompanied with loud snoring, or snorting. The erratic sleeping/breathing pattern can put serious stress on the heart, because the pauses cause the flow of oxygen to the vital organs to slow (or even stop) for a few seconds, which makes the heart pump harder.

The effects of sleep apnea start to erode your body, which can eventually lead to stroke.

According to a recent study out of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with an increased risk of stroke in middle-aged or older Americans. Additionally, according to the National Sleep Foundation, 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from sleep apnea and many of them don't know it!

What a frightening statistic!

The study followed approximately 5500 participants, aged 40 years and older without a history of stroke, for an average of nine years. During that period a total of 193 participants had a stroke - 85 men (of 2,462 enrolled) and 108 women (out of 2,960 enrolled).

Men diagnosed with moderate to severe sleep apnea were nearly three times more likely to have a stroke than men without sleep apnea or men with mild sleep apnea.

But in women, it was different. The increased risk of stroke in females was significant only in women with severe levels of sleep apnea. The increased risk of stroke from sleep apnea depended on other risk factors the women had such as weight issues, smoking, race, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Researchers believe that because men are more prone to have sleep apnea earlier in life, the risks of stroke are much higher than in women, who usually suffer from sleep apnea when they are pregnant, overweight, or going through menopause.

The findings of the recent study provide compelling evidence that OSA is a risk factor for stroke, especially in men. Most importantly, the study found that increased stroke risk in men occurs even with relatively mild levels of sleep apnea. The next step for this project is clinical trial studies to help scientists determine if treating sleep apnea can lower a person's risk of stroke and other diseases.

So how do you know if you have sleep apnea, or just a snoring problem? If you have a partner who notices you are snoring heavily and gasping for breath as you sleep, or if you wake up in the morning and find you can't function during the day due to excessive fatigue, sleep experts recommend you talk to your Medical Doctor and/or Dentist...that's right...your Dentist!

There are several treatment options available through both M.D.'s and Dentists. It's up to the patient to make the first move and ask to be tested.

Because sleep apnea has no pain, many people think it can't hurt them. But, research continues to show that sleep apnea can and will hurt your body - especially if it goes undetected.

4 Things to Ask Your Doctor About Sleep Apnea

2010-04-02T21:07:00.000-07:00

Sleep Apnea is a potentially life-threatening sleep disorder that has roots in your airway passage. In case you suspect you have sleep apnea on the basis of your partner's complaints of snoring, you may want to consult a doctor. Here's what you can ask your doctor on your first visit, to show you are an involved patient who would like to get their facts:

1. What exactly is sleep apnea and what type of sleep apnea do I have?

The sleep apnea condition is characterized by a disturbed state of sleep in which you pause breathing several times (up to 30 times) every hour while sleeping and for anything between a few seconds to a minute each time. Resumption of breathing is generally automatic and follows choking or gasping for breath. Clinical diagnoses have found three basic types, namely central sleep apnea, obstructive sleep apnea, and mixed sleep apnea.

2. What will the line of treatment the doctor will follow?

The line of treatment depends on the type of sleep apnea you have and the acuteness of your condition.

3. Will the treatment also require physiotherapy or an invasive procedure like surgery?

If your case so requires (and as per the judgement of your doctor), you could be prescribed with invasive procedures such as mandibular myotopy, somnoplasty, uvulo-palato-pharyngoplasty or tracheotomy.

4. Will I be fitted with a breathing device? What sort of device is it and how will it help me?

It is not essential that you will have a device to consider. However, you could be fitted with any of the following devices depending on your case (type and seriousness of condition).

CPAP - The Continuous Positive Air Pressure is a customized device generally recommended for moderate to severe cases of obstructive sleep apnea. It is a strap on mask-like device to be worn at bedtime that provides rhythmic pressurized air with a built-in humidifier to prevent the air passage from collapsing.
OAT - The Oral Appliance therapy is a dental device which advances the lower jaw forward, elevates the palate and lowers the tongue to open the airway. These devices are used only with obstructive sleep apnea patients.

I've been told I have gum disease and need surgery...is this important?...what are my alternatives?

2010-03-22T20:39:00.000-07:00

Treating or controlling periodontal (gum) disease is very important because it is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults. In the USA, one in three adults at the age of 65 have no teeth! Aside from the dental concerns and day-to-day necessity to obtain nutrition by eating, gum disease has been linked to other serious diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and pancreatic cancer. Controlling gum disease is indeed important to one's general health!

