Showing posts with label veneer. Show all posts

Monday, April 30, 2018

Want to Know One of The Secrets to a Perfect Smile? Ask A Miami Beach Dentist

Dental veneers. Popular among movie stars and other celebrities, veneers let you change the appearance of your teeth as dramatically as you want. Veneers let you brighten your teeth and straighten your smile - you can even change the size and shape of your teeth. The primary benefits of veneers are cosmetic; however, there are several ways that they can boost overall dental health. Dental Veneers can lend some strength to damaged teeth so they are good for teeth that are cracked, chipped, discolored, or misaligned. Veneers can even help fix the gap between teeth.

South Beach Dentist

Veneers can be either composite or porcelain. The veneer is actually a thin piece of porcelain or composite material about the size of a fingernail. Once the custom-made veneer is bonded onto the tooth, it becomes extremely strong. It also blends in with the remaining tooth structure so that it is unnoticeable to the naked-eye. Once in place, it looks, feels, and functions just like a regular tooth.

Miami beach dental implants

Veneers are a popular choice for total smile makeovers, letting a dentist change not just the color but also the size, shape, and straightness of your teeth. Veneers are often used for the same reasons as bonding - to lighten stains, close gaps and even alter crooked or malformed teeth. Both can be utilized to change the shape or color of a single tooth or if necessary to revamp the entire smile. Veneers are generally more durable and stain resistant than bonding.

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

Monday, November 17, 2014

Thanksgiving Food and Dental Health

Thanksgiving is just around the corner. It is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Thanksgiving is associated with many foods and the best part is that not only these foods are delicious; they are nutritious and great for your teeth. The traditional foods at Thanksgiving help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and hence lead to good dental health.

Let’s take a look at these foods which are great for your oral health.

Fruit Salads: Fresh fruits have always been good for dental health as they promote saliva secretion which washes away food debris in the mouth as well as decreases acid production in the mouth.

Carrots and Celery: Carrots and Celery are vegetables which are rich in fiber. Besides being great for your stomach, fiber stimulates your gums, which is good for your dental health.

Sweet Potatoes or Mashed Potatoes: Potatoes are richly nutritious with a proper balance of vitamins and nutrients appropriate for oral health. They are loaded with carbs and proteins and rich in vitamin B and C. Potatoes do not stick on the teeth unlike other starchy foods which serve as haven for oral bacteria.

Cranberries: Recent research indicates that cranberries hinder the oral bacteria from sticking to the teeth and forming dental plaque.

Turkey: It is considered to help in remineralization of the enamel whose minerals are damaged by acid produced by bacteria.

Greens and Winter Vegetables: Most Veggies are just great for health. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, flavanoids and coenzyme Q10.These prevent the gums against damage and promote its healing.

Pumpkin Pie: Pumpkin pies are also a good source of beta carotene, potassium, vitamin C and calcium.

So, now you can see that the tasty Thanksgiving foods are great for dental health as well. Remember to brush and floss after every meal!

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Tricks for Dealing With Halloween Treats

Children’s Halloween dream -- to get lots of candy -- can be their parents’ nightmare. But pediatric dental experts say Halloween can be a time to teach your children good oral health habits for life, without depriving them of Halloween treats (think moderation).

Halloween Candy vs. Cavities: Don’t Make Kids Choose

Don't deny your children the Halloween experience. That can send the entirely wrong message -- deprivation -- and make candy seem even more irresistible, leading to other problems. They may end up sneaking sweets or eating too much candy once they're out on their own.

Instead, let them have the joy of Halloween in all its sticky goodness and the experience of going to a party or trick-or-treating. After your children get back from trick-or-treating or a party, go through their bags of Halloween candy together. Tell them to each pick the 10 or so (whatever number you decide, based on factors such as age) treats they want the most. Get the unpicked treats out of sight. You can donate them to a food bank or freeze them if you can't bear to throw them out.

This can also be a good time to teach (or remind) children that it isn't just excess sugar that can lead to cavities. Snacks such as pretzels, with starches that stay in the mouth longer, can also lead to cavities, as can fruit juices.

Letting children help decide what is a reasonable amount of candy to keep has benefits beyond good oral health. The message isn't "candy is bad," but that candy and other sweets, in excess, can lead to cavities. Children learn two important lessons:

How to control their diets
That what they eat relates to oral health, not just physical health

Preventing Cavities in Children: Set a Treat Time

With your child, set a time of day to eat Halloween candy. This ritual “treat time” may last long after Halloween and help promote healthy thinking about treats:

Children learn that eating sweets shouldn’t be an all-day feast. Moderation is key.
Knowing they have a specific sweet time can help make children less inclined to think about eating sweets at other times of the day.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Easy To See Dental Problems

Plaque: Some Dental Problems Are Easy to See!

