Friday, December 29, 2017

Understanding Your Dental Plan

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about understanding your dental plan.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Monday, December 18, 2017

Oral Care During the Holidays: Sugar-Free Countdown to Christmas

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Sher Warkentin

Maintaining good oral care during the holidays can be tough with the bombardment of sugary sweets all season. Counting down to Christmas with an advent calendar is a fun activity for your kids, but if they are filled with chocolate and sweets, it won't be so great for their teeth. Check out these simple sugar-free ideas to fill your countdown instead.

Holiday Activity Fun
Fill your child's countdown with special moments that they will cherish all year round. For each day of the month come up with a fun holiday activity that you can do together as a family. Some ideas include: watching a holiday movie, going ice skating, building a snowman and looking at Christmas lights. Write down the activity on a slip of paper and tuck one note into each day of your advent calendar.

A Puzzling Treat
Give your child a fun challenge with a customized puzzle. Draw a picture or write a special message on a blank puzzle. Break the pieces apart and place one puzzle piece in each day of your advent calendar. Every day your child can add the pieces together until they have a completed puzzle revealing a special holiday message or fun activity to do together.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Sugar-Free Trinkets
  • Story-A-Day

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Tobacco Risks on Oral Health

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about tobacco risks on oral health.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Monday, December 11, 2017

Kids' Healthy Teeth During the Holidays

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Elizabeth SanFilippo

Chances are good that visions of cookies, desserts and candy canes may be dancing in your children's heads this holiday season. While you will do what you can to limit their intake of these sugary treats, your kids will probably be eating their fair share of sugar at your family holiday parties. Despite their consumption of sugar, there are ways to keep your kids' healthy teeth and gums in shape and to minimize damage to their dental health.

Why Is Sugar Bad for Dental Health?
Whether your kids are eating chocolate cake, sugar cookies or peppermint candy, they are ingesting sugar. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth feed on this sugar, and the byproduct is acid. This acid can eat away at tooth enamel, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. The more time teeth spend exposed to sugar, the higher the risk that your children will face dental health problems. Hard candies, and sticky candies such as taffy and caramel, can be worse for teeth than other treats such as cake and cookies.

Brush after Eating a Sugary Treat
In general, the ADA recommends that everyone brush their teeth and gums at least twice a day for at least two minutes each time. Flossing should also be done at least once a day. During the holidays, encourage your kids to brush and floss even more than this, particularly right after they finish dessert. If a toothbrush is not handy, the next best thing to do is rinse. Encourage your kids to rinse their mouths with water - not soda or even sparkling grape juice รณ which will help wash away sugar, acids and any other food that may be stuck to their teeth.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Limit Sugar Time
  • Make Dessert a Part of the Meal
  • Make Toothbrushing Fun
  • Schedule a Dentist Visit

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about regular dental check-ups.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Monday, December 4, 2017

Surprisingly Simple Food Tips for Healthy Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Donna Pleis

You already know the value of regular tooth brushing and flossing to the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease, but what you eat can help too. Here are a few tips for healthy teeth involving simple foods that may be more helpful to your dental health than you thought they were.

An Element of Strength
The mineral, fluoride, plays an important role in building strong teeth and bones, and ultimately protecting your teeth against tooth decay. This is why fluoride has been included in toothpastes like Colgate Cavity Protection and many community water supplies. But did you know it's also found naturally in many foods? Any fluoride you ingest is absorbed and distributed throughout the body, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), though most of it deposited into your bones and teeth.

