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New Year, New Habits | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Teeth Whitening Boca Raton, , , , , , , , , , , ,


A before and after picture of teeth whitening.As we prepare to embark on yet another new year, it’s time for us to sit and think about ways we need to improve over the next year. One of the main habits surrendered during this time of year is smoking. The harmful effects of smoking on respiratory and cardiac health are well known, but if you’re a smoker, we want to make sure that you’re aware that smoking can also affect your oral health. In fact, just like it can lead to respiratory and cardiac issues, smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults have, or have had, some type of gum disease. The same study reported that more than 64 percent of smokers suffered from periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in place!

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of gum disease. Smoking restricts the amount of blood flowing in your gums and surrounding tissues, which increases their chance of being inflamed. When you smoke, your immune system is weakened, leaving your body more vulnerable to infection. Gum disease occurs when the tissue that supports your teeth becomes infected due to plaque buildup. First you get gingivitis, then plaque that eventually hardens into tartar.

But your gums aren’t the only thing you need to worry about. Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, but it also aids in losing them. The appearance of stained teeth is unpleasant enough on its own. All of the nicotine and tar found in tobacco turns the teeth from their natural white to yellow and eventually to brown. But if this is a habit that you continue with, know that that long-term smoking can result in tooth loss. Having teeth is far more attractive than having a cigarette in your mouth!

But there’s more. Smoking will eventually take over lots of areas in your mouth, causing health issues that are far more detrimental than yellowed teeth. Smoking is one of the primary causes of mouth cancer, and it can be fatal. According to the Dental Health Foundation, smoking or chewing tobacco causes between 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers. If that’s not bad enough, even those “I only smoke when I drink†have an underlying issue. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer so if one consumes alcohol and tobacco together, the risk is even higher.

We are sympathetic to those who struggle with an addiction to tobacco products, but please don’t sacrifice your beautiful smile to the dangers of smoking. If you quit smoking, brush twice a day, floss once a day, eat a well-balanced diet, and attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings, then you will significantly improve your chances of enjoying great oral health.

If you feel smoking has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Reasons Why Your Mouth Wants You to Quit Smoking | Boca Raton Dentist

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A close up of a person 's smile with white teeth.We all know there are lots of health issues that can arise because you use tobacco products. It can affect lots of different areas in the body, from head to toe. The harmful effects of smoking on respiratory and cardiac health are well known, but if you’re a smoker, we want to make sure that you’re aware that smoking can also affect your oral health. Smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults that are 30 years old or older have or have had gum disease at some point. The same study reported that more than 64 percent of smokers suffered from periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Safe to say gum disease is a common ailment for many people.

Smoking restricts the amount of blood flowing in your gums and surrounding tissues, which increases their chance of being inflamed. When you smoke, your immune system is weakened, leaving your body more vulnerable to infection. Gum disease occurs when the tissue that supports your teeth becomes infected, due to the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of gum disease.

Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, in time it can rob you of them. The appearance of stained teeth is unpleasant enough on its own, because the nicotine and tar found in tobacco turns the teeth from their natural white to yellow and eventually brown. Long-term smoking can even result in tooth loss. And despite what tobacco company ads may portray, having teeth is far more attractive than having a cigarette in your mouth!

Bad breath is one nasty by-product of smoking that can cause awkward implications for your social life, but the ramifications for your overall oral health can be much worse: Smoking is one of the primary causes of mouth cancer, and it can be fatal. According to the Dental Health Foundation, smoking or chewing tobacco causes between 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers.

If you feel smoking has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Invisalign Clear Braces: the ABCs | Boca Raton Dentist

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What is Invisalign® Orthodontics?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment system that allows you to more comfortably and discreetly straighten your teeth. If you have ever wanted a straighter, more attractive smile, Invisalign might be right for you. Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, your Invisalign-certified dentist in Boca Raton, FL, may recommend Invisalign in order to correct orthodontic problems such as:

  • Gaps and spaces between the teeth
  • Crowded teeth
  • Misaligned (crooked) teeth
  • Bite problems (overbite, open bite, underbite, or crossbite)

Invisalign has been proven effective in both clinical research and in practice nationwide. One advantage of Invisalign that makes it so popular is that the invisible plastic makes it an excellent choice for adults who wish to keep a professional appearance while straightening their teeth. While they are virtually invisible, Invisalign aligners may also be removed when necessary for important events such as presentations and interviews.

How Does Invisalign® Work?