Aside from traditional "cut and sew" gum surgery to treat gum disease an effective, patient-friendly, FDA-cleared alternative exists: Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP). The LANAP protocol is a laser-based, minimally-invasive procedure that delivers superior results in controlling gum disease. This specific protocol uses a thin, laser fiber to clear out the infected tissue and stimulate healing in a procedure that has little discomfort and downtime.

I have provided the LANAP protocol to patients of my practice for 4 consecutive years now and have witnessed the superior results myself. There is no longer a reason to fear treatment of gum disease. The advanced technology of the LANAP protocol offers a patient-friendly solution to a very common, yet often ignored, health problem.

Vascular Inflammation in Obesity and Sleep Apnea

2010-02-24T15:14:00.000-08:00

Check out this article: Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is more important determinant of cardiovascular disease than obesity. http://www.cardiosource.com/cjrpicks/CJRPick.asp?cjrID=5688

Invisalign Preferred Provider

2010-02-14T21:10:00.000-08:00

We have attained "Invisalign Preferred Provider" status from Invisalign. Invisalign is the leading alternative to conventional orthodontic treatment or 'braces'. Invisalign is a popular technique with patients to straighten teeth because of lighter forces, comfort, and ease of cleaning the teeth during treatment. Pictured in the photograph is Nichole Stone regional manager for Invisalign.

Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com

2010-02-07T06:26:00.000-08:00

Check out this article from the Wall Street Journal about the difficulties of treating sleep apnea, and the solutions dentistry offers:
Relief of Sleep Apnea can be found using CPAP devices, but compliance is low - WSJ.com

5 Ways to Maximize Your Dental Insurance Benefits

2009-11-04T21:00:00.000-08:00

From Marie Johnson, Business Manager at Eric Johnson, DDS

1. Remember that dental insurance plans don’t limit the care you can receive from your dentist; they only limit the dollar amount that is covered by insurance. Find out the maximum dollar amount and treatment you can receive under your insurance plan per year.

2. To avoid financial surprises, work with your dental office to: a.) formulate a treatment plan and b.) get an accurate estimate of benefits from your insurance company.

3. Maximize your benefits by scheduling major dental treatment at the end of one benefit period and the beginning of the next benefit period.

4. Understand that there are some incidents where dental insurance and medical insurance overlap. Check your medical coverage, because certain types of dental treatment may be covered by medical insurance.

5. Ask your dental office for detailed receipts of all treatment completed to ensure insurance claims get processed in a timely manner and get accurately paid to avoid late fees and finance charges.

Nobody Ever Told Me About That!

2009-10-30T22:08:00.000-07:00

Health Expo at Herbalife

2009-10-20T22:52:00.000-07:00

Marie, Evalin, and I presented dentistry, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers at a Health Expo at Herbalife in Torrance. We spoke to many people and I performed oral health screenings. Above is a short video of the event. These events are part of our dental practice's outreach to our to our neighbors to provide information on good dental health.

Cavity Detecting Laser

2009-10-16T21:52:00.000-07:00

A cavity detecting laser! This laser device is very sensitive and can often find tooth decay not found with dental x-rays. When tooth decay is diagnosed in the early stages, repair of the teeth is much easier and tooth structure is conserved.

The PerioLase Laser Close-up

2009-10-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

This video is of the laser canula of the PerioLase MVP-7 Laser. The laser is used for treatment of periodontal (gum) disease. The laser is a central component of LANAP (laser assisted new attachment procedure), which is a minimal invasive surgical therapy instead of 'cut and sew' gum surgery. The LANAP procedure is FDA approved, scientifically tested, and very effective.

South Bay's Favorite Dentist 2009

2009-10-09T20:36:00.000-07:00

Again thank you for this unexpected honor.

South Bay's Favorite Dentist

2009-10-05T21:29:00.000-07:00

We were pleasantly surprised to be named the South Bay's
Favorite Dentist 2009 in a poll taken by the Daily Breeze.
This is quite an unexpected honor. We strive everyday to serve our patients, listen to their concerns, and treat them with compassion and fairness. We are thankful and grateful our efforts are being noticed. To all who voted in the poll, THANK YOU!

Mama Hill's Help

2009-09-18T23:28:00.000-07:00

Last month, we set aside two days to provide dental examinations, cleanings, and dental treatment for children from Mama Hill's Help, a small independent charity in Los Angeles. Mama Hill is actually Millicent Hill, a retired schoolteacher who has shouldered the responsibility of caring and providing help for hundreds of underprivileged children. Her work is quite inspirational and if anyone would like more information about, or would like to donate to this wonderful cause, please contact my office.

