The Six-Month Dental Rule: Is It Essential?

You might be aware of the campaign ads of Dental Associations against teeth problems and you see them on television or hear them on the radio. You often hear the lines “brush your teeth three times a day and visit your dentist every six months”. Surely your dentist recommended it too on your last trip to the oral clinic. Many people take this for granted and they only visit the dentist when the problems are already there, like when they have throbbing tooth ache or a chipped tooth, or when they want to have cosmetic treatments like teeth bleaching, porcelain veneers or braces. Some people also do not comply with the six-month rule because they are afraid of the dentist or the dental procedures. But everyone should know that regular dental visits are very important to maintain the health of the gums and teeth.

Following are reasons routine dental examination is essential. First, through visiting the dentist routinely, you will be assessed for presence of tooth decay or impending tooth decay. Once you will be diagnosed with an impending tooth decay, measures will be done to preserve the tooth and avoid further damage and complications like gum inflammation. As for the tooth decay, the dentist can suggest treatment options for you to resolve the dental problem.

Second, regular dental screening can prevent and early diagnose serious oral problems like oral cancer. Oral cancer is said to be a rapid attacker and spreader, but with early diagnosis, it can be counteracted easily and successfully. Having your teeth checked every six months, or twice in a year can also diagnose issues with the gums. There are a lot of gum disorders which is brought about by faulty eating habits thus increasing the risk for tooth loss and other grave illnesses. But just as oral cancer, early diagnosis can counteract the disorder.

At the last part of your dental assessment, you will have a bonus because the dentist will clean your mouth and teeth. Brushing your teeth on your own may not be sufficient. The dentist will look at the integrity of your teeth and gums, the cleanliness, and then he/she will remove tartar and plaque. After which, the dentist will floss between your teeth spaces and your gum line, and polish your teeth. This is also the perfect opportunity for the dentist to show you the appropriate method of brushing and flossing for optimal dental health.

Your teeth give a dramatic impact on your looks and a great set of teeth can produce the perfect smile. That is why you should take care of your teeth in the proper way. If there is someone who knows how to keep them healthy and hygienic, it’s the dentist. So never hesitate to follow the six-month dental rule. Don’t wait for dental problems to strike you before you decide on visiting the dental clinic. Remember, prevention is always better than cure.

Time for your six-month routine exam?  Contact your experienced Dr. Huber in Boca Raton, FL, today at 561-852-7773.

Don't Get Stuck with Bad Breath

Experiencing bad breath (halitosis) can leave you feeling insecure and embarrassed about your problem. Although you brush and floss your teeth every day, the problem may still persist regardless of how well you practice good hygiene. Your good intentions may not be enough to fight the causes of bad breath.

Brushing Techniques

There are various reasons why halitosis strikes some people and not others. One of the reasons is how you brush and floss your teeth. Some people vigorously swipe their toothbrush across the surfaces of the teeth. This action cleans the surface of your teeth but leaves your gums vulnerable to damage, bleeding and plaque buildup. Damaged gums infected with bacteria may trigger halitosis.

Improper brushing and flossing techniques can also cause tooth decay, which leads to unpleasant breath. Once a cavity begins on a tooth's surface, it can quickly spread to the rest of the tooth's structure.

Garlic and Onions

If you tend to eat food containing garlic and onions you may have a bad breath problem. Although both items are excellent for maintaining good health, the pungent scent they give off may not be so good for your breath. You may want to limit the intake of garlic and onion in your diet.

Mouth Disease

One of the most important reasons to visit your dentist is to prevent mouth disease. Conditions like periodontal disease can increase bad breath issues as well destruction of your teeth and gums. These diseases eat away the surfaces of the teeth and destroy health gum tissue. The food you eat also travels to the area and creates an unpleasant smell. Infection caused by trapped bacteria and food makes the problem worse.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth (xerostomia) is a condition that develops when you do not have enough moisture and saliva in your mouth. Saliva helps your teeth break down food as you chew. It also keeps the gums and soft tissues in your mouth moist and free of bacteria. Several things can lead to dry mouth, including sleeping with your mouth open and taking certain medications. If you experience xerostomia, a dentist can talk to you about ways to increase the moisture in your mouth.

