Ring in the New Year with a Resolution for a Healthier Smile: Why Your Dental Health Matters

As the New Year beckons, many of us are drafting resolutions aimed at improving our overall well-being. Among fitness goals and personal development plans, there's one aspect of our health that often gets overlooked: our dental health. A beautiful smile isn't just a reflection of good dental habits; it's a gateway to enhanced confidence and overall health improvement. This year, why not make a resolution to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile? With advancements in cosmetic dentistry, especially with services offered by leading dental professionals such as Miami dentists, achieving your dream smile is more attainable than ever.

Before diving into the cosmetic aspect of dental care, it's important to establish the basics of good dental health. Regular check-ups with your dentist are crucial. These visits are not only for cleaning but also for catching any potential dental emergencies or issues early on. Remember, prevention is better than cure. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and avoiding excessive sugary foods are foundational habits that set the stage for a healthy mouth.

Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing Your Smile

Once you have the basics down, you might still find yourself yearning for a brighter, more aligned, and appealing smile. This is where cosmetic dentistry comes into play. A cosmetic dentist specializes in a wide range of treatments aimed at improving the appearance of your teeth. One such treatment gaining popularity for its transformative results is the application of dental veneers.

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Whether you're dealing with discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned teeth, veneers offer a conservative approach to making a dramatic change in your smile's appearance. When considering this option, choosing a skilled Miami Beach cosmetic dentist is crucial for the best outcomes. Their expertise ensures that your veneers not only look natural but are also long-lasting.

For those missing one or more teeth, dental implants present a durable and aesthetically pleasing solution. Unlike dentures, implants provide a fixed solution that mimics natural teeth both in appearance and functionality. A dental implant is a titanium post that is surgically positioned into the jawbone beneath the gum line, allowing your dentist to mount a replacement tooth or a bridge into that area. Miami dentists equipped with the latest technology and skills are ideal for this procedure, offering results that can last a lifetime with proper care.

After investing in cosmetic dentistry, maintaining that new smile becomes paramount. Regular visits to your dentist, proper oral hygiene, and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking are essential steps in preserving the results. Additionally, wearing a protective guard during sports or if you grind your teeth at night can protect veneers and implants from damage.

Despite our best efforts, dental emergencies can occur. Whether it’s a knocked-out tooth, a broken veneer, or sudden severe pain, knowing how to react can save your tooth. Having a Miami dentist or a Miami Beach dentist you can call in emergencies is vital. They can provide guidance and prompt treatment to prevent any further damage or loss of teeth.

The success of your cosmetic dentistry journey greatly depends on the expertise of the dentist you choose. When searching for a Miami Beach cosmetic dentist or a cosmetic dentist anywhere, look for professionals with a solid reputation, extensive experience, and a portfolio of successful cases similar to yours. Make sure they are open to discussing your expectations and can provide a clear treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Achieving a healthy and beautiful smile as a New Year's resolution is a commitment to not only your dental health but also your overall well-being. With the right practices, such as regular dental visits, proper oral hygiene, and the help of cosmetic dentistry, this goal is within reach. Whether it's through dental veneers, implants, or other cosmetic treatments, collaborating with a skilled Miami dentist or Miami Beach cosmetic dentist can transform your smile and boost your confidence throughout the year.

As the saying goes, "A smile is the prettiest thing you can wear." With advancements in dental care and cosmetic dentistry, wearing your best smile every day is now easier than ever. This New Year, make a resolution to treat your smile with the care it deserves. After all, a healthy and beautiful smile is a gift that keeps on giving, lighting up not just your face but also the lives of those around you.

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, dental veneers, Invisalign, teeth whitening, or dental implants. Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

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Miami Beach Dentist Shares Five Dental Tips to Getting a Bright Smile

Miami Beach Dentist on dental tips

Brushing is not enough! Brushing your teeth every morning and night doesn't guarantee you're giving your mouth all the attention it needs. Even a regular oral hygiene routine may be leaving gaps if you engage in a few not-so-great habits. The best way to get a healthy smile is to understand proper brushing technique and ensuring you have the right tools in your cabinet to help get a more thorough dental cleaning every time you brush. The following dental hygiene tips will help you take your dental care routine to the next level.

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Always Use Proper Brushing Technique

Most people do it wrong! A fast pass of the bristles isn't enough to remove leftover food particles and polish your teeth. Instead, use a technique suggested by the American Dental Association (ADA): Start with your brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use short back and forth strokes across the sides and tops of your teeth. Then, hold the brush vertically and use several shorter strokes to focus on the backs of your teeth of the front anterior teeth where plaque builds up often. When it comes to a clean mouth, technique makes a difference.

Brush Regularly and Enough

People brush regularly, but simply don't brush enough for their teeth to stay clean. The ADA recommends brushing for at least two minutes, twice daily. Having trouble sticking to your dental hygiene routine for two minutes? Try listening to short song, or cue up a two-minute YouTube video. This will keep you entertained and help you reach the two minute goal.

