The Toothy Toad

A nice way to explain to children the importance of brushing their teeth, and not eating too many sweets! Read the story to your little ones not only are they going to enjoy it but learn from it.

                                         The Toothy Toad

A long, long time ago there was a wizard who accidentally invented a rather unusual spell. Whoever the spell was used on would get perfect teeth. As he didn't know what to do with this discovery, the wizard decided to use it on one of his toads. After the spell was cast, the toad became a very smiley happy amphibian. Not only could he now eat all sorts of foods, but he also started speaking.
"I'm delighted with the change", repeated the toad, proudly, "I much prefer the consumption of candy to feeding on filthy flies".

The wizard noticed that the toad was taking little care about choosing what to eat, and he kept telling the toad,
"Look after your teeth, Mr Toad. Brush them so you don't get a toothache. And, above all, don't eat so many sweets..."

But the toad didn't pay much attention. He thought his teeth were too strong for him to have to brush them, and he liked sweets so much that he didn't even try to eat less. One day, a tooth started decaying and, gradually, the decay spread throughout his mouth. Before long, the toad discovered that there were holes in all his teeth, and they were starting to fall out.

He decided to start looking after them, but by then it was too late. And when his last tooth fell out, he lost the ability to talk.

 Poor Mr. Toad! If he hadn't lost that last tooth he could have told the wizard that if he gave him teeth again he would brush them every day. After all, there's nothing more disgusting than having to go back to eating bugs. Yuck!

Pedro Pablo Sacristán

www.freestoriesforkids.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!

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!

 

 

10 Family Tips for Oral Health

Healthy Teeth for the Entire Family!

 

You have so many good reasons to keep your family’s teeth and gums healthy. Their sparkling smiles. Being able to chew for good nutrition. Avoiding toothaches and discomfort. And new research suggests that gum disease can lead to other problems in the body, including increased risk of heart disease.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to keep teeth strong and healthy from childhood to old age. Here’s how:

 

1. Start children early. Despite great strides in decay prevention, one in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Dental care should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears, usually around six months. Teeth can be wiped with a clean, damp cloth or a very soft brush. At about age 2, you can let kids try brushing for themselves -- although it’s important to supervise.

2. Seal off trouble. Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.

3. Use enough -- but not too much -- fluoride. The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, who may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children -- no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Brush twice a day and floss daily. Gum disease and tooth decay remain big problems -- and not just for older people. Three-fourths of teenagers have gums that bleed. Along with the basic advice, remember:

Toothbrushes should be changed 3 to 4 times a year.

Teenagers with braces may need to use special toothbrushes and other oral hygiene tools to brush their teeth. Talk to your dentist or orthodontist.

Older people with arthritis or other problems may have trouble holding a toothbrush or using floss. Some people find it easier to use an electric toothbrush. Others simply put a bicycle grip or foam tube over the handle of a regular toothbrush to make it easier to hold.

5. Rinse or chew gum after meals. In addition to brushing and flossing, rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial rinse can help prevent decay and gum problems. Chewing sugar-free gum after a meal can also protect by increasing saliva flow, which naturally washes bacteria away and neutralizes acid.

6. Block blows to teeth. Sports and recreational activities build healthy bodies, but they can pose a threat to teeth. Most school teams now require children to wear mouth guards. But remember: unsupervised recreational activities like skate-boarding and roller-blading can also result in injuries. Your dentist can make a custom-fitted mouth guard. Another option: buy a mouth guard at a sporting goods store that can be softened using hot water to form fit your mouth.

7. Don’t smoke or use smokeless tobacco. Tobacco stains teeth and significantly increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer. If you smoke or use chewing tobacco, consider quitting. Counsel your kids not to start.

8. Eat smart. At every age, a healthy diet is essential to healthy teeth and gums. A well-balanced diet of whole foods -- including grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, and dairy products -- will provide all the nutrients you need. Some researchers believe that omega-3 fats, the kind found in fish, may also reduce inflammation, thereby lowering risk of gum disease.

9. Avoid sugary foods. When bacteria in the mouth break down simple sugars, they produce acids that can erode tooth enamel, opening the door to decay. Sugary drinks, including soft drinks and fruit drinks, pose a special threat because people tend to sip them, raising acid levels over a long period of time. Carbonated drinks may make matters worse, since carbonation also increases acidity. Sticky candies are another culprit, because they linger on teeth surfaces.

10. Make an appointment. Most experts recommend a dental check-up every 6 months -- more often if you have problems like gum disease. During a routine exam, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away and look for signs of decay.

 

Almost all tooth decay and most gum disease can be prevented with good oral hygiene.  Just taking a few minutes each day to brush and floss. That’s not a lot in return for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums!

 

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!

The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush

Do you know what's lurking on your toothbrush?

