Kendall Dentist Discusses the different types of toothpaste and how to select one that's right for you

Kendall Dentist

“Brushing your teeth is the cornerstone of good oral health. Learn about the different types of toothpaste and how to select one that's right for you.”

Toothpaste is not always paste. It can be a gel, powder, or paste that you brush onto your teeth and gums to help get rid of accumulating plaque and improve your oral health. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), toothpaste is important to oral health because it helps to remove plaque and its bacterial buildup on teeth and fights off periodontal (gum) disease. Most toothpaste also contains fluoride, which bolsters tooth enamel and fights tooth decay. 

What's in Toothpaste According to South Miami Dentist?

The exact composition of different toothpastes may vary slightly depending on the benefits being touted by the particular brand (such as whitening teeth or reducing gum inflammation). In general, toothpastes include the following ingredients:

• Gentle abrasives, such as magnesium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels, calcium carbonate, hydrated aluminum oxides, and phosphate salts.
• Glycerol, sorbitol, or other so-called “humectants,” substances that keep the toothpaste from drying out.
• Thickeners like seaweed or mineral colloids, synthetic cellulose, or natural gum to give the toothpaste a homogeneous appearance and texture.
• Fluoride to help make tooth enamel stronger and more resistant to decay.
• Flavoring agents that do not cause tooth decay, such as saccharin.
• Detergents, such as sodium lauryl sarcosinate, to make the toothpaste foamy.

Kendall Dentist on How to Pick the Right Toothpaste for Your Teeth

With the dizzying array of toothpaste choices in a typical drugstore aisle, it can be daunting to try and find one that's right for you. “One almost needs a PhD degree to weather the dental 'aisle of confusion',” says Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the ADA, and a former clinical instructor at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. 

When choosing a toothpaste, the first order of business is to make sure that the product is safe and will do what it claims. Toothpastes containing fluoride are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) since they make disease-fighting claims. These products will display a standard “drug facts” panel on the packaging listing active ingredients, warnings, and other relevant information. Toothpastes without fluoride are considered cosmetics and, therefore, do not fall under FDA supervision. However, these products should still provide a list of ingredients. To avoid counterfeit and unregulated products, steer away from any toothpaste that doesn’t clearly state ingredient information or is not properly labeled. 

Confused toothpaste shoppers can find additional guidance by looking for the ADA seal of approval. This symbol indicates that the manufacturer has participated in a voluntary testing program conducted by the ADA to gauge a product’s safety and effectiveness. Any toothpaste containing sugar, for example, will not get the ADA seal of approval.

“With the ADA seal on it, you know that it will do what it says,” notes Dr. Price, who is retired from a 35-year private group dental practice in Newton, Mass.

Hundreds of oral care products bear the ADA seal. To see a complete list of ADA-approved toothpastes, check out the ADA Web site. 

The Benefits of Fluoride in Toothpaste

A key ingredient in toothpaste is fluoride. Fluoride has broad benefits for people, both young and old. “Fluoride toothpaste is not just for kids — it is beneficial for us our whole lives,” says Price. “The fluoride in the toothpaste heals and remineralizes microscopic cavities as they form, it hardens the tooth surface, making it more resistant to the acid attack of bacteria, and slows down the action of these acid-producing bacteria.” 

Kendale Lakes dentist

Fluoride Safety

Although the FDA requires fluoride toothpaste to carry a warning label urging parents to contact a poison control center if their child accidentally consumes a large quantity of toothpaste, the ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs takes the position that the FDA warning overstates the risks of ingested fluoride to children. According to the ADA statement, children cannot swallow enough fluoride from toothpaste during normal brushing to cause any serious problems. Nevertheless, to be on the safe side, Price recommends limiting children under age 5 to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and supervising their brushing since most young children haven’t learned to rinse rather than swallow at the end of brushing. 

Toothpaste for Particular Tooth and Gum Conditions

No matter what your personal oral health needs are, there’s likely a toothpaste for you.

If you have sensitive teeth, look for products with ingredients such as potassium nitrate or strontium chloride. To fight gingivitis or tartar buildup, choose a toothpaste that contains pyrophosphates, triclosan, and zinc citrate. In addition, you can find products designed to combat bad breath or formulated with special abrasives to help whiten stained teeth. 

“If you have special needs, such as teeth that are sensitive to cold or heat, or problems with tartar buildup, look for toothpastes that address these issues that carry the ADA seal, or speak with your dentist for a recommendation,” Price advises. 

