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.

Why We Focus on Patient Comfort as Well as Dental Care

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A trip to the dentist’s office can be a source of great anxiety for many. The goal of our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is to provide you with exceptional dental care, but making you comfortable is just as important. That is why our staff focuses as much on how you feel when coming to our office as on your oral health.

How Anxiety Complicates Dental Care

Dental anxiety is a primary reason many people avoid going to the dentist. We try to make your experience with us pleasant enough that it leaves a positive impression, rather than fueling anxiety. Avoiding dental appointments can mean a lifetime of untreated cavities, broken teeth, and gum disease.

There is a physical side to anxiety that can impact your dental treatments, too. The stress response can have side effects, such as teeth grinding and dry mouth, that increase your risk of dental problems.

Difficulty During Treatments

Anxiety can interfere with a dental treatment while you are in the office, too. It may mean you need to stop the procedure and return for another appointment. That just adds to the problem.

Shifting around in the chair and being overly nervous can make it hard for our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to do even a simple exam. It can prolong the time you spend in the office, adding to the negative feeling you get from going to the dentist.

How We Make Patients More Comfortable During Their Visits

It starts with creating a calming environment, which makes the experience less stressful. Our office is clean and comfortable. Our staff is warm and empathetic.

We find that patients who are comfortable can relax more easily. That means better cooperation and communication during each visit. Our personalized approach builds trust and grows relationships with our patients.

Discover why our staff at Florida Smiles Dental and our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, prioritize your comfort. Call the office and schedule an appointment today!

Dental Tips for the New School Year

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The beginning of a school year means fresh routines, new clothes, and getting organized. Don’t forget to add a bright smile to the checklist this year. Our family dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has some tips on things you can do for dental health success as the kids go back to school.

Start the Year Off Right With a Dental Cleaning

The kids will feel great as they enter the classrooms with teeth that sparkle. As part of the dentist office visit, we’ll check for cavities and other problems as well as clean their teeth. A new school year is a fresh start. The best way to do that is with clean, healthy teeth.

Stock Up on Dental Supplies

When you are out with the kids buying school clothes, make sure to stock up on the dental supplies they’ll need, including toothbrushes. Replacing your toothbrush is a critical part of good dental hygiene.

If you stockpile for the new school year, the kids will have a fresh toothbrush every three or four months. And, don’t forget to call your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to get a new mouthguard.

Establish a Morning and Nighttime Routine

It is easy to let routines slip during the summer. When school starts back up, it’s time to get back into the groove. Make brushing twice a day and flossing once part of the morning and nighttime routines. Establishing good hygiene habits will help set the tone for their day and prepare them for a restful night’s sleep.

Choose Tooth-Friendly Snack Foods

A good rule of thumb is to opt for less sugar and more crunch. Look for healthy snacks that crunch, rather than high-sugar candy or cookies. Unsweetened nuts and seeds, as well as whole fruits and vegetables, help clean teeth while being eaten. High fiber foods like apples are nature’s toothbrushes. They scrub off debris with each bite and stimulate saliva to rinse the mouth.

Start the school year off right by setting up an appointment with our dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, today!

4 Common Dental Concerns & Solutions

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It is common to have some dental issues. Whether it is bleeding gums or a knocked-out tooth, there is always a solution. Usually, the solutions are preventative and include seeing your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, for a permanent fix or to avoid the problem altogether.

1. Tooth Decay

Problem: The number one dental problem that affects even babies is tooth decay. Tooth decay occurs when plaque builds up on the enamel of your teeth. The bacteria in the plaque produce an acid that eats away at the enamel to create a hole.

Solution: Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. Floss at least once a day. Also, use products with fluoride for extra protection.

2. Gum Disease

Problem: An astounding 42% of adults have some form of gum disease, according to Medline Plus. It is a disease that is preventable in many cases with good dental care.

Solution: Along with regular brushing and flossing, see your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, twice a year for a deep cleaning.

3. Tooth Sensitivity

Problem: There can be several reasons why teeth are sensitive to hot and cold, but the most common is enamel erosion or gum recession. That exposes the dentin in the teeth where the nerves live.

Solution: Avoid highly acidic foods. Also, if you’re grinding your teeth, ask the dentist about a mouth guard to protect them.

