Tag Archives: Boca Raton Dentist

Save Your Smile by Quitting Smoking| Boca Raton Dentist

480320367Smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth. 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. Below we describe how smoking could destroy your smile.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults that are 30 years old or older have 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! Suffice it 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 to 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. By the way, alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer, and 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, attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings, brush twice a day, floss once a day, and eat a well-balanced diet, then you will significantly improve your chances of enjoying great oral health.

If you feel that you need to quit smoking or would like more information, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

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

Learning New Tricks: Denture Care | Boca Raton Dentist

480320367You never thought it could happen, but your dentist tells you that you need dentures/partial dentures. And you had a basic idea of daily oral care, but dentures can’t possibly be the same as normal teeth, right? So does this mean you will need to retrain yourself a new dental care routine in order to look after them? Not quite, but you will definitely have a thing or two to remember. Here are just a few handy tips to keep in mind as you are going forward.

While dentures are designed to withstand quite a bit, just because they aren’t your originals, it doesn’t mean they don’t need a little upkeep. In fact, consider them exactly like your real teeth when you are looking after them and your mouth. Dental implants are generally meant to last at least 5-7 years, but they are still breakable, so handle them with care. Make sure you are over a soft space when removing or cleaning them, in case you accidentally drop them.

You aren’t going to get rid of your toothbrush, but you can absolutely get rid of your toothpaste. In fact, toothpaste is generally too abrasive for dentures and could scratch them, making you more prone to other things that could develop. So, go ahead and toss out your toothpaste! All you need now is a soft bristled toothbrush to remove and food particles and plaque from your dentures and mouth. They have specific soft-bristled brushes for your day-to-day denture care. In between meals, just give your mouth a quick rinse.

When it is time to give your dentures a good cleaning, simply use some hand soap or mild dishwashing liquid. The ingredients in the soaps are extremely gentle on your delicate teeth and will avoid scratches or the accidental breakage of any metal or plastic pieces that are necessary to remain in your mouth securely. You are also going to be prone to gum diseases, just like you would your original teeth, so make sure you run a toothbrush over the inside of your mouth to clean brush away any bacteria that can cause issues later down the road. There are ultrasonic devices on the market that you can use to give your dentures a good soak, but it is for more of a deep cleaning and should never replace your daily brushings. It’s more like a cool bathtub for your dentures with its sound wave motion. The key is to keep your dentures moist when they are out of your mouth so they don’t warp out of shape, but make sure you avoid using hot water. Ask your dental professional for the proper soaking solution for your specific set of dentures.

If you feel that you need dentures or would like more information on denture maintenance, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule a consultation today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding laser gum therapy.

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

What To Do When You Already Have Tooth Decay

ThinkstockPhotos-464323669Even after your best efforts of preventing tooth decay, sometimes, it just happens and your dentist ends up finding a sign or two. Though, it’s not as threatening, nor as painful, you shouldn’t give in to the temptation of putting off treatment for a later time.

Why so?

This is because tooth decay just doesn’t repair itself, not now and not ever. If it’s already begun showing signs and symptoms, what may start off as a minor problem can escalate rather quickly if left untreated, more so if left unchecked.

How Tooth Decay Starts

Tooth decay is a very subtle bacterial infection that starts way before patients develop any noticeable signs and symptoms.

Thanks to the acid-spewing bacteria produced by the sticky plaque on your teeth, the acids can slowly dissolve even the hard enamel protecting your teeth. It does this without causing any pain or discomfort.

By the time tooth decay does cause pain, it can infect not just your teeth, but also the root and cause even more pain.

Apart from pain, here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • A foul taste in your mouth

Though, if you visit your dentist regularly, you won’t have to worry about checking signs and symptoms yourself since they’ll know if you’re already suffering from early tooth decay through a regular oral or dental examination.

What To Do

The best possible course of action is to seek care as soon as possible.

Not postponing treatment gives you a better chance of fighting off tooth decay and in many cases, even reversing its effects.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Fluoride treatments. Applied via liquid, gel, foam or varnish, the flourish is brushed to teeth and placed in a small tray that’s worn over the teeth. Each treatment takes no longer than a few minutes and is likely to help restore the tooth’s enamel in minor cases such as when the cavity is just getting started.
  • If the decay has begun to erode tooth enamel, fillings can be used to restore teeth to its proper shape and cover up cavities. For a better look, opt for tooth-colored fillings that fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
  • Once the cavity has grown too big, causing the tooth to lose much of its structure, a crown may be the only way to restore the tooth’s shape and function. These treatments cost a bit more than just a simple filling.
  • Root canals. A root canal is often the only way to save the tooth once the tooth decay has progressed too much, where the diseased pulp is cleaned and sealed. A crown may be necessary if to restore the tooth to its proper form and function.
  • Tooth extraction. In the worst possible case, the dentist may have to remove the affected teeth to prevent tooth decay from spreading even further. Aesthetically, having a missing tooth or two just doesn’t look good. Though, the various health risks it poses shouldn’t be neglected as well.