One of the easiest problems to spot is a build-up of plaque. Plaque is the soft, sticky

layer of bacteria, which is constantly forming on the teeth. Usually it is invisible to the

naked eye, but when a person is not brushing adequately, it can build up to where it

appears to be a thick whitish coating on the teeth at the gum line. If not removed, it can

lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues and bones that surround

and support the teeth. It is also called periodontal disease.

There are two types of gum disease:

Gingivitis (say "jin-juh-VY-tus") is mild gum disease that affects only the gums, the soft tissue that surrounds the teeth.

Periodontitis (say "pair-ee-oh-don-TY-tus") is more severe. It spreads below the gums to damage the tissues and bone that support the teeth.

Another potential problem, which is easy to spot, is missing teeth. Many patients

assume that if they are still able to eat, they are O.K. But very often, losing just one

tooth can lead to the loss of support, and teeth begin to drift into the empty space,

causing a change in the bite. It also forces the remaining teeth to carry an additional

load, sometimes past their ability to adapt. In most cases, when even one tooth is lost,

the remaining teeth suffer and are more likely to be lost as well.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com

Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Does a Bad Tooth Cause Sinus Trouble?

Most people don't think a toothache could be connected to sinus problems, but the two areas are very close to each other. It is not uncommon for a toothache to cause a sinus problem or for sinusitis to cause tooth pain. If a patient is experiencing a great deal of sinus trouble and tooth problems, he will be checked for both a tooth infection and a sinus infection. In cases where both types of discomfort are being experienced, it is not uncommon to discover that one problem is causing the other, even though the sinus cavity and the teeth are both experiencing problems.

If you have just had work done on your teeth and are experiencing some sort of infection, it may be difficult to know if you have a sinus infection or a dental problem. Many people don't know how to tell the difference. Because the sinuses are located so close to the jaw and tooth area, it can sometimes be difficult to tell where pain is originating from.
The only way to determine if someone has a sinus infection is to see their regular doctor. A dental surgeon or dentist is not going to be able to diagnose a sinus infection. If you have not recently had dental work done and are experiencing tooth pain, see a dentist first to eliminate any dental problems. If none are present and there is still tooth pain, it is possible the pain is being caused by the pressure and inflammation of a sinus infection. Make a doctor's appointment with your regular physician to be checked for a sinus infection.
Sinusitis can mimic the pain commonly associated with dental pain, so people will often have difficulty properly diagnosing the real problem. It is common for someone to experience both sinus issues and dental problems because the areas are located so close together. Any type of swelling and inflammation can lead to a sinus infection, so it stands to reason that developing a tooth infection may cause a sinus infection or sinus problems.

Most people are under the impression that you go to the dentist, have dental work done and then return back to life as normal. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way for some people. Someone may go into the dentist and have routine dental work done, but have a very bad reaction to something as simple as a filling or something more complicated, like a root canal. Just as having a sinus infection can sometimes seem like a tooth infection, having a reaction to a dental procedure, especially when someone isn't expecting to, can have the same outcome. If you've just had a dental procedure, are having a lot of sinus-related pain, but are given a clean bill of health at the doctor's office, check in with your dentist to determine if you may be having a bad reaction to the dental procedure.

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

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know

they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o'clock chair -side rendezvous

may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it

in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you're screened for

oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer

Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It's a sad

proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early

diagnosis.

2. It Wards off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and

bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth

loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not

receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum

disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are

key weapons in the fight against these conditions.

3. It's about More than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may

make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks

and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our

office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems.

4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the

leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick

with your cleaning schedule.

5. It's Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We've already touched upon early

detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don't overlook more basic dental

problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to

the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth

extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the

knife?

6. You Want to Know You're Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new

electric toothbrush, or aren't keeping up with what current research has to say

about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your

mouth and keep you on the right path.

7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your

insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by

avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.

8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you're already suffering from tooth decay

or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a

personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.

9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea

stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!

10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time

you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget

about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a

crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you're given, rather than

worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being

should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it's been more than six months since your last check up and cleaning, call our office to

schedule an appointment today! We promise to take good care of you (and your smile)!