So, to give you and your family's teeth an extra bit of strength now and then, serve up foods with naturally high concentrations of fluoride. Most seafood is a good source of this because oceans are full of natural sodium fluoride. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), tea and gelatin contain fluoride as well. Carrots, beets, canned pork and beans also have significant amounts (who would've thought?), as well as infant formula, juices, canned tomato products and cheeses. And if you like baked potatoes, don't peel off the skin; that's where most of the fluoride is found. You can identify more fluoride-rich foods at the USDA National Nutrient Database.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • 'Moo're Dairy Please
  • Swish and Swallow
  • Candy and Chewing Gum
  • Nature's Toothbrush

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

After-Hours Emergency Dentistry

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to about after-hours emergency dentistry.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 3

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below is one way that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Slow Healing 











Have you ever noticed a cold sore or a cut in your mouth that doesn’t quite seem to go away? This can be another way that diabetes may affect your mouth. Poor control of blood sugar can keep injuries from healing quickly and properly. If you have something in your mouth that you feel isn’t healing as it should, see your dentist.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Sunday, November 12, 2017

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 2

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Change in Taste 











Your favorite flavors might not taste as rich as your remember if you have diabetes. It can be disappointing, but take the opportunity to experiment with different tastes, textures and spices to your favorite foods. Just take care not to add too much sugar to your food in an effort to add flavor. Not only can this affect the quality of your diet, it can also lead to more cavities. If you have a persistent bad taste in your mouth, see your dentist or doctor.

Infections 











Diabetes affects your immune system, leaving you more vulnerable to infection. One common among people with diabetes is a yeast infection called oral thrush (candidiasis). The yeast thrive on the higher amount of sugar found in your saliva, and it looks like a white layer coating your tongue and the insides of your cheeks. Thrush is more common in people who wear dentures and can often leave a bad taste in your mouth. See your dentist if you think you have thrush or any other mouth infection.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Antibiotics & Your Heart

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about antibiotics and your heart.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Diabetes and Your Dental Health # 1

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. This month we are featuring information found on MouthHealthy.org that discuss how diabetes can affect  your dental health. Below are two ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.

Gum Disease 











Notice some bleeding when you brush or floss? That may be an early sign of gum disease. If it becomes more severe, the bone that supports your teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss. Early gum disease can be reversed with proper brushing, flossing and diet. Research has shown gum disease can worsen if your blood sugar is not under control, so do your best to keep it in check.

Dry Mouth 











Studies have found people with diabetes have less saliva, so you might find yourself feeling parched or extra thirsty. (Medications and higher blood sugar levels are also causes.) Fight dry mouth by drinking water. You can also chew sugarless gum and eat healthy, crunchy foods to get saliva flowing. This is especially important because extra sugar in your saliva, combined with less saliva to wash away leftover food, can lead to cavities.

To read all '5 Ways Diabetes Can Affect Your Mouth' visit MouthHealthy.org.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Power Toothbrushes

Learn what the American Dental Association has to say about power toothbrushes.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Risks to Oral Health During Pregnancy

Learn what the American Dental Association has to about risks to your oral health during pregnancy.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Friday, October 20, 2017

Halloween Candy: Your Dental Health Survival Guide

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

With Halloween comes ghosts, goblins and goodies-and the sugar in those treats can play some unwanted tricks on your teeth if you’re not careful. 

Here’s why: The bacteria in your mouth are probably more excited to eat Halloween candy than you are. When the bacteria eat the sugar and leftover food in your mouth, a weak acid is produced. That acid is what can contribute to cavities. 

But don’t hang up your costume just yet. “Halloween is about candy, dressing up and having fun,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween as a splurge as long as you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day all year long.”

To help you sort through the trick-or-treat bag loot, we have a rundown of some common candies and their impact on your teeth:
Chocolate
Chocolate is probably your best bet, which is good because it’s also one of the most popular kinds of candy handed out on Halloween. รฌChocolate is one of the better candies because it washes off your teeth easier than other types of candy,รฎ Dr. Ferraz- Dougherty says. “Dark chocolate also has less sugar than milk chocolate.”

Sticky and Gummy Candies
Be picky if it’s sticky. These are some of the worst candies for your teeth. “This candy is harder to remove and may stay longer on your teeth, which gives that cavity-causing bacteria more time to work,” Dr. Ferraz-Dougherty says.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Hard Candy
  • Sour Candy
  • Popcorn Balls

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Friday, October 13, 2017

12 Tips for a Healthy Halloween

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build a stockpile of sweets for the winter. No surprise, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween but it’s important to have a plan,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. 

