Thursday, November 17, 2011

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Going Natural With Your Toothpaste

Natural products are catching on like wildfire in popularity. There are natural versions out there of almost any product you can conceive of. Cleaning products, baby care items, pet items, beauty care items and the list just goes on and on. Natural toothpaste is another product on the market that is becoming a more popular item to buy and use. In the more distant past you were left to your own devices using items like baking soda if you wanted a natural alternative to the traditional chemically laden toothpastes available. Not any more. Natural toothpaste is big business and more and more companies are jumping into the market. Which is great for consumers since it gives them more choices.

Some may wonder what the big deal is about natural toothpaste. Is it really necessary and important to switch from your favorite brand to a more natural one? Also, with the often higher price tag of natural products, is it worth the extra cash you will inevitably spend? With that I would have to ask what price can you put upon your good oral health. Many commercial toothpastes contain things that most people, if asked, would not want to put into their mouths. Dyes, sweeteners , artificial flavoring and preservatives are some of the milder offenders in regular toothpastes. They also contain things like Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, and Propylene Glycol. Those are just to name a few, but the ones named are used in things like anti-freeze, chemical cleaners and rat poisons. Not to mention that many commercial toothpastes contain high levels of fluoride, which can be fatally toxic with too high of an amount.

With all of the above information, maybe you are considering a natural toothpaste more strongly. There are many good products to choose from. Natural toothpastes are generally less abrasive to your mouth and teeth than their more comercial counterparts. The ADA has given their seal of approval to some of the natural toothpate brands so you can rest assured that your natural toothpaste purchase is getting the job done. Many of the natural toothpastes are fluoride free, or some have a more natural source of fluoride in them. These toothpastes don't foam up quite as much as what you may be used to, but you can rest assured that they are cleaning your teeth well. The pure and natural oils give a pleasant taste to the paste and have beneficial properties as well. Look at natural toothpastes in your store.


Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

How to Stop Teeth Grinding

The act of grinding or clenching your teeth together is referred to as bruxism. Although some people think of bruxism as a night occurrence, you can clench or grind your teeth day and night without realizing you have the problem. Grinding is the movement of your top and bottom teeth over each other back and forth, and clenching is when you keep your lower and upper teeth together in a tight hold. Teeth grinding and clenching is caused by various factors, including how much stress you're under, the alignment of your teeth and how well you sleep.

Grinding and clenching your teeth causes various symptoms to appear. Your jaw might be sore, you can experience difficulty eating and sleeping, and you might experience earaches. Of particular concern is the damage you're causing to your teeth. The repetitive motions wear down your teeth over time, causing stress cracks, breaks and damage to any fillings or other existing dental work. The more severe your bruxism is, the quicker you'll damage your teeth. If you don't stop grinding your teeth, you can develop temporomandibular joint problems, known collectively as TMJ. Symptoms of TMJ include clicking or popping sounds when you open or close your mouth, face pain, difficulty moving your jaw and difficulty eating.

If you're grinding or clenching your teeth, try relaxing before bed and massaging your face and jaw muscles. Reducing tension and daily stress can help stop bruxism. Changing your daytime habits can help ease unconscious night grinding.

Mouth guards, also called splints, can help ease night grinding and clenching. The guards fit over your top or bottom teeth and are used while you're sleeping. Splints come in various designs, such as full top guards or one that just goes over your front teeth, and you can get a custom splint from your dentist. Splints are sold at most local pharmacies but may be thicker and more uncomfortable than a custom appliance. However, you may want to try an over-the-counter splint before getting a custom one made to make sure you can sleep with an appliance in your mouth.

A more drastic approach for long-time teeth grinders is a surgical readjustment of the bite by an oral surgeon. Changing your existing bite may stop your grinding, especially if your upper and lower teeth meet evenly, but you should try alternate methods before having surgery. If you don't reduce your grinding and clenching prior to surgery, the problem may reappear later on in your life.


Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Friday, September 30, 2011

Monday, September 26, 2011

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Friday, September 16, 2011

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Benefits of Chewing Gum Regularly

Believe it or not, chewing gum can offer benefits that are much more important than having fresh breath for that first kiss or looking cool in school. Yes, chewing gum can be good for you! In fact, aside from good breath, chewing gum offers many health benefits including improving memory, reducing stress, increased focus, managing weight, and improving oral health.