 

One good reason why you shouldn’t let tooth decay progress even further is not just the possible loss of teeth, but how it can progress to periodontitis.

This form of gum disease is very dangerous and may put you at risk for various complications, ranging from heart disease and diabetes, among others. Even worse is that it’s not easy to cure, nor is it curable in most cases, often only manageable through regular treatments, which can be quite expensive.

To put simply, you should always go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Though, if you’re already there, might as well ask for a list of possible treatment options and have tooth decay taken care of right there and then.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to do this is to brush and floss daily, as well as visit the dentist regularly for checkups and thorough cleaning sessions.

If you feel that you may be suffering from tooth decay, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment for a checkup today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

The Use of Nitrous Oxide in Dentistry

480865629Dental anxiety is a real thing and is very common in both adults and children. While some adults suffering from dental anxiety tend to have ways to cope, there are those that have a hard time entertaining the idea of sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup.

In these cases, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. The patient will still be able to move around and respond normally to voice, as well as other stimuli.

More often than not, the effects of the medicine will last until the treatment is finished.

One form of medicine commonly used by dentists is Nitrous Oxide

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to help patients who are mildly or moderately anxious or nervous. It eases their fear of the dentist and makes them feel more comfortable. The effect often lasts throughout the whole treatment, calming the patient and allowing the dentist to proceed safely with the treatment.

Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen, then the patient is asked to wear a mask and breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases.

The dentist will often adjust the levels of the gas administered, depending on the type of treatment involved. Also, dentists have received the necessary training and education to know how to prevent their patients from being overdosed.

Benefits

The main benefit of nitrous oxide is that it is inhaled through a mask, which makes the ideal option for patients who are afraid of needles. Also, since it is in gas form, it tends to take effect quickly.

The effects quickly wear off as well, and the gas is often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally as they would and even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Nitrous oxide can also be used by just about anyone, from kids, to adults, to even people who have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.

Disadvantages

Of course, nitrous oxide is not perfect. It will not work for patients who are extremely anxious or are deathly afraid of sitting still in a dentist’s chair. Also, while this is a rare occurrence, nitrous oxide has been known to induce vomiting and nausea.

Those who have a cold or difficulty breathing through their nose are advised to postpone their treatment until they feel better.

Patients feel uncomfortable wearing an oxygen mask are advised to stay away from nitrous oxide sedation.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Generally, however, nitrous oxide is one of the safest ways to sedate patients and calm them down enough to receive treatment safely and comfortable.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you feel that would benefits from nitrous oxide, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 to see if you would be a good candidate. Visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com to learn more about Dr. Clive Rosenbusch and his team.

Invisalign vs Traditional Braces | Boca Raton Dentist

Teenage Girl with Braces

Traditional braces and Invisalign are two of the most common techniques used by dental professionals to straighten the teeth of their patients. The main purpose for such treatment options is to help move teeth to their ideal position, improving their patient’s look. At the same time, both treatment options also promote proper function of the teeth, which helps prevent further dental problems in the future.

With traditional braces, dentists use metal wires, brackets and even elastics to help “push” teeth to their ideal position. Meanwhile, Invisalign utilizes a set of clear plastic trays to accomplish the same thing.

The main difference between the two is that traditional braces are very obvious and have been known to make patients feel self-conscious about their smile. While, on the other hand, Invisalign remains practically invisible.

Each treatment option presents its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

It’s important that you know what each treatment option brings to the table in order to make a proper, informed decision about which treatment you’ll choose to help improve your teeth.

The Argument For Dental Braces

Traditional braces work by utilizing wire and brackets that pressed against your teeth, encouraging slight movements of the teeth that gradually helps put it in proper alignment and eventually, straighten it.

Dental braces are considered the more versatile of the two as the procedure can be used to correct even the most complicated cases.

While it is debatable about whether the braces are esthetically pleasing or not, what can’t be denied is its function and how effective braces are in straightening teeth.

Unfortunately, the braces do have drawbacks, including but not limited to:

  • The use of visible brackets and wires can make the patient feel self-conscious about their smile. While, the patient can learn to adjust to this over time, it still is a major deciding factor that’s worthy of consideration.
  • Braces are permanent and can only be removed by an orthodontist. Also, should any of the wires or brackets be lost, they’d have to be refitted by the orthodontist and additional costs may be incurred.
  • The patient will have to adjust to a whole new oral routine, mainly because braces require more extensive care, including different brushing and flossing techniques for proper cleaning.
  • The risk of breaking and staining means that the patient will have to alter their diet and avoid certain food items.