Friday, August 29, 2014

Coping With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity: Tips from Miami Dentist

Coping With Teeth Whitening Sensitivity

Whitening your teeth is one surefire way to boost your self-confidence and improve the look of your smile. It is also a rather simple procedure that can be accomplished either at the dental office or at your own home. The only downside to whitening your teeth is the sensitivity that sometimes develops. There are ways to combat this issue and still allow yourself to whiten your teeth and achieve that beautiful smile.

Although the exact cause of sensitivity from whitening is largely unknown, we do know that the properties of peroxide (one of the main ingredients in most tooth whitening products) has been shown to irritate the tooth nerve. This irritation or inflammation causes symptoms such as cold sensitivity and a tingling sensation.

Try the following techniques when whitening your teeth at home if sensitivity occurs. If you have the procedure done in a dental office and start having issues with sensitivity, feel free to try some of these techniques, but be sure to follow any instructions given to you by your dentist.

It is very important to follow the instructions of your dentist when using a professional product or the manufacturer's instructions for the over the counter products. (Never whiten your teeth for longer than recommended.)

Try cutting back to every other day once the sensitivity starts along with shorter application times. Sometimes just giving your teeth a short break between treatments can help to alleviate the symptoms.

Taking Advil or Aleve can help reduce the symptoms if taken before applying the whitening product. Taking it ahead of time may prevent the symptoms from surfacing.

Check to see if you are using a product with a lower peroxide level (6 to 10% is a relatively low peroxide level for most people). While you may think that the higher the level of peroxide, the better the result, it is not worth it if you and your teeth are miserable.

Limit the cold drinks and foods while you are whitening. Teeth may be temperature sensitive under normal conditions, but whitening can really exasperate sensitivity issues.

Overuse of whitening products can also cause sensitivity. When used to excess, they have the potential to make your teeth very sensitive or even damage them.

Using fluoride rinses and/or sensitivity toothpaste can help alleviate the symptoms. Fluoride treatments are also sometimes recommended either before, during or after you whiten your teeth.
Be sure you are using a soft bristled brush when brushing your teeth. The softer bristles are gentler on your teeth and gums and can help cut back on your symptoms.

Always inform your dentist if your sensitivity issues persist or worsen. There may be another cause such as gum recession or cavities.

Ask your dentist about desensitizing products that can be applied at the office. When used correctly, they have been known to be effective at reducing sensitivity due to many different causes.

Although tooth sensitivity with whitening is very common, it is usually of short duration, lasting typically 24-48 hours. Years ago, most teeth whitening products contained very harsh ingredients that were found to actually damage teeth and cause extreme sensitivity. Products have improved greatly since then and now use high quality ingredients that are gentler on your teeth.

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Back To School and Dental Health

Back to School with Healthy Teeth

Your child may have the latest wardrobe, school supplies and sports equipment for the new school year, but does she have a healthy mouth and the tools she'll need to maintain it?

A dental examination is as important as immunizations and booster shots and should be a regular part of back-to-school preparations. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say that tooth decay affects U.S. children more than any other chronic infectious disease and 19 percent of children ages 2 to 19 years old have untreated tooth decay. Dental pain or disease can lead to difficulty in eating, speaking, playing and learning as well as millions of hours of missed school.

Your child's back-to-school checklist should include:

• Regular dental examinations to diagnose and treat or prevent dental problems. Parents and teachers may not realize there's a dental problem, so regular checkups are important. Your dentist may suggest fluoride treatments or sealants to prevent decay and can diagnose and treat dental problems to save your child pain and lost school time.

• Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing. Head for the dental care isle when you're out shopping for notebooks, binders and pencils. If parents buy several toothbrushes they could have their child change to a new one every three months or so, or after an illness. If it's hard to remember when to change a brush, you could try to change it every time report cards come out. Ask your dentist for a recommendation on how often to change toothbrushes.

• Eating healthy lunches and snacks. Include portable healthy lunch items and snacks in your child's sack lunch, including grains, milk, cheese, raw vegetables, yogurt or fruit. If your child eats in the school cafeteria, review healthy, balanced food choices with him before the first day of school. Cut back on sugary foods and soft drinks.

• Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard while participating in organized sports, PE classes or playground activities.

Make sure your children are ready to go back to school, make an appointment with your dentist before the school year begins!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Miami Dentist Explains what is s the Procedure for Getting a Dental Veneer?