Here's how you can help your family stay MouthHealthy on Halloween and year-round.
Time It Right
Eat Halloween candy (and other sugary foods) with meals or shortly after mealtime. Saliva production increases during meals. This helps cancel out acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and rinse away food particles.

Stay Away from Sweet Snacks
Snacking can increase your risk of cavities, and it’s double the trouble if you keep grabbing sugary treats from the candy bowl. “Snacking on candy throughout the day is not ideal for your dental health or diet,” Dr. Ferraz-Dougherty says.

Choose Candy Carefully
Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time. Aside from how often you snack, the length of time sugary food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to an increased risk for tooth decay.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Avoid Sticky Situations
  • Have a Plan
  • Drink More Water
  • Maintain a Healthy Diet
  • Stay Away from Sugary Beverages
  • Chew Gum with the ADA Seal
  • Brush Twice a Day
  • Clean Between Your Teeth
  • Visit an ADA Dentist

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

What are Cavities?

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about what cavities are.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Friday, October 6, 2017

Cold and Flu Season: 5 Ways to Care for Your Mouth When You’re Sick

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org
When he’s feeling under the weather, ADA dentist Dr. Gene Romo says one thing always helps him feel a little more like himself. “Brushing my teeth when I’m sick actually makes me feel better,” he says. “My mouth feels clean, and in a way, I feel like my health is starting to improve.”

When you have a cold or the flu, taking care of your body is your top priority-and that includes your mouth. “It’s important to take care of your dental health all year round, but especially when you’re sick,” Dr. Romo says.

Here are some simple ways to care for your dental health when you’re not feeling well: 

Practice Good Hygiene
When you’re sick, you know to cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze. Don’t forget to keep up your dental and toothbrush hygiene as well.
According to the CDC, the flu virus can live on moist surfaces for 72 hours. “The number one rule is not to share your toothbrush anytime, but especially when you are sick,” Dr. Romo says.
You also probably don’t need to replace your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. Unless your immune system is severely compromised, the chances of reinfecting yourself are very low. “But if you’re still in doubt, throw it out,” says Dr. Romo. “Especially if you’ve had your toothbrush for 3-4 months, when it’s time to replace it anyway.”

Choose Sugar-Free Cough Drops
Read the label before you pick up a bag at the drug store with an eye to avoid ingredients like fructose or corn syrup. “Many cough drops contain sugar, and it is like sucking on candy,” says Dr. Romo. “Sugar is a culprit when it comes to cavities.” The longer you keep a sugary cough drop in your mouth, the more time cavity-causing bacteria has to feast on that sugar, which produces the acid that can leave holes in your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Swish and Spit After Vomiting
  • Stay Hydrated to Avoid Dry Mouth
  • Choose the Right Fluids

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Inter-Dental Cleaners

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about inter-dental cleaners.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Friday, September 29, 2017

Tooth Whitening Is Not Equal to Tooth Brushing

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about tooth whitening not being equal to tooth brushing.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Tuesday, September 19, 2017

You May Have Acid Erosion on Teeth

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Jennifer Mitchell

Tooth enamel isn't just strong; it's the hardest substance in your body. It isn't indestructible, however, and can be eroded by substances that are stronger. Acid exposure can come from many sources, but with the help of your dentist, you can keep your enamel strong and healthy.

Symptoms 
Acid erosion on teeth can lead to a variety of symptoms that should be evaluated by a dentist. As the outer layer of your teeth wears away, you may experience tooth sensitivity. This sensitivity often leads to pain when you consume hot or cold foods and drinks.
Your teeth may also become discolored. This is because the enamel is white, unlike the sensitive, yellow tissue underneath is known as dentin. As the enamel erodes and exposes more of your dentin, your teeth begin to show more of its yellow color.
The appearance of your teeth can change in other ways as a result of acid erosion, depending on the case. The bottom edge of your front teeth may start to look transparent instead of its natural opaque. You may also notice your teeth look smaller or thinner than they used to. If you notice any of these symptoms, you may have acid erosion, and should see your dentist right away for an evaluation.