Why Invisalign is a Better Option

Invisalign utilizes a set of clear, computer-generated trays that has to be worn for around 20 to 24 hours a day, only to be removed when eating or drinking. The tray is also changed every two weeks, though certain trays can last for as long as six months and even one year in between changes.

The best advantage to using Invisalign is that they’re practically invisible, hence the name.  This is good news for those who simply do not want people to know that they’re wearing braces. This also helps avoid being put in awkward social situations where the braces may end up being the source of discrimination or bullying.

While Invisalign is mainly considered as an esthetic procedure, it works almost as effectively as dental braces do and, in many cases, improving the functionality of teeth.

That and the fact that Invisalign does not cause any speech problems and can easily be removed anytime makes Invisalign a generally more appealing option.

Which Is Which?

The unique advantages that Invisalign offers – such as being able to take them out anytime, no need for dietary changes and so on – clearly makes it the better treatment option of the two.

Ultimately though, your orthodontist will be the most qualified person to help you weigh out which of the two are best suited for your particular case.

Be sure to discuss with your orthodontist thoroughly to make sure that you do not make a choice that you’ll end up regretting in the end.

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

tooth decay

Proper oral care is rather simple – take good care of your teeth or your smile will suffer for it. But, simple, doesn’t always mean easy. If it were, then people won’t have to worry about having any dental problem and dentists won’t have as many patients.

The truth is, dental problems affect people of all ages today and one of the most common is tooth decay.

Tooth decay is what happens when the bacteria in plaque have produced enough acid in your mouth to destroy your tooth enamel. Being that bacteria are always present in your mouth, the key to preventing tooth decay is to always exercise proper oral care.

What happens, though, once the damage has been done? Can the effects of tooth decay still be reversed?

Visiting Your Dentist

Well, sadly, there are no immediate and magical cures for tooth decay. Also, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re better off taking steps to preventing it rather than trying to undo the damage it has done, which is near-impossible to do so.

What you can do, however, is to start scheduling regular appointments with the dentist. They can help you prevent tooth decay, or at least, prevent it from progressing any further. Also, they can check your teeth for cavities and other dental problems. They can also clean your teeth and gums to get rid of as much plaque, as well as bacteria as possible.

Basic Dental Habits

While undoing the damage done by tooth decay is already out of the question, you can at least defend yourself from it. You can start by brushing twice a day to help rid your teeth of plaque and food particles that are partly responsible for tooth decay. Flossing and rinsing regularly also helps in this regard.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a key ingredient in helping prevent tooth decay and keeping your smile as bright as it can be. Fluoride can also help reverse the mild effects of tooth decay, making it even more important of an ingredient.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with a fluoride rinse will keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay

Use Sugarless Gum

If you’re going to chew on gum, go sugarless.

As it turns out, the chewing of gum can help stimulate saliva production. The more your mouth produces saliva, the more it’s able to neutralize and wash away the acids on your teeth, helping prevent tooth decay.

By chewing on sugarless gum regularly, you have a great option that helps keep your teeth nice and clean in between brushing and flossing. As a bonus, your breath will almost always smell fresh.

Just remember to chew on sugarless gum that’s been sweetened with Xylitol, not just any other regular gum that’s full of sugar.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can also help prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of bacteria present in your mouth.

You can choose to buy an over-the-counter mouthwash, or get a prescription mouthwash from your dentist.

Keeping Tooth Decay at Bay

By giving your teeth all the tender loving care that they deserve, you can help make sure that they’re in clean and healthy for many more years to come!

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

 

FLOSSING | BOCA RATON DENTIST

flossingDentists routinely remind people to floss regularly – many patients have no problem brushing their teeth twice a day, but many seem to have a harder time flossing. 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: 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 – the bacteria within the mouth produces acids that damage the tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. Within the mouth, 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 – it will produce acids that will eat through tooth enamel, and hardened tartar deposits 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 can not be reached by brushing alone. In particular, while brushing is great at cleaning the lingual (tongue-facing), facial (cheek-facing), and occlusal (biting) surfaces, it’s relatively poor at cleaning the proximal surfaces – those between teeth. Because brushing alone can not reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Patients that skip flossing risk allowing tartar to form between teeth – once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning, as 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 usually an indication that they should have a professional cleaning, and floss more often to help remove existing bacteria. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal, and the bleeding will subside. 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 much of the bacteria within the mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you how – proper flossing technique will save you time, and make you more likely to floss daily.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Caring for your Toothbrush | Boca Raton Dentist

closeup on happy young woman brushing teethDentists recommend you brush your teeth twice a day, but it’s important to remember that the toothbrush you use is as important as brushing itself. The toothbrush is a tool to remove food debris and bacteria from your teeth, and like many tools, requires proper care in order be effective.

First, toothbrushes are designed to minimize bacteria in your mouth by removing food and plaque. To minimize bacteria, the toothbrush must be kept clean. It should be washed thoroughly with tap water after each use to remove food particles.