Miami dentist and dental veneers

Dental veneers are a great option for getting a beautiful smile. Most patients want to know more about how they are done. Dental veneers usually requires three trips to the dentist – one for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. One tooth or many teeth can simultaneously undergo the veneering process described below.

Diagnosis and treatment planning. This first step involves your active participation. Explain to your dentist the result that you are trying to achieve. During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are appropriate for you and discuss what the procedure will involve and some of its limitations. He or she also may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth.

Preparation. To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will remove about 1/2 millimeter of enamel from the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. Before trimming off the enamel, you and your dentist will decide the need for a local anesthetic to numb the area. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which in turn constructs your veneer. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for your dentist to receive the veneers back from the laboratory. For very unsightly teeth, temporary dental veneers can be placed for an additional cost.
Bonding. Before the dental veneer is permanently cemented to your tooth, your dentist will temporarily place it on your tooth to examine its fit and color. He or she will repeatedly remove and trim the veneer as needed to achieve the proper fit; the veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched -- which roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and the veneer is then placed on your tooth. Once properly position on the tooth, your dentist will apply a special light beam to the dental veneer, which activates chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden or cure very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, evaluating your bite and making any final adjustments in the veneer as necessary. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check how your gums are responding to the presence of your veneer and to once again examine the veneer's placement.

Find out more information on dental veneers by calling our office. The Precious Smiles team looks 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
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Mucoceles

It's natural to be a little worried when a new lump or bump forms on your body. If you or your child develops a soft swelling in the mouth, it may just be a mucocele -- a harmless cyst. It's still a good idea to get it checked out, though, especially if it's bothersome.

Causes

Where does a mucocele come from? It centers on a small salivary gland, which makes saliva in your mouth. Here's what happens:

Your saliva moves from a salivary gland through tiny tubes (ducts) into your mouth. One of these ducts can become damaged or blocked. This most often happens if you repeatedly bite or suck on your lower lip or cheek.

Getting hit in the face could also disrupt the duct. Remember that "head-on collision" in your pick-up game of basketball last month? Maybe that was the original culprit.

What happens once the duct damage is done? Mucus seeps out, pools, becomes walled off, and causes a cyst-like swelling. A similar buildup happens when the duct has become blocked.

Symptoms

Mucoceles often show up on the inside of your lower lips, your gums, the roof of your mouth, or under your tongue. Those on the floor of the mouth are called ranulas. These are rare, but because they are larger, they can cause more problems with speech, chewing, and swallowing.

Mucoceles may have these characteristics:

Moveable and painless
Soft, round, dome-shaped
Pearly or semi-clear surface or bluish in color
2 to 10 millimeters in diameter

Treatment

Mucoceles often go away without treatment. But sometimes they enlarge. Don't try to open them or treat them yourself. See your doctor, your child's pediatrician, or your dentist for expert advice.

These are the two types of treatment a doctor or dentist most commonly uses:

Removing the gland. The dentist or doctor may use a scalpel or laser to remove the salivary gland. Local anesthesia numbs the pain.

Helping a new duct to form. Called marsupialization, this technique helps a new duct form and helps saliva leave the salivary gland.

The dentist or doctor:

Disinfects the area
Puts a stitch through the mucocele and ties a knot
Gently presses out saliva
Removes the stitch after about a week

Other types of treatment that may bring down swelling or prevent the need for surgery include steroid injections and medications applied to the surface of the mucocele. For more information contact your dentist!

Cosmetic dentist Dr. Isidoros Mereos enjoys bettering the lives of his patients through the practice of cosmetic dentistry at Precious Smiles in the Miami Beach area. Our team looks forward to meeting with you and developing a plan tailored to meet your individual needs. You can make an appointment with our cosmetic dentist by calling our friendly staff at (305) 532-9114 or by visiting www.precioussmiles.com. Please don't hesitate to contact Precious Smiles if you have any questions about cosmetic dentistry.

Tuesday, March 4, 2014

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

Too much stress affects your whole body, including your mouth, teeth, and gums.

The potential impact includes:

Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores

Clenching or grinding your teeth

Not taking care of your teeth

Eating a bad diet

Gum (periodontal) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

Bad habits like chewing your nails, ice, pencils, or other objects

Depression

You can prevent these oral health problems, if you know what to do.

Mouth Sores/Canker sores

small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Experts aren't sure what causes them. It could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses. But they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the chance of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.

What to do: To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits. Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics.

Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.
What to do: Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so, but since the virus that causes them can be spread, you should start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming. Medications include over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
What to do: See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip brushing, flossing, and rinsing.
If you don't take care of your mouth, your teeth and overall oral health can suffer. If you already have gum disease, skipping daily hygiene may make it worse. If your mouth is healthy, falling short on these tasks can lead to gum disease or make cavities more likely.
When you're stressed, you may also develop unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on large amounts of sugary foods or drinks. This can put you at risk for tooth decay and other problems.
What to do: Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy eating may help. A regular exercise routine can relieve stress, rev up your energy levels, and encourage you to eat healthier. It may even make you more likely to tend to your mouth.

Gum Disease

Even short-term stress can mean more dental plaque.
Long-term, the stress can boost the likelihood of bleeding gums, or gingivitis, which can progress to serious gum disease.
What to do: Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help keep gum disease at bay. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Antibacterial mouth rinses also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria.

Gum Disease

Stress can lead to depression. Learning how to handle stress can help tame the risk of gum problems getting worse.
What to do: Talk to a health care or mental health professional if you think you're becoming depressed. You want active, practical strategies to overcome or manage the challenges you face.

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Preteens and Dental Health

For Your Preteens

Congratulations, you're almost a teenager! That means you're on the road to taking care of your own smile. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice and energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.

The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out:

Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
Floss between your teeth daily.
Avoid sugary and starchy snacks such as soda, potato chips, and candy.
Wear a mouth guard when you’re playing sports or other recreational activities.
Stay away from tobacco. Cigarettes, cigars and chewing tobacco all increase your risk for tobacco-related health problems. They also give you bad breath!
Don’t pierce your lips or any part of your mouth since you could crack a tooth or worse if part of the jewelry breaks off in your mouth.
See your dentist. Regular dental visits will help set you up to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Nutrition

Did you know that what you eat and when you eat it affects not only your overall health but your dental health too? Eating healthy foods help keep your teeth and body healthy. That's why you should try to keep the amount of sweets you eat or drink to a minimum. If you have something sweet, try to eat or drink it with a meal to limit the exposure time to your teeth.

What to Eat:

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which encourages healthy eating, a healthy diet should include:

Fruits and vegetables. Combined these should be half of what you eat every day.
Grains. Make sure at least half of the grains you eat are whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.
Dairy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.
Lean proteins. Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Try and vary your protein choices to include eggs, beans, peas and legumes, too. Eat at least 8 oz. of seafood a week.

Snacking tips:

Snacking is hard to resist but you can do your mouth a favor by watching the amount of soda, juice or other sweetened beverages you drink.
If you want a snack, try and choose something like fruit, low-fat cheese, yogurt or raw vegetables.
If you chew gum, make sure it’s sugarless. Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for helping prevent cavities by strengthening teeth. Look for the ADA Seal on the package.

If you have braces: Good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing are especially important for people wearing braces. Your dentist may recommend avoiding certain foods that could interfere with braces or accidentally bend the wires. These foods may include nuts, popcorn, hard candy, ice and sticky foods like chewing gum, caramel or other chewy candy. If you have trouble with certain foods, try cutting them into smaller pieces first. For instance, slicing apples or carrots before eating them.
You may also experience problems eating after your braces are tightened–teeth may feel sore. The first few days are the worst, so try eating softer foods such as scrambled eggs, oatmeal, pasta, smoothies, and soups until your mouth feels better.

Thursday, January 16, 2014

America's Preschoolers Plagued with Cavities

Preschoolers Plagued With Cavities

For years the Center for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that cavities in preschoolers was the number one chronic (yet preventable) condition impacting the nation's youth. A recent study of the matter has indicated the truth behind this statement. Dentists across the nation have reported an increase of preschoolers of all income levels sporting multiple cavities and tooth decay on baby teeth and have been relying on the powers of general anesthesia to help deliver the essential dental treatments to improve the conditions.

The practice has gotten many medical experts concerned. The dentists performing the work deem the application of anesthesia for these cases as a necessity as getting a child to set still for the dental treatments associated with cleaning up the mess is nearly impossible. Despite the reasons concern is a reality there are risks associated with using general anesthesia on the young including vomiting and nausea and even brain damage or death

Past research into the topic had indicated that the rise of cavities in children were linked to conditions such as poverty, asthma and lack of access to professional dental care. But the latest news shows that parents and caregivers such as nannies are causing the dental health scenarios and ignorance is often to blame. Some caregivers erroneously believe baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth as they will eventually fall out or are scared of causing emotional harm to children as the new oral hygiene behaviors may cause tantrums. Whatever the reason behind the faulty logic, it must be altered to help reverse the trend of preschoolers being plagued with dental problems.

