Dr. Desiree Yazdan, MD

Dr. Yazdan's in-office teeth whitening procedure typically involves four 15-minute sessions. Each session begins with isolating the teeth using a liquid dam to prevent saliva contamination and protect gum tissues. A desensitizing agent is applied to the back and front surfaces of the teeth to prevent sensitivity, followed by the application of fresh bleach. Patients then lie under a light to activate the bleach. After four sessions, all barriers are removed, and patients can expect whiter teeth. Dr. Yazdan personally undergoes this procedure annually.

Teeth grinding can lead to wear and a flat appearance of the teeth. Thumb sucking can push front teeth forward and cause an open bite. Nail biting can result in chipped teeth and a jagged appearance of the tooth edges.

Bleeding gums are not normal; they are a sign of a bacterial infection, often leading to gum disease. When you see blood during brushing or flossing, it indicates the presence of bad bacteria that needs to be removed. This is a sign to increase your brushing and daily flossing frequency and to inform your hygienist or dentist for proper treatment. Daily flossing is essential to keep gum disease-causing bacteria at bay.

The film on your teeth is plaque bacteria, which can travel beyond your mouth and affect your overall health. Some strains of this bacteria are linked to systemic conditions like heart disease. Brushing is therefore important not just for fresh breath or whiter teeth, but for protecting your overall health from issue-causing bacteria.

Bad breath is often caused by bacteria in the mouth. Masking it with gum or mints only provides temporary relief, as the underlying bacterial cause is not addressed, leading to the problem recurring. Dr. Yazdan observes that bad breath significantly impacts patients' confidence, causing them to hold back smiles or cover their mouths. She emphasizes that true fresh breath and confidence come from neutralizing bacteria at the source, rather than just masking the odor.

Dr. Yazdan personally uses and recommends Crest Gum Detoxify Toothpaste for gum health, noting it's clinically proven to work below the gum line to heal gums and stop bleeding, making teeth feel cleaner. For at-home teeth whitening and smile maintenance, she recommends Crest 3D White Brilliance toothpaste, which is formulated to remove 100% of surface stains and deliver a brighter smile in three days. For whole-mouth antibacterial protection and to prevent bacteria from spreading, she trusts and recommends Crest Pro-Health Antibacterial Protection Toothpaste. For long-lasting fresh breath by neutralizing bacteria at the source, she recommends Crest Clean Breath Toothpaste.