Dental Archives - Dr Novara Dentist

October 6, 2022

Dental

8 Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth is something you probably learned to do as a young child, and because of this, it is unlikely you

have stopped to evaluate how you brush your teeth. By now, the techniques you use are very much second nature. Unfortunately, many people are not brushing their teeth as well as they should be.

Since oral health is directly related to overall health, taking care of your teeth is extremely important. To improve your experience and results, try incorporating these eight tips into your oral hygiene routine.

Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

1) Use the right toothbrush

Picking a toothbrush should be a ‘Goldilocks moment’. You don’t want a handle that is too long or too short; you don’t want a head that is too big or too small; and you don’t want bristles that are too hard or too soft. You want a toothbrush that is “just right”.

If you need assistance in determining what toothbrush is right for you, talk to your dentist.

2) Keep your toothbrush clean

Setting your toothbrush on your bathroom counter or on the edge of your sink between uses is a great way to pick up bacteria. Instead, store your toothbrush upright using a toothbrush holder or a cup.

In addition to rinsing your toothbrush thoroughly after each use, you can also soak your toothbrush in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water or an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Some people even clean their toothbrush once or twice a month in the dishwasher.

3) Replace your toothbrush regularly

Over time, bacteria grows on your toothbrush, not only in the bristles but on the handle. Bristles also become damaged which makes them less effective.

For best results, replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

4) Be gentle with your toothbrush

Vigorous brushing can be harsh on your teeth and gums, so be gentle.

5) Don’t start brushing in the same place

When you brush your teeth, try to start in a different area of your mouth each time. The area you brush first tends to get more attention that the area you end with, so choosing your starting point at random can help ensure that all of your teeth get equal attention.

6) Don’t forget to brush inner sides, chewing surfaces and molars

Many people focus on the front of teeth and give minimal attention to the inner sides, chewing surfaces and molars. Even though these parts of your teeth may not be visible, it is essential to give them just as much attention as you give your front teeth, if not more, when brushing.

7) Floss before or after brushing

The bristles of a toothbrush cannot reach between your teeth where food, bacteria and tartar are often found. It does not matter if you floss before or after you brush your teeth so long as you are flossing on a daily basis.

After flossing, use water or mouthwash to rinse away anything that the floss dislodged.

8) Don’t brush your teeth immediately after eating

As tempting as it may be to brush your teeth immediately after eating, many dentists recommend waiting at least thirty minutes before you brush your teeth after eating or drinking.

Remember, it is never to late to improve your oral hygiene routine.

August 30, 2022

Dental

What to do for healthy teeth and gums

Good oral hygiene is necessary to keep teeth and gums healthy. It involves habits such as brushing twice a day and having regular dental checkups.

However, oral health is about more than cavities and gum disease. Research has shown that there is an association between the health of a person’s mouth and their overall health. Experts consider oral health problems to be a global health burdenTrusted Source.

Without treatment, tooth decay or gum problems can lead to pain, problems with self-confidence, and tooth loss. These issues may lead to malnutrition, speech problems, and other challenges in a person’s work, school, or personal life.

People can prevent these problems with proper dental care, both at home and in the dentist’s office. The following are some best practices that can keep teeth and gums healthy.

1. Brush regularly but not aggressively

Brushing twice a day and using dental floss can help keep teeth and gums healthy.

Most people are aware that brushing their teeth twice a day is one of the most important practices for removing plaque and bacteria and keeping teeth clean. However, brushing may only be effective if people use the correct technique.

People should brush using small circular motions, taking care to brush the front, back, and top of every tooth. This process takes between 2 and 3 minutes. People should avoid sawing back-and-forth motions.

Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can damage tooth enamel and the gums. The effects of this may include tooth sensitivity, permanent damage to the protective enamel on the teeth, and gum erosion.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommend using a toothbrush that has soft bristles. They also state that people should change their toothbrush every 3 months or when the ends start to look frayed, whichever comes first.

