Can More Regular Appointments Prevent Cavities?

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If you’re someone who deals with regular cavities and you’re tired of finding out they’re present dental visit after dental visit, it’s very important to consider seeing your dentist more regularly. Visiting Florida Smiles Dental in Fort Lauderdale or Lighthouse Point, FL, more often than twice a year can make a big difference when it comes to preventing cavities and ensuring your smile stays healthy.

Why Am I Getting So Many Cavities?

The reality is that everyone’s body is different. You could be getting cavities because you have underlying health conditions, for example, or due to a lack of at-home dental care.

Even with the best care, remember that plaque and bacteria can build up in hard-to-reach spots. Routine cleanings help remove that buildup before it turns into tartar or causes decay. If you’re prone to cavities, seeing your dentist more than twice a year may help minimize the risk of cavities developing.

Signs You Need More Than Two Appointments a Year

You may need to see your dentist more than twice a year if:

  • You regularly get cavities
  • You have signs of gum disease or bleeding of the gums
  • You have dry mouth
  • You wear braces or other dental appliances

Your dentist will talk to you about the schedule that would work best for you as a part of your personal care plan.

Contact Florida Smiles Dental for a Dental Appointment in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL

If you’re worried about developing cavities or have a history of cavities that keep you from feeling your best, our dental team can help. Book your next cleaning with Florida Smiles Dental today. Call 1-954-523-6525 or 1-954-943-2466 to schedule your appointment in Fort Lauderdale or Lighthouse Point.

How To Handle Dental Pain, and When To Come Into the Office

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If you have dental pain in Ft. Lauderdale or Lighthouse Point, Florida, you know how quickly it can impact your life. Dental pain can be a dull ache or the kind of sharp sting that keeps you up at night; sometimes it can be bad enough to make you dizzy or nauseated. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to ease the pain until you can come into our office at Florida Smiles Dental for a scheduled or emergency visit.

How To Ease Dental Pain at Home

When the pain’s not too bad and you can wait a few days before you come into the office, you can do the following to reduce pain:

  • Swish with warm salt water to reduce inflammation
  • Use a cold pack against the affected cheek to reduce swelling
  • Try over-the-counter pain medications, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Keep brushing and flossing gently, which may help dislodge anything stuck in the area and keep the area clean

It’s Time To Call Your Dentist

Even if you have minor pain, it never hurts to call our office for advice. You should call for an emergency appointment when:

  • You have pain that is consistent or worsening
  • Your face is swelling
  • A tooth has been knocked out or broken
  • You notice drainage or a fever

We offer emergency appointments; if you’re in pain, there is no reason not to reach out.

Get Help With Dental Pain in Ft. Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, Florida

Don’t let dental pain take one more second of your time. At Florida Smiles Dental, we are here for patients in Ft. Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point and ready to help you get rid of pain and get back to your life. Contact us today for an appointment.

What Kinds of Problems Do Dentists Look for During Dental Exams?

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Routine dental exams aren’t just for having your teeth cleaned. During these visits, our dentists in Lighthouse Point and Fort Lauderdale, FL, at Florida Smiles Dental check for certain kinds of tooth and gum problems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the issues we look for when you come in for this type of appointment.

Tooth Decay

Cavities are among the most common dental problems we find in patients. During exams, we check for signs of decay, such as holes in teeth or dark discoloration.

Gum Inflammation

Inflamed gums indicate gingivitis that can turn into periodontal disease without prompt treatment. Our dental team looks for signs of inflammation, such as reddish or swollen gums.

Receding Gums

Having gums that are pulling away from your teeth is a sign of periodontal disease. Our dentists check for this issue so we can address it right away before it gets worse.

Tooth Restoration Problems

During exams, we look for issues with restorations, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges. We’ll check for damage or make sure they’re not loose.

Tooth Damage

Routine dental exams give our dentists a chance to check for damage to tooth enamel, such as erosion or chips.

Oral Cancer

Finding this type of cancer early helps improve outcomes. During dental exams, we look for possible signs of oral cancer and recommend seeing your doctor if we find any.

Schedule Your Dental Exam Today!

Do you need a checkup to make sure your teeth and gums are in good shape? Our dental team at Florida Smiles Dental offers dental exams in Lighthouse Point and Fort Lauderdale, FL, to help you maintain your oral health and a beautiful smile!

Myth vs. Fact: Does Charcoal Toothpaste Really Work?

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If you’ve stepped down the tooth care aisle of any drugstore lately, you’ve likely seen something called charcoal toothpaste. It’s probably a popular anomaly because it goes against the grain of what we’ve come to associate with toothpaste, which would normally be either white or greenish-blue. Charcoal toothpaste comes out black, due to one of its ingredients, charcoal. But is this just some kind of weird fad, or is there any truth to the belief that charcoal has special cleaning power?

Myth: Charcoal Toothpaste Safely Whitens Teeth

Fact: While charcoal toothpaste can remove some surface stains, it doesn’t actually whiten teeth beyond their natural shade. Unlike professional whitening treatments in Fort Lauderdale, FL, which penetrate enamel to lift deep stains, charcoal works as an abrasive that scrubs away external discoloration. Imagine using a kitchen scrubbing powder on your teeth. You wouldn’t do that because it’s too abrasive and possibly damaging, which is why charcoal toothpaste may not be all that good on enamel.

