Tag Archives: tooth decay

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.

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.

It’s All About Taking Preventative Measures | Boca Raton Dentist

General Dentistry, Preventative Dentistry, , , , , , , ,

ThinkstockPhotos-185147513Not taking proper care of your teeth and neglecting your oral health can easily cost you thousands of dollars in restorative dental care. But, by practicing what’s known as preventative dental care, you can easily save yourself from the hassle of having to deal with and spending money for various dental problems.

Preventative dental care emphasizes the proper education, treatment and practice of maintaining good oral health. It involves brushing daily, flossing, rinsing and even regular dental cleanings, all of which are designed to help prevent gum disease, cavities and a wide range of other dental problems.

In-Office Procedures

Preventative treatment can occur in the dental chair, with the most common form being the dental exam itself. The main purpose of a dental exam is to thoroughly check the teeth for any possible signs of gum disease, dental decay, cavities, so on. Taking X-rays may also be necessary, depending on the occasion. After the examination, the dental practitioner can recommend a thorough cleaning, which is also one of the best ways to keep cavities and gum disease at bay.

Most of the time, one appointment is more than enough. However, if you haven’t been visiting the dentist often for regular maintenance and checkups, more than one appointment may be required. And if infection and other complications are already present, your dental practitioner may have to refer you to another specialist.

Preventative Dentistry in Children

The best way to prevent gum disease and other oral complications is to start early, which is why preventative dentistry in children is very important. As early as 1 to 2 years old, children should be taken to the dentist regularly to ensure a lifetime of dental health. For further preventative measures, sealants that can help prevent decay during the years (between ages of 6 and 12) the permanent molars start to erupt may also be applied. Orthodontics and the wearing of braces is also a popular choice among parents as this helps prevent misalignment as a child’s jaw slowly matures into adulthood. All in all, the key here is for parents to teach children proper dental hygiene habits and more importantly, be role models themselves.

Benefits and Goals of Preventative Dentistry

Preventative dentistry comes in many forms, including fluoride use, following a well-balanced diet, visiting the dentist regularly, regular dental cleanings and screenings, X-rays, use of mouth guards, oral health management and so on.

The main goal here is to prevent all sorts of oral complications from gum disease, sensitivity, cavities, oral cancer, as well as many others and keep them at bay. And, when you consider the costs of treatment versus prevention, preferring the latter is a NO-brainer of a decision. Also, now that oral health has been proven to affect our overall health, there’s really no reason NOT to emphasize the importance of preventative dentistry.

All things considered, preventative dentistry can not only save you both time and money, but it can also help you enjoy and look forward to a lifetime’s worth of a healthy smile!

If you feel you need to begin preventative dental care, 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.

Why Are My Teeth Sensitive To Hot and Cold?

General Dentistry, , ,

Professional dental brushingIf you’ve been avoiding cold and hot foods or beverages because of sensitivity in your teeth, it may be time that you try and find out the underlying cause for the pain.

Why Does It Happen?

Dentin, the primary material found inside each tooth, contains microscopic tubules full of tiny nerve endings. Then, on the outside, a much harder material considered as the hardest substance found in the human body known as enamel, covers pretty much the whole tooth.

Durable as the enamel may be, it is still possible for teeth to lose its protective covering, exposing dentin or the nerve endings to hot and cold food or beverages, resulting in pain.

What Causes It?

Why someone may have sensitive teeth can be narrowed down to the following causes:

  • The excessive use of a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing too aggressively, resulting into the enamel wearing out prematurely.
  • Frequent exposure to highly acidic beverages and acidic foods resulting to tooth erosion.
  • Tooth decay, broken teeth and worn-out fillings that may expose dentin.
  • Exposed roots of the teeth due to gum recession.
  • Bruxism or the habitual grinding of teeth, especially when asleep.
  • A possibleside effect of certain dental treatments such as tooth bleaching, crowns, fillings and so on.

What You Can Do About It

The first step in getting rid of the pain that comes with tooth sensitivity is to talk to your dentist and have your teeth checked.

During your visit, it is best to describe when you first remembered feeling the pain, as well as what caused or triggered it. Also, tell your dentist about certain measures you’ve taken, such as applying a warm compress that had a positive effect.

Your dentist will have to check your mouth thoroughly to determine the reason behind your tooth sensitivity. Then, after a brief discussion, you can then choose the type of treatment you want to have to treat underlying cause.

Treatment may be something as simple as filling in a cavity, or having a worn filling replaced. However, it can also be as complex as having a gum graft conducted to help protect the exposed root surface or periodontal treatment to treat tooth decay, as well as to prevent it from reoccurring.

Other forms of treatment may be the application of an in-office fluoride gel that can help strengthen the tooth enamel. This may help reduce, or even eliminate, painful sensations.