According to several studies, chewing gum increases focus and improves your memory. In recent studies, it has been found that people who chew gum during tests and exams score significantly higher than those who do not chew gum during test taking. Why? Chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain and produces more oxygen. This leads to increased cognitive strength, critical thinking skills, and enhanced memory. Also, many teachers, professors, business owners, and bosses encourage their students and/or employees to chew gum in the hopes of relieving stress and other tension. According to studies, the relaxed, rhythmic motion of chewing gum serves as an outlet for frustration, irritation, anger, and stress. It can leave someone feeling relaxed and stress-free.

Another benefit of chewing gum is its ability to manage weight and improve digestion. Gum has an insignificant calorie count, while also allowing for the burning of over 10 calories per hour. Also, a constant chewing motion keeps people from wanting to eat or snack heavily. For digestive purposes, chewing gum increases digestive tract motility due to the increased production of saliva which consequently leads to increased swallowing.
Finally, one of the most well-known and established benefits of chewing gum is the oral hygiene is provides.

A notorious dental tip provided by the family dentist is to chew more gum, and there’s good reason to. Increased saliva production is not only good for the digestive tract, but it also good for your mouth. Saliva is the most important substance in protecting your mouth and its health. More saliva helps to remove foreign food debris, sugars, and other decay that cause acids and bad breath. Another dental tip is to chew sugar free gum as often as possible. Sugar free gum does not cause tooth decay and has an antimicrobial effect on the teeth, gums, and tongue. It is shown that those who chew sugar-free gum have fewer cavities than those who do not.

As you can see, chewing gum offers benefits other than suaveness and fresh breath. While gum chewing has different effects on different, it’s still a great idea to carry a pack! 
 
 Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conveniently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at http://reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Electric Versus Manual Toothbrush

Everybody knows that brushing your teeth will help prevent gum disease, give you fresh breath, and keep you healthy. However, one important question to ask is: which is the Best Toothbrush for you, manual or electric? In this guide, we will provide a brief rundown of the pros and cons associated with each toothbrush until we ultimately arrive at the answer as to which toothbrush is superior.

Manual Toothbrush
Most people tend to prefer brushing their teeth with a manual toothbrush. Manual toothbrushes do have a few benefits associated with them. When you use a manual toothbrush, you can be sure that you are saving money. In fact, you can get most manual toothbrushes for free in your dentist’s office. Typically, a dentist gives you a new toothbrush after each cleaning, so you should have a great toothbrush that will last you for quite a while. If you don’t have a manual toothbrush from the dentist’s office, most grocery stores sell them for $7 or less, depending on which style you choose.

Manual toothbrushes are also extremely portable. If you are going on a long trip, it is very easy to put the toothbrush into your toiletry bag and then go. Electric brushes may require more effort and be difficult to transport. Some airports may not even allow you to take an electric toothbrush onto the plane in your luggage, so that is something else to bear in mind.

Manual toothbrushes do have their negative side as well. For one thing, when you are brushing with a manual toothbrush, it is impossible to get all the germs off your teeth, because you cannot reach all the way down to the gum line or into some parts of your mouth. Often, you will find yourself holding the brush at an awkward angle trying to brush off all the germs which will inevitably return.

Electric Toothbrush
If you want a toothbrush that will do a good job at getting most of the germs off your teeth, than an electric style of toothbrush is truly the Best Toothbrush you can invest in. Since many of them have vibrating heads on them, they do a far better job at getting your teeth clean than you can with a manual brush.

Ultimately, the Best Toothbrush is an electric style because it does a better job and it may last longer. If you don’t mind paying a higher price for a quality toothbrush and batteries, this is absolutely the best option. 
 
Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conveniently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at http://reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Facts on Periodontal Disease

Complications that arise in the suclus are collectively referred to as periodontal disease. The suclus is the gap between the gum and the tooth.The periodontal disease has within it two diseases; gingivitis which causes wounds and bleeding in the gums and periodontitis which destroys the bone and tissue that secure the teeth.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria. Although there are healthy bacteria in the mouth all the time, an increase and imbalance between the healthy and harmful bacteria cause the harmful bacteria to increase such that they form plaque on the teeth. Plaque being a soft mass is easily removable, but if left to accumulate it forms calculus, also known as tartar, which cements itself onto the tooth's surface making it difficult to remove. When the gums are inflamed, in the case of gingivitis, and medication is administered, especially in the initial stages, treatment is very effective. But the disease can recur if mouth hygiene is not maintained. In periodontitis, other than the gums being inflamed there is a deterioration of the gum tissues and bone structure that support the teeth. Gingivitis disease always precedes periodontitis disease.

These diseases can arise due to various diseases such as type 1 diabetes, down syndrome, AIDS and white blood cell disorders. The periodontal disease symptoms generally begin in the early 20s to the mid-30s, and if left untreated could progress to chronic and aggressive levels of the disease. In addition, stress, poor health, harmful lifestyle and smoking are also factors that contribute to the occurrence of these diseases.

The periodontal diseases can be treated through deep cleaning, scaling and root planing. The dentist will use both ultrasonic and manual instruments to remove the calculus. Once the cleaning is done, the dentist will check the sulccus around the teeth and determine their depth so as to ascertain the health of the gum. Should there be an abscess, sugery may be necessary. During surgery, diseased tissue is removed to completely eliminate the bacteria, repositioning, shaping of bones, gum and tissue is also done so as to support the teeth. To stimulate bone and gum tissue growth, guided regeneration technique may be used. In some cases, bone grafting may be done for severe bone loss. Should one loose teeth due to these diseases, teeth implants can be done.

In order to prevent these diseases, a healthy lifestyle, good oral hygiene and dental checks are of paramount importance.

Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conveniently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Improving Your Oral Health

Clinical studies show a direct link between poor oral hygiene and several systemic diseases. These include cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia, osteoporosis, and complications of diabetes. In addition, tooth decay is one of the most common diseases world wide. However, there are many ways to improve oral health and greatly reduce the overall risks associated with these conditions.

Daily preventive care is one of the most important tools in decreasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems. At least one-third of all adult tooth loss is the result of gum disease. Brush teeth twice a day using a good quality soft bristle tooth brush and fluoride toothpaste. Stiff bristles can wear away tooth enamel over time leaving the tooth more vulnerable to bacteria. Always rinse the toothbrush well after use and store upright to air dry. Daily flossing is also essential. There are waxed flosses and dental floss holders to make the job easier. Tongue cleaning should be a part of daily oral care as well. Cleaning the tongue removes decaying food particles and dead cells and removes bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum infections. Following with an antimicrobial mouth wash will provide further protection against plaque forming between teeth.

Diet also has an impact on oral health. Sugars are most commonly associated with dental caries (cavities). Teeth are exposed to sugars in sweet foods, drinks, and as processed carbohydrates like those found in potato chips and other snack foods. Sugars lower the pH levels in the mouth which causes demineralization of the teeth. The acids in soft drinks, vinegar, and fruit juices can also lower pH. However, chewing sugarless gum is actually good for teeth. Over 80% of cavities occur inside the pits on chewing surfaces of the teeth. Chewing sugarless gum can remove particles along the chewing surface of the teeth, on the tongue and in between teeth. Chewing increases saliva, irrigating the mouth and helping to wash bacteria and decaying food away. Other foods that contribute to good oral health include fruits high in vitamin C, vegetables high in vitamin A, green tea, milk, and yogurt.

Smoking and chewing tobacco have been shown to greatly increase multiple oral diseases. The most severe is oral cancer. Over 80% of oral cancer patients are smokers and those who chew tobacco are four times as likely to develop oral cancer as those who don't. Tobacco also increases the incidence of both gingivitis and periodontal disease.

Good oral hygiene not only helps prevent the discomfort and expense associated with tooth decay, it is essential to overall good health.

Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conveniently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at http://reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

What is Gingivitis?

Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. In its mild stage, people might be unaware that the problem exist because often times there are no signs present this early on. It is basically an inflammation within the gums caused by plaque build up. When you fail to brush your teeth regularly you develop plaque. Plaque is a sticky, colorless bacteria that forms on the teeth and gums. When starches and sugars found in our foods cross paths with bacteria normally found in our mouths, plaque can form on our teeth. If plaque is left for too long it develops toxins that causes irritation to the gums.