What Doctors Wish You Would Do.

2009-09-06T08:30:00.000-07:00

From Woman's Day Magazine and Yahoo News:

Among the tips for healthy living these important dental considerations.

Respect Your Mouth:

Floss and brush daily and you'll be rewarded with more than just a bright smile. "Your oral health has a major influence on your systemic health," says Dr. Roizen. "The same bacteria that cause gum disease in your mouth can set off an immune reaction that may lead to wrinkles, heart disease and even stroke." Several studies have linked periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease (some speculate that gum disease may cause chronic inflammation, which can in turn cause swelling around the arteries).

As a dentist who evaluates a patient's general health everyday, I certainly can testify to the importance of oral health and a person's overall well-being.

Get Familiar with "C":

As in c-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation (checked with a blood test) that experts think may play a role in the formation of clots that block the flow of blood to the heart. Researchers in the landmark JUPITER study of more than 17,000 women 60 and older and men 50 and older found that those who had normal cholesterol levels but slightly elevated levels of c-reactive protein reduced their risk of heart attack and stroke by taking a statin--meaning that CRP levels may be worth keeping tabs on. However, keep in mind that experts are still trying to figure out CRP's exact role, and whether or not it directly causes heart disease or is a sign that it's developing. "Men and women in this age group with normal cholesterol should ask their doctors about CRP," says Dr. Goldberg.

In dentistry, particularly treating periodontal or gum disease, we are very aware of the effects C-Reactive Protein on overall health. C-reactive Protein is marker of inflammation that is very frequently seen with patients with gum disease. I have had patients C-Reactive Protein levels reverse significantly after treating their periodontal disease.

ObamaCare Dissected - OUCH!!!

2009-09-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Keith Hennessey for this analysis of Government run, controlled, mandated, health care from our President. At best our President is disingenuous with regards to the particulars of this legislation. As a Doctor providing health care everyday, I can only see problem after problem with government run health care. Heck, they can't even deliver the mail on budget!!! Please see Mr. Hennessey's excellent analysis here. http://bit.ly/e9uOw

Do Red Heads Feel More Pain?

2009-08-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

People with red hair seem particularly nervous about visiting the dentist, and genetics may explain why, according to a new study.
A few studies in recent years have found that redheads tend to be less responsive to local pain-blockers like Novocain and may need larger doses to get the same pain relief as people with darker coloring.
These latest findings, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, suggest that the genetics of red hair may be behind the link.
Red hair is the result of particular variations in what is called the melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene, which helps determine pigmentation. While it was once thought that the gene was active only in the skin, hair and eyes, more-recent research has shown that it also functions in the brain, where it may play a role in processing pain, anxiety and fear.
So for the new study, researchers led by Dr. Catherine J. Binkley, of the University of Louisville in Kentucky, looked at whether red hair and MC1R variations were related to people's aversion to seeing the dentist.
They found that among the 144 white adults they recruited, those with MC1R variations reported more anxiety about dental procedures and were twice as likely to say they avoided the dentist altogether.
Not surprisingly, nearly all of the natural redheads in the study carried at least one copy of an MC1R variation linked to red hair -- 65 of 67 participants. The same was true of roughly one-quarter of the 77 dark-haired study participants.
When the researchers took a closer look at the data, they found that the presence of these MC1R variations was more strongly linked to dental anxiety than was hair color itself.
The results, according to Binkley's team, suggest that dentists should ask all patients -- but especially redheads -- about their anxiety over any procedures they must have and then use "appropriate modalities" to help them manage the problem.
SOURCE: Journal of the American Dental Association, July 2009.

Health Fair @ the Crowne Plaza Hotel

2009-08-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

Marie and Patti presented dentistry, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers to attendees of a Health Fair at the Crowne Plaza Hotel near LAX last Wednesday. They provided a lot of information on the benefits of modern dentistry and dentistry's relation to a healthy lifestyle.

Eric Johnson, DDS - South Bay's Favorite Dentist!

2009-08-04T22:47:00.000-07:00

I was voted the South Bay's Favorite Dentist in a poll taken the the Daily Breeze, our local newspaper!