Dental Neglect

Kids sure grow up fast and the eruption of a first tooth is often the first indicator of the fact. While newborns may look like little toothless bundles of joy, primary tooth development occurs in the womb. By a time a child is born, milk teeth are almost completely formed, but hidden under the gums with first tooth typically erupting between ages six and twelve months. That is why parents must start by implementing dental care on day one, but the ignorance surrounding this matter is believed to be contributing to the sad state of dental health for preschoolers.

Taking care of baby teeth starts prior to the first eruption; parents are encouraged to gently wipe down gums with gauze and water after every feeding to prevent dental plaque (the cause of tooth decay) from feasting on sugar deposits. Then once the first tooth erupts parents the practice of gently wiping down juniors' gums to prevent and cavities and tooth decay should continue until tooth two as that is the perfect time to start brushing and flossing junior's teeth in order to get a kid acclimated for life.

Poor Nutrition

The world is filled with countless natural food choices to promote dental health including whole grains, fruits, vegetables and plant based protein sources. Despite the availability of these foods and the low price point parents and caregivers are feeding their kids an excess of processed junk food with empty calories at an early age and let their children graze all day long so that there is never a complaint about hunger. That has also prompted the slew of cavities and dental problems in preschoolers.

In regards to children and their diet, every bite counts. Parents need to accept the fact that it is there job to deliver proper nutrition to their children and that means water not soda in the sippy cups, pureed apples instead of candy and reducing the overall frequency of snacking as that causes oral pH level to decline sharply, coating the teeth in acid (putting tooth enamel at risk) until saliva production amps up and washes away the coating.

Professional Dental Care

Having a child is filled with mysteries, but knowing when to bring a child to a dentist for a visit should not be one of them. As previously mentioned, wiping gums can begin soon after first feeding and regular dental check ups need to start at the sign of a first tooth eruption. That visit will help junior get familiar with dental clinics (reducing chances of dental anxiety during their lifetime), provide a pediatric dentist with the ability to educate parents on how they can manage their children's oral health better and give dentists the opportunity to deliver preventative dentistry in order to stave off tooth decay from becoming an issue.

Repairing the damage done by dental neglect in all its form can prove to be costly (the restorative treatments can cost thousands of dollars even the smallest of mouths), stressful (crying kids+dental treatments=anxiety) and can be a life altering experience. Caregivers who make a commitment to their child's oral health can help reverse the trend of preschoolers and cavities. Bringing your child to a kids' dentist can be the first step.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Make it a New year and a New you: New Year’s Resolutions for a Healthy Smile!

Every new year we all get a fresh start, an opportunity to make changes in our lives. You may be considering resolving to save more money, get a better job or lose weight. Many people set new goals about having a healthier lifestyle in the new year. Why not make one of your New Year’s resolutions improving your dental health? Below are a few healthy resolutions can keep your teeth healthy for years to come.

Change Your Toothbrush at Least Every Three Months

Even though your brush may look normal, after three months the bristles become weakened and are not effective. It is also a good idea to get a new toothbrush after an illness. And never (yuck) share your toothbrush with anyone.

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Vegetables

Eating well is important for your dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants and other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes and nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation, helping to protect your teeth and gums. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.

See Your Dentist for Regular Checkups

By seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can help prevent any dental health problems before they cause discomfort or require more comprehensive or expensive treatment. Regular visits allow your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend a dental health regimen to address areas of concern.

For this new year, resolve to treat your mouth right: improve your diet, quit smoking and improve your oral hygiene habits – your teeth and your body will thank you for it!

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com

(305) 532-9114

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Miami Beach, Fl 33139

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Symptoms

Treatment

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Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores Clenching or grinding your teeth Not taking care of your teeth Eating a bad diet Gum (periodontal) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease Bad habits like chewing your nails, ice, pencils, or other objects Depression

Mouth Sores/Canker sores

Teeth Grinding

Poor Oral Hygiene

Gum Disease

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Wednesday, January 29, 2014

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The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out:

What to Eat:

Thursday, January 16, 2014

Preschoolers Plagued With Cavities

Dental Neglect

Poor Nutrition

Professional Dental Care

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Mouth sores, such as canker sores and cold sores

Clenching or grinding your teeth

Not taking care of your teeth

Eating a bad diet

Gum (periodontal) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

Bad habits like chewing your nails, ice, pencils, or other objects

Depression