Myth: Charcoal Toothpaste Is Better Than Fluoride Toothpaste

Fact: Whoah. That’s definitely not true. Most charcoal toothpastes don’t contain fluoride, which is essential for strengthening enamel and preventing cavities. Using charcoal toothpaste as a daily replacement for fluoride toothpaste may increase the risk of tooth decay, especially for those prone to cavities.

Myth: Charcoal Toothpaste Is Completely Safe

Fact: Because charcoal is highly abrasive, frequent use can erode enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and weakened teeth. Once enamel is lost, it doesn’t regenerate, which can result in long-term dental problems. Dentists in Fort Lauderdale, FL recommend using charcoal toothpaste sparingly, if at all.

While charcoal toothpaste may offer temporary stain removal, it isn’t the best option for long-term oral health. Professional whitening treatments and fluoride-based toothpaste provide safer, more effective ways to achieve a brighter smile. If you’re considering whitening options, consulting a dentist is the best way to ensure a healthy and radiant smile.

Why Your Gums Bleed and What It Means for Your Health

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Should you be alarmed if you notice blood when you brush your teeth? Well, it’s not exactly time to call the ambulance, but it’s not normal, either. If you see blood once or twice, it might just be a simple matter of lightening up on your grip. But if it seems like it happens all the time, you should be concerned, because this isn’t normal and it shouldn’t happen every time you brush, that’s for sure. There may very well be some underlying situation, and in any case, it warrants a visit to your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL for evaluation, without a doubt.

Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums

You might have gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. When plaque builds up along the gum line, it causes inflammation, making gums swollen, tender and prone to more bleeding, like a vicious circle. Gingivitis leads to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss, so this is serious.

Other potential causes include brushing too hard, using a hard-bristled toothbrush or starting a new flossing routine. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or vitamin deficiencies, can also contribute to gum bleeding.

When to See a Dentist

If your gums bleed regularly, it’s important to visit a dentist for a comprehensive dental exam in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Gum disease is linked to systemic health issues, including heart disease and diabetes, so addressing the problem early can benefit your overall well-being. A professional cleaning, improved oral hygiene habits, and possibly specialized treatments can help restore gum health.

If you notice persistent gum issues, don’t ignore them—seeking professional care from your dentist can prevent more serious complications and keep both your gums and teeth healthy for years to come.

 The Truth About Mouthwash: Is It Necessary or Just Marketing?

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You have to be careful about what you see in the media regarding oral health care. There are some pretty far out ideas out there; some are innocuous, like oil pulling, but some are downright dangerous, like self-pulling a loose tooth. What about mouthwash? Is this just some gimmick to make consumers buy yet another product, or is mouthwash actually necessary? Here’s what your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL wants you to know.

What Mouthwash Can and Can’t Do

Mouthwash can help reduce bacteria, freshen breath, and, in some cases, strengthen enamel with fluoride. However, mouthwash alone won’t remove plaque or food particles from teeth—only mechanical cleaning with a toothbrush and floss can do that. Then again, some mouthwashes simply mask bad breath without addressing the root cause. If bad breath is persistent, it may be a sign of an underlying issue like gum disease, dry mouth or an infection that needs professional attention.

Do You Really Need Mouthwash?

For many people, mouthwash is an optional step. Those with gum disease, a history of cavities, or dry mouth may benefit from using a specialized rinse recommended by their dentist. On the other hand, a person with good oral hygiene and no dental issues may not see significant benefits from regular use.

Making the Right Choice

If you use mouthwash, choose one that aligns with your dental needs. Alcohol-based mouthwashes can be drying, so alcohol-free options may be better for those with sensitive gums or dry mouth. Always follow your dentist’s recommendations, and remember that brushing, flossing, and regular checkups are far more important than any rinse.

Mouthwash can be helpful, but it’s not a magic solution—just one part of a complete oral care routine. See your dentist for regular dental exams in Fort Lauderdale, FL at least twice a year for true, effective oral health care.

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What Is Restorative Dentistry? Do I Need It? 

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An injured tooth can cause all kinds of pain and problems, but your dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, can help. At Florida Smiles Dentistry, we offer restorative dentistry services to patients who need it. Getting restorative dentistry when it’s needed can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. We provide a range of restorative dentistry procedures to fix your smile after an injury.

What Is Restorative Dentistry?

Restorative dentistry is a type of dental procedure that can help restore your tooth after it’s damaged, injured, broken, or knocked out. Restorative dentistry is an essential service. Patients turn to their dentist for restorative dentistry when their tooth sustains structural damage.

Who Needs Restorative Dentistry?

You may need restorative dentistry if you have:

  • A cavity
  • A dental infection
  • A knocked-out permanent tooth
  • A crack in your tooth
  • A broken tooth

If you have one of the problems above, your dentist will most likely use restorative dentistry to help you make your smile whole again.

How Can You Tell If You Need Restorative Dentistry?

There are many signs that you may need a restorative dentistry procedure. The symptoms will depend on what’s wrong. Examples of what you might experience if you need a restorative dentistry procedure includes:

  • Pain in your tooth
  • Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
  • Broken or cracked tooth
  • Severe toothache
  • Swelling around your tooth
  • Bad breath that can’t be resolved by brushing your teeth

Do you think you might need restorative dentistry in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL? If so, call Florida Smiles Dental. Our courteous dental professionals are here to help you maintain a healthy smile.