Top 5 Cavity Causing Foods

There are certain foods that are very bad for your teeth. They have a higher chance of causing cavities and lead to a decrease in oral healthcare. Cavities occur when tooth decay happens. The physical features of decay are mainly holes and damages.

The following foods are the worst culprits when it comes to causing cavities. Watch out for these and be wary of your hygiene after consuming them!

It's best to take measures after consuming the following items. Brushing teeth would be an extremely effective way of alleviating harmful effects. A routine visit to the dentist will also help prevent them.

Candy

Everyone loves to have sweets after a meal. However, that's not the best idea. Sweets can cause your teeth to demineralize due to the high concentration of sugar. The build-up causes an increase in acid concentration. Due to the acidic activity, there is a higher chance of tooth decay in that particular area.

Sodas

Sodas contain a high degree of sugar. In fact, sugars are the primary ingredient contained in the soft drinks. However, these drinks are okay to consume as long as they are consumed using a straw and followed with water. Keeping the liquid out of your teeth is the best way to eliminate the chance of cavities caused by soda.

Saltine Crackers
Crackers are one of the worst offenders when it comes to your teeth. These immediately turn into sugar once they are consumed. They also glue almost instantly to your teeth. In turn, there is a high possibility of bacterial growth and resulting cavities.

Citrus Fruit

Citrus fruit, such as lemons, contain a high concentration of acid. If these fruits are consumed for a long period of time, it's possible to lose enamel due to the high concentrations of acid. This is in addition to the sugar already present in the lemon. Be wary!

Sticky Candies

Sticky candy causes a whole variety of issues. There's a possibility that they can stick to your tooth in places that saliva cannot reach. In turn, the saliva cannot reach the part of the tooth to neutralize the acid.

At Reserve Dental, we’re committed to your dental health! Call our Boca Raton office at 561-852-7773 today for all your dental needs!

 

What Are Sealants?

Preventive dentistry entails practices such as regular exams, x-rays, prophylactic cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants. In combination with plaque control, sugar discipline and fluoride therapy, sealants have become one of the most effective methods of caries prevention. When selecting teeth for sealants, the dentist will take several conditions into consideration. These include existing carious lesions, patient’s eating habits, caries susceptibility and drug or radiation-induced xerostomia also known as a dry mouth syndrome.

There are presently two techniques of sealant placement, filled and unfilled. These resin-based methods are used according to the specific needs of the patient. Filled sealants are a blend of resin, chemicals and fillers and serve the purpose of creating a strong protective bond resistant to abrasion and fractures. Due to the hardness of the material, most filled sealants have to be adjusted to fit the present occlusion, and have to be placed by the dentist. Unfilled sealants are self-occluding, they do not need adjustments and flow easily into the pits and fissures of the tooth. These types of sealants are placed by the dental hygienist after the completion of the prophylactic cleaning and are less resistant to ruptures. Both types of sealants come in fluoridated versions and are widely use to strengthen the enamel’s resistance to caries. Fluoride-releasing sealants are credited with anti-bacterial properties and increase the level of protection for decay susceptible patients.

The successful sealant retention greatly depends on the following factors.
• Deep pits and fissures for better preservation.
• The area must be uncontaminated by the saliva when the sealants are placed.
• Best success rate is noted when the sealants are placed immediately after the prophylactic cleaning.
• Good oral habits of the patient.

The placement of sealants is a non-invasive procedure very well tolerated by most patients. Although mostly associated with children’s oral care, the sealants are effectively protecting the permanent teeth of many adults. The age does not pay a role when deciding on the treatment plan involving sealant placement. Both primary and permanent teeth can be equally protected by the application of sealants. Sealants can only be applied as a protective measure. They will not prevent existing decay from progressing.

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

All About Tooth Sensitivity

One the most common dental issue that dentists see in their office is tooth sensitivity. This is a condition where mainly liquids that are temperature-0controlled cause pain to the teeth. This includes a cup of hot chocolate or a glass of ice water--but it is not just limited to beverages as food items such as ice cream and sugary foods can trigger the same pain.



Sensitive teeth occur when the bottom layer of the teeth are exposed because the gum tissue is receding. The roots of the gums lead to the pulp of the gums. So when you intake something that is hot, cold or even sweet, it hits the tooth’s nerve and causes pain.

There are several factors that can cause teeth to become sensitive. One cause is brushing your teeth too hard or it can also occur if you use a tooth brush that has bristles that are too hard. Receding gums can allow the roots to be exposed. Receding gums occur when the gums separate from the teeth, usually because of conditions such as periodontal disease. Many people have a habit, especially at night, of grinding their teeth. This will cause the enamel of the teeth to wear down and will expose the dentin. Another thing that can cause the enamel of the teeth to wear down is eating foods that contain a lot of acid such as oranges, pickles and tomatoes.

There are ways that you can reduce tooth sensitivity. The first thing is to have proper oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth and floss after each meal. Use a brush that has soft bristles so it is not so abrasive on your teeth and gum tissue. Use toothpaste that is designed for sensitive teeth. There are several brands on the market do you may have to try a couple of brands to see which is best for you and always make sure to look for the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval!

Tooth sensitivity is painful and uncomfortable! Don’t put off a visit to the dentist any longer–schedule an appointment with Dr. Alfred Huber of Reserve Dental today! Call the office at 561-852-7773.

Will Invisalign work for me?

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces that works using transparent teeth aligners and is preferred by most users simply because of its cosmetic advantages. Additionally, Invisalign is comfortable and easy on the gums and can be removed when eating. When deciding on whether or not invisalign is the right orthodontic treatment for you or not there are a few factors to consider.