Your toothbrush is loaded with germs! They've found that one uncovered toothbrush can harbor more than 100 million bacteria, including E. coli bacteria, which can cause diarrhea, and staphylococci ("staph") bacteria that cause skin infections.

But don't panic. Your mouth wasn't exactly sterile to begin with.

Mouthful of Bacteria

The bottom line is, there are hundreds of microorganisms in our mouths every day!
That's no big deal. Problems only start when there is an unhealthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.
Remember plaque inside your mouth is bacteria, that's why is important to remove it.

Could Your Toothbrush Be Making You Sick?

Probably not. Regardless of how many bacteria live in your mouth, or have gotten in there via your toothbrush, your body's natural defenses make it highly unlikely that you're going to catch an infection simply from brushing your teeth. Still, you should exercise some common sense about storing your toothbrush, including how close it is to the toilet.

Don't Brush Where You Flush

Most bathrooms are small. And in many homes, the toilet is pretty close to the bathroom sink where you keep your toothbrush.
Every toilet flush sends a spray of bacteria into the air. And you don't want the toilet spray anywhere near your open toothbrush.

Toothbrush Storage Tips

Once you've moved your toothbrush away from the toilet, here are a few other storage tips to keep your brush as germ-free as possible:

• Keep it rinsed. Wash off your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water every time you use it.
• Keep it dry.  Make sure your brush has a chance to dry thoroughly between brushings. Avoid using toothbrush covers, which can create a moist enclosed breeding ground for bacteria.
• Keep it upright. Store your toothbrush upright in a holder, rather than lying it down.
• Keep it to yourself. No matter how close you are to your sister, brother, spouse, or roommate, don't ever use their toothbrush. Don't even store your toothbrush side-by-side in the same cup with other people's brushes. Whenever toothbrushes touch, they can swap germs.

Do Toothbrush Sanitizers Really Work?

Various products pledge to sanitize your toothbrush. Some say they kill bacteria with heat or ultraviolet light, germ-killing sprays, or rinses. Others have built-in antibacterial bristles.

There's evidence that at least some of these products do effectively kill germs. But there's no real proof that using any toothbrush sanitizer will reduce your risk of getting sick.

If you choose to use one of these products, make sure that it has been reviewed by the FDA, which checks the validity of consumer health product marketing claims.
Remember that even the best products won't kill all the germs on your toothbrush. At best, they'll kill 99.9% of the germs.
That means if you have one million bacteria on your toothbrush to start, you'll still have about 1,000 remaining when you're finished sanitizing, Harms says.
Some web sites recommend putting your toothbrush into the microwave oven or dishwasher to sanitize it. Although these methods will kill some of the bacteria, they will probably damage your toothbrush in the process. It's better to just buy disposable brushes and throw them out.

When to Toss Your Toothbrush

The best way to limit the bacteria on your toothbrush is to replace it on a regular basis.
The American Dental Association recommends throwing out your toothbrush every three to four months. If the bristles become frayed, you're sick, or you have a weak immune system, throw it out even more often. If you use an electric toothbrush, throw out the head as often as you'd discard a disposable toothbrush.
Every time you're tempted to skip brushing and flossing your teeth, remember how many bacteria lurk in your mouth – and what they can do.
It's bacteria that cause gum disease, and decay, and bad breath! Make sure you're brushing and flossing as often as possible to eliminate some of those bacteria. Rinsing your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash before or after brushing can also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria that can lead to gingivitis, an early, mild form of gum disease.

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!

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!

Stress and Oral Health

How Stress Affects Your Oral Health

Excess stress may give you a headache, a stomachache, or just a feeling of being "on edge." But too much stress could also be doing a number on your mouth, teeth, gums, and overall health.

The potential fallout from stress and anxiety that can affect your oral health includes:

• Mouth sores, including canker sores and cold sores
• Clenching of teeth and teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Poor oral hygiene and unhealthy eating routines
• Periodontal (gum) disease or worsening of existing periodontal disease

So how can you prevent these oral health problems?

Mouth Sores

Canker sores -- small ulcers with a white or grayish base and bordered in red -- appear inside the mouth, sometimes in pairs or even greater numbers. Although experts aren't sure what causes them -- it could be immune system problems, bacteria, or viruses -- they do think that stress, as well as fatigue and allergies, can increase the risk of getting them. Canker sores are not contagious.
Most canker sores disappear in a week to 10 days. For relief from the irritation, try over-the-counter topical anesthetics. To reduce irritation, don't eat spicy, hot foods or foods with a high acid content, such as tomatoes or citrus fruits.
Cold sores, also called fever blisters, are caused by the herpes simplex virus and are contagious. Cold sores are fluid-filled blisters that often appear on or around the lips, but can also crop up under the nose or around the chin area.
Emotional upset can trigger an outbreak. So can a fever, a sunburn, or skin abrasion.
Like canker sores, fever blisters often heal on their own in a week or so. Treatment is available, including over-the-counter remedies and prescription antiviral drugs. Ask your doctor or dentist if you could benefit from either. It's important to start treatment as soon as you notice the cold sore forming.

