The Importance of Using a Mouthwash

Mouthwashes are used for a variety of reasons:

• to freshen breath
• help prevent or control tooth decay
• reduce plaque (a thin film of bacteria that forms on teeth)
• prevent or reduce gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease)
• reduce the speed that tartar (hardened plaque) forms on the teeth or to produce a combination of these effects.

Most mouthwashes are available without a prescription. Your dentist can advise you whether you need a mouthwash and what kind of mouthwash to use depending on your oral health needs.

There are two types of mouthwashes:

• Therapeutic mouthwashes. These can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath. Those that contain fluoride help prevent or reduce tooth decay.
• Cosmetic mouthwashes. These may temporarily control or reduce bad breath and leave the mouth with a pleasant taste, but don’t deal with the causes of bad breath, kill the bacteria that cause bad breath; or help reduce plaque, gingivitis or cavities.

If you have difficulty brushing and flossing, a mouthwash may provide additional protection against cavities and gum disease. Remember to ask your dentist for the right mouthwash for you!

Please visit www.precioussmiles.com for more information

How To Floss Properly

Flossing is an essential part of any oral health care routine. It helps remove plaque from between your teeth, in areas that the toothbrush can't reach, and it helps prevent gum disease and dental decay. Plaque that is not removed with thorough daily brushing and cleaning between teeth can eventually harden into calculus or tartar.
People who have difficulty handling dental floss may prefer to use another kind of interdental cleaner such as special brushes. If you use interdental cleaners, ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums.

Here are some tips on how to properly floss your teeth:

	Break off about 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as it becomes dirty.
	Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
	Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
	When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
	Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Don’t forget the back side of your last tooth.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you.
For more information visit www.precioussmiles.com or call (305) 532-9114

Helpful Tips For Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.

Here are some tips for common dental emergencies:

• For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.
• For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down.
• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress.
• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.
• For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.

For all dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.

There are a number of simple precautions you can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
• Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients. Call your dentist and provide as much detail as possible about your condition.

For more information on dental care visit www.ada.org

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.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com
(305) 532-9114
1315 Alton Rd.
Miami Beach, Fl 33139

Building Healthy Dental Habits

By Isidoros Mereos

Many people think tooth decay is just for kids. Guess again! Did you know that you are at risk your whole life? Untreated dental disease and decay can lead to serious health issues like  dental infections, damage to the bone around the teeth, damage to the nerve in the teeth, and even tooth loss. Dental infections that are left untreated can even spread to other parts of the body and, in very rare cases, can be life threatening.

Dental disease is preventable

The good news is that dental disease can be preventable. You can practice preventive dentistry by adopting a few healthy dental habits: Always remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss between teeth once a day, eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks. And make sure to schedule regular dental visits for cleanings and check ups. By following a healthy dental routine and making smart food choices, you can significantly lower your risk of tooth decay.

You can make an appointment with Dr. Mereos 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

Dentista Cosmetico Miami Beach 305-532-9114

Gracias por Comfiar en nuestra oficina!

Procedimientos dentales cosméticos tales como blanqueamiento de dientes, dentaduras, o implantes dentales, asta servicios dentales completos, son los servicios que el Dr. Isidoros Mereos ofrece a residentes de Miami. El se enfoca en la  calidad de los servicios dentales para sus pacientes. Los pacientes del Dr. Mereos dicen que él es amistoso y siempre tiene tiempo para contestar todas sus preguntas.

Nuestra oficina puede desarrollar un plan para sus necesidades individuales. “Tomamos orgullo en ayudar a nuestros pacientes y ayudarlos a alcanzar los mejores resultados en menos cantidad de tiempo posible.” Usted puede hacer cita con nuestro dentista cosmético llamando a nuestra oficina al (305) 532-9114 o por nuestra pagina de web http://www.precioussmiles.com. Llamenos si tiene cualquier pregunta sobre la odontología cosmética, chapas, Invisalign, blanqueamiento de dientes, o los implantes dentales.

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center

http://www.precioussmiles.com

(305) 532-9114

Alton 1315 Rd.
Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Dental Digital X-rays are Faster, Safer, and More Comfortable

Digital X-rays have revolutionized the dental care appointment. They are faster, safer, and more comfortable than conventional x-ray films. Digital X-rays are some of the most advanced technology available today in dental imaging. Digital X-rays create images of specific teeth or a panoramic  view (images of the entire set of teeth). This new state-of-the-art technology reduces patient exposure to X-rays by up to 90%! Because digital X-rays can be saved and stored in a computer, your dentist can compare images easily to show even the subtlest changes. This will allow you to receive preventive treatment before small problems become bigger.

Digital X-rays can be a time saver. No more waiting around waiting for film to develop. They are quick and comfortable. A small sensor device is placed in your mouth. The device is connected to a computer that instantly creates X-ray images on a monitor. In seconds, you see the same clear X-ray that your dentist sees. The device can be moved and placed in different areas of your mouth to create images of specific teeth. Digital x-rays are a great tool for diagnosis and help make your visit to the dentist faster and more comfortable.

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, 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

Can Chewing Gum Help Protect Your Teeth?

Chewing gum in various forms has been around since ancient times. The Greeks chewed sap from the mastic tree, called mastiche. On the other side of the world, the ancient Mayans favored the sap of the sapodilla tree (called tsiclte). Native Americans from New England chewed spruce sap—a habit they passed on to European settlers. Today, the base used for most gum products is a blend of synthetic materials (elastomeres, resins and waxes in various proportions). However, chewing gum is as popular as ever.

Consumers may be used to thinking about chewing gum as a kind of candy, but this category of the ADA Seal recognizes chewing gum that has demonstrated scientifically that it can protect the teeth. For an informative article on the history of chewing gum, visit

http://pubs.acs.org/cen/whatstuff/85/8532sci2.html (Link opens in separate window. Pop-up Blocker may need to be disabled.)

The physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, creating the conditions for decay. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. 

Find out more information on other interesting oral health topics, please visit our website or

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, 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