Floss Right

Like brushing, flossing is also techniques-sensitive. It must be done properly so that, when you reach between teeth, you actually get to the germs and plaque that are stuck there. Ideally, use a piece of floss up to 18 inches in length, allowing you to use a fresh area of floss every few teeth. This way you are not reinserting bacteria you just removed. Keep in mind the floss should rub against the teeth in a motion that creates a forward or backward 'C' shape, wrapping the floss around each tooth.

Always Use a Mouthwash

Using a mouthwash is crucial because mouthwash can go where toothbrushes and floss can't.  A good mouthwash can rid your mouth of the same debris that irritates the gumline and causes gingivitis. Add a mouthwash to your oral care regimen to get the most thorough clean you can, especially when you are on the go.

Eliminate Post-Brushing Snacking

Midnight snack? Brushing well may clear your teeth of bacteria and food particles, but if you sneak a snack afterward, you'll need to brush again before bed. Having a snack before sleep (without brushing) can allow food particles and sugar to remain on your teeth for an extended period of time, providing fuel for bacteria that feeds on it.

Dental hygiene should be part of any health routine. Following these dental hygiene tips will help you attain a healthy smile for life.

Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami dentist in Miami

What is a Mouth Guard? Do I Need One?

South Beach Dentist

If you play sports the answer is YES! Mouth guards are coverings worn over teeth, and often used to protect teeth from injury from teeth grinding and during sports. Mouth guards should be used by anyone -- children and adults -- who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in noncontact sports (for example, gymnastics) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard.

There are three types of mouth guards. The right one depends on what you need it for:

Stock mouth guards - are preformed and come ready to wear. They are relatively inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores. The bad news is that little can be done to adjust their fit, they are often bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and they provide little protection. We usually do not recommend their use.

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Boil and bite mouth guards – These can also can be bought at many sporting goods stores and actually offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. The "boil and bite" mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. They offer better protection than the stock kind but are often uncomfortable.

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Custom-fitted mouth guards -  These are individually designed and made in our dental office or a professional laboratory based on your dentist's instructions. We first will make an impression of your teeth and a mouth guard is then molded over the model using a special material. Due to the use of the special material and because of the extra time and work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types. These guards provide the most comfort and protection for your teeth. These is the reason that professional athletes prefer these.

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Most mouth guards are designed to cover your upper teeth only, but in some instances (such as if you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw), we will make a mouth guard for the lower teeth as well. A good mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and should not restrict your breathing or speech.

There are other kinds of mouth guards for people that grind their teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, a special mouth guard-type of dental appliance -- called a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint -- may be created to prevent tooth damage.

Who Needs a Bite Plate Mouth Guard?

If you grind your teeth at night, then this is for you. Adults and children who grind their teeth at night should have a nocturnal bite plate or bite splint made to prevent tooth damage.

Miami Beach Teeth Whitening

If you or someone you know needs a good quality custom mouth guard, please call our office. Miami Beach Teeth Whitening

Visit our website www.PreciousSmiles.com. For more information on other dental related issues like dental bonding, veneers, and dental implants to a complete spectrum of dental services, Dr. Isidoros Mereos offers Miami residents quality dental services ranging from cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, to implant dentistry, dental veneers, and more.

Dr. Mereos is a great dentist in Miami and his patients say he is friendly and comforting and always happy to take the time to answer any questions.

South Beach Dentist

Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami dentist in Miami

Bruxism: Not the Usual Grind, but Your Dentist Can Help

Bruxism: Not the Usual Grind

Sure, it's annoying when friends, spouses or children grind their teeth at night, but the effects could be much more serious than the loss of a good night's sleep on your part. This sleep disorder, called bruxism, can lead to a number of ailments, including loose or lost teeth. Even lighter grinding can wear down tooth enamel. Bruxism can also cause another condition called temporomandibular joint disease (TMJ). TMJ occurs when the

muscles, joints and ligaments of the jaw move out of alignment. Symptoms of TMJ include headache, earache and pain in the face, neck or shoulder.

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"But," you ask, "don't we all grind our teeth once and a while?" It's true that a number of people grind their teeth during periods of stress, but chronic grinders - those that suffer from bruxism at least once a week - could eventually pay the price. Not only can it lead to the ailments already mentioned, but can result in daytime sleepiness and headaches as well.

dentist in Miami 

Research has also discovered that people who brux are more likely to snore, suffer from breathing pauses during sleep and be victims of sleep apnea. As is the case in many sleeping problems, stress is a major cause. It's not unusual to clench or grind the teeth when angry or nervous. The use of tobacco, alcohol or caffeine tends to aggravate the problem. What's more, nobody is immune. All age groups and genders are susceptible

to bruxism, though most cases occur among those between the ages of 19 to 44. 