Kendale Lakes dentist

If you're looking for high quality dental services in Miami, then you've come to the right place. At Carroll Dentistry, we understand that the foundation for a beautiful smile is a healthy mouth. We encourage all of our patients to develop diligent oral hygiene habits to prevent infection and other oral health problems. In some instances, however, further care is needed to preserve a patient's oral health. Whether you require a small filling or more involved treatment such as periodontal care, we can provide you with the treatment you need for sustained oral health. We have many years of experience and expertise in helping our patients get the smile they've always wanted. We are a top rated dental center and offer the latest in dental technology to give you the highest quality of care and service at an affordable price.

We want to help you prevent dental problems. A preventive program is a cooperative effort by the patient, dentist, and dental staff to preserve the natural dentition and supporting structures by preventing the onset, progress, and recurrence of dental diseases and conditions. Prevention helps avoid serious and costly dental problems and is the key to having a healthy, confident, beautiful smile. We offer a wide variety of dental services including: Dental implants, Lumineers, porcelain crowns, Invisalign, and teeth whitening to help you achieve a healthy smile.

Miami periodontist

If you have any questions about missing teeth and sedation dentistry, please visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. Miami Dentist and Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: sedation dentistry, general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry. 

If you need a dentist in Miami, our office serves the Miami area, South Miami, Kendale lakes, West Miami, Pinecrest, and kendall. Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Miami Dentist Dr. Jonathan Bloch

Bloch Dentistry
www.blochdentistry.com
13720 SW 84th St
Miami, FL 33183
305.385.5555

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blochdentistry

Blog: http://www.blochdentistry.blogspot.com

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Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants...It Is Definitely The Way to Go!

Replace Missing Teeth with Dental Implants

Missing teeth can create dental and cosmetic problems. However, some people are reluctant to replace missing teeth. Are you one of them? If that's the case, I'd like to have a little conversation with you.

"Well, Doc, it's just a back tooth. No one will see it. It's not going to make a difference." The plain truth is that it will make a difference! The loss of just a single tooth can set a course that can destroy an entire mouth.

"Well, if that's true, tell me more. I certainly don't want to lose the front ones that I smile

with."

Teeth will drift and tip into a space that is created by missing teeth. Just like two gears

of a car that are not properly aligned, one flaw can lead to a host of other problems. A
missing tooth can lead to bite and cosmetic problems down the road - it can even cause
difficulties with chewing or speaking.

"Well, I don't like that. What can I do?"
 

If it sounds like I've heard this conversation a few times, you're right. If I'm going to keep

a patient happy, I need to provide options at this point. One of the options would be an implant. This is the replacement of a tooth with a false root that is surgically placed. It is then followed by the careful construction of a crown to replace the missing tooth, to prevent teeth from shifting and thereby causing further tooth loss.

If you have any questions about missing teeth and possible implant treatment, please visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry. 

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Replacing Black and Unsightly Silver Fillings by Miami Dentist Dr. Bloch

As we all know, tooth decay can lead to cavities. For over 100 years, dentists have been using silver-mercury amalgam fillings to restore decayed or broken teeth. (In fact, the Chinese first used silver fillings in the 7th century.) Historically, the only other alternative was gold, and that was always too expensive for most folks.

These silver fillings are called amalgams. Amalgam fills the space where the decay in the tooth has been removed. However, over time, the amalgam can corrode and leak.

Teeth can crack because of the expansion of the amalgam. This blackens the silver and many times the tooth. This can be seen when a patient opens his or her mouth, and it is often a source of embarrassment for the patient.

 

Now, we have many ways to provide tooth-colored restorations. We can use adhesives

to bond tooth parts that look and act like teeth. We can provide a bright, healthy and

strong smile with these exciting new techniques in adhesion dentistry.

 

Composite fillings are a new and economical way to restore teeth while keeping patients' smiles looking great. They are made of a porcelain-like material that actually bonds to the tooth for a tight seal. They are strong and stain-resistant, and they are color-matched to the natural tooth, making them appear invisible.
 

Tooth-colored resin fillings are made of glass particles in a plastic matrix. The doctor

bonds the putty-like material to the tooth with a high-intensity light. This hardens the

material and allows it to be shaped and polished for immediate use.

 

Once completed, the tooth has a natural appearance and is actually stronger than before due to the strength of the adhesive agent used to bond the resin to the tooth. Resin restorations not only look better, but they are stronger and last longer than the old

silver-amalgam fillings.
 

Composite fillings also lack the sensitivity that is often associated with silver amalgam

fillings. They are especially suited for smaller cavities and for patients who may be

allergic to metal fillings.

If you have any questions about the benefits of replacing silver amalgam fillings with

invisible composite fillings call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We'd be happy to discuss your options. You may even be a candidate for sedation dentistry.