More Common Sense on ObamaCare

2009-07-28T07:09:00.000-07:00

1. President Barack Obama repeatedly tells us that one reason national health care is needed is that we can no longer afford to pay for Medicare and Medicaid. But if Medicare and Medicaid are fiscally insolvent and gradually bankrupting our society, why is a government takeover of medical care for the rest of society a good idea? What large-scale government program has not eventually spiraled out of control, let alone stayed within its projected budget? Why should anyone believe that nationalizing health care would create the first major government program to "pay for itself," let alone get smaller rather than larger over time? Continued here: http://bit.ly/pDCXw

Conscious Sedation

2009-07-26T22:45:00.000-07:00

From 1-800Dentist's Fred Joyal:

Dentists scare people. This isn't news. Millions of people have horrible things happening in their mouths because fear keeps them out of the dentist's chair. It doesn't have to be that way....Conscious sedation is helping fearful patients to get the treatment they need to improve their oral health. It helps you to relax and remain awake so you can still communicate with the dentist during treatment. Conscious Sedation is sometimes referred to as "sleep dentistry," even though the patient usually stays awake. Deeper levels of sedation are possible where you are actually totally unconscious during the procedure.There are different ways that sedation may be administered. Among them are nitrous oxide (laughing gas) by mask, oral sedation in pill form and IV sedation, which typically works faster and can be adjusted during the procedure.So come on, take a deep breath, put away that fear and go to the dentist. Your teeth will thank you and it might all just seem like a pleasant dream.

Eric Johnson, DDS @ Raytheon

2009-07-26T22:02:00.000-07:00

Marie and I presented dentistry, oral cancer information, LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers at Raytheon in El Segundo, CA last Wednesday. No photos were taken as security prohibits photography. In fact, our Iphones were checked at reception as a precaution.

Teeth-Friendly Foods

2009-07-02T09:01:00.000-07:00

No one wants cavities. But it’s a fact that if you frequently eat high-sugar foods and do not take care of your teeth with proper, regular brushing, plaque will build up. The resulting acids will eat away at your tooth enamel, and you can say hello to cavities.

You get hungry and sometimes you need to snack. What’s to be done when you can’t get to a toothbrush? Starve, for fear of cavities? Of course not. Simply exercise some wisdom when choosing your snack. It may seem convenient and taste-bud tempting to reach for a candy bar, but your teeth won’t thank you.

It’s common knowledge that sugar and other sweets are bad for teeth, but did you know that certain foods can actually promote tooth health? So with the health of your teeth and gums in mind, don’t just avoid certain foods, seek out certain foods.

Consider the following foods and what they can do for your oral health:

Apples, celery, and carrots. These crunchy foods help to remove plaque from teeth when you are unable to brush. (Not a substitute, mind you, but a decent alternative until you can get to your toothbrush. Also, rinse your mouth with water.)

Fruit. Sugars that occur naturally in fruits are less harmful to teeth than regular table sugar. But keep in mind that natural sugars such as honey, molasses, corn syrup, and raw sugar still do promote cavities.

Natural foods are best. Replace processed snacks with fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds.
Foods that aren’t chewy, sticky, and gooey, as these cling to your teeth the longest.

Raisins. Yes, they’re sticky and sweet, but research has indicated that raisins contain phytochemicals that discourage the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, as well as hinder the bacteria from clinging to teeth.

Unsweetened cereal. Obviously, better for teeth than sweetened cereal.

Baked tortilla chips, pretzels, whole grain crackers, and popcorn. You won’t find much sugar here.

Water. Okay, it’s not a food, but it does affect your teeth. Instead of drinking sugary drinks such as soda and juice, drink water and you’ll be rinsing your teeth as well as quenching your thirst.

Finally, if you must indulge in occasional sweets, the best time to do so it along with a main meal, instead of between meals when the sugar can cling to your teeth more easily and longer. During mealtimes, saliva production is at a higher level, thus helping to reduce plaque build-up (commonly misspelled as “plague build-up”) and prevent cavities.

Remember, no food can take the place of proper brushing and dental hygiene, but it’s plain to see that certain foods are more friendly to teeth when it comes to forming plaque and cavities. Keep this in mind and you’re on your way to enjoying a happy, healthy mouth.

Health Expo at TABC (Toyota)

2009-06-25T12:51:00.000-07:00

Marie presented dentistry and the importance of preventive health care at TABC a manufacturing company owned by Toyota. She gave information on dentistry and our featured dental services of LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers. Prevention in health care is so important; it is MUCH less costly and so much easier to manage disease and health problems at an earlier stage. Our visit to TABC is part of our ongoing outreach efforts to spread the word about dentistry and good health to our community. Our next efforts will involve Cancer and Oral Cancer Awareness next month at Raytheon.