Invisalign uses a series of custom-made, nearly undetectable aligners to straighten your teeth. Invisalign aligners are made of smooth, clear plastic, and they are exceptionally comfortable. Additionally, Invisalign aligners are removable, allowing you to brush, floss, eat, and drink as normal. You will switch aligners approximately every two weeks to continue adjusting the alignment of your teeth until you have achieved your ideal, straight smile. Invisalign typically corrects your smile more quickly than traditional braces, with an average treatment plan ranging from less than six months to a year. If you wish to enhance your smile and look good doing it, Invisalign is an excellent solution for you.

For more information about Invialign invisible braces, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Reasons to Go with Teeth Whitening | Boca Raton Dentist

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A series of photos showing different stages of smile.Teeth whitening is a simple yet effective and affordable cosmetic dental treatment. Professional teeth whitening uses carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to lighten dark or stained teeth. There are two main professional teeth whitening options: at-home teeth whitening and in-office teeth whitening. At-home teeth whitening involves using custom-made whitening trays and professional-strength whitening gel to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. In-office whitening, on the other hand, is completed in our office. In most cases, at-home teeth whitening is more gradual than in-office whitening.

What are the Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits may seem like a good value, but they can be difficult to use, may provide less than satisfactory results, and take longer to show results. Professional teeth whitening from the office of Dr. Clive Rosenbusch offers a more comfortable treatment that shows more immediate results.

Should I Whiten my Teeth?

If you feel embarrassed to show your teeth when you speak, smile, or laugh because of staining or discoloration on your teeth, teeth whitening might be right for you. Teeth whitening can give you a whiter, brighter smile that improves your self-confidence. Professional teeth whitening in Boca Raton, FL, can lessen the appearance of discoloration and stains caused by factors such as:

  • The natural aging process
  • Certain foods and drinks
  • Tobacco use
  • Certain medications
  • Illness
  • Fluorosis

Teeth whitening services are especially popular among people with upcoming special events. Teeth whitening can be an excellent choice to beautify your smile before weddings, performances, portraits, dates, and interviews. Our teeth whitening techniques provide dramatic results in just a single visit.

To learn more about our teeth whitening services, we invite you to call or visit our dental office today. Our caring dentist and dental team look forward to enhancing your smile!

If you would like more information about teeth whitening, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

When Your Breath Is Hot like Fire | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, Flossing, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Decay, , , , , , , , ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.

No one wants or likes to hear they have bad breath, but it’s worse not to know it. There can be many factors to your bad breath, and all are treatable. While poor dental hygiene accounts for most cases of halitosis, bad breath can sometimes signal another underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing bad breath start with a visit to your dentist. If you are only suffering from bad breath from either an internal or oral problem, fortunately this problem is often easy to fix.

Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath; tonsils that have trapped food particles, cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures. Good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, and ruling out any underlying conditions or other factors that could make your breath less than pleasant (e.g. medications or diet).

When the enamel on your teeth erodes, food particles can get deposited in those holes, called dental caries. Because brushing your teeth can’t remove these food deposits, they can eventually grow bacteria, producing a bad smell. Gingivitis is another medical condition that may cause bad breath. When the gum becomes inflamed with bacteria, it can result in severe pain and foul smelling discharge.

So what do you do to prevent bad breath from happening? Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in keeping bad breath away. Make sure you keep up your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, a thorough flossing session, and a quick rinse with some mouthwash to seal in the cleanliness and fresh breath!

In between your oral routine it is important to keep one thing in mind: Saliva is our first line of defense against bad breath! And what causes us to create this magical dental friend? Chewing. Every meal you eat, every snack you nosh on, every piece of bubble gum you chew is all helping to create the saliva that fights against germs and bad breath. But keep in mind, it takes 20 minutes for sugar to be cleared from your mouth after its consumption. The more often you are chewing on something sugary, the more often you are exposing your teeth to more bacteria, so try to keep these munching spurts less sugary and more healthy. Sugar-free gum & candy is great, but so is a handy bottle of water. Keeping a nice balance will not only get those salivary glands working, but will also help out the cause when you don’t have a toothbrush handy.

There are some conditions that will, in fact, prevent a healthy amount of saliva in our mouths. Certain medications or diseases can also affect the way your body produces saliva. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is more likely to develop conditions like rapid tooth decay, gum disease, cavities or even bad breath. This may be able to be cured naturally by drinking lots of water and chewing on sugar-free gum or candy, but more than likely, you should have a medical professional give you their opinion as it could be preventable.

A quick breath check can save you from more than just an awkward social situation — it could tell you if you have an underlying dental problem.

If you feel bad breath has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

It’s All About Taking Preventative Measures | Boca Raton Dentist

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A person with their teeth being examined by an dentist.Not taking proper care of your teeth and neglecting your oral health can easily cost you thousands of dollars in restorative dental care. But, by practicing what’s known as preventative dental care, you can easily save yourself from the hassle of having to deal with and spending money for various dental problems.