2. Use fluoride

Fluoride comes from an element in the earth’s soil called fluorine. Many experts believe that fluoride helps prevent cavities, and it is a common ingredient in toothpaste and mouthwash.However, some dental products do not contain fluoride, and some people do not use it at all.Evidence suggests that a lack of fluoride can lead to tooth decay, even if a person takes care of their teeth otherwise. A recent review found that brushing and flossing do not preventTrusted Source a person from getting cavities if they do not use fluoride.Many communities in the United States have added fluoride to their water supply. Several organizations recommend this practice Trusted Source, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the ADA.People can find out whether the water in their area contains fluoride by contacting their local government. Reverse osmosis water filters remove fluoride, and people who use well water will need to check the fluoride levels in this water to find out how much is present. Many bottled water brands do not contain fluoride.

3. Floss once a day

Flossing can remove plaque and bacteria from between the teeth, where a toothbrush is unable to reach. It can also help prevent bad breath by removing debris and food that has become trapped between the teeth.Although there is a lack of long-term studies proving that flossing is beneficial, the ADA continue to recommend it. The CDCTrusted Source also state that people should floss their teeth.Most dental health professionals recommend gently pushing the floss all the way down to the gumline before hugging the side of the tooth with up-and-down motions. It is important to avoid snapping the floss up and down between the teeth, which can cause pain and will not remove plaque as effectively.

4.See a dentist regularly

A dentist can diagnose and treat oral health issues before they become severe.

Experts recommend that people see a dentist every 6 months for a checkup. During a routine dental examination, a hygienist will clean the teeth and remove plaque and hardened tartar.

The dentist will check for visual signs of cavities, gum disease, mouth cancer, and other oral health issues. They may sometimes also use dental X-rays to check for cavities.

The results of a recent study confirmed that children and adolescents should see a dentist every 6 months to help prevent cavities. However, adults who practice good dental hygiene every day and have a low risk of oral health problems may be able to go less frequently.

The authors of a recent reviewTrusted Source state that there is a need for more high-quality studies to confirm the ideal frequency of dental checkups.

People can speak to their dentist about how often they need a checkup. The answer may vary depending on a person’s health history, age, and overall dental health. However, anyone who notices changes in their mouth should visit a dentist.

5. Do not smoke

Smoking harms the body’s immune system, which makes it difficult for the body to heal tissues, including those in the mouth. The CDC name smoking as a risk factor for gum diseaseTrusted Source, while the ADA warn that people who smoke may experience slow healing after a dental procedure.Smoking also affects the appearance of the mouth, leading to yellowing of the teeth and tongue, and it can give breath a bad odor.

6. Consider a mouthwash

Some studies indicate that certain mouthwashes can benefit oral health. For example, one review found that mouthwash containing chlorhexidine, an antibacterial ingredient, helps control plaque and gingivitis. Mouthwashes with certain essential oils are also effective, according to a meta-analysis.People may wish to ask their dentist which is the best mouthwash for their individual needs. A mouthwash cannot substitute brushing and flossing, but it can complement these practices.Mouthwashes that may help with bad breath and dental problems are available online.

7. Limit sugary foods and starches

Consuming sugar can lead to cavities. Studies continue to highlight the significant role that sugar plays in adverse dental health outcomes. Common culprits include candy and desserts, but many processed foods also contain added sugar.The WHO recommend that people limit their intake of sugar to below 10 percentTrusted Source of their daily calories. The authors of a systematic review concluded that lowering this to 5 percent would further reduce the risk of cavitiesTrusted Source and other dental problems.Experts have also stated that starchy foods, such as crackers, bread, chips, and pasta, can cause tooth decay. The ADA explain that these foods linger in the mouth and break down into simple sugars, on which acid-producing bacteria feed. This acid can cause tooth decay.Instead of starchy foods, the ADA recommend eating plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables as well as dairy products without added sugar.

8. Drink water instead of sugary drinks

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the number one source of added sugarsTrusted Source in the typical diet of those in the U.S. Sipping on soda, juice, or other sugary drinks can lead to a higher risk of cavities.The ADA recommend drinking water or unsweetened tea throughout the day and only drinking sugar-sweetened drinks at meal times and in small volumes.