4. Bad Breath

Problem: Everyone gets it once in a while, but chronic bad breath is a sign of oral health problems.

Solution: The best solution is to see the dentist and find out the underlying cause of the bad breath.

Find out more about practicing good oral hygiene and fixing common dental problems when you make your next appointment with your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Give our office a call to schedule it today.

 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.

Why Does My Jaw Pop When I Open My Mouth?

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If you could see a skeleton of the human head, you could examine the jaw area and really marvel at how complex this joint is. From the time you’re born to the last of your days, this joint works endlessly. It helps you to smile at your loved ones, laugh raucously at your favorite TV show late at night, sip on cool drinks and chew delicious foods. All this happens silently, without you even being conscious of it. But when things go wrong, you do notice it. When the jaw has a problem, it becomes the “squeaky wheel,” urging you to seek professional help. Most often, the squeak is more like a popping or clicking noise, and it means the jaw needs attention right away.

TMJ Disorder and Jaw Popping

One of the most common causes of jaw popping is TMJ disorder (TMD). This condition affects the joint’s movement and can lead to symptoms like pain, stiffness or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. TMJ in Fort Lauderdale, FL can develop from jaw misalignment, injury or excessive strain on the joint. Some people also experience muscle tension or tightness around the jaw, contributing to the popping sensation.

Should You Be Concerned?

Frequent or painful popping often indicates an underlying issue, which is likely to worsen over time unless it’s addressed. You could even be doing things that make it worse, like grinding your teeth during sleep. A dentist can evaluate your jaw function, check for signs of grinding, and recommend solutions such as a custom night guard, TMJ therapy, or relaxation techniques to relieve jaw tension.

Ignoring jaw discomfort can lead to worsening symptoms, so if popping is persistent or painful, scheduling an appointment with a dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL is the best way to protect your jaw health and prevent further complications.

What Causes Jawbone Loss and How Is it Corrected?

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Jawbone loss isn’t something most people think much about. But jawbone loss is a serious condition. Therefore, you should learn a little about it so you can take measures to prevent it. Of course, regularly visiting your dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is a good start. But until then, let’s take a look at jawbone loss, what causes it, and how it can be corrected.

What Is Jawbone Loss?

Jawbone loss is when the bones in your jaws begin to break down and deteriorate. Jawbone loss can happen in your upper jaw, lower jaw, or both at any stage of life.

What Causes Jawbone Loss?

Jawbone loss occurs when you lose teeth, your teeth become loose, you have receding gums, or a collapsing bite, for starters. Several factors contribute to jawbone loss. For example, periodontal disease, tooth loss, dental injuries, eating disorders, genetics, and taking certain medications.

The Signs of Jawbone Loss

If you notice any of the following signs, you might be experiencing jawbone loss.

  • Dental issues like loose, shifting, or misaligned teeth.
  • Facial changes.
  • Jaw pain when you chew.
  • Facial pain, headaches, or TMJ pain.
  • Speech issues.
  • Difficulty eating certain foods.
  • Your dentures no longer fit properly.

How to Correct Jawbone Loss

If you have jawbone loss, you will probably need some type of oral surgery in Fort Lauderdale, FL, to correct it.

Maxillofacial Surgery

Maxillofacial surgery is a specialty dentistry that focuses on correcting jawbone loss and more. It’s used to treat conditions of the face, neck, and jaw. Maxillofacial surgeries include cleft lip, palate, jaw surgery, facial reconstruction surgery, sleep apnea surgery, and other conditions.

Dental Bone Graft

A dental bone graft is a surgical dentistry procedure that places bone material into the jawbone to increase bone density and volume. Bone grafts are frequently performed to provide a stable foundation for dental implants.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Fort Lauderdale, FL?

If you think you might have jawbone loss, are experiencing oral pain, or have other dental issues, please Contact Florida Smiles Dental today. We have comfortable and inviting offices and use state-of-the-art equipment and the most advanced technologies to ensure you receive the best dental care possible.

Can My Baby Get Cavities?

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Your baby may have beautiful white teeth, but that can change. Babies are vulnerable to many of the same dental problems that can affect adults.

Your child’s dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL, can help you take care of your baby’s teeth. In this article, we’ll talk about baby cavities. Parents can help their children avoid cavities if they know how. We’re here to help you take care of your baby’s teeth!

