Tag Archives: Oral Health

How Preventative Dental Care Can Help You Save Both Money and Time

Preventative Dentistry, , ,


A woman getting her teeth cleaned by 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 occasionally may also be necessary.

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!

FLOSSING | BOCA RATON DENTIST

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A woman with white teeth and pink lips.Dentists 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/

Preventing Tooth Decay | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Tooth Decay, , , , ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.Brushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay by removing bacteria and food particles from the teeth before they can damage teeth. The combination of bacteria and food particles is important – the bacteria breaks down food, creating acids that can damage tooth enamel. Not all food is created equally – some can be more or less likely to be consumed by bacteria, and other types of food may be less likely to remain in the mouth once it’s eaten.

Patients wishing to protect their teeth can choose food that helps limit the risk to their teeth; here are some foods that are healthy for teeth:

  • Cheese and milk are high in calcium, helping build stronger teeth, and are low in sugars and acid, making them less likely to contribute to tooth decay. Some studies have shown that cheese, in particular, can help lower mouth acidity further, even for a period of time after eating.
  • Tea – especially green and black tea – contains compounds that slow the growth of bacteria. Patients who drink or rinse their mouth with tea have lower concentrations of bacteria in their mouth, decreasing both tooth decay and bad breath.
  • Sugarless gum that contains Xylitol can help teeth in two ways. First, it stimulates production of saliva to rinse acids and sugars away, and the act of chewing can help dislodge other food particles stuck between teeth. Second, Xylitol has been shown to decrease bacteria within the mouth, helping fight tooth decay.
  • Vegetables such as celery and carrots are crunchy, require chewing, and stimulate production of saliva to help remove other foods from the mouth. Celery also contains high amounts of water, which can help rinse the mouth.

While simply eating tooth-healthy foods is unlikely to prevent tooth decay without proper brushing and flossing, combining healthy foods with a good oral hygiene regimen can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

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

Caring for your Toothbrush | Boca Raton Dentist

Oral Hygiene, , , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush.Dentists 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

General Dentistry, Oral Health, , , , , , ,


A woman is eating an apple outsideBrushing 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

General Dentistry, Halloween Candy, , , , , , , , ,


A halloween scene with bats flying over the house.Halloween 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/

Caring for Your Toothbrush | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Oral Hygiene, , , , ,


A woman is brushing her teeth with an electric toothbrush.Brushing and flossing are two of the most important aspects of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. While dentists will recommend you brush and floss at least twice a day, it’s important to do it properly in order to receive the expected benefits. One of the keys to brushing properly is to use the right toothbrush, and to care for it properly.

While different people will prefer different styles of toothbrush – manual or electric, soft or firm – it’s generally recommended that you consider soft bristles to avoid damaging your gums. This is especially important if you are a vigorous brusher – a softer bristle will avoid damaging sensitive gum tissue, which is a common cause of receding gums. A toothbrush approved by the ADA will be most likely to hold up well under use and have a safe and effective design.

Once you’ve selected the proper toothbrush, it’s important to care for it properly. You should clean the toothbrush after each use, rinsing it with water to remove excess toothpaste and other debris. Occasionally soaking the brush in antibacterial mouthwash is also a good idea. After each use, be sure to allow the toothbrush to dry. Ideally, you should store it upright so it can drain, and to minimize the risk that airborne particles will settle on the surface.

From time to time, you’ll need to replace your toothbrush. Typically, you should replace your brush if it shows signs of wear, for example if bristles fall out during use. You should also consider changing brushes after a major illness, as it’s likely that you’ve contaminated the toothbrush, and will re-introduce bacteria to your body. While it may not make you sick a second time, it may prolong the illness if you continue using it as you recover. After three to four months of regular use, you should replace your toothbrush – the bristles will be starting to wear, and the relatively inexpensive price of toothbrushes should make replacement simple.

Finally, you should avoid sharing your toothbrush, even with close family members. While many families are comfortable swapping saliva, you should remember that tooth decay is bacterial in nature, and that bacteria will live on a toothbrush. In that sense, you can consider tooth decay a disease that can be transmitted from person to person. It’s in everyone’s best interest not to share toothbrushes.

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

Bad Breath & Underlying Problems | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, , , , , , ,


A woman with dark hair and blue eyes smiling.

‘You have bad breath!’ No one wants or likes to hear it, but it’s worse not to know it. There can be many factors to your bad breath, all 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 for you 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, as can tonsils that have trapped food particles; cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures. What helps: Good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, and ruling out any underlying conditions or other factors (such as some medications, diets, and foods) that could make your breath less than pleasant.

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, which produces 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.

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, followed, by a thorough flossing session, and then a rinse with some mouth wash to seal in the cleanliness and fresh breath!

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

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

Tooth Crowding | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Tooth Crowding, , , , , ,


A person with their teeth being examined by an dentist.One of potential types of dental problems that patients allow to go untreated is 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 it can be caused by a wide variety of conditions:
– Lost and missing teeth allow other teeth to move and rotate
– Extra teeth can compete 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 can cause pressure between teeth
– Jaw alignment problems – either 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, 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 – the jaw bone can be cut and realigned, and 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 you have an over-bite, under-bite, or even a deep bite, schedule an appointment with your dentist for an evaluation so that you can be informed of the various treatment options.

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