This is the beginning of the gingivitis stage and can easily be reversed. Leaving gingivitis untreated will lead to periodontist disease. Damage done to the teeth and jaw is now irreversible. Plaque can reappear on teeth within 24 hours and if left any longer, will harden into tartar. Tartar can only be removed by a dentist using a special instrument called a scale.

Common signs are swollen, red, tender gums that may bleed upon brushing. I would schedule a dentist appointment promptly if I noticed this. Time is of the essence and the sooner you get the problem controlled the better. Another common sign is red gums as opposed to pink. It is important to pay attention to any slight changes in your body as well as your teeth. A receding gum line or elongated teeth are strong indications that you've developed the disease as well. Some people may experience consistent bad breath or a bad taste in their mouth because of pockets that form between the gums and teeth.

These pockets trap bacteria and can develop even if the condition is not in its advanced stage. If you've noticed any of the things listed above, you possibly have this condition.

The best method is prevention. You should thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day and floss each time you brush. Some people brush after each meal which is fine if you have the time to do so. Flossing is also essential to healthy teeth and gums because it gets in between those hard to reach spots your brush can't reach. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three months as well. Preferably use a soft bristled tooth brush if your teeth are already sensitive to prevent further irritation. Most importantly, go see your dentist at least twice a year to make sure your teeth are healthy and strong.

 Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conveniently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at http://reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Why Do I Need a Root Canal

Boca Raton Root Canal
There are tiny canals in the chamber of your tooth. When those chambers become infected they must be cleaned out and filled in. If this process is not performed then the nerve and tooth will become infected, this causes excruciating pain and it can damage other teeth. A Boca Raton Root Canal may also be necessary when your tooth has been broken or injured. If crowns or large fillings are present for long periods sometimes the process will be necessary. The process may be necessary also to prevent the spread of infection or to prepare a tooth for a crown.

There is a diagnostic process that dentists go through to determine if a root canal is necessary. Typically ex-rays are needed so that the dentist can see inside of your tooth. After determining that the nerve of the tooth must be removed, the dentist will prepare you for surgery. You will be given an anesthetic to ensure that you do not experience any discomfort during the procedure. At this point you are ready for surgery.

The first step the dentist will take is to use a rubber dental dam to hold your tooth in place during the drilling process. The rubber dam is keeps you from swallowing or aspirating debris or chemicals. Under most circumstances dental dam does not cause any difficulties. Next your dentist will begin drilling into the chambers of your tooth and she/he will work carefully to remove any pulp (living tissue) along with any infection that is inside of the chamber. If that infection is not removed from the chamber it will lead to an abscess. Once the pulp is removed and an abscess is discovered at the bottom of the chamber that will be removed also. If the abscess is not removed it will lead to serious medical problems. An abscess left unchecked can even cause infection to spread to your heart causing heart failure.

Once all of the infection is cleaned out of the tooth, the tooth is completely dried out. The tooth then it is permanently filled in. This will ensure that further infection and pain does not occur.

Whenever possible, dentists attempt to save your tooth. A root canal is one of the means by which they accomplish this. Therefore there is no need to fear because a root canal is actually a procedure that will help you rather than harm you.



Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

The Root Canal Process Will Save Your Infected Tooth

Boca Raton Dentist | Root Canal
The inside of a tooth is hollow but filled with a soft tissue or pulp which is made up of connective tissue, blood vessels and nerves. This area is connected to the tooth root by canals. These canals run down to the jaw bone. There are usually one to four canals for each tooth, sometimes more. Blood vessels send nutrition to the tooth through this pulp and the nerves signal the brain if there is an infection or problems. Typically, a root becomes infected because of an injury, cavity or tooth crack.

Generally a Boca Raton Root Canal can be completed in one visit. First, the area around the affected tooth must be numbed with an anesthetic medicine. Only a slight prick will should be felt when this is done. In order to not only centralize the specific tooth but to keep the drilling remnants from being swallowed, a rubber dam is placed around the problem tooth. The dentist will then begin using a tiny drill, drilling from either the back or the top of the tooth in order to expose the pulp area. After removal of some of the pulp by special tools called files, the root canals are measured by electronic imaging or x-rays in order for the doctor to be able to continue to clean out the entire canal area.