Tips for kids

Teaching good dental hygiene can help ensure a child’s teeth and gums remain healthy as they grow up.

A child’s primary teeth, which people sometimes call baby teeth, are just as important as their permanent teeth. Baby teeth help a child chew and speak. They are placeholders for the future permanent teeth.

If a child loses a baby tooth to decay, this can disrupt the space in the mouth and make it difficult for the adult tooth to develop correctly.

With this in mind, it is best to introduce good dental care for children during infancy. The following practices will help keep a child’s teeth and gums healthy:

Wipe a baby’s gums with a warm, wet washcloth every day, even before they have any teeth. Doing this removes sugars from the gums and can help a baby become familiar with the feeling of cleaning their teeth.
Babies and toddlers should not go to bed with bottles or sippy cups. Milk and juice contain sugars that can cause tooth decay if they remain on the teeth for extended periods.
As a baby approaches 1 year of age, start getting them used to a sippy cup. Aim to stop using bottles by their first birthday.
Allow toddlers to sip water from sippy cups between meals, but save juice or milk for meal times only.
Once a baby has teeth, brush them twice a day with a soft baby toothbrush. Use a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, no bigger than a grain of rice. Children who are 3 to 6 years of age may use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
Parents or caregivers should brush the child’s teeth for them until they can clean all of their teeth thoroughly without help. Monitor them to make sure that they spit out the toothpaste.
Keep the toothpaste out of children’s reach when it is not in use.
The ADA recommend that children see a dentist within 6 months of their first tooth appearing or at 1 year of age, whichever comes first.
Parents and caregivers should not share eating utensils with a child or clean pacifiers by putting them in their mouth. Both of these actions can pass the adult’s cavity-causing bacteria to the child.

July 28, 2022

News Dental

Dental Whitening Can Bring A Great Summer Confidence Boost

Summer is a beautiful time in the city isn’t it? You have been frozen out by winter, soaked by spring and no doubt covered up with layers of clothing throughout. So it is surprise that as soon as the sun comes out for summer the clothes come off, you soak up the rays and show-off exactly what you have going for you. Hairstyles change, your fitness improves and the diet changes- you just want to look top-drawer.

Teeth Whitening
Somewhere in this mix though, you’ll want your smile to look radiant as well, and if your teeth have started to lose their colour a tad, then there isn’t nothing more rewarding and summery than to have them whitened to give you the total look when the sun’s shining. Many dentists in and around Baker Street can help you out here and after a quick consultation, you can opt for an hour-long laser treatment to have you glowing again quickly- and there are a few very top-notch treatments on offer.

Another way which includes your dentist is to have a bespoke kit made up and then go home for a couple of weeks and do the treatment yourself- again, this is a brilliant technique to restore your smile with. However, it may not have escaped your attention that supermarkets and chemists around Miami are jam-packed with products to put the glitz back into your teeth’s enamel again, and which you can do yourself in your own time.

These products are very affordable; toothpastes start from around 5USD and you will soon notice the difference after just a few days of brushing. You can also get touch-up bleaching pens, bleaching strips and even your own DIY whitening kit. Having your teeth whitened will give you that total all-round confidence and put the zing back into your summer smile.

April 22, 2022

Dental

Can a Custom Night Guard Stop Grinding?

Do you grind your teeth in your sleep? You may not even realize it. Believe it or not, it’s a fairly common problem that affects a lot of people. Tooth grinding is also known as bruxism and most often happens when people sleep and most people have no recollection of doing it. Often times, the spouse will hear grinding happen during the night. Occasional teeth grinding doesn’t usually cause harm, but when it occurs regularly, teeth can be damaged and other complications can arise.

Recognize the signs:

You need to know what signs to look for so you can identify Bruxism as the problem and seek help from your dentist so you can be examined signs of bruxism.

Here are the most common signs:

Headaches
Neck or facial pain
Tooth sensitivity
Flat or chipped teeth
Waking up with sore jaw muscles

What Causes Teeth Grinding?

Stress and anxiety can cause teeth grinding; however, it can also be caused by a misaligned bite, crooked or missing teeth.

Can a Custom Night Guard Stop Grinding?

