Tricks for Dealing With Halloween Treats

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.

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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.

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.

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.

 

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.

 

Precious Smiles Cosmetic Dentistry Center -Miami Beach

http://www.precioussmiles.com

 

 

 

Does a Bad Tooth Cause Sinus Trouble?

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.

Sinus Infection or Bad Tooth?

• 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.

Reactions to Dental Procedures

• 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.

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

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)!

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.
 

 

Dental Sealants Are Another Great Back to School Strategy According to Miami Beach Dentist Dr.Mereos

Dental Sealants Are Another Great Back to School Strategy. Moms love them and it makes trips to the dentist a lot more pleasant.

You probably heard people say that their dentist sealed their teeth to help prevent cavities. They are correct! They are probably talking about a dental sealant. A dental sealant is... a clear or white, liquid-plastic material put on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth. The sealant bonds into the depressions and grooves (pits and fissures) of teeth and protects them from tooth decay and cavities. Although children and teens usually use sealants, adults can use them, too.

Applying a dental sealant is a relatively simple procedure. To put in a sealant, your dentist or dental hygienist will place a cotton roll around your teeth to absorb saliva and prevent moisture from getting on the teeth. A sheet of rubber (rubber dam) may be used to isolate the teeth. Then the dentist will apply the solution that will glue the sealant to the tooth. After about a minute, he or she will rinse off the excess glue, dry your teeth, and put on the sealant.

One type of sealant hardens very quickly through the use of a bright light. The other hardens more gradually. Sealants may wear down over a period of years. Your dentist should check them regularly and reapply them if needed.

Getting dental sealants at the beginning of the new school year is a good idea. In fact, dental sealants area great idea at any time. It is quick and simple. It is a great way to prevent decay and cavities throughout the school year. For more information on dental sealants call our office (305) 532-9114 or visit our website at www.PreciousSmiles.com

Miami Dentist
Dr. Mereos
1315 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33139

How to Get a Great Back to School Smile with Miami Dentist Dr. Mereos

Back to school with a smile. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice or 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
• Wear a mouthguard when you’re active
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t pierce your lips or any part of your mouth
• Call our office to schedule a checkup. Regular dental visits will help set you up to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Call our office to schedule a back to school checkup at (305) 532-9114 or visit us at http://www.precioussmiles.com/