While Invisalign does have obvious advantages over traditional metal braces, it does take quite a lot of time to fix more complicated problems like jaw issues including severe cross bites or severe overbites. Most dentists recommend opting for the traditional metal brace for jaw problems since Invisalign tends to be slower in correcting jaw problems.

Invisalign is great if you have a spacing issue, overcrowded teeth, or just want to straighten out crooked teeth. Since it is removable it works best with orthodontic issues that need slight pressure and is great because it does not cause softening of the gums or hygiene issues as with the traditional brace. Invisalign works great for adults who need slight correction and who don't want to have metal braces (possibly once again!). It is also a great option for adults with gum issues.

Invisalign is also recommended for people who have a slight overbite or underbite. Slight misalignment of the jaw can be corrected with Invisalign but requires dedication and commitment on the part of the patient. Since Invisalign is removable it does not have the same powerful effects of a traditional metal brace but if the user is responsible and only removes Invisalign to brush and floss, it can really help correct orthodontic issues without anyone even noticing!

Before deciding on an option consider the above facts and speak to a professional orthodontist for what is best for you. Many dentists offer a free assessment to assess if Invisalign will work for you!

Call our cosmetic dental practice today at (561) 852-7773 and schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Huber at Reserve Dental!

Secrets of a Whiter Smile From Your Dentist

Dentists are professionals who know how to care for your teeth properly, and they even know how to make them look nice. Dentists will always remind you that in order to keep your teeth shining you must brush three times each day and prevent cavities, root canals, and even yellow teeth. It will also remove any extra material that is on your teeth, which can help prevent color from changing and it can help destroy cavities before they start. Poor diet is one of the main reasons yellow teeth occur, and it can be hard to get rid of it once it starts. Eating causes particles of food to become lodged into your teeth which need to be removed. There are many other natural things which cause yellow teeth, however most of them can be prevented. To ensure a whiter smile, make sure you keep your dental hygiene routine and brush after every meal.

Flossing helps to keep a whiter smile and prevents you from getting cavities and other mouth issues. It removes any excess foods from the areas in between your teeth which is the most common cause of cavities and yellow teeth. The main reason cavities are started is because bacteria starts to cultivate itself in between the teeth. Bacteria has been know to cause tooth decay, which can lead to cavities and root canals. Not only will flossing your teeth make them whiter than they were before, it can also help prevent gum disease. Once again brushing your teeth is just as important, and if not more important. Brushing is responsible for removing plaque in hard to reach places, such as the back of your teeth.

To give your smile an extra boost of white, ask your dentist about their whitening programs that work faster and last longer than home whitening kits.

Call now to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Alfred Huber at Reserve Dental today at 561-852-7773!

Make Sure Not To Avoid The Dentist

Your mouth is one of the most important parts of your body to take care of and it is crucial to maintain and even do preventative maintenance to help keep a healthy mouth. The dentist isn't as scary or painful as one would think. Really the only time the dentist can be painful is when you don't see the dentist for years. Just going twice a year can prevent so much that can happen with your mouth. Just a couple of reasons to visit your dentist can be to prevent disease, cancer and tooth loss.

Gum disease is a terrible thing to contract for anyone. If left untreated, gum disease can advance to a way more serious form called periodontitis. The pain and hassle that comes along with having this is totally preventable! With a daily routine of brushing your teeth and seeing your local dentist twice a year, you don't ever have to experience the pain of gum disease.



A very serious matter then can be prevented or maintained is oral cancer. When you go to the dentist for a check up or a routine cleaning, they are also screening you for oral cancer which is curable in the early stages. This is a painless yet necessary process that can literally help save your life.

One of the last reasons the dentist is a crucial part of your life is to prevent tooth loss and cavities. Not only do cavities contribute to tooth loss, but they also make your mouth more sensitive to hot and cold. Imagine not being able to enjoy ice cream at all because the cold hits the nerve that the cavity is exposing! A couple trips to the dentist year can save your teeth, as well as your life. Also, when you go regularly to the dentist instead of rarely, you do preventative maintenance to save yourself from pain in the long run.

Time for your 6 month checkup? Call Reserve Dental today at 561-852-7773!

What Everyone Should Know About Regular Flossing

According to statistics, only 12 percent of people floss their teeth every day. This indicates there are too many people who do not understand the benefits of flossing and who are not aware of the harmful effects that not flossing can have on both the teeth and the gums. There are many benefits that brushing and flossing have over brushing alone.

Advantages of Flossing
If you only brush your teeth, they will not be completely clean. Small food particles that you can’t even see stay trapped between your teeth. Flossing is the best way to get rid of these as well as remove the plaque that builds up between the teeth--a toothbrush just can’t get into those small spaces! Getting rid of food particles and plaque keeps tartar from forming (which only your dentist or hygienist can remove).

Most people are also unaware that flossing actually may lower the chances of a heart attack. There is a relationship between gum disease and heart attacks, therefore, flossing regularly helps to prevent gum disease.

Harmful Effects of Not Flossing
The tartar that builds up when the teeth aren’t flossed is full of bacteria that can cause damage to your gums and trigger swelling. This is a condition called gingivitis. Gingivitis can lead to bone resorption, which often results in tooth loss.

If you don’t floss, you may notice that your gums are prone to bleeding when you brush. A study described in the American Journal of Periodontology involved 51 pairs of twins. One twin of each pair was in a group that brushed only and the second group of twins brushed and flossed. The results of the study showed that the second group had 38 percent fewer instances of bleeding gums.

Daily flossing along with brushing results in a marked difference in total oral health...don’t let the toothbrush be the only dental supply you keep in your home!

Don't wait on your oral health--schedule an appointment with Dr. Alfred Huber of Reserve Dental today! Call the office at 561-852-7773.