Teeth Grinding

Stress may make you clench and grind your teeth -- during the day or at night, and often subconsciously. Teeth grinding is also known as bruxism.
If you already clench and grind your teeth, stress could make the habit worse. And, grinding your teeth can lead to problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located in front of the ear where the skull and lower jaw meet.
See your doctor and ask what can be done for the clenching and grinding. Your dentist may recommend a night guard, worn as you sleep, or another appliance to help you stop or minimize the actions.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Being under extreme stress may affect your mood and cause you to skip oral hygiene habits such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing.

If you don't take care of your mouth, your teeth and overall oral health can suffer. If you already have gum disease, skipping daily hygiene may worsen the problem. If your mouth is in relatively good health, falling short on these healthy mouth habits can lead to gum disease or increase your risk of cavities.

When under stress, you may also develop unhealthy eating habits, such as snacking on large amounts of sugary foods or drinks. These habits increase the risk for tooth decay and other problems.
Just reminding yourself of the importance of hygiene and healthy eating may help. Boosting or resuming your exercise routine can help you relieve stress and feel energized enough to tend to your oral hygiene and cook healthier meals. Exercise will also boost your immune system -- and that, too, is good for your oral health.

Gum Disease

Stress can cause an increase in dental plaque, even when the high stress levels are short-term. That's according to a study that evaluated people who cared for loved ones with dementia and who experienced stress.
Long-term, the stress these caregivers felt boosted their risk of bleeding gums, or gingivitis, which can progress to serious gum disease.
Stress can lead to depression. You can't make depression or the stress disappear, of course. But experts say that learning healthy coping strategies can help reduce the risk of gum problems getting worse. Healthy coping is "problem-focused" with active and practical strategies to deal with the stress and depression, experts say.
Remember, eating a balanced diet, seeing your dentist regularly, and good oral hygiene help reduce your risks of periodontal disease. Make sure you brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Antibacterial mouth rinses also help reduce plaque-causing bacteria.

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!

 

Dental Clues Your Child Isn't Brushing

Is My Child Brushing Properly?

If you have children, you know that getting them to do what's good for themselves -- like brushing and flossing their teeth -- isn't always easy. But as your little ones become independent brushers, you'll need to make sure they're doing a decent job taking care of their pearly whites.
While you might not be able to hover over your school age child the way you did when he or she was younger, you can still use your super sleuthing skills to sniff out potential signs of bad brushing. Here are eight clues your child might be cutting corners with -- or completely skipping out on -- one of the most important oral hygiene activities of the day:

 The Clues to Look For

1. Your child doesn’t spend much time brushing.
Just like adults, kids should be brushing twice a day for at least 2 minutes at a time. Most kids think they brush long enough but probably do so for less than a minute. If your child brushes for less than the length of a song, it's not long enough.

2. The toothbrush is dry after your child finishes brushing.
It's tough to keep the toothbrush dry if you're actually brushing! Ask your child to bring you the toothbrush or check it on your own. Be sure to do so before the toothbrush has had a chance to air dry.

3. You can see food particles on or in between your child’s teeth.
After your child has brushed, ask for a smile. If you can still see bits of food on or in between your child's teeth, send your child back to the bathroom for a brushing do-over.

4. Your child’s teeth can’t pass the “squeak test.”
Have your child wet his or her finger and rub it quickly across the outside and inside of his or her teeth. If the teeth are clean, you will hear a squeaking sound.

5. Your child’s tongue is white.
Proper brushing includes brushing the tongue. A clean tongue appears pink. A white tongue means there is still bacteria lurking on it.

6. The dental floss never seems to run out.
Your child should floss once a day. To see if that's actually happening, check the bathroom trash for used floss. Or buy your own floss at the same time as you buy your child's. When yours runs out, your child's should be nearly gone, too. If not, it could mean your child isn't using floss -- or isn't flossing daily.

7. Your child’s breath is anything but fresh.
If your child is brushing and flossing regularly, his or her breath should be pleasant. The foul odor associated with bad breath is most often caused by food particles -- either food left in between teeth or food trapped in the grooves on the tongue.

8. Your child has a cavity.
Even if you can't tell if your child is brushing well, a dentist or pediatric dentist can spot any signs of trouble. This may include dental problems such as cavities or gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. In these cases, a tooth filling or gum disease treatment may be necessary to restore your child's smile.

Regular dental visits are a great opportunity for a professional teeth cleaning to remove dental plaque and tartar. Plus, a great dentist can help reinforce the importance of good oral hygiene with your child.

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!