Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Dental Sealants




Wouldn't it be great if there was something you could do to help prevent decay?  Well there is, Dental Sealants are here to save the day!  This is a great, cost effective, procedure that helps prevent decay.

On the chewing surfaces of our back teeth we have depressions and grooves.  If you run your tongue across your back teeth, you can feel them.  These are called pits and fissures.  Because the pits and fissures are hard to keep clean, bacteria and food particles can get trapped and cause decay.  A dental sealant is a plastic material that is applied to the chewing surface of the teeth.  It seals the pits and fissures, preventing bacteria from getting into these traps.  It only takes a few minutes to seal each tooth and the procedure is painless.  The likelihood of developing tooth decay starts right after teeth come into the mouth.  This makes children and teenagers obvious candidates.  However, adults can benefit from sealants too.  Remember, you never outgrow the risk of developing cavites. 

Information in this article from: ada.org

Monday, April 23, 2012

Flossing Products! Preventive Dentistry West Palm Beach FL Dentist

SOS Children's Villages

We love to help out our community.  SOS Children's Villages helps children who have been through trauma or have been uprooted many times.  We are so glad to help support this cause!

Monday, April 16, 2012

Nutrition and Oral Health


Did you know that what you eat plays an important role in the health of your mouth?  Well it does.  The foods you choose can help or hurt your mouth.  Having a balanced diet, rich in vitamins, will help keep your mouth and total body healthy.  Here are some tips to help you get started. 
  1. Eating a balanced diet is very important.  You can learn more about what a balanced diet is by visiting http://www.choosemyplate.gov/
  2. Eating 5 different colors of fruit and vegtables daily help you get a diverse range of vitamins. 
  3. Limit the number of snacks you eat.  Giving your mouth a break from sugars and acids will help keep your teeth healthy.
  4. If you do snack, choose nutritious foods, such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt, or a piece of fruit.
  5. Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm. More saliva is released during a meal, which helps wash foods from the mouth and helps lessen the effects of acids.
Information in this article from:   http://ada.org/2984.aspx?currentTab=1


Thursday, April 12, 2012

Keep Your Breath Fresh Step by Step



1.     We’ve all done a hand check, right? But other than a false sense of security -- or maybe a hand that smells -- what does it prove? Not much. But what we do know is you are what you eat. When you eat, food starts to be digested in your mouth. Bacteria break down food particles and releases sulfur compounds that are involved in bad breath.

2.     Another cause is poor oral health. Bacteria from tooth decay or gum problems will linger in your mouth like a vacationing guest at your house, so ask yourself: Are you really brushing and flossing as you should? Are you using an antibacterial mouthwash? A more severe problem, like gingivitis or periodontal disease, will require professional intervention. So visit your dentist regularly as part of your battle against halitosis.

3.     Speaking of bacteria, your tongue can be a magnet for unpleasant germs and smells, so don’t forget it when you’re brushing. If your tongue feels like it needs to be shaved with a razor, brushing may not be enough. If that’s the case, use a tongue-cleaning device to scrape it clean. You might even get one free when you see your dentist.

4.     It may seem obvious, but eau du tobacco … no. If you want fresh breath, don’t smoke.

5.     How wet is your whistle? Saliva is the body’s natural way of keeping your mouth cleansed, and the salivary gland doesn’t work as well if your well is dry.

6.     Finally, persistent bad breath could be the sign of a major medical problem, like acid reflux, sinus infections, diabetes, or kidney problems. So make sure you get regular medical checkups and follow any special instructions your doctor may give you.


Above article from: WebMD.com

Jeffrey Cohen, DMD
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel:(561) 967-8200
Email: info@thecosmeticdentist.com
Website: www.thecosmeticdentist.com 


Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Gum Disease


Have you ever heard your hygienist calling out numbers while you are in the chair.  He or she is checking your mouth for Gum Disease.  Gum Disease, also known as Periodontal Disease, is a disease of the supporting structures of the teeth.  It attacks the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place.  As the tissue and bone is damaged, pockets are formed.  Generally speaking, the deeper the pocket, the more advanced the disease.  When pockets get severe, mobility occurs, leading to tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is classified according to severity.  There are 2 major stages: Gingivitis and Periodontitis.  Gingivitis is reversible and only affects the gum tissue.  If not treated it can lead to periodontitis.  Periodontitis affects the bone in addition to the gum tissue.  It is more serious,can be maintained, but it is not reversible. 
You can have Periodontal Disease without signs or symptoms.  That is why it is very important to have regular dental check ups that include dental x-rays and periodontal charting. 
If you would like more information on Periodontal Disease, check out the link below.

Information in this article from: http://www.ada.org/3063.aspx

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Your Teeth and Dental Bonding


Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.

For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

      ·      To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
      ·     To repair chipped or cracked teeth
      ·      To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
      ·      To close spaces between teeth
      ·      To make teeth look longer
      ·      To change the shape of teeth
      ·      As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
      ·      To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

What's the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

·      Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
·      The bonding process. Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
·      Time-to-completion. Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?

·      Advantages: Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
·      Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, some dentists view it as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult with your dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.

Above article from: WebMD.com

Jeffrey Cohen, DMD
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel:(561) 967-8200
Email: info@thecosmeticdentist.com
Website: 
www.thecosmeticdentist.com 

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Dental Health With Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites


There are several reasons why some people's teeth grow in crooked, overlapping, or twisted. Some people's mouths are too small for their teeth, which crowds the teeth and causes them to shift. In other cases, a person's upper and lower jaws aren't the same size or are malformed, resulting in either an overbite, when there is excessive protrusion of the upper jaw, or an under bite, when the lower jaw protrudes forward causing the lower jaw and teeth to extend out beyond the upper teeth.

