Category Archives: Oral Health

Laugh Your Way out of the Dentist Chair | Boca Raton Dentist

Boca Raton Dentist, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Preventative Dentistry, Sleep Dentistry, , , , , , , ,

Dental anxiety is an actual condition that results in patients having a hard time sitting in the dentist’s chair long enough to finish even a simple checkup. When this issue arises, the dentist may suggest a form of medicine to help a patient feel more relaxed or sleepy, but still widely conscious. This medicine? Nitrous oxide.

Commonly referred to as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is used to help anxious patients relax their fear of the dentist and makes them feel more comfortable. The effect often lasts throughout the whole treatment, calming the patient and allowing the dentist to proceed safely with the treatment.

Administered via a mask, the patient will breathe in the laughing gas through their nose. Slowly, it will take effect and will eventually make the feel comfortable, even giddy in some cases, which is where it gets its moniker.

The effects quickly wear off as well, often completely gone from the patient’s body just five minutes after the mask is taken off. This makes it possible for patients to move around normally, even drive safely without needing someone to accompany them to-and-from the dentist’s office.

Patients who are suffering from medical conditions, such as emphysema and multiple sclerosis are not good candidates for nitrous oxide sedation. The same goes for pregnant women, specifically, those who are in the first trimester of pregnancy.

If you’re concerned about whether or not nitrous oxide sedation is safe for you, be sure to discuss it with your doctor or a local dentist.

If you would like more information about nitrous oxide, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Why Emotional Eating Can Mess with Your Smile | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Oral Health, Preventative Dentistry, Uncategorized, , , , , , ,

We’ve all been there before, something traumatic in your life happens and the first thing you do is turn to something else in order to console ourselves. And chances are, those choices aren’t going to involve eating a salad or having a giant glass of water. No, we will be indulging in a tub of ice cream or a stiff alcoholic beverage. It’s what we know will sooth our emotions, if only for a moment. And so, we do. And then it wears off and we are left with both the bad feelings and a belly full of unhealthiness. It’s a slippery slope we walk when something goes wrong in our worlds. But there are ways to combat those intense cravings when the sky begins to fall:

Talk it out. One of the easiest ways to help relieve your stressors is to talk them out. It could be to anyone – a confidant, a professional or just yourself – talking out the reasons you are feeling the way you are will not only make you feel better, but will also help you find solutions clearly.

Work it out. Believe it or not, but exercise releases endorphins in your brain, instantly boosting your overall attitude. If you’re feeling down, go out for a walk or to the gym. It’s just as good as that chocolate snack, but won’t make you feel bad afterwards.

Hug it out. Love is the strong stress reliever of all. So, grab whatever or whoever you love the most and just love on them for a minute.

If you would like more information about stress eating, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Oil Pulling 101: What You Need to Know | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, , , , , , ,

We all love a good tip to improve our health, but trends come and go. However, the good ones will stick around for eons. And one of the latest trends has been oil pulling.

Oil pulling is basically swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes. The oil detoxes your mouth and continues to improve various health issues over time. Any type of healthy oil will do, but coconut oil has incredible health benefits.

The problem with bacteria is that it loves dark damp places, so the mouth is a great place for it to move in and set up camp. As toxins are leaving your body, you will begin to feel better and notice that your skin is beginning to glow. But if the mouth is the focus of bacteria, what does oil pulling do for that? We were just about to get there…

Fresh breath. One of the reasons one has bad breath is because of bacteria build-up in the mouth. Since the oil rids your mouth of bacteria, it simultaneously rids it of your halitosis.

Pearly whites. Over-the-counter products are full of bleach and chemicals. Oil pulling is one way to naturally whiten your teeth at home.

No more plaque. Oil pulling helps detoxify your mouth by reducing the harmful bacteria that leads to plaque build-up, giving you added protection against cavity-causing bacteria.

No more bleeding gums. Oil pulling helps reduce swelling as it heals your bleeding gums and reverses gingivitis.

If you would like more information about oil pulling, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

A Toothbrush Isn’t a One-Time Purchase | Boca Raton Dentist

Boca Raton Dentist, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, Tooth Decay, , , , , ,

It’s no mystery that we should be brushing our teeth twice a day in order to maintain our oral health, but it’s important to remember that your toothbrush is a tool and you need a great tool to do the job correctly. We use it to remove food debris and bacteria from our teeth, and like many tools, it requires proper care in order be effective.