Obesity Linked to Risk of Periodontitis

2009-06-23T22:16:00.000-07:00

Obesity is on the rise and becoming a significant worldwide health problem. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 34% of U.S. adults older than the age of 20 were obese in 2006. Obesity is associated with serious life-threatening diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. Several recent publications show that obesity is also linked to an increased risk for periodontal disease. http://tinyurl.com/mhtmrh

Treating Gum Disease Helps Rheumatoid Arthritis Sufferers

2009-06-19T23:04:00.000-07:00

ScienceDaily (May 29, 2009) — Here's one more reason to keep your teeth healthy. People, who suffer from gum disease and also have a severe form of rheumatoid arthritis, reduced their arthritic pain, number of swollen joints and the degree of morning stiffness when they cured their dental problems. http://tinyurl.com/kkyush

Dental Presentation at Hitco Industries

2009-06-17T23:00:00.001-07:00

On June 17, Marie presented dentistry including LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers to 370 employees at Hitco during a Health Expo. This is part of Eric Johnson, DDS' community outreach to educate and inform the public at large about the health and well-being brought about by good dental health. We will be visiting employers large and small to spread the news about the great health benefits modern dentistry offers.

Lumineer Day this Thursday June 18!

2009-06-15T22:14:00.000-07:00

We are preparing and waiting with excitement for our LUMINEER Day Thursday June 18.
See here for details: http://www.ericjohnsondds.com

A Beautiful Result With LUMINEERS

2009-06-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

A natural, beautiful enhancement to this

woman's appearance. Our Lumineer Day

event is this Thursday June 18.

http://www.EricJohnsonDDS.com

Health Expo Presentation

2009-06-05T05:58:00.000-07:00

Marie presented dentistry including the featured services our dental practice offers LANAP, Invisalign, and Lumineers, at the Cantebury yesterday. The Cantebury is a private, senior assisted-living facility in Rolling Hills Estates, CA. The presentation was for approximately one hundred employees of the Cantebury as part of a Health Expo which featured other speakers on health care issues. This Health Expo is part of our ongoing community outreach to help educate the public about the importance of dental health.

Nice LUMINEER Results - Before and After

2009-05-30T22:09:00.000-07:00

A very nice cosmetic result with LUMINEERS.

1- DAY FREE DENTAL VENEERS EVENT

2009-05-28T15:03:00.000-07:00

On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Dr Johnson is conducting FREE evaluations of your smile and may recommend the newest technique using Lumineers, contact lens-thin and completed in two visits. Limited to the first 18 appointments. Call to reserve your appointment, (800) 961-7740 or (310) 540-8800. Our address is 4201 Torrance Blvd, Suite 420, Torrance ,CA 90503

CAN A SMILE REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

2009-05-26T22:27:00.000-07:00

A New Spin on Capturing the Job you Want

TORRANCE, CA (May 26, 2009) - Eric Johnson, DDS believes your smile has everything to do with the success of a job interview. At his practice in Torrance, CA http://www.EricJohnsonDDS.com he regularly treats patients wanting to enhance their smile with the use of current, least-invasive treatment procedures.

On Thursday, June 18, 2009, Dr. Johnson is conducting FREE evaluations of your smile and may recommend the newest technique using LUMINEERS, contact lens – thin and completed in two visits. He will advise how to beautify your smile…especially for the job-seeking process.

According to Monster.com’s interview expert, “Linguists and psychologists have found 93% of communication is non-verbal, and a smile is a non-verbal clue that is an immediate rapport-builder.” Monster.com goes on to report, “Interviewers are often nervous, too. In 1/16 of a second we assess whether someone will harm, help or hurt us. A smile tells someone you’re not going to hurt them.”

Dr. Johnson is a highly trusted Dentist in the South Bay and enhancing a smile is a cosmetic service he provides. He is a 20-year veteran in the field of dentistry, holding current training in multiple procedures (including the latest periodontal surgery using a breakthrough technology that utilizes laser therapy that can actually regenerate new gum and bone tissue). He endeavors to utilize minimally-invasive procedures that are FDA approved.