After all the infected pulp is removed, the canal is then meticulously cleaned using an antiseptic solution which will clean all the canals of the tooth root. After cleansing, a flexible plastic material called gutta percha is used to refill the canals. A filling is then temporarily put in place in the tooth. An antibiotic may be prescribed to kill any infection that may have begun in the canals. There may be tenderness following the treatment for a few days. If the infection was severe, swelling present before the procedure should begin going down at this point.

After a short period of time, when it is determined that the infection is totally cleared up, either a permanent filling will be installed or a crown will be prepared. A crown is usually more common than a filling since a tooth is weakened following a root canal. The doctor tries to apply the crown within at least one month following the procedure. If a root canal is not performed on an infected tooth soon, it may eventually need to be removed.



Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

CEREC One Day Crowns

Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics, or Boca Raton CEREC, allows your teeth to be repaired in one office visit. Orthodontic technology has advanced enough that Crowns that have a natural-color can be made while you wait and put in before you leave the dentist’s office. The fillings are permanent and not a temporary fix until your next appointment. The procedure means less time in the office chair and less time in pain.

The crown is created via an instrument that is a camera, computer, and milling machine in one. The camera is used to take an optical impression of the damaged tooth. That impression is then transferred to the computer. The dentist uses the Computer Aided Design software to design the tooth’s crown. The Computer Aided Manufacturing program then takes over to create the actual crown. The patient doesn’t even need to leave the office while the restoration is created. The restoration can then be bonded to the patient’s tooth. The entire process takes about an hour.

These tooth repairs are safe and effective. There is over twenty years of clinical research in the use of the technology in dentistry. They are plaque resistant and anti-abrasive. The Crowns are completely compatible with the tissues of the mouth. CEREC technology can also create inlays, onlays, and veneers.

This technology actually increases the strength of the tooth, which cannot be said of conventional fillings. It has twice the compressive strength of enamel with the roughly the same wear rate. The CEREC fillings do not stress when exposed to heat and cold, so they exhibit less cracks and breaks. Gold has been the ‘gold standard’ for life expectancy when it comes to fillings, but these fillings actually out last the gold fillings.

The days of temporary crowns and silver fillings are over. The traditional second office visit is also gone. Technology has moved forward and it has taken away your excuse for not getting that cavity filled. This new technology has enabled dentists to repair tooth injuries faster and with a more natural look. You should consider having your dentist use CEREC on all of your future Crowns.



Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Let Invisalign Give You the Smile of Your Life

Boca Raton Dentist

For years you have more than likely covered your mouth every time you laughed or smiled. You've been embarrassed by teeth that were crooked, had a gap , were overcrowded, had a cross bite, an overbite or an under bite. Whether you want to improve your smile for personal or professional reasons let us show you how you can finally have the smile you've always wanted regardless of your age. We can take you through a simple, pain free process. The benefits of Invisalign include comfort in the materials used. The smooth plastic used is easier on the inside of your mouth. You won't have the discomfort of metal wires, food stuck in the typical braces, or the unsightly look of silver. Even the clear braces have their unique problems. They are ceramic, bulkier than the typical metal and have a tendency to crack. Invisalign units show nothing but your smile and can be removed easily for eating. There is nothing to crack or split and you will see the benefits of Invisalign sooner wearing them for 20-22 hours a day with great results.

Other benefits of Invisalign include pain free adjustments to the units, no more tightening of wires or brackets and your Invisalign is created specifically for you. It is based on your corrective procedure determined by your dentist. And when there needs to be an adjustment you simply pop one mouth piece out and pop another one in. That happens approximately every two weeks. It's that easy. They are barely noticeable to the people around you.

Bacteria is the leading cause of infections within the mouth. Removal of the Invisalign units allows for regular thorough brushing and flossing. So say goodbye to gum disease or tooth decay due to the bacteria buildup from braces. You will be glad to know that Invisalign will not only give you a smile you can really be confident about but increases your chances of having a totally healthy mouth and significantly decreases your risk for gingivitis, mouth sores or bad breath. The food that is trapped in the metal braces is non-existent with Invisalign. No trapped food, no bacteria.