To minimize bacteria, the toothbrush must be kept clean. It should be washed thoroughly with tap water after each use to remove food particles and leftover toothpaste. When stored, keeping it upright will allow excess water to drain from the bristles, less likely to grow bacteria. If you need to store it in a closed container (for example, when traveling), try to dry it using a clean towel beforehand.

From time to time, sanitize your toothbrush with antibacterial mouthwash. You can even toss it in the dishwasher to kill bacteria. There are also professional sterilizers that utilize ultraviolet light to sanitize toothbrushes available on the market.

The average toothbrush should last 3-4 months, but if it shows signs of wear it needs to be replaced. Bristles that are frayed, loose, or falling out, or any cracking plastic are all replacement signs. Even if the toothbrush is in good condition, you should consider replacing your toothbrush after you’ve been ill. Continuing to use a toothbrush after you’ve been sick will continue introducing bacteria into your system, making you more susceptible to further illness and dental issues.

If you would like more information about toothbrushes, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

January 21st Is National Granola Bar Day | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Oral Health, Preventative Dentistry, Tooth Decay, , , , , , , , , , ,

186932212There are lots of foods that we love to indulge in aren’t necessarily good for us. In order to compensate for the lack of nutrition, we eat foods that are better for us to counterbalance things. But what if I told you that you may be eating foods that only look good for us? Yes, there are some foods that are unhealthy but choose to remain incognito. One of these foods is a staple at every health food store – the granola bar.

Your basic granola bar is composed of some really healthy ingredients – lots of grains like oats and barley are mixed with superfoods like nuts and dried fruits, in order to keep up energy. This is why hikers and other outdoor sports enthusiasts use them while on the go. So far, so good, right? Here is where things get dicey.

In order to create the “bar” effect that makes up a granola bar, there needs to be an ingredient to hold everything together. Unfortunately, this ends up being some type of sticky sugary agent, like honey, syrup and/or molasses. Not only do these ingredients bind everything together in the molds, but also adds a sweet factor that gives the granola its draw. Therein lies the problem. Sugar is the main culprit we have in getting cavities!

So, next time you are looking for a healthy snack to nosh on, make sure to read the labels on your favorites. You may be surprised just how healthy they really are for not only our bodies, but our smiles as well.

If you would like more information about teeth-friendly foods, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

New Year, New Habits | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Preventative Dentistry, Teeth Whitening, Teeth Whitening Boca Raton, , , , , , , , , , , ,

whitening-smallAs we prepare to embark on yet another new year, it’s time for us to sit and think about ways we need to improve over the next year. One of the main habits surrendered during this time of year is smoking. The harmful effects of smoking on respiratory and cardiac health are well known, but if you’re a smoker, we want to make sure that you’re aware that smoking can also affect your oral health. In fact, just like it can lead to respiratory and cardiac issues, smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults have, or have had, some type of gum disease. The same study reported that more than 64 percent of smokers suffered from periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in place!

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of gum disease. Smoking restricts the amount of blood flowing in your gums and surrounding tissues, which increases their chance of being inflamed. When you smoke, your immune system is weakened, leaving your body more vulnerable to infection. Gum disease occurs when the tissue that supports your teeth becomes infected due to plaque buildup. First you get gingivitis, then plaque that eventually hardens into tartar.

But your gums aren’t the only thing you need to worry about. Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, but it also aids in losing them. The appearance of stained teeth is unpleasant enough on its own. All of the nicotine and tar found in tobacco turns the teeth from their natural white to yellow and eventually to brown. But if this is a habit that you continue with, know that that long-term smoking can result in tooth loss. Having teeth is far more attractive than having a cigarette in your mouth!

But there’s more. Smoking will eventually take over lots of areas in your mouth, causing health issues that are far more detrimental than yellowed teeth. Smoking is one of the primary causes of mouth cancer, and it can be fatal. According to the Dental Health Foundation, smoking or chewing tobacco causes between 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers. If that’s not bad enough, even those “I only smoke when I drink” have an underlying issue. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of oral cancer so if one consumes alcohol and tobacco together, the risk is even higher.

We are sympathetic to those who struggle with an addiction to tobacco products, but please don’t sacrifice your beautiful smile to the dangers of smoking. If you quit smoking, brush twice a day, floss once a day, eat a well-balanced diet, and attend your regular dental checkups and cleanings, then you will significantly improve your chances of enjoying great oral health.