Miami Dentist Dr. Bloch

Kendall Dentist, Dr. Bloch, Gives Great Advice on Getting a Great Back to School Smile

A new school year is just up ahead and you will be meeting new people and making new friends. Remember that first impressions matter. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. That’s why it’s so important to take care of it. Cavities aren’t just for little kids—you can get them at any age. When you consume sugary foods, soda, juice or energy drinks, you put yourself at risk for tooth decay and gum disease. Be smart. Always brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes and floss once a day.

The bottom line for smiles that are healthy on the inside and out:

• Always brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes
• Floss between your teeth daily
• Avoid sugary and starchy snacks
• Wear a mouthguard when you’re active
• Don’t smoke
• Don’t pierce your lips or any part of your mouth
• Call us to schedule a back to school checkup. Regular dental visits will help set you up to be Mouth Healthy for Life.

Call us at (305) 385-5555 or visit http://www.blochdentistry.com/

Miami Dentist Answers Frequently Asked Question about Tooth Whitening

If your smile is looking a little dingy, have no fear: modern dental technology offers lots
of safe and effective options for whitening your teeth.

Teeth bleaching or whitening lightens the color of teeth. Teeth can become yellowed or

darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking. The brightening effects of whitening can last
up to five years after the treatment (depending on your personal habits, such as
smoking or drinking coffee or tea).

How effective is whitening?

Bleaching has a higher than 90% success rate. Bleaching is tough on stains but gentle

on your teeth! Results vary depending on several factors such as teeth stained from
smoking; from taking certain medications such as tetracycline during tooth
development; or from fluorosis, a condition occurring in the presence of too much
fluoride.

Bleaching will not lighten fillings or artificial materials used in dental repair as for

crowns, porcelain veneers, etc. Your dentist may discourage treatment if you have
sensitive teeth, periodontal disease, teeth with worn enamel or if you're pregnant or
breast-feeding.

What are my options?

We'll begin by examining your teeth and gums. Certain types of stains respond better to

different types of whitening materials, so we'll discuss the procedure best suited to your
individual needs. In addition, any cavities or gum problems must be treated before
bleaching can begin.

Some methods are performed in the dental office. We use anour office at in-office bleaching system (such as laser bleaching) to lighten teeth instantly.

Dentist-supervised at-home bleaching is another option. It's less expensive that in in

office-treatment, but results take longer to achieve. We'll take molds of your teeth to
produce custom-fitted flexible trays to hold the bleaching gel comfortably in your mouth.
Some bleaching systems require you to wear the trays while you sleep, showing results
in 10-14 days (or more accurately nights)! Other systems bleach your teeth from two to
four hours a day and require three to six weeks to complete.

Finally, there are over-the-counter whitening treatments available in every pharmacy.

Many of these products are effective, but they will not produce the same dramatic
results as treatment administered by a dentist.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

 

We appreciate great patients. Thank you for trusting our office with you smile!

Spring and Healthy Teeth

The summer warm weather is arriving, and with it comes an increase in outdoor sports and activities. Being activeis a great thing in order to achieve  a healthy body – but just make sure your mouth is ready for the action! 

Wear a Mouthguard!

The most-injured area of the body during contact sports is definitely the mouth. Unfortunately, dental injuries can be permanent, painful and costly. The good news is that injuries can be prevented or minimized by wearing a mouthguard which covers the upper teeth and helps prevent injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue and jaw. Of course, the helmet or headgear required for the sport or activity should also be worn as it protects against injuries to the head and neck. There are three kinds of mouthguards available. Make sure you talk to your dentist about the right one for you:

Boil-and-bite. Found at most sporting goods stores, these may offer a better fit than stock, and are molded to fit your mouth by boiling the mouthguard in water and then biting into the warm plastic.

 

Stock or ready-made mouthguards. These are the least expensive mouthguards, found at most sports stores. They are pre-formed and ready to wear, often don’t fit very well, and may make it difficult to breathe and speak. They mayalso be bulky, loose or uncomfortable.

Custom-fitted. These mouthguards are individually designed and constructed for you by your dentist. They’re a bit more expensive, but are more comfortable and do not interfere with speech or breathing. Rinse your mouthguard under cold water after each use and occasionally clean it with soap and cool water. Like other sports gear, mouthguards can tear or wear out, so it should be replaced after each sports season.

It is also a good idea to keep your dentist's phone number handy  just in case a dental emergency occurs. For more healthy dental tips please visit our website www.Blochdentistry.com

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, mouth guards, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening,veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, andreconstructive dentistry.