Causes 
There are just as many possible causes of acid erosion. Your favorite beverages, for example, may also be to blame for the initial sensitivity: According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), soft drinks are the most frequent source of erosive acids, most damaging due to their low pH levels. Other popular drinks, such as fruit juices, sports drinks and energy drinks, can also damage your teeth due to their acidity.
These liquids aren't the only possible cause. Frequent vomiting introduces highly acidic stomach contents to your mouth and can lead to acid erosion. This is a particular concern for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness, as well as those who struggle with bulimia or related eating disorders. Similarly, gastroesophageal acid reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that makes acid from your stomach back up into your throat and mouth involuntarily. This leads to frequent heartburn and, ultimately, the erosion of your tooth enamel. If you suffer from GERD, make sure your dentist is aware of your condition.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Prevention
  • Treatment

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

Periodontal Disease and Obesity

Many medical professionals consider obesity to be a chronic disease. It is well understood that obesity is on the rise in the United States, and that younger and younger members of our community are becoming obese due to poor nutrition and eating habits. Research has demonstrated that obesity will increase the risk for hypertension, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, CVD, respiratory problems, and endometrial, breast, prostate, and colon cancers.1 It has also been demonstrated in a recent research study that obesity also increases the risk for periodontal disease, and it may be insulin resistance that regu¨lates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease.1  It has also been found that individuals with elevated body mass indices (BMI) produce a higher level of inflammatory proteins.1

The classifications of being overweight and obese can pertain to more than 60 percent of American adults. It is even higher for some high-risk populations, such as African-American women, placing these individuals at greater risk for diabetes and cardiovascular dis¨ease. Some authorities estimate that two out of three Americans are overweight or obese, and projections of obesity trends for the future indicate an increase in the incidence of obesity in the general population.1

It is very critical for individuals to understand the obesity epidemic and to take proactive steps in addressing this issue with themselves and family members who are obese. Good nutrition and exercise should be stressed and individuals should be educated on the role that obesity may play in the development of diabetes, CVD and cancer. 

The dental professional will take a thorough medical history and review any medical issues which may point to the cause for the obesity and  refer the patient to his/her physician for evaluation. The oral health status will also be evaluated and treatment rendered based on the diagnosis. Emphasis will be placed on the reduction of the plaque and accompanying inflammation, both above and below the gumline. Home care should be reinforced, and patients should be encouraged to floss regularly and to brush twice daily with a toothpaste that offers antibacterial protection.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Post-Treatment Care & Tooth Extractions

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about post-treatment care for tooth extractions.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Teeth without Enamel: Causes, Treatment and Care

Below is an excerpt from an article found on Colgate.com that was written by Katriena Knights

Enamel is the hardest substance in the human body, and is therefore vital to the health of your teeth. Not everyone's is the strongest, though, and still others have teeth without enamel at all. Without enamel to protect the softer interior parts of your teeth, they can't stand up to the stress of natural biting and chewing. These abnormal developments require special care and treatment.

Enamel Hypoplasia
Teeth can come in without enamel as a result of inherited issues or because of exposure to certain substances while the teeth are erupting. Baby teeth and permanent teeth can both emerge with enamel that is weak, improperly formed or missing altogether. One of these conditions is enamel hypoplasia, which literally means "underdeveloped enamel." A disorder that causes the teeth to develop with thin, deficient enamel, it sometimes manifests as a pit in the tooth รฑ or even a hole. In advanced cases, there is no enamel at all, leaving the more sensitive dentin exposed.
Under normal conditions, per the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), special cells in the teeth called ameloblasts form the cells of the tooth enamel. If these ameloblasts are damaged or do not fully develop, the enamel can't develop normally either.

What Causes It
Many factors can cause enamel hypoplasia. These include:

  • Poor nutrition during pregnancy or infancy.
  • Infection during pregnancy or infancy.
  • Genetic disorders.
  • Trauma to the teeth or jaw.
  • Exposure to certain substances during pregnancy or infancy.