You may also want to consider using desensitizing toothpastes instead of what you regularly use. Since they’re specially designed for sensitive teeth, you should feel less or even no pain at all with regular use. Also, you’ll want to use a toothbrush with soft-bristles and change it every time it’s worn out, or every two to three months, whichever comes first.

Still, the best thing that you can do, as mentioned earlier, is to set an appointment with your dentist today. Who knows, one visit may be all that it takes for you to be able to enjoy ice cream as you once did!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment today. Or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com for additional information regarding oral health.  

What To Do When You Already Have Tooth Decay

Tooth Decay, , , , ,

ThinkstockPhotos-464323669Even after your best efforts of preventing tooth decay, sometimes, it just happens and your dentist ends up finding a sign or two. Though, it’s not as threatening, nor as painful, you shouldn’t give in to the temptation of putting off treatment for a later time.

Why so?

This is because tooth decay just doesn’t repair itself, not now and not ever. If it’s already begun showing signs and symptoms, what may start off as a minor problem can escalate rather quickly if left untreated, more so if left unchecked.

How Tooth Decay Starts

Tooth decay is a very subtle bacterial infection that starts way before patients develop any noticeable signs and symptoms.

Thanks to the acid-spewing bacteria produced by the sticky plaque on your teeth, the acids can slowly dissolve even the hard enamel protecting your teeth. It does this without causing any pain or discomfort.

By the time tooth decay does cause pain, it can infect not just your teeth, but also the root and cause even more pain.

Apart from pain, here are a few signs and symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Facial swelling
  • A foul taste in your mouth

Though, if you visit your dentist regularly, you won’t have to worry about checking signs and symptoms yourself since they’ll know if you’re already suffering from early tooth decay through a regular oral or dental examination.

What To Do

The best possible course of action is to seek care as soon as possible.

Not postponing treatment gives you a better chance of fighting off tooth decay and in many cases, even reversing its effects.

Possible treatment options include:

  • Fluoride treatments. Applied via liquid, gel, foam or varnish, the flourish is brushed to teeth and placed in a small tray that’s worn over the teeth. Each treatment takes no longer than a few minutes and is likely to help restore the tooth’s enamel in minor cases such as when the cavity is just getting started.
  • If the decay has begun to erode tooth enamel, fillings can be used to restore teeth to its proper shape and cover up cavities. For a better look, opt for tooth-colored fillings that fit perfectly with the rest of your teeth.
  • Once the cavity has grown too big, causing the tooth to lose much of its structure, a crown may be the only way to restore the tooth’s shape and function. These treatments cost a bit more than just a simple filling.
  • Root canals. A root canal is often the only way to save the tooth once the tooth decay has progressed too much, where the diseased pulp is cleaned and sealed. A crown may be necessary if to restore the tooth to its proper form and function.
  • Tooth extraction. In the worst possible case, the dentist may have to remove the affected teeth to prevent tooth decay from spreading even further. Aesthetically, having a missing tooth or two just doesn’t look good. Though, the various health risks it poses shouldn’t be neglected as well.

 

One good reason why you shouldn’t let tooth decay progress even further is not just the possible loss of teeth, but how it can progress to periodontitis.

This form of gum disease is very dangerous and may put you at risk for various complications, ranging from heart disease and diabetes, among others. Even worse is that it’s not easy to cure, nor is it curable in most cases, often only manageable through regular treatments, which can be quite expensive.

To put simply, you should always go to the dentist at the first sign of trouble. Though, if you’re already there, might as well ask for a list of possible treatment options and have tooth decay taken care of right there and then.

Of course, prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to do this is to brush and floss daily, as well as visit the dentist regularly for checkups and thorough cleaning sessions.

If you feel that you may be suffering from tooth decay, contact Dr. Clive Rosenbusch, DDS at 561-394-7888 to schedule an appointment for a checkup today or visit www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

Can You Reverse Tooth Decay?

Tooth Decay, , , ,

tooth decay

Proper oral care is rather simple – take good care of your teeth or your smile will suffer for it. But, simple, doesn’t always mean easy. If it were, then people won’t have to worry about having any dental problem and dentists won’t have as many patients.

The truth is, dental problems affect people of all ages today and one of the most common is tooth decay.

Tooth decay is what happens when the bacteria in plaque have produced enough acid in your mouth to destroy your tooth enamel. Being that bacteria are always present in your mouth, the key to preventing tooth decay is to always exercise proper oral care.

What happens, though, once the damage has been done? Can the effects of tooth decay still be reversed?

Visiting Your Dentist

Well, sadly, there are no immediate and magical cures for tooth decay. Also, when it comes to tooth decay, you’re better off taking steps to preventing it rather than trying to undo the damage it has done, which is near-impossible to do so.

What you can do, however, is to start scheduling regular appointments with the dentist. They can help you prevent tooth decay, or at least, prevent it from progressing any further. Also, they can check your teeth for cavities and other dental problems. They can also clean your teeth and gums to get rid of as much plaque, as well as bacteria as possible.