ABOUT ERIC JOHNSON, DDS

Dr. Johnson is a graduate of the UCLA School of Dentistry and has been in the practice of dentistry since 1986. He holds multiple honors for research on head and neck physiology.

His office in Torrance, California http://www.EricJohnsonDDS.com focuses on all phases of Dentistry including: fixed and removable prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery.

He has fine-tuned his expertise in the use of lasers to treat periodontal disease, and has earned the status of “Certified Instructor” with the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. Additionally, he holds a California permit to provide Conscious Sedation Dentistry.

Dr. Johnson regularly lectures at schools and professional organizations on a variety of dental topics, and he is a member of the following professional organizations:

Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry – Certified Instructor
American & California Dental Associations
Western Dental Society
International College of Cranio-Mandibular Orthopedics

Gum Disease Can Lead to Gestational Diabetes

2009-05-24T07:17:00.000-07:00

We know increasingly that gum or periodontal disease has a global negative effect on our health. The evidence for this is being discovered everyday. See more evidence here: http://tinyurl.com/cslqpp

More Great LANAP Results in Compendium

2009-05-21T21:01:00.001-07:00

Please see this article by John McAllister, DDS in Compendium regarding Case Reports of LANAP Laser Periodontal Therapy. The article is here: http://www.compendiumlive.com/article.php?id=2791

ObamaCare -- OUCH!

2009-05-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

Obama and our present Administration may succeed in wrecking healthcare in America. I am grateful I am not a physician, and apprehensive about being a patient. See this article in the Wall Street Journal.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124208383695408513.html

LANAP Results on Video

2009-05-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Let's take a look at great results from Dr. John McAllister. LANAP is not a magic wand, but a powerful technique for controlling gum disease and preserving teeth and tissue. Please view here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dd846LBK9GQ

LANAP Co-inventor on the ABC News

2009-05-08T21:27:00.000-07:00

Dr. Robert Gregg interviewed on ABCNEWS.com. Please see here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQrO6ti8tfk

Green Tea For Healthy Gums?

2009-05-03T21:22:00.000-07:00

A study recently published in the Journal of Periodontology, uncovered yet another benefit of green tea consumption. Researchers found that routine intake of green tea may also help promote healthy teeth and gums. See the story here. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090305183128.htm

Swine Flu and Your Dental Office

2009-04-28T20:57:00.000-07:00

You are most likely aware that a national health emergency has been declared in the U.S. as a result of the swine flu scare. Though the U.S. has not seen many cases yet - and those that we have seen have been relatively mild - the outbreak has already killed otherwise healthy young people in Mexico.So everyone is a lot more aware of the flu right now. One of the nice things about our dental office is that the sterilization systems and techniques we use on a daily basis make it one of the safest places to work and treat patients.
We're doing our part to help protect the health of our patients. And we'd like your help!If you have any flu-like symptoms, please do not come in to our office. Rest assured that you will not be charged a missed appointment fee if you're not feeling well. Don’t get us wrong, we love seeing you and we never want to turn anyone away. However, the last thing we want is for our dental office to become a place where infection spreads. To protect our patients, we're doing everything we can to keep our team members healthy and not have sick patients in the waiting room.Here are some general tips for dealing with swine flu:
Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
At the first sign of illness, isolate yourself to protect others. (Authorities recommend you stay at home for at least 7 days after getting sick, as you could still infect others.)
If your flu symptoms are mild, stay home, and call your doctor; do not go the doctor's office or clinic.
If your symptoms become severe, call your doctor immediately and seek medical treatment.
We hope you're feeling healthy! If you have any questions or if we may be of assistance, call at 310.540.8800 or email us at info@EricJohnsonDDS.com

Lumineer Day at Eric Johnson, DDS on June 18, 2009!

2009-04-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for details on our special Lumineer promotion!

The New Web Site is Live!

2009-04-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

Please check out our new office website for our dental practice. Included is information regarding Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure (LANAP) for gum disease, Invisalign as an alternative to braces, and information regarding Lumineers. The link is here:
http://www.ericjohnsondds.com

Super Glue Dentistry????

2009-04-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

Not recommended, I can tell you from experience super glue in the mouth does not work. Check out this story: http://www.woodtv.com/dpp/news/web_extra_video/Woman_uses_Super_Glue_on_teeth

New Media

2009-04-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

New technologies and new ways of communicating are changing our world radically. We are attempting to keep up with our world by a new internet presence involving multiple web sites, blog, and yes, utilizing Facebook and Twitter. We will continue to spread the word about dental health, LANAP, and Invisalign.