Take just a few moments and find out more about the benefits and comparable cost of Invisalign . Then take the simple steps you need to get the confidence in your smile that you've never had before. It's simple, It's easy, It's painless. Call now.



Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry conviently located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit consider us your Boca Raton Dentistor call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Boca Raton Teeth Whitening Dentist

What Are Dental Sealants And Are They Right For Me?

Dental Sealing is a preventive treatment method used by dentists to prevent cavities and tooth decay. The procedure is pain free and fills in the grooves of chosen teeth with a plastic coating to prevent food settling into the grooves and rotting, causing decay. (Most grooves are so deep that the toothbrush bristles cannot effectively clean the areas in question.) Dental seals generally last 3-5 years, but can last as long as 25-20 years, and depending on your dentist can cost anywhere from $35.00 to $60.00. (Cavity fillings cost around $200.)

At What Age Can You Get Sealants?
Sealants are generally placed in children, but you can get them at any age after the tooth in question is fully erupted. (That means once the tooth in question has grown into the mouth completely through the gum and the surface which will be filled in with the plastic can be kept dry enough to place the plastic sealant.) Dentists most often place sealants on permanent teeth instead of baby teeth, but if their professional opinion is to strongly suggest sealant on baby teeth, that is to suit your (or your child's) needs.

Are Dental Sealants Necessary?
Only your dentist can tell you if selants are the best choice for you. The factors involve the level of dental hygeine, the foods eaten, fluoride intake, and the shape of your teeth. For example, some can have excellent hygeine and a low sugar diet, but due to deep grooves in their teeth can still experience decay. Keep in mind that the most common tendency for children as they go through their pubescent years is to have worse dental hygeine and eating habits. Dental sealants are meant to prevent decay during these important years, and for people who have deep, narrow grooves in their teeth. Dental sealants are generally not necessary for EVERY tooth in the mouth, but usually for the molars, or "back teeth" with the most pronounced grooves.



Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at www.reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.

Painless Early Oral Cancer Detection


For anyone that is looking for a painless way to detect oral cancer in the early stages when it is most treatable, ViziLite is the solution you are seeking. Oral cancer can be difficult to detect using normal visual techniques. ViziLite is a solution with using a dye that is rinsed in the mouth, which then adheres to lesions. A fluorescent light is then used to help the dentist detect any oral cancer or pre-cancerous lesions in the mouth. The test takes five minutes, is painless and completely non-invasive. Those at high risk for developing oral cancer include anyone using tobacco of any kind, heavy alcohol use, or anyone who has had previous oral cancer.

Annual estimates are that 30,000 people are newly diagnosed with oral cancer each year. Of the 30,000 people diagnosed with cancer, 8,000 cases will result in death. In the early stages of the disease, oral cancer has a 90% success rate which is why early detection is so important. This five minute test, using dye and a fluorescent light to detect abnormal changes in the mouth and throat at an early stage is the solution. When used by a trained health care professional, ViziLite will help detect cancer in the early stage when it is most treatable. After screening a biopsy is performed for confirmation.

The best time to have a ViziLite test done is with an annual dental examination. Making this painless screening test a part of your annual oral cancer screening is the best way to ensure you have had a complete oral cancer screen. The screening kit is a single use kit and is discarded after use to prevent any contamination. All chemicals in the kit are non-toxic and biodegradable. Checking for signs of oral cancer is a very important part of your dental exam, with ViziLite it can be more effective and is completely painless.

Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at www.reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.


What Should I Look for When Choosing a Dentist?

Having dental work done can be a very expensive process. For some people it can also be a very scary situation. That is why it is very important that you find a good dentist.

Dental work is also not normally covered by many insurances, and when people do have insurance, it is normally very expensive. However, if you're going to end up paying a good price for a dentist, it's very important that you get quality work done and that you're treated with respect.

OK, so one of the first things that you want to look for in a dentist is customer reviews. With the Internet, finding customer reviews on dentists is very easy to do. If you have a dentist in mind, you can simply enter that dentist's name into a search engine along with the keyword "customer reviews." You can also search customer view sites such as Yelp and Angie's List.

Once you have decided on a dentist that you think you might want to use, it is important to find out if they accept the insurance that you carry. If you do not carry insurance, you want to get an idea of how much you'll be paying for regular cleanings and checkups. You may also need to find a dentist that has a payment plan available, in the event that you have a dental emergency such as a root canal.