Most often crooked teeth, overbites, and under bites are inherited traits just as the color of your eyes or size of your hands. Other causes of misaligned bites are early loss of baby or adult teeth; improper fit of dental restorations (for example, fillings or crowns); gingivitis (gum disease); undue pressure on the teeth and gums; misalignment of jaw after severe facial injury; tumors of the mouth or jaw; or common oral health problems in children such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier use beyond the age of three, or prolonged use of a bottle.

What Problems Come With Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites?

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can:

      ·      Interfere with proper chewing.
      ·      Make keeping teeth clean more of a challenge, increasing the risk of tooth decay, cavities, and gingivitis.
      ·      Strain the teeth, jaws, and muscles, increasing the risk of breaking a tooth.
      ·      Make people feel self-conscious about their appearance and affect their self-esteem.

How Do I Know if My Teeth Are Crooked or My Bite Is Misaligned?

While you can see for yourself if your teeth are crooked, your dentist can determine if your problem warrants treatment. Your dentist will look for the following signs:

      ·      Abnormal alignment of your teeth
      ·      Abnormal appearance of your face
      ·      Difficulty or discomfort when chewing or biting
      ·      Speech difficulties, including a lisp

Your dentist will usually refer you to an orthodontist --a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.

What Tests Can I Expect at the Orthodontist?

The orthodontist will likely take X-rays, photographs of your face, and teeth impressions to determine if and what type of treatment is needed. X-rays provide information on the position of your teeth and roots and if any teeth have yet to come through the gums. Special cephalometrics or panoramic X-rays show the relationship of the teeth to the jaws and the jaws to the head. Your orthodontist may also want to take regular photographs of your face to further examine the relationship between your teeth, jaws, and head. Finally, impressions may be made of your teeth. This is done by having you bite down on a soft material that is later used to create an exact copy of your teeth.

How Are Crooked Teeth and Misaligned Bites Treated?

Once a diagnosis is made, your orthodontist can decide the best treatment for your teeth or misaligned bite. For some people, a removable retainer (to stabilize the new position of teeth) will be all that's needed to correct the problem. Removal of one or more teeth may be required if overcrowding is the main problem. For most people, braces are necessary to correct the problem. In rare and extreme cases, such as an extreme overbite or under bite, an operation may be necessary.

Above article from: WebMD.com

Jeffrey Cohen, DMD
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel:(561) 967-8200
Email: info@thecosmeticdentist.com
Website: www.thecosmeticdentist.com 

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Denture Care

A new study shows that there may be more than just teeth on your dentures.  They may be harboring bad bacteria like MRSA, or drug-resistant staphylococcus aureus bacteria.  The normal ways of cleaning a denture, like soaking over night in OTC cleaner, are not effective against these types of bacteria.  Therefore the bacteria is inhaled from the denture into the lungs causing an infection that can be very hard to treat. 
There are 2 newly recommended cleaning methods that deal with the bad bacteria.  Microwaving your dentures for 3 minutes or soaking them in chlorhexidine gluconate for 10 minutes will kill bad bacteria for a week.  We have chlorhexadine gluconate, Peridex, available in the office.  It is a prescription strength antibacterial rinse we use to help treat unhealthy gums.  Both methods are equally effective. 
So, if you have denture and you are concerned with keeping them clean, go see your dentist today.  Don't forget, denture patients need regular dental check ups too! 
Information in this article from: msnbc.com

Friday, April 6, 2012

Canker Sores and Cold Sores


Nobody likes a mouth sore!  They are painful, unattractive and usually annoy you for up to two weeks.  They are caused by many things like trauma, infections, lack of vitamins and stress.  Most people don't know the difference between a cold sore and a canker sore.   There are differences you need to be aware of. 

Canker Sores are small ulcers located inside your mouth.  They are usually white or gray with a red border.  These lesions are not contagious, but are extremely painful.  There are no treatments to cure the sore, but many  products can be used to make them more comfortable.  Anesthetic and antimicrobial mouth rinses can provide temporary relief.  Also, make sure to avoid spicy, hot ,and acidic foods that will irritate the sore. It should resolve itself in 1 to 2 weeks. 

Cold Sores are fluid filled blisters located on the lips, under the nose or on the chin. These sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1or type 2 and are very contagious.  The initial infection is usually in childhood and can be confused with a flu or cold, but some people don't get sick at all.  Once you have the virus, it stays in your body for life.  Most of the time it will not be active, but things like wind, sun, fever and stress can cause it to activate.  These blisters are usually cleared up in 1 week.  This is a virus and there is no cure, but there are several over the counter products that claim they will speed up the healing process.  Ask your Dental Care Provider or Pharmacist for treatment tips. 

Not all mouth sores are canker or cold sores.  Anytime you notices changes in your mouth, get it checked.  Your dentist should be able to tell you what kind of sore you have based on shape, size and location.  If not, they can refer to the right place for further evaluation. 

Information in this article from ada.org

Monday, April 2, 2012

Dental Testimonial West Palm Beach FL, Cosmetic Restorative Preventive D...

Dental Testimonial - Dentistry in West Palm Beach FL

Cosmetic, General, Restorative and Preventive Dental Care
West Palm Beach Florida





Jeffrey Cohen, DMD
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel:(561) 967-8200
Email: info@thecosmeticdentist.com
Website: www.thecosmeticdentist.com