Our New Website is Coming Soon!

2009-04-18T05:52:00.001-07:00

Please see our new and improved website here. http://www.ericjohnsondds.com
We are launching into a new and improved web presence to help our now and future patients learn about the important services we offer such as LANAP, Invisalign, Lumineers, and General Dentistry.

LANAP on the Evening News:

2009-04-12T07:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a story about LANAP recently broadcast on CBS-TV in Florida: Find it here: http://cbs4.com/local/dentist.laser.drill.2.980880.html

LANAP on You Tube

2009-04-10T10:10:00.000-07:00

Check out this patient interview and video testimonial with LANAP co-inventor Robert Gregg, DDS, and a very happy satisfied patient. See it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vj8cevZUwdY

LANAP at the Townie Meeting

2009-04-05T10:23:00.000-07:00

As part of the Continuing Education series at the Townie Meeting at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas, Millennium Dental Technologies presented a line-up of speakers to present information on LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure), the breakthrough minimal invasive procedure to treat periodontal disease. Speaking were Dr Charles Braga, Dr Michael Colleran, Dr Walt Goodell, Dr Delwin McCarthy, Dr John McAllister, and Dr Eric Johnson

LANAP in the Los Angeles Business Journal

2009-03-22T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Los Angeles Business Journal is featuring an article about Laser Periodontal Therapy (LANAP) in the June 23, 2008 edition. One of my patients and I was interviewed for the article. It can be found here.

Study Shows Bad Teeth May Increase Heart Disease in Younger Men

2009-03-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a another study showing the correlation between good health, and a healthy mouth. To read more click here"This is the first study to find a significant association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of coronary heart disease, even after adjusting for important confounding factors," says Thomas Dietrich, MD, DMD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and one of the studies authors.

Dr. Eric Johnson to Speak at the Townie Meeting 2009

2009-03-13T13:47:00.000-07:00

Dr Eric Johnson has been invited to speak at the 2009 Townie Meeting this April in Las Vegas, NV. The site of the meeting is at Caesar's Palace. The Townie Meeting is an annual event, with a strong program of speakers presenting many programs on differing facets of dentistry. Dr Johnson will be presenting a program about implementing LANAP, (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) in the general dental practice. LANAP is a groundbreaking, minimal-invasive procedure for gum disease (periodontitis) that is an alternative to conventional cut and sew surgery. The program is sponsored in part by Millennium Dental Technologies, makers of the Periolase, the laser used in the LANAP procedure, and also The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry (IALD), the exclusive provider of training and education to dentists of the LANAP protocol. Dr. Eric Johnson is a general dentist practicing in Torrance, CA and is a Certified Instructor for the IALD.

Dental Hygiene: A Great Career

2008-07-16T21:51:00.000-07:00

The dental hygienist is an important part of the dental team. Aside from maintaining patients' oral health by cleaning teeth, instructing oral hygiene, and performing periodontal procedures, the dental hygienist can play an important role in educating people about modern dentistry. Teeth whitening, braces and orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, veneers and Lumineers, and Invisalign are all topics that the hygienist can discuss with an interested public. Schools of Dental Hygiene are typically two years, and can involve the awarding of Bachelors' degrees. Salaries for Dental Hygienists can also be quite lucrative, particularly in areas where shortages of hygienists exist. It would be helpful for the dental profession to support the creation of more dental hygienists to help serve the needs of our patients.

Gum Disease and Diabetes

2008-07-14T19:15:00.000-07:00

From the American Academy of Periodontology:

People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes....... read more here

LANAP in the Los Angeles Business Journal

2008-06-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry

2008-06-13T05:35:00.000-07:00

The Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry is a nationally recognized lecture and clinical training continuing education (CE) organization dedicated to research, practice and teach advanced laser dentistry therapies. Formed in 1999 by dentists Robert H. Gregg and Delwin McCarthy, the IALD offers both actual and practical live-patient clinical training to dental practitioners in the use of dental lasers, supported with pertinent documentation and content. Today there are over 25 calibrated and standardized Certified Instructors through IALD that teach advanced laser therapies, including LANAP™, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure for treatment of periodontal disease. The IALD is both ADA CERP and AGD PACE accredited. For more information see: http://www.theiald.com

Dr Johnson's comments: After 22 years of dental practice, I have never encountered a more dedicated group than the IALD. The educational experience, presentaton of subject matter, and camaraderie is second to none in dentistry. I am proud to be associated with the IALD as a Certified Instructor.