Miami dentist, Dr. Jonathan Bloch, has over 20 years of experience in the dental field. He is highly trained in all aspects of dentistry, including: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, veneers, tooth whitening, Invisalign (invisible braces), periodontic treatments, reconstructive dentistry, and conventional dentistry. “We take pride in providing our patients with a special brand of quality dental care. We treat them with genuine compassion and care, and that makes the difference.” Please visit our blog often to learn how you can achieve maximum oral health and a beautiful smile.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

 

 

Keeping Your Teeth Healthy This Valentine's

While most of us are aware that consuming large amounts of candy during this holiday can contribute to a larger waistline, we may not think about how sweets impact our oral health.

Impact of Sweets on Your Teeth
Each time bacteria come into contact with sugar in your mouth, acid is produced, which attacks your teeth for at least 20 minutes.  And the bacteria that cause cavities thrive in sweets and sodas. Cavities are caused by tooth decay that destroys the tooth structures and can affect both the enamel and inner layer of the tooth.

Sweets That are Tough on Your Teeth
Some foods and candies create more problems for your teeth than others, including those that are sticky, dissolve slowly or are sucked, such as lollipops, hard candies, toffee, gum drops, taffy, caramel corn, peanut brittle, dried fruit, chocolate-covered raisins and high-energy sports bars.

Keep Your Teeth Healthy
To maintain good oral health, brush your teeth at least twice a day, use floss daily, eat nutritious foods, limit snacks, including candy, pretzels, and chips, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.

Bloch Dentistry Center specializes in a wide range of dental services including: general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, root canals, periodontic treatments, and reconstructive dentistry.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at http://www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Cosmetic Dentistry Tips on How to Prevent Cavities

Cavities are a reality of life that everyone faces sooner or later, but with a littlediscipline and and help from your dentist cavities can be prevented and fixed.

Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. It can be a problem for children, teens and adults. Plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, constantly forms on your teeth. When you eat or drink foods containing sugars, the bacteria in plaque produce acids that attack tooth enamel. The stickiness of the plaque keeps these acids in contact with your teeth and over time the enamel can break down. This is when cavities can form. A cavity is a little hole in your tooth.

Cavities are more common among children, but changes that occur with aging make cavities an adult problem, too. Recession of the gums away from the teeth, combined with an increased incidence of gum disease, can expose tooth roots to plaque. Tooth roots are covered with cementum, a softer tissue than enamel. They are susceptible to decay and are more sensitive to touch and to hot and cold. It’s common for people over age 50 to have tooth-root decay.

Decay around the edges, or a margin, of fillings is also common for older adults. Because many older adults lacked benefits of fluoride and modern preventive dental care when they were growing up, they often have a number of dental fillings. Over the years, these fillings may weaken and tend to fracture and leak around the edges. Bacteria accumulate in these tiny crevices causing acid to build up which leads to decay.

You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner.
• Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
• Check with your dentist about the use of supplemental fluoride, which strengthens your teeth, and about use of dental sealants (a plastic protective coating) applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth (where decay often starts) to protect them from decay.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral examination.

For more information please visit www.ada.org or schedule an appointment at Bloch Dentistry Center. Call (305)385-5555 or visit our website at www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!

Quick Tips to Help You Get The Most Out of Brushing and Flossing

With our busy schedules sometimes it is easy to overlook (or even forget) one of the simplest and most essential routines for your health; brushing your teeth. Even if you do it regularly chances are you do not spend enough time brushing. This article will review simple tips to brush and floss your teeth in less time with the greatest results.

 

 

Brushing:

Simple techniques can help maximize the effectiveness of your brushing. First of all position your tooth brush properly. Using the right angle can increase the effectiveness of your brushing significantly. You should place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Move your brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Remember to carefully brush every surface of your teeth, the outer and inner tooth surfaces and the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Pay special attention to the facial side (cheek side) of your teeth as this is the area where food easily gets lodged. Last, but not least don't forget to brush your tongue to remove bacteria and help keep your breath fresh.

Flossing:

Flossing is also very important for your oral health. Flossing will help remove tartar and plaque buildup and help you maintain healthy gums. To floss your teeth effectively break off about 18 inches of floss and wind it around your middle finger. Wind the other side on the same finger of the other hand. Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers. Next gently guide the floss between your teeth with a gentle rubbing motion. Try to avoid snapping the floss into the gums. When the floss reaches your gum line curve it into a C shape between your teeth and gums. Now hold the floss tightly against your tooth and just rub the sides of the tooth gently with up and down motions. Repeat this same process with your all your teeth. Very important, don’t forget to do it with the back side of your last tooth as well.

There are many tools to help make flossing easier, including floss threaders, flossers with a handle, and even flavored floss. For those people who cannot handle the floss, interdental cleaners are great options.

Call our friendly staff to schedule an appointment at (305)385-5555 or visit our website at www.BlochDentistry.com. We want to see you smile!