Preventative dental care emphasizes the proper education, treatment and practice of maintaining good oral health. It involves brushing daily, flossing, rinsing and even regular dental cleanings, all of which are designed to help prevent gum disease, cavities and a wide range of other dental problems.

In-Office Procedures

Preventative treatment can occur in the dental chair, with the most common form being the dental exam itself. The main purpose of a dental exam is to thoroughly check the teeth for any possible signs of gum disease, dental decay, cavities, so on. Taking X-rays may also be necessary, depending on the occasion. After the examination, the dental practitioner can recommend a thorough cleaning, which is also one of the best ways to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.

Most of the time, one appointment is more than enough. However, if you haven’t been visiting the dentist often for regular maintenance and checkups, more than one appointment may be required. And if infection and other complications are already present, your dental practitioner may have to refer you to another specialist.

Preventative Dentistry in Children

The best way to prevent gum disease and other oral complications is to start early, which is why preventative dentistry in children is very important. As early as 1 to 2 years old, children should be taken to the dentist regularly to ensure a lifetime of dental health. For further preventative measures, sealants that can help prevent decay during the years (between ages of 6 and 12) the permanent molars start to erupt may also be applied. Orthodontics and the wearing of braces is also a popular choice among parents as this helps prevent misalignment as a child’s jaw slowly matures into adulthood. All in all, the key here is for parents to teach children proper dental hygiene habits and more importantly, be role models themselves.

Benefits and Goals of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry comes in many forms, including fluoride use, following a well-balanced diet, visiting the dentist regularly, regular dental cleanings and screenings, X-rays, use of mouth guards, oral health management and so on.

The main goal here is to prevent all sorts of oral complications from gum disease, sensitivity, cavities, oral cancer, as well as many others and keep them at bay. And, when you consider the costs of treatment versus prevention, preferring the latter is a NO-brainer of a decision. Also, now that oral health has been proven to affect our overall health, there’s really no reason NOT to emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry.

All things considered, preventative dentistry can not only save you both time and money, but it can also help you enjoy and look forward to a lifetime’s worth of a healthy smile!

If you feel you need to begin preventative dental care, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

No One Like Crowds | Boca Raton Dentist

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A woman getting her teeth cleaned by dentist.Right around the time your baby teeth turn into the adult version, we seem to have one final hurdle to go thru in our mouths – a pretty painful one at that. We get our wisdom teeth. Generally, we have them remove, which is also quite the process, but do you know why it hurts so much when our wisdom teeth come in? It’s due to tooth crowding. When there is insufficient room in the mouth for normal tooth alignment, teeth can be twisted and turned, pushed and nudged into odd positions that make smiles unattractive and bites uneven. While many people care about correcting tooth crowding for cosmetic reasons, tooth crowding also contributes to dental decay (as alignment problems make brushing and flossing areas between teeth difficult) and pressure on the temporomandibular joint, which can cause jaw problems over time.

Tooth crowding is typically known to dentists as malocclusion, and can be caused by quite a few things:

  • Lost and missing teeth leave enough space for other teeth to move and rotate
  • Extra teeth competing for space
  • Impacted teeth can cause pressure on tooth roots below the gum surface, completing for space below the gum line
  • Poorly done dental fittings such as crowns and improperly applied fittings cause pressure issues between teeth
  • Jaw alignment problems due to injury or genetic development

The typical treatment for tooth crowding is physical correction using either orthodontics devices such as braces or Invisalign. In some cases, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend tooth extraction or surgical correction, like your wisdom teeth, especially in cases where extra teeth cause crowding that is difficult to correct with simple straightening. On very rare occasions, surgery to lengthen or shorten the jaw may be required. If that’s the case, the jaw bone can be cut and realigned, then held in place with screws and plates. While this is unusual, it’s worth knowing that virtually all malocclusions can be treated with modern dental medicine.

If you feel that your teeth aren’t properly aligned, or if you’re concerned that your jaw isn’t aligning correctly, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation. Not only will they be able to diagnose your symptoms, but you will also be able to discuss the various treatment options.

If you feel your teeth may be crowding, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Mouthwash: Is It Really Doing What It Claims? | Boca Raton Dentist

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A close up of a person 's smile with white teeth.One of my favorite characters on The Simpsons had to be Bleeding Gums Murphy. Not only was he the kindred spirit & jazzy mentor of little Lisa Simpson, but he also had a wicked nickname. We are never told exactly how he got his nickname but he did say this, “Well, let me put it this way…you ever been to the dentist? Not me. I suppose I should go to one, but I got enough pain in my life as it is.†Despite the need of his mouth in order to play the sax, something tells me that Bleeding Gums Murphy wasn’t too keen about oral health.