South Beach Dentist

There are a number of things you can do if you feel either you or somebody you love is suffering from bruxism. For starters, try to alleviate whatever stress in your life you can. Kick the tobacco habit and heavy drinking, and try not to drink too much coffee. Severe cases may need to be fitted with a mouth guard or have their teeth reshaped to eliminate unusual alignment.

For more information on ways to prevent bruxism please visit our website www.PreciousSmiles.com. For more information on other dental related issues like dental bonding, veneers, and dental implants to a complete spectrum of dental services, Dr. Isidoros Mereos offers Miami residents quality dental services ranging from cosmetic dentistry, general dentistry, to implant dentistry and more.

Dr. Mereos is a great dentist in Miami and his patients say he is friendly and comforting and always happy to take the time to answer any questions.

South Beach Dentist

 
Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami

dentist in Miami

Miami Beach Dentist Discusses The Four Habits that Can Wear Down Your Teeth Fast

Miami Dentist 

Worn Teeth or dental erosion is a common and often painful condition that happens when your teeth get worn down over time. I am sure you have seen it many times. However, some habits/activities, including drinking soda and teeth grinding, can wear down your teeth even faster.

How does it happen? Dental erosion happens when the hard part on the outside of your tooth, known as the enamel, gets damaged, typically because of acid. The enamel is composed of minerals, and, once damaged, the loss is permanent. When dental erosion occurs, teeth can become extremely sensitive and need to be repaired, with a crown, dental bridges, or veneers. Erosion usually shows up as hollows in the teeth and a general wearing away of the tooth surface and biting edges. This can expose the dentine underneath, which is a darker, yellower colour than the enamel. Because the dentine is sensitive, your teeth can also be more sensitive to heat and cold, or acidic foods and drinks.

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Some medical conditions can contribute to dental enamel erosion. Bulimia is a condition where patients make themselves sick so that they lose weight. Because there are high levels of acid in the vomit, this can cause damage to tooth enamel.

Acids produced by the stomach can come up into the mouth (this is called gastro-oesophageal reflux). People suffering from hiatus hernia or oesophageal problems, or who drink too much alcohol, may also find they suffer from dental erosion due to vomiting.

There are many habits, activities, and conditions that can contribute to dental erosion. Try to avoid the following to keep your teeth healthy.

1. Grinding your teeth

While dental erosion is typically caused by acid, it can also be caused by grinding or clenching your teeth, also known as bruxism. Young people are more prone to daytime bruxism from stress, while older people are more likely to grind their teeth while sleeping, Dr. Noble noted. Fortunately, there are solutions for teeth grinding, including taking steps to reduce stress and seeing your dentist to get fitted for a nighttime mouthguard.

2. Drinking energy and sports drinks

Most people know sodas can break down teeth, but did you know that drinking energy and sports drinks can, too? In the same study of soft drinks, the researchers found that energy drinks and sports drinks especially lower the mouth's pH levels, which allows for acid to cause dental erosion. However, they noted that any sugary drink, including fruit juices and wine, can lower the mouth's pH level.

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3. Eating only a plant-based diet

Bad news for vegetarians -- a diet consisting of only plants can cause dental erosion. Vegetarians have higher levels of tooth erosion because plants contain high amounts of fiber, and fibrous foods accelerate dental erosion, according to Dr. Noble.

4. Drinking soda -- regardless of whether it's diet or regular

It is no secret that consuming sugar, including in soda, is bad for your teeth, but a recent research study found that sugar-free soft drinks can cause just as much dental erosion as the full-sugar variety. The study showed that, because of their chemical mix of acids, sugar-free sodas can cause significant enamel loss and softening.

Miami Dentist 

 

"Most people are unaware of dental erosion until diagnosed, and they appear unaware/surprised that it can be related to frequent consumption of acidic sugar-free drinks," said Eric Reynolds, PhD, the lead study researcher. "There is definitely a perception that because the drink is sugar-free that it is safe for teeth."

Dental erosion does not always need to be treated. With regular check-ups and advice your dental team can prevent the problem getting any worse and the erosion going any further. If a tooth does need treatment, it is important to protect the enamel and the dentine underneath to prevent sensitivity. Usually, simply bonding a filling onto the tooth will be enough to repair it.

Dr. Mereos is a great dentist in Miami and his patients say he is friendly and comforting and always happy to take the time to answer any questions.

South Beach Dentist

 
Miami Beach dentist, Dr. Mereos, and the Precious Smiles team look forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. “We take pride in helping our patients achieve the best results in the least amount of time possible.”

You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting http://www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry, veneers, Invisalign, tooth whitening, or dental implants.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach
http://www.precioussmiles.com
Miami dentist, Miami Beach dentist
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Dr. Mereos is a Miami dentist that serves, Miami, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, North Miami Beach, and North Miami