One of the most common treatments recommended by dentists is a custom night guard for people who grind their teeth while they’re sleeping. A custom night guard is a removable appliance that fits over your upper or lower teeth that is custom made for you. It is used to stop damage caused by grinding or clenching your teeth while you sleep.

These night guards are aligners that help protect your teeth from the damage caused by grinding them against each other or clenching them together. They can also help position your jaw in a comfortable position and limit your ability to move your jaw while you’re sleeping.

Custom Night Guards vs. Over the Counter Night Guards

Even though the initial purchase of an over the counter night guard may cost less, a custom night guard made specifically for you by your dentist will be a better, more cost-effective solution. Custom night guards are made using a professional mold for your teeth, which will ensure a much more comfortable solution. They also take your jaw position into account, unlike their drugstore counterparts; without fitting your jaw and adjusting your aligner, you may end up with even more problems.

Chronic teeth grinding can result in the loosening, fracturing, or loss of teeth. It may wear teeth down to stumps. When that happens, implants, root canals, crowns and bridges, partial or even complete dentures may be needed.

Additional Treatments for Bruxism

Even though night guards are one of the most common treatments for bruxism, there are other things that may help.

Tips to help you stop teeth grinding include:

Avoid or cut back on foods and drinks that contain caffeine.
Avoid alcohol.
Do not chew on pens or pencils. Avoid chewing gum as it allows your jaw muscles to get more used to clenching and makes you more likely to grind your teeth.
Train yourself not to clench or grind your teeth. If you notice that you clench or grind during the day, position the tip of your tongue between your teeth. This practice trains your jaw muscles to relax.
Relax your jaw muscles at night by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe.

Dr Novara can create a custom mouth guard for you

Dr Novara offers 3D panoramic x-ray images for the highest quality diagnostic information for our patients. In using this 3D technology, they also provide sleep apnea appliances and night guards.

Tooth grinding isn’t something you need to live with. You can get relief and stop through proper treatment from your dentist. If you’re looking for a solution, or suspect you suffer from bruxism, please call our South Florida Offices to schedule your appointment. We’ll evaluate your individual situation and talk with you about the best treatment for you.

June 25, 2019

Dental

6 Great Dental Hygiene Tips

Say cheese!

That’s the most widely used confirmation call used by people to inform a camera operator that they are ready to have their picture taken. I am sure you have used it too at some point. The purpose of saying cheese is so that your teeth will be visible, giving the appearance of a smile.

Having bad dental hygiene can make it difficult for anyone to say something as simple as cheese or to smile.

However, not being able to say cheese or smile pales in comparison to the avalanche of dental and oral diseases that you can suffer from if you treat your dental hygiene with contempt. Diseases such as gum disease, oral cancer and terrifyingly horrible breath (which is often an indication of other oral problems) can invade your mouth and make your life a living hell.

In fairness to some people, the problem — besides not caring about dental hygiene — can also be caring wrongly.

Are you tired of keeping your lips tight shut in social circles? Or perhaps you know someone having some serious dental nightmare? Here are some dental hygiene tips to ensure that you always you maintain good healthy, white teeth.

1. Brush your mouth properly

Yes, I said mouth, not teeth. The reason is that your teeth is not the only thing in your mouth; you have your gum, your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Those need cleaning too.

When brushing, place the bristles of the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle near the gum line, such that the bristles are in contact with both the teeth and the gum. Brush using a back and forth, up and down movement. When you are done repeat the same procedure for the inner surfaces of your teeth and gum.

Then brush the surfaces of your tongue and roof of your mouth. This will help to get rid of bacteria that cause bad breath. Remember to brush your teeth and gum lightly; do not attack them with the bristles, as this will do more harm than good.

Also, make a habit of brushing at least twice a day, preferably in the morning and in the evening.

2. Floss regularly

As wonderful as brushing regularly is, it is not holistic in its responsibility to clean your teeth. Brushing can clean the surface of the teeth, but it cannot do the same for the spaces in between teeth.

This is where flossing comes in. It helps to get rid of food residue and other detrimental substances stuck between the teeth. If you really care about your dental hygiene (and you should), get into the habit of flossing at least once a day.