Basic Dental Habits

While undoing the damage done by tooth decay is already out of the question, you can at least defend yourself from it. You can start by brushing twice a day to help rid your teeth of plaque and food particles that are partly responsible for tooth decay. Flossing and rinsing regularly also helps in this regard.

Use Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride is a key ingredient in helping prevent tooth decay and keeping your smile as bright as it can be. Fluoride can also help reverse the mild effects of tooth decay, making it even more important of an ingredient.

Brushing with fluoride toothpaste and rinsing with a fluoride rinse will keep your teeth healthy and prevent tooth decay

Use Sugarless Gum

If you’re going to chew on gum, go sugarless.

As it turns out, the chewing of gum can help stimulate saliva production. The more your mouth produces saliva, the more it’s able to neutralize and wash away the acids on your teeth, helping prevent tooth decay.

By chewing on sugarless gum regularly, you have a great option that helps keep your teeth nice and clean in between brushing and flossing. As a bonus, your breath will almost always smell fresh.

Just remember to chew on sugarless gum that’s been sweetened with Xylitol, not just any other regular gum that’s full of sugar.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash can also help prevent tooth decay by reducing the amount of bacteria present in your mouth.

You can choose to buy an over-the-counter mouthwash, or get a prescription mouthwash from your dentist.

Keeping Tooth Decay at Bay

By giving your teeth all the tender loving care that they deserve, you can help make sure that they’re in clean and healthy for many more years to come!

Make an appointment today for a check up and cleaning with Clive Rosenbusch DDS at 561-394-7888 or by visiting the website at www.cliverosenbuschdds.com.

 

FLOSSING | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Flossing, , , , , , ,

flossingDentists routinely remind people to floss regularly – many patients have no problem brushing their teeth twice a day, but many seem to have a harder time flossing. 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: 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 – the bacteria within the mouth produces acids that damage the tooth and gum tissue, resulting in tooth decay and periodontal disease. Within the mouth, 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 – it will produce acids that will eat through tooth enamel, and hardened tartar deposits 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 can not be reached by brushing alone. In particular, while brushing is great at cleaning the lingual (tongue-facing), facial (cheek-facing), and occlusal (biting) surfaces, it’s relatively poor at cleaning the proximal surfaces – those between teeth. Because brushing alone can not reach between teeth, flossing can help physically scrape plaque from teeth before it’s allowed to harden into tartar. Patients that skip flossing risk allowing tartar to form between teeth – once plaque hardens into tartar, it needs to be removed with professional cleaning, as 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 usually an indication that they should have a professional cleaning, and floss more often to help remove existing bacteria. Over time, regular flossing will remove the bacteria that causes inflammation and bleeding, allowing the patient’s gums to heal, and the bleeding will subside. 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 much of the bacteria within the mouth, but flossing is truly necessary to remove plaque from between teeth. If you’re unsure of the right way to floss, ask your dentist or oral hygienist to show you how – proper flossing technique will save you time, and make you more likely to floss daily.

For more information on oral health contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/

Preventing Tooth Decay | BOCA RATON DENTIST

Tooth Decay, , , , ,

Smiling woman with perfect teethBrushing and flossing help prevent tooth decay by removing bacteria and food particles from the teeth before they can damage teeth. The combination of bacteria and food particles is important – the bacteria breaks down food, creating acids that can damage tooth enamel. Not all food is created equally – some can be more or less likely to be consumed by bacteria, and other types of food may be less likely to remain in the mouth once it’s eaten.

Patients wishing to protect their teeth can choose food that helps limit the risk to their teeth; here are some foods that are healthy for teeth:

  • Cheese and milk are high in calcium, helping build stronger teeth, and are low in sugars and acid, making them less likely to contribute to tooth decay. Some studies have shown that cheese, in particular, can help lower mouth acidity further, even for a period of time after eating.
  • Tea – especially green and black tea – contains compounds that slow the growth of bacteria. Patients who drink or rinse their mouth with tea have lower concentrations of bacteria in their mouth, decreasing both tooth decay and bad breath.
  • Sugarless gum that contains Xylitol can help teeth in two ways. First, it stimulates production of saliva to rinse acids and sugars away, and the act of chewing can help dislodge other food particles stuck between teeth. Second, Xylitol has been shown to decrease bacteria within the mouth, helping fight tooth decay.
  • Vegetables such as celery and carrots are crunchy, require chewing, and stimulate production of saliva to help remove other foods from the mouth. Celery also contains high amounts of water, which can help rinse the mouth.

While simply eating tooth-healthy foods is unlikely to prevent tooth decay without proper brushing and flossing, combining healthy foods with a good oral hygiene regimen can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

For more information on tooth decay contact Dr. Rosenbuch at (561) 394-7888 or visit our website at https://cliverosenbuschdds.com/