Study Shows Bad Teeth May Increase Heart Disease in Younger Men

2008-06-09T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a another study showing the correlation between good health, and a healthy mouth. To read more click here

"This is the first study to find a significant association between chronic periodontitis and the risk of coronary heart disease, even after adjusting for important confounding factors," says Thomas Dietrich, MD, DMD, MPH, associate professor in the Department of Health Policy and Health Services Research at Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine and one of the studies authors.

LANAP in US News and World Report

2008-06-08T23:35:00.000-07:00

This article appeared earlier this year on LANAP, (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) in US News and World Report. Read the article here

LANAP is an alternative to osseous surgery for patients with periodontal disease. It is a patient friendly, minimally invasive procedure using a laser to regenerate the periodontal attachment.

Oral Sedation Dentistry

2008-06-08T09:45:00.000-07:00

I found this interesting article from the Wall Street Journal, it gives a good overview of oral sedation dentistry. Read here: http://webreprints.djreprints.com/1735970514909.pdf

Millennium Dental Technologies has Fantastic Customer Service

2006-06-27T22:31:00.000-07:00

I dropped off my Periolase Monday at Millennium Dental Technologies before lunch. I was met at the door by Millennium co-founder Dr. Delwin McCarthy. We traveled to Millennium's new assembly facility where technicians immediately went to work on the Periolase; they dropped whatever they were doing to get my laser back online. The problem turned out to be a bad power supply. The Periolase was ready after being repaired, calibrated, and tested and I picked it up Wednesday morning at 8 am. This quick service did not allow me to miss a beat with my patient schedule. A special and heartfelt thank you to Drs Del McCarthy and Robert Gregg for making such a great product as a Periolase and their dedication and support for their customers.

....Two years later, the Periolase has operated flawlessly.

2006-06-19T23:00:00.000-07:00

Cosmetic dentistry is a very hot topic in dentistry today. From Beverly Hills cosmetic dentists, to simple bleaching treatments that most dentists provide, cosmetic dentistry is available to all and exists at a great range of fees and complexities. The most simple cosmetic dentistry involves bleaching of the teeth. For someone who has nicely shaped and arranged teeth, bleaching can have outstanding results, often better aesthetically and more natural then all of the pure flat white "Hollywood Smiles" in People magazine. For people in a hurry, Zoom! whitening can whiten teeth very significantly during a 90 minute appointment Often silver amalgam fillings stain a tooth dark that shows during a smile. Simply replacing the filling with matching and complementary tooth-colored resin or "composite" filling will go a long way to whiten and brighten a smile. The high fee end of cosmetic dentistry can involve ceramic veneers and crowns which can easily get into the thousands of dollars per case, depending upon the number of teeth restored and the difficulty of the case. It is nice to have these expensive options available, but the real truth is these extensive cases are beyond the means of many people. Today almost all dental procedures can be performed in a cosmetic fashion that attempts to mimic natural, so one does not have to sign up for a complete mouth cosmetic makeover to be able to enjoy the benefits of cosmetic dentistry.

What Dental Floss is best?

2006-06-18T06:52:00.000-07:00

In my practice a common question is what type of dental floss to use. Remember, the most important function is to remove plaque from the teeth. I find that Glide or other flosses with low friction that are easy to pass between the teeth, do not remove plaque as well as thicker floss. My personal favorite for dental floss is Johnson and Johnson Dento-Tape. It is a heavily waxed floss that is somewhat sticky to the touch. It really cleans well. I notice when a patient switches to this floss; their oral hygiene becomes much improved. If your teeth are close together and tight, the Dento-tape may be a bit uncomfortable in places. I still feel the benefits outweigh the occasional discomfort as plaque control in the mouth is the key to a healthy mouth.

Periolase Laser Periodontal Therapy

2006-06-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

I had a couple of interesting cases this last week that underscore the nature of periodontal disease and our ability to treat it. In one case, pre-operative x-rays around the teeth showed what appeared to be generalized horizontal bone loss. Probing around the teeth under anesthesia revealed a different picture. There were scattered 9mm and 10mm defects that I did not expect to find. These deep areas may look clinically indistinguishable from 4-6mm pockets. These foci of infection are best treated with the Nd:Yag laser's ability to access and sterilize the periodontal pocket. I am very excited by this technology, now and in the future, many patients will benefit.