Visit your dentist for regular checkups, cleanings and preventative care. You can help prevent the causes of bad breath by staying informed about your oral health.

Looking for an experienced Dentist in Boca Raton, FL? Contact Dr. Huber today at 561-852-7773.

What to Know About Dental Plants

People all over the globe experience dental problems from time to time and often need the assistance of a dental implant. These implants act as a root for a tooth and can even be customized to fit any type of client. One of the best indicators that a patient needs a dental implant is when he or she is experiencing difficulty performing normal tasks. If a missing tooth is causing pain, irritability, or difficulty chewing, this is usually a good indicator that the patient should consider a dental implant. These procedures are very common and are performed on a regular basis by dentists all over the world in order to promote dental health.

The History of Dental Implants

First, it's important for the patient to know the history of dental implants in order to understand what a luxury these implants truly are. The first dental implant is said to have been constructed by the Maya civilization over 1,300 years ago. However, it was not until 1959 when the Italian dentist, Stefano Melchiade Tramonte, placed his first implant that they received notoriety in the dental community. After the results of the titanium implant were studied, they became standard practice among dentists.

Dental Implant Installation

Next, the patient needs to understand how these dental implants are installed and how they work within the body. The titanium screw acts as the root of the tooth and is drilled into the actual jaw bone of the patient. The body will then accept the screw as part of the body and actually start to build around the root by a process referred to as 'Osseointegration'. Basically, Osseointegration is when the body accepts a foreign object as its own and then begins to work and grow with it instead of attacking it. This prevents the patient from having to take any kind of anti-rejection medications.

Recovery Time

Last but not least, let's go over the recovery time for these dental implant surgeries. Although the recovery time can vary depending on different factors such as infection, surgery complications, and things of this nature, recovery time is around 2 months. If the surgery goes smoothly without any complications you can expect to be back to normal in as little as 2-6 months. However, some patients who's implant moved or broke took as long as 18 months to heal after grafting and a new implant was installed.

Having pain or problems chewing properly? Contact Dr. Huber, your experienced dental implant specialist in Boca Raton, FL, today at 561-852-7773.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are extremely thin cases that are adhered to the front of teeth to help protect or cover up teeth. They are made of porcelain to look like natural teeth and are colored to match.

There are many reasons that an individual may want or need to get porcelain veneers. Sometimes if teeth are very worn down, chipped, or slightly rotted, an individual may choose to get veneers in order to improve the look of their teeth for both personal and professional reasons. Additionally, porcelain veneers are used to cover up discolored or misaligned teeth. They can even help to close gaps between teeth. Once the veneers have been put on, they help to protect the natural teeth and prevent stains so some individuals with sensitive teeth also opt for veneers.

The process for getting porcelain veneers is fairly simple. The dentist will first examine the teeth and possibly take an x-ray to ensure that porcelain veneers are the best option. If that is the case, teeth will then be prepped by removing a thin layer of the enamel that is already present. A model of the teeth is made next through an impression and within a few days to two weeks, the veneers are ready to be applied. A bonding agent is then applied to the porcelain veneers which are placed onto the teeth. Once the placement is perfect, a light activates the bonding agent and the veneers are in place.

Veneers are a great choice to many individuals because they look like natural teeth, the exact color choice can be selected, they are stain resistant, and they do not require any specific care aside from regular oral hygiene including brushing and flossing. Another benefit is that sensitive gums do not have a negative reaction to the porcelain. Porcelain veneers generally last between five and ten years before they need to be replaced using the same process as described above. The cost of porcelain veneers varies greatly depending upon the individual but it generally ranges from a few hundred to just over a thousand dollars per tooth. Some insurance companies cover the cost of veneers.

Additional questions about porcelain veneers or the process of applying them can be answered by your local dentist. Porcelain veneers are certainly a viable option for many individuals who struggle with teeth-related problems.

Looking for a dentist in Boca Raton? Contact Reserved Dental Group, your local, experienced porcelain veneer specialist, today at 561-852-7773.