If you feel smoking has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Reasons Why Your Mouth Wants You to Quit Smoking | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, General Dentistry, Oral Health, , , , , , , , , , , ,

ThinkstockPhotos-164125777We all know there are lots of health issues that can arise because you use tobacco products. It can affect lots of different areas in the body, from head to toe. The harmful effects of smoking on respiratory and cardiac health are well known, but if you’re a smoker, we want to make sure that you’re aware that smoking can also affect your oral health. Smoking can be catastrophic to your teeth, gums and mouth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that nearly half of American adults that are 30 years old or older have or have had gum disease at some point. The same study reported that more than 64 percent of smokers suffered from periodontal disease, which is an inflammation of the gums that can lead to the loss of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. Safe to say gum disease is a common ailment for many people.

Smoking restricts the amount of blood flowing in your gums and surrounding tissues, which increases their chance of being inflamed. When you smoke, your immune system is weakened, leaving your body more vulnerable to infection. Gum disease occurs when the tissue that supports your teeth becomes infected, due to the buildup of plaque, which hardens into tartar. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research has reported that smoking is one of the most significant factors associated with the development of gum disease.

Smoking doesn’t just stain your teeth, in time it can rob you of them. The appearance of stained teeth is unpleasant enough on its own, because the nicotine and tar found in tobacco turns the teeth from their natural white to yellow and eventually brown. Long-term smoking can even result in tooth loss. And despite what tobacco company ads may portray, having teeth is far more attractive than having a cigarette in your mouth!

Bad breath is one nasty by-product of smoking that can cause awkward implications for your social life, but the ramifications for your overall oral health can be much worse: Smoking is one of the primary causes of mouth cancer, and it can be fatal. According to the Dental Health Foundation, smoking or chewing tobacco causes between 80 to 90 percent of oral cancers.

If you feel smoking has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

When Your Breath Is Hot like Fire | Boca Raton Dentist

Bad Breath, Flossing, General Dentistry, Oral Health, Oral Hygiene, Tooth Decay, , , , , , , , ,

Fresh Breath

No one wants or likes to hear they have bad breath, but it’s worse not to know it. There can be many factors to your bad breath, and all are treatable. While poor dental hygiene accounts for most cases of halitosis, bad breath can sometimes signal another underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing bad breath start with a visit to your dentist. If you are only suffering from bad breath from either an internal or oral problem, fortunately this problem is often easy to fix.

Studies show that about 80% of bad breath comes from an oral source. For instance, cavities or gum disease can lead to bad breath; tonsils that have trapped food particles, cracked fillings, and less-than-clean dentures. Good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, and ruling out any underlying conditions or other factors that could make your breath less than pleasant (e.g. medications or diet).

When the enamel on your teeth erodes, food particles can get deposited in those holes, called dental caries. Because brushing your teeth can’t remove these food deposits, they can eventually grow bacteria, producing a bad smell. Gingivitis is another medical condition that may cause bad breath. When the gum becomes inflamed with bacteria, it can result in severe pain and foul smelling discharge.

So what do you do to prevent bad breath from happening? Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in keeping bad breath away. Make sure you keep up your oral hygiene routine by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, a thorough flossing session, and a quick rinse with some mouthwash to seal in the cleanliness and fresh breath!

In between your oral routine it is important to keep one thing in mind: Saliva is our first line of defense against bad breath! And what causes us to create this magical dental friend? Chewing. Every meal you eat, every snack you nosh on, every piece of bubble gum you chew is all helping to create the saliva that fights against germs and bad breath. But keep in mind, it takes 20 minutes for sugar to be cleared from your mouth after its consumption. The more often you are chewing on something sugary, the more often you are exposing your teeth to more bacteria, so try to keep these munching spurts less sugary and more healthy. Sugar-free gum & candy is great, but so is a handy bottle of water. Keeping a nice balance will not only get those salivary glands working, but will also help out the cause when you don’t have a toothbrush handy.

There are some conditions that will, in fact, prevent a healthy amount of saliva in our mouths. Certain medications or diseases can also affect the way your body produces saliva. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is more likely to develop conditions like rapid tooth decay, gum disease, cavities or even bad breath. This may be able to be cured naturally by drinking lots of water and chewing on sugar-free gum or candy, but more than likely, you should have a medical professional give you their opinion as it could be preventable.