What Causes Cavities In Babies?

Babies can get cavities for a variety of reasons. Drinking sugary beverages (like juice) can cause babies to get cavities. Babies who fall asleep drinking a bottle at night are at risk of getting cavities. This happens because the sugary formula stays on their teeth overnight.

How to Take Care Of Your Baby’s Teeth

There are many things you can do to take care of your baby’s teeth.

  1. Brush your baby’s teeth. Brush your baby’s teeth twice per day, once in the morning and once at night. Use a baby toothbrush and baby toothpaste to clean your child’s teeth.
  2. Avoid giving your baby a bottle to sleep. If your baby needs to suck on something to sleep soundly, talk to your baby’s doctor to find out whether it’s safe to let them sleep with a pacifier.
  3. Bring your baby to the dentist. Babies need to see the dentist just like adults. Take your baby to the dentist for their first dental appointment by the time they turn one year old.

Do you have more questions about how you can take care of your baby’s teeth? Write down your questions and ask the dentist when you bring your baby for their pediatric dental appointment in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL. Call today to make their first dental appointment.

How Can I Revamp My Dental Routine?

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Switching up your dental routine can be more difficult than it sounds, particularly if you’ve had trouble changing in the past. Below, we’ll look at what you can do to get your hygiene up to par so you can reduce your odds of everything from cavities to gum disease.

3 Tips for Changing Your Habits

Dental hygiene is a lifelong effort. Here’s what to keep in mind if you need to brush better, floss more regularly, or introduce new steps into your routine:

  • Don’t start big. Going full throttle can be worse than you think. You can give up entirely if your motivation starts to flag after a few days. Instead, try going small, like buying a water flosser instead of trying to floss each individual tooth twice a day.
  • Try new things. You may need to invest some time and effort into finding out what works for you, so it may be time to experiment. Whether you buy new floss, start a fluoride routine, or swish mouthwash after you brush, you should give yourself some space to find what works.
  • Talk to a dentist in Lighthouse, FL. Whether you’re used to seeing the dentist every six months or you’ve been known to skip your regular appointments, a dentist can give you an idea of what to prioritize during your routine.

Teeth Cleanings in Fort Lauderdale, FL

There are some very conscientious people out there when it comes to their routines, but even the most diligent of dentists can’t avoid professional teeth cleanings in Fort Lauderdale, FL! It’s important to have the right tools when it comes to cleaning your teeth and gums, and you can’t get those at home. If you’re looking for the right team, contact the offices of Florida Smiles Dental to schedule your appointment!

Mother and Daughter Brushing Teeth

Does Your Child Need Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

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Have you heard of two-phase orthodontic treatments in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and wondered if your child needs it? The answer is…it depends. So, let’s talk about that for a moment.

What Is Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

Two-phase orthodontic treatments are performed to avoid more invasive orthodontic treatments later in your child’s life. You should take your child to a dentist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, by the time they reach seven years of age.

This will help catch any orthodontic issues early on. Doing so will make your child’s orthodontic issues easier and less expensive to correct because, at this point, your child’s mouth and teeth are still in the developmental stage.

How a Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment Works

Two-phase orthodontic treatments are done in two stages.

The first stage is done between the ages of 6 and 10 while the baby teeth are still in place. The purpose of this phase is to make room in your child’s mouth for their permanent teeth or to help correct other issues.

The first stage of treatment could include the use of special retainers, palatal expanders, space maintainers, or even headgear. Once this stage has been completed, the dentist will wait until your child’s permanent teeth come in to complete the next stage.

The second stage of the process is straightening your child’s teeth with traditional orthodontic treatments such as metal braces, Invisalign, etc. The second stage is also when overbites and underbites, etc., are corrected.

Does Your Child Need Two-Phase Orthodontic Treatment?

If your child has protruding teeth, bite issues, chewing issues, the early loss of baby teeth, or if they are still sucking their thumb after the age of five, your dentist will probably recommend two-phase orthodontic treatment.

Are You Looking for a Reputable Dentist in Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

If you want to talk with a dentist about two-phase orthodontic treatments for your child, please Contact Florida Smiles Dental today. We have a state-of-the-art dental facility and a team of highly trained dentists who would love to talk with you about your child’s orthodontic treatments.