Careers

 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.

Dental Implant

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.

Dental Implants

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.

General Dentistry

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.

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.

General Dentistry

What is a Dental Abscess?

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Certain dental terms cause more fear and anxiety in the general public than others. One of them is certainly “root canal.” Yikes! Another is a dental abscess. It’s worse when you don’t even know what the word actually means, relating to dental problems. Learning that you have a dental abscess may sound like you have a huge gaping hole in your mouth (and we’re not talking about your throat!), but that’s not the case. Knowing what certain terms are all about can go a long way toward alleviating fear, and instead ensuring that you get prompt, quality treatment from your Fort Lauderdale, FL dentist.

What is a Dental Abscess?

A dental abscess is a serious infection that occurs in or around a tooth, usually as a result of bacteria entering through cavities, cracks, or gum disease. When bacteria reach the inner part of the tooth or gums, the body’s immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to fight the infection, which leads to a buildup of pus. This collection of pus forms a painful swelling, which is what we call a dental abscess. The condition can cause intense discomfort and, if not treated, may lead to severe complications. We don’t want that.

Symptoms of a Dental Abscess

A dental abscess typically causes throbbing pain, which can be sharp and persistent. The pain may radiate to the jaw, neck, or ear, and it often worsens when lying down. Swelling is another common symptom, affecting the gums, face, or neck. The area around the affected tooth might become extremely sensitive, and even eating or drinking can trigger discomfort.

The thing is, you can’t diagnose your own dental abscess. You might think it’s an abscess when it’s something else entirely. Why guess? Contact Florida Smiles Dental today to book an appointment with your Fort Lauderdale, FL dentist.

Services

Why Should I See the Dentist Every Six Months?

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Visiting the dentist is one of the most important things you can do to maintain clean, healthy teeth. Most people need to see the dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL every six months.

Twice a year can seem like a lot! In this article, we’ll discuss important reasons to keep seeing the dentist every six months.

Seeing the Dentist Keeps Your Teeth Clean

Every time you visit the dentist for a checkup, you can expect a qualified dental professional to clean your teeth. During the cleaning, the dental professional will remove plaque and tartar. They’ll clean and polish your tooth enamel, which makes it easier to prevent plaque from building up on your teeth. This helps keep your breath fresh.

Dental Professionals Recommend Exams Every Six Months

Another good reason to see the dentist twice yearly is that dental professionals recommend it. Seeing the dentist every six months is important because it’s good for your teeth.

During the checkup, the dentist will look for problems that need to be corrected. The dentist will also answer your questions about preventive maintenance. When the checkup is over, you’ll have cleaner teeth and more information about how to care for your dental health.

Preventive Maintenance Helps You Avoid Cavities and Infections

Preventive maintenance like checkups helps you avoid cavities and infections that can cause bad breath, pain, and even tooth loss. Going for regular dentist appointments in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point FL is good for you and can help you maintain healthy teeth and gums long into your adult years.

To make your next dental appointment, contact the professionals at Florida Smiles Dental today.

Dental Implants

Restorative Dentistry: 4 Procedures to Fix Your Teeth

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Broken and missing teeth can cause problems like pain and discomfort. A broken tooth can even lead to dental infection if bacteria enters a crack in the tooth enamel.

Your dentist in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL can help with restorative dentistry procedures like cavity fillings, dental crowns, implants, and dental bridges. If you’re missing a tooth or have a tooth that’s been damaged, the restorative dentistry procedures at Florida Smiles Dental can provide relief.

1. Dental Implants

If you’re missing a tooth, a dental implant can fill the hole and restore your smile. Dental implants are implanted directly into the jaw. They look like (and function like) natural teeth.

2. Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a cover that your dentist can place over your tooth to reinforce weakened or broken tooth enamel. Whether you’ve had a root canal or have broken your tooth, a dental crown can prevent the tooth enamel from breaking further.

3. Cavity Fillings

A cavity is an area of tooth decay that causes a pit or hole in the tooth enamel. Cavities can cause pain and, if they go untreated, can lead to dental infection. At Florida Smiles Dental, we offer composite and amalgam fillings to make your tooth whole again.

4. Dental Bridges

A dental bridge is an artificial tooth that fills a space between two natural teeth. Dental bridges look natural and can last a long time.

Do you need restorative dentistry in Fort Lauderdale and Lighthouse Point, FL? Contact professionals at Florida Smiles Dental. We offer a range of restorative dentistry procedures to make your smile healthy and beautiful.