A quick breath check can save you from more than just an awkward social situation — it could tell you if you have an underlying dental problem.

If you feel bad breath has become an issue, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

Mouthwash: Is It Really Doing What It Claims? | Boca Raton Dentist

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ThinkstockPhotos-164125777One of my favorite characters on The Simpsons had to be Bleeding Gums Murphy. Not only was he the kindred spirit & jazzy mentor of little Lisa Simpson, but he also had a wicked nickname. We are never told exactly how he got his nickname but he did say this, “Well, let me put it this way…you ever been to the dentist? Not me. I suppose I should go to one, but I got enough pain in my life as it is.” Despite the need of his mouth in order to play the sax, something tells me that Bleeding Gums Murphy wasn’t too keen about oral health.

If we know anything about germs, we know that they thrive off of dark, moist places so our mouths are a constant breeding ground for bacteria. And unfortunately, this bacteria can lead to gum disease. Gingivitis, or the beginning stages of gum disease can be reversed. It’s an infection that irritates the soft tissues around your teeth. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to more serious periodontal diseases as it begins to affect the tissue and bones that support your teeth. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) describes periodontal (gum) disease as a natural inflammatory reaction to harmful bacteria in your mouth. The redness, swelling, bleeding and/or bad breath are all listed as symptoms but they can be reversed with, wait for it…mouthwash.

Believe it or not, antimicrobial mouthwash is your leading line of defense when you realize gum disease is presenting itself in your mouth. It not only helps cure up the gingivitis, but it can also prevent bleeding gums and inflammation by eliminating the bacteria in your mouth causing the irritation. There isn’t any particular brand that works better than others, but some can protect your mouth for as long as 12 hours. That’s impressive. As long as they have the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, all have their own benefits, and all will go in attacking the bacteria in your mouth with a vengeance.
There are times when periodontal disease has been neglected for too long and has become more of an issue. If this is the case, your dentist may prescribe you a prescription-strength mouthwash. Its main ingredient is chlorhexidine gluconate, which not only will kills all the bacteria that promotes irritated gums but also plaque formation.
When it comes to periodontal disease, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your oral health. Make sure you brush for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, change your toothbrush every few months, and see your dentist regularly, especially when you start to feel pain in your mouth. Taking care of your teeth doesn’t take a lot of work, just some conscious effort in your daily routines. Even Bleeding Gums Murphy could have used a swish or two.

For more information on mouthwash benefits, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.

What’s the Deal with Flossing? | Boca Raton Dentist

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If there is any part of the daily dental routine we drag our feet about, it has to be flossing. Not sure what it is, but there is something about this particular action that makes us cringe with dread. The excuse varies from patient to patient – some find it difficult, others simply don’t think they have time, and still others don’t understand the purpose and importance of flossing. While brushing your teeth regularly is necessary to prevent tooth decay, flossing is just as important. Sad to say but, brushing alone, without flossing, will not prevent either tooth decay or periodontal disease.

One of the main risks to oral health is damage from bacteria that damage tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. This bacteria takes the form of plaque (a thin yellow film composed primarily of bacteria and water), which will harden into tartar if not removed. The presence of plaque and tartar is virtually always damaging to teeth because it produces certain acids that will eat through tooth enamel and hardened tartar deposits that will physically irritate gum tissue, leading to gum recession.

The primary purpose of flossing is to remove plaque and tartar from surfaces of the teeth that cannot be reached by brushing alone. Because brushing alone cannot reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning. No matter how much you brush going forward, brushing and flossing alone will be unable to remove the calcified deposits from teeth.

Patients who rarely floss will likely notice that their gums are irritated and bleed when flossing. This is nature’s way of telling you to have a professional cleaning. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal. It is important, though, to use antibacterial mouthwash in conjunction with flossing to help kill any bacteria that remain in the mouth after flossing.

Brushing and mouthwash can help kill most of the bacteria in your mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth to keep your gums healthy. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you a proper flossing technique. It will not only keep your mouth healthy, but it will also keep you out of the dentist chair, awaiting a terrible procedure.

For more information on proper flossing technique, contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Dr. Rosenbusch proudly serves Boca Raton, Del Rey Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs, Boynton, Ft. Lauderdale and all surrounding areas.