If we know anything about germs, we know that they thrive off of dark, moist places so our mouths are a constant breeding ground for bacteria. And unfortunately, this bacteria can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, or the beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed. It’s an infection that irritates the soft tissues around your teeth. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal diseases as it begins to affect the tissue and bones that support your teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) describes periodontal (gum) disease as a natural inflammatory reaction to harmful bacteria in your mouth. The redness, swelling, bleeding and/or bad breath are all listed as symptoms but they can be reversed with, wait for it…mouthwash.

Believe it or not, antimicrobial mouthwash is your leading line of defense when you realize gum disease is presenting itself in your mouth. It not only helps cure up the gingivitis, but it can also prevent bleeding gums and inflammation by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth causing the irritation. There isn’t any particular brand that works better than others, but some can protect your mouth for as long as 12 hours. That’s impressive. As long as they have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, all have their own benefits, and all will go in attacking the bacteria in your mouth with a vengeance.
There are times when periodontal disease has been neglected for too long and has become more of an issue. If this is the case, your dentist may prescribe you a prescription-strength mouthwash. Its main ingredient is chlorhexidine gluconate, which not only will kills all the bacteria that promotes irritated gums but also plaque formation.
When it comes to periodontal disease, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your oral health. Make sure you brush for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, change your toothbrush every few months, and see your dentist regularly, especially when you start to feel pain in your mouth. Taking care of your teeth doesn’t take a lot of work, just some conscious effort in your daily routines. Even Bleeding Gums Murphy could have used a swish or two.

For more information on mouthwash benefits, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

What’s the Deal with Flossing? | Boca Raton Dentist

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If there is any part of the daily dental routine we drag our feet about, it has to be flossing. Not sure what it is, but there is something about this particular action that makes us cringe with dread. The excuse varies from patient to patient – some find it difficult, others simply don’t think they have time, and still others don’t understand the purpose and importance of flossing. While brushing your teeth regularly is necessary to prevent tooth decay, flossing is just as important. Sad to say but, brushing alone, without flossing, will not prevent either tooth decay or periodontal disease.

One of the main risks to oral health is damage from bacteria that damage tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. This bacteria takes the form of plaque (a thin yellow film composed primarily of bacteria and water), which will harden into tartar if not removed. The presence of plaque and tartar is virtually always damaging to teeth because it produces certain acids that will eat through tooth enamel and hardened tartar deposits that will physically irritate gum tissue, leading to gum recession.

The primary purpose of flossing is to remove plaque and tartar from surfaces of the teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone. Because brushing alone cannot reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning. No matter how much you brush going forward, brushing and flossing alone will be unable to remove the calcified deposits from teeth.

Patients who rarely floss will likely notice that their gums are irritated and bleed when flossing. This is nature’s way of telling you to have a professional cleaning. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal. It is important, though, to use antibacterial mouthwash in conjunction with flossing to help kill any bacteria that remain in the mouth after flossing.

Brushing and mouthwash can help kill most of the bacteria in your mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth to keep your gums healthy. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you a proper flossing technique. It will not only keep your mouth healthy, but it will also keep you out of the dentist chair, awaiting a terrible procedure.

For more information on proper flossing technique, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Invisalign: Fixing Your Teeth the Adult Way | Boca Raton Dentist

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A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.

Many patients are familiar with braces – metal fastened to teeth that we all saw growing up. However, many patients grow through childhood and into adulthood with unsolved problems, and as they age, must balance their desire for a corrected smile against the desire not to have visible metal braces. The American Association of Orthodontics indicates that approximately 25% of people wearing braces are adults, and that means a lot of patients are currently being treated. Despite the large number of patients currently wearing braces, in most parts of the country you probably don’t see many adults with braces. What’s the secret? Clear braces known as Invisalign.

Invisalign is a series of treatments where clear plastic aligners are custom created for an individual patient. Each aligner is worm for a specific period of time, slowly and slightly correcting the patient’s bite. As the patient completes the specified time with each aligner, the teeth slowly shift into their proper position.

The aligners should be worn as often as possible – generally 20-22 hours each day. They can be removed while you eat, and when you brush your teeth, but are generally worn while awake and asleep. Because the aligners are removed while you eat, you’re free to eat virtually anything you’d normally eat – there are no concerns about getting food stuck in the wires of traditional braces.

Nearly all bite issues can be corrected with Invisalign, though some dentists will recommend against Invisalign in certain cases where Invisalign may be significantly more costly and difficult than traditional orthodontic treatments. However, Invisalign technology has advanced significantly in the past few years, so if you were previously evaluated and determined you were not a candidate (for example, if you have a very deep bite), it may be worth being re-evaluated. To determine if you’re an Invisalign candidate, schedule an appointment soon for a full evaluation.

For more information on Invisalign contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.