A few other things you may want to consider when searching for a dentist are things like location. Location means something different to everybody, and how important it is to you will make a part of your decision-making process. Also, the dentist's education and years of practice are also important. Although you might think the opposite, many times new graduates from dental school do an amazing job of care at a really good rate. This is because they want to build a customer base, and also because they have a mentality fresh out of school that will not let them cut corners in your care.

Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist for general and cosmetic dentistry located in Boca Raton, Florida, for more information visit us online at http://www.reservedentalgroup.com or call our office to set an appointment 561-852-7773.


Wednesday, June 8, 2011

How do whitening toothpastes work and how effective are they at whitening teeth?

There are several brands of toothpaste on the market that claim to whiten teeth within a few weeks. Do they actually work or are they a waste of time and money?


Years of coffee consumption, use of tobacco products, and eating certain foods can wreak havoc on tooth enamel. Unfortunately, enamel has tons of little microscopic crack that stains attach themselves to. These little cracks also allow stains to sink deep within teeth. Teeth become dull and yellowish and consumers facing this problem naturally want to do something about it. Instead of paying a dentist hundreds of dollars, they opt for the do-it-yourself approach. Many may find that they are only setting themselves up for disappointment.


There is no possible way that a whitening toothpaste can compare with an in-office whitening procedure. For teeth whitening to become noticeably whiter, teeth need to be literally bleached from the inside. The most a special toothpaste can do is lighten the surface of teeth.


The process for effective bleaching involves applying a hydrogen peroxide gel to the teeth. The gel usually has a large percentage of hydrogen peroxide so bleaching can be immediately noticeable. One can expect to see a whiter smile in about an hour. Depending on the severity of staining, repeat visits may be required in order to achieve the desired level of whiteness. Follow up treatment usually includes a take-home treatment and, yes, whitening toothpaste.


Ultimately, nothing can replace a professional treatment but whitening toothpaste can certainly help stave off future problems.


Since the teeth have already been bleached from the inside, a whitening toothpaste is highly effective at keeping surface stains at bay. These pastes have special abrasives that can "scrub off" surface stains. Some stains may be harder to remove especially if the person smokes continuously, drinks coffee in abundance, and favors red wine. If this is the case, brush often, about three times per day.


Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist - For more information visit us at www.reservedentalgroup.com - or call to make an appointment 561-852-7773

How safe are dental x-rays?


With concerns about exposure to radiation at airport scanners on everybody’s mind, one would wonder about safety due to repeated exposure to the dental x-rays.
Are dental x-rays safe?
A simple answer to this is “yes”. As with any other type of diagnostic x-rays, dental x-ray, including, ‘full mouth”, “panoramic”, ‘bite swings” as well as CT scans are a medical necessity and are therefore necessary.
After reviewing the facts of this matter we can firmly say that:
Currently there is no study to point to the fact that radiations emitted from the routine dental x-rays in some way promote the cancer risk. In fact, x-rays are necessary for proper diagnosis and have an important role to play in the preventing the onset of serious diseases due to early diagnosis.
Similarly CT scans are also necessary and have totally revolutionized the dentistry. They are easily available and are less costly. Any adverse effect of radiation has not been reported yet.
Present medical practice is of firm opinion that any radiation from the X-rays which is taken over a period of time is totally safe. Moreover, unnecessary avoidance of X-rays when they are most needed a have adverse affect on the disease and can cause trauma in otherwise treatable gums and teeth.
Due to the use of high end technology dental X ray equipments are fast and quickly target only those areas of the mouth which need to be examined. Trained technicians provide lead apron and collar for providing additional protection to patients. The modern technology further minimizes any exposure to radiation and in-fact minimizes the time for you are exposed to it.
Moreover, radiations from the dental x-rays are extremely low and are almost equal to normal background radiation which we experience in daily life (ground minerals, ultraviolet rays, household appliances, etc). And above all, dental x-ray benefits far outweigh any risks. After all, scientists invented these x-rays to increase the clarity, not fears!
Reserve Dental Group is your Boca Raton Dentist - For more information visit us at www.reservedentalgroup.com - or call to make an appointment - 561.852.7773