Keep the toothbrush upright in a rack or cup – allowing water to drain from the bristles, as dry bristles are less likely to grow bacteria. If you must put the toothbrush into a closed container after use (for example, when traveling), try to dry it using a clean towel if possible.

You should consider sanitizing the toothbrush occasionally. This can be done easily with antibacterial mouthwash, though some dentists recommend you run your toothbrush through the dishwasher to allow the heat to kill bacteria. You can even buy professional sterilizers that utilize ultraviolet light to sanitize toothbrushes.

The average toothbrush should last 3-4 months, but replace it if it shows signs of wear. Bristles that are frayed, loose, or falling out are a sign that it’s time to replace the brush, and certainly any sign of cracking plastic signal it’s time to replace the toothbrush. Even if the toothbrush is in good condition, you should consider replacing your toothbrush if you’ve ben ill – if you continuing using a toothbrush after you’ve been sick, you can continue introducing the bacteria from that illness to your system.

If you have questions about choosing the right toothbrush, talk to your dentist. While any toothbrush that is certified by the ADA is likely effective, proper brushing technique and care of your toothbrush are necessary to properly fight tooth decay.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Foods & Drinks to Avoid | Boca Raton Dentist

Brushing and flossing are the two best ways to avoid tooth decay, but what you eat and drink also plays a part. Tooth decay is caused by acids eating away at tooth enamel, and those acids are typically produced by bacteria on the surface of teeth and beneath the gums. Certain foods and drinks can either combat or contribute to tooth decay, and knowing the difference can help you manage your risk.

The foods and drinks that contribute to tooth decay typically fall into one of two categories – either high in sugar (which provides food for bacterial colonies), or high in acid, which weakens enamels. Examples of these foods and drinks are easy to come by:
– Sugary sweets (such as candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as chips, bread, and pasta) are likely to linger in your mouth, feeding bacteria
– Soda and sugary drinks can be both acidic and sugary, contributing both to stronger bacteria colonies and weakening the enamel that protects the teeth.
– Lemons, oranges, tomatoes, and their juices all have some sugar, but are very acidic – eating or drinking them is fine, but you should avoid sucking on lemon wedges for extended periods of time, as the acid is strong enough to erode enamel very quickly.

Much like some foods can cause tooth decay, there are also foods that can help fight tooth decay. Typically, these are foods that are fiber or calcium rich, and low in sugar and acid. Examples include:
– Foods like celery require a lot of chewing, which produces saliva, which helps wash other food particles off of teeth
– Foods like milk, cheese, and plain yogurt provide important minerals that will help strengthen your teeth.
– Sugarless gum (containing Xylitol) will stimulate saliva to help wash food particles from your mouth, and the Xylitol will actually help fight the bacterial colonies within your mouth.
– Like xylitol, green and black teas suppress bacteria within the mouth

While it may not be practical to avoid all sugary and acidic foods, knowing that they can contribute to tooth decay allows you to take steps to mitigate the risk. After eating or drinking sugary or acidic foods, brushing and flossing can help remove the sugars and acids to keep bacteria and tooth decay away.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Halloween Candy | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Halloween nightHalloween is fast approaching. We know consuming candy is pretty much unavoidable. You ca, however, eat candy responsibly!

Not all sweets are created equal. Some can wreak havoc on your teeth. We’ve got a list of the best and worst candy for your oral health.

The Worst Offenders:

• Sticky, chewy snacks like caramel, gummy bears, salt water taffy and even dried fruit get stuck in the teeth easily. The general rule is that the stickier the candy, the worse it is for your teeth. Delta Dental’s survey says 57 percent of kids eat chewy candy at Halloween.

• Candy corn is laden with sugar that produces acid that eats away at your teeth.

• Sour candies have high acid levels that break down tooth enamel, especially the soft enamel of young children.

• Hard candies stay in your mouth for a long time, drenching it in sugar.

• Jawbreakers actually are hard enough to chip your teeth!

The Best Choices:

• Sugar-free lollipops stimulate saliva production, which flushes away bacteria from your teeth, tongue and gums. Delta Dental’s survey says 44 percent of kids eat sugar-free candy at Halloween.

• Chocolate melts quickly. Choose your favorite variety: milk, dark or white. Be sure to choose the plain variety because chocolate with fillings, such as nuts or caramel, are more harmful to your teeth. Delta Dental’s survey says 86 percent of kids eat chocolate at Halloween.

• Peanut butter cups are similar to chocolate in that they disappear fast.

• Sugar-free gum helps dislodge food particles and stimulate saliva production(Source: chron.com).

Be sure to practice your oral care routine after consuming candy. Candy left sitting on your teeth can produce damaging bacteria. We’re guessing you don’t want to see the dentists drill on your next visit.

For more information on oral health & Halloween candy contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/