Nonetheless, it's often difficult to determine exactly what caused the teeth to develop abnormally.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

The remainder of the article details the following:

  • Enamel Hypomineralization
  • How to Treat It

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Dental Tourism

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the risks and additional costs associated with dental tourism.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

Teeth Grinding (also known as Bruxism)

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about teeth grinding also known as bruxism.


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Wisdom Teeth

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.


With age comes wisdom. Specifically, wisdom teeth.

Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.

When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. Itรญs normal to feel a little discomfort when your wisdom teeth appear, but if you have pain, see your dentist immediately.

Room to Grow?
Wisdom teeth can lead to problems if there isnรญt enough space for them to surface or they come through in the wrong position. If your dentist says your wisdom teeth are impacted, he or she means they are trapped in your jaw or under your gums.

As your wisdom teeth make their way through your gums, your dentist will be monitoring your mouth for signs of the following:

  • Wisdom teeth that arenรญt in the right position can allow food to become trapped. That gives cavity-causing bacteria a place to grow.
  • Wisdom teeth that havenรญt come in properly, which can make it difficult to floss between the wisdom teeth and the molars next to them.
  • Wisdom teeth that have partially come through can give bacteria a place to enter the gums and create a place for infection to occur. This may also lead to pain, swelling and stiffness in your jaw.
  • Wisdom teeth that donรญt have room to come through are thought by some to crowd or damage neighboring teeth.
  • A wisdom tooth that is impacted can form a cyst on or near the impacted tooth. This could damage the roots of nearby teeth or destroy the bone that supports your teeth.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about:

  • Why You Might Need to Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed
  • Keeping Your Wisdom Teeth?

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Root Canals

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.



Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp (soft tissue inside your teeth containing blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue) becomes inflamed or diseased. During root canal treatment, your dentist or endodontist (a dentist who specializes in treating the insides of teeth) removes the diseased pulp. The pulp chamber and root canal(s) of the tooth are then cleaned and sealed. If the infected pulp is not removed, pain and swelling can result, and your tooth may have to be removed.

Causes of an infected pulp could include:

  • a deep cavity
  • repeated dental procedures
  • a cracked or broken tooth
  • injury to the tooth (even if thereรญs not a visible crack or chip)

If you continue to care for your teeth and gums your restored tooth could last a lifetime. However, regular checkups are necessary; a tooth without its nerve can still develop cavities or gum disease. Most of the time, a root canal is a relatively simple procedure with little or no discomfort involving one to three visits. Best of all, it can save your tooth and your smile.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.


Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Baby Teeth Are Going to Fall Out, So Why Take Care of Them?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Baby Teeth Are Going to Fall Out, So Why Take Care of Them?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Dentures

Below is an excerpt from an article found on MouthHealthy.org.



Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If youรญve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. Thatรญs because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teethรณthings that people often take for granted.

When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Types of dentures:

  • Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months.
  • Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You donรญt have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed.
  • Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.

To read the entire article visit MouthHealthy.org.

The remainder of the article contains more information under each of the headings:

  • Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'When Should I Start Brushing My Child’s Teeth?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'When Should I Start Brushing My Childรญs Teeth?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Saturday, July 29, 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Does Bottled Water Have Fluoride?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Difference Between DDS and DMD

Below is an article found on MouthHealthy.org.

If you’re looking to find a dentist you may notice that while most are listed with a “DDS”, some may be listed as “DMD”. They both mean the same thing-your dentist graduated from an accredited dental school. The DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are the same degrees. Dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education. It’s up to the universities to determine what degree is awarded, but both degrees use the same curriculum requirements.

Did you know that the level of education and clinical training required to earn a dental degree is on par with those of medical schools?
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. Additional post-graduate training is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

To read the entire article visit
MouthHealthy.org.

The article also contains links about: 

  • Looking for a dentist? 
  • Interested in a dental career?

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200

Thursday, July 13, 2017

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'


The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Dentist West Palm Beach FL 
Jeffrey Cohen, DDS
4324 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
Tel: (561) 967-8200