3. Ensure that your diet is teeth-friendly

For most people, if not everybody, our primary reason for eating something is that it tastes good. But have we ever considered what this different foods or snacks do to our teeth?

Foods such as nuts, fruits (such as apples), cheese, chicken and vegetables are teeth friendly. Something extra to know about cheese is that it causes your salivary gland to produce more saliva, which neutralizes acid.

4. Limit intake of sodas and alcohol

Tobacco for one, is something you should run away from. Avoiding this can save you from some periodontal complications such as oral cancer. Furthermore, stuff that you will take to mask the smell of tobacco such as sweets, tea or coffee will just end of doubling the damage to your teeth already caused by the tobacco.

You should also limit your intake of soda and alcohol. These contain phosphorus, which is an important mineral for a healthy. But too much of everything is bad and this applies to phosphorus too. Too much of it can deplete the calcium level of the body, causing dental hygiene problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Go instead with beverages that will help to build enamel strength and water, which hydrates your body better than any sugary drink ever will.

Here is a helpful tip: if you must take sodas or alcohol, do so with a straw to avoid the drink having direct contact with your teeth.

5. Visit the dentist regularly

Applying everything stated in the previous points is not an excuse not to go for regular dental checkup. All you can do is your best and then leave the rest to the dental care experts.

As permissible as your schedule is, make it a habit to visit a dental care clinic regularly for full oral checkup and teeth cleaning. There are dental problems that you may not be able to identify on your own. Adhering to this can save you a whole world of hurt in the long run.

6. Leave a little fluoride in your mouth before bedtime

Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth surface so why rinse it off after brushing your teeth?

For many people it may not be ideal to carry toothpaste residue in their mouth the whole day and frankly it makes no logical sense as you will most likely make the mistake of swallowing it during the course of the day.

So it is not advisable to do this when brushing your teeth in the morning as you get ready for work. But what about at night before you go to bed? This is a better time to do this. Allow the fluoride sit on the surface of the teeth by not rinsing off the paste with water after brushing.

If you have just had a meal that leaves residue in your mouth, then brush your mouth twice. First time around is to get rid of the food residue and to avoid bacterial proliferation. After brushing the second time, just spit out the toothpaste and leave the residue on the teeth rather than rinsing it off with water.

June 25, 2019

Dental

Fun Facts About Orthodontics!

Whether you’re wearing braces or you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, there’s a lot of information you ought to know when it comes to straightening your smile.

4 million Americans are currently wearing braces.
All orthodontists are trained dentists, but only 5% of dentists are also orthodontists.
You can thank NASA for modern braces. They developed the alloy that is currently used to make braces.
Braces are nearly 300 years old, but orthodontic devices can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt.
Nearly 80% of Americans have had a cavity by age 17.
Modern archwires are activated by your body heat. They are also reactivated after having a cold drink.
Right handed? You probably chew your food on the right side of your mouth! Same goes for lefties.
The best time to begin orthodontic treatment is at age 7, but most people don’t visit the orthodontist until late adolescence.
Retainers are just as important as braces.
Our teeth shift forward throughout our lives, meaning that as we get older the front of our mouth looks more
crowded!

Dental

8 Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

Tips for Brushing Your Teeth

1) Use the right toothbrush

2) Keep your toothbrush clean

3) Replace your toothbrush regularly

4) Be gentle with your toothbrush

5) Don’t start brushing in the same place

6) Don’t forget to brush inner sides, chewing surfaces and molars

7) Floss before or after brushing

8) Don’t brush your teeth immediately after eating

What to do for healthy teeth and gums

1. Brush regularly but not aggressively

2. Use fluoride

3. Floss once a day

4.See a dentist regularly

5. Do not smoke

6. Consider a mouthwash

7. Limit sugary foods and starches

8. Drink water instead of sugary drinks

Tips for kids

Dental Whitening Can Bring A Great Summer Confidence Boost

Can a Custom Night Guard Stop Grinding?

6 Great Dental Hygiene Tips

Fun Facts About Orthodontics!

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