woman putting stick of gum into her mouth

Is Gum Bad for Your Teeth?

The ancient Greeks used the sap of the Mastic tree as chewing gum. In pharmacies and nature shops they call Mastic Arabic Gum or Yemen Gum. Around the same time, Native Americans used the sap of the Chicle tree to chew on, but not swallow. Today, most chewing gum manufacturers use synthetic rubbers a stand-in. And most keep their exact recipes a secret! Chewing gum poses both risks and benefits to your health, including your oral health. If you are looking for a dentist in downtown Los Angeles, look no further than Doctor Kao!

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Senior woman with dentures showing off her smile

Eating with Dentures

Adjusting to dentures can be a trying time in your life, especially as you get used to new changes in your mouth. The way you eat, smile, and even sleep may be different than you have been used to before. Dentures are an advanced treatment solution that can allow you the freedom of eating and functioning independently, the way you deserve. But getting used to the feeling can take a bit of time.

Here at the office of David S. Kao, trusted periodontist in Los Angeles, we want you to be as comfortable with your new installations as possible. Your dentures should feel like natural teeth in no time. This means that there are certain ways to eat that may help you live comfortably and happily.

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Dentist with hands out, translucent tooth in her hands, blue background with bright lights

Foods to Avoid After Your Dental Implant Procedure

After even minor trips to the dentist for routine check-ups, you may be instructed to avoid eating to ensure that your treatment is as effective as possible. With more serious procedures, you may be instructed to not eat for a short period of time and then to only eat very soft or liquid foods for up to 7 days following treatment. This standard is important to maintaining the dental implants you’ve just received, as any deviation from the soft food diet could result in a malfunctioning implant.

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The Best Natural Substitutes for Sugar

The Best Natural Substitutes for Sugar

You’ve probably heard that “sugar is bad for you” lecture more than once in your lifetime. Whether from your parents, your doctor, or your dentist, there’s a number of reasons that staying away from sugar can benefit your overall health. However, if you crave sweets and love your sugary treats, it is difficult and unrealistic to expect someone to cut it out from their diet entirely and for the rest of their life. The good news is that there are natural substitutes for sugar, which can help quench any sugar cravings.

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