Did you know that enamel erosion is a dental issue that affects around 80% of the adult population in the United States? This sneaky problem gradually wears away at the enamel, the hard protective layer covering your teeth. As you expose your teeth to erosive agents, you’ll notice changes in your smile that could significantly impact your oral health and well-being. The best dentist in 33144 pulled together the top causes of enamel erosion to help you understand the importance of protecting your tooth enamel.
Without regular brushing and flossing, a sticky film of acid-forming bacteria called plaque will build up on your teeth. Enamel erosion results from the acid that attacks and weakens the enamel. You can prevent this by brushing your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, flossing daily, and rinsing with mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
The tooth enamel begins to dissolve when the pH level in the mouth drops below 5.5. For this reason, regular consumption of acidic foods and beverages can weaken your tooth enamel and make it more vulnerable to erosion.
Limiting your intake of citrus fruits, berries, tomatoes, vinegar, soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks will help keep your tooth enamel intact. If you can’t avoid these foods and drinks, you’ll want to neutralize the acid by rinsing your mouth with water immediately afterward.
Stomach acid flows up into the esophagus and mouth during acid reflux. When acid comes into contact with your teeth, it can erode your enamel. The best way to prevent acid reflux is to treat it with medication, avoid trigger foods, and sleep with your head elevated.
People with bruxism, a condition involving involuntary teeth grinding during sleep, are more susceptible to enamel erosion than those who don’t. Bruxism puts pressure on the enamel, causing it to wear down over time. If you have bruxism, your dentist may recommend wearing a mouthguard to protect your teeth.
At LP Dental & Cosmetic, we deliver high-quality comprehensive dental and cosmetic care to give you the smile you deserve. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Taking care of your teeth and gums ensures a healthy smile. If you have dental implants in Miami, you might have questions about aftercare. It’s important to note that although the implants are known for their strength and durability, these artificial roots will require special attention, especially during the first few days following surgery, to avoid complications, including infection, implant failure, and bone loss.
Besides being bad news for your lungs, smoking slows your healing process and increases your risk of complications and implant failure. If you smoke, it’s best to ditch the habit or at least avoid smoking for the first few weeks after surgery.
Although you’ll experience discomfort while you heal, your dentist may prescribe something stronger than over-the-counter painkillers. Since the healing process slows down when you’re in pain, you’ll want to take the meds as directed and not wait for the pain to worsen before you take them.
Chewing or biting down on hard or sticky foods will cause injury to your gums or dislodge the implant. For this reason, you’ll want to stick to a soft diet for at least a week following your dental implant surgery. Eating soft foods like yogurt, smoothies, soups, mashed potatoes, and pasta is best.
Try not to disturb the implant area with your tongue while you heal. However, you’ll want to keep your mouth clean to avoid infection. Brush your teeth and floss regularly without irritating the implant site. Your dentist may recommend using a special brush or mouthwash.
At LP Dental & Cosmetic, we provide comprehensive dental and cosmetic care to help our patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Contact us today to make an appointment.
You’ll probably agree that a bright, sparkling smile is a hallmark of good health and youthfulness. For this reason, more and more people turn to professional teeth whitening in Miami to transform their smile from drab to fab. However, getting those pearly whites is only half the battle. Post-whitening care is crucial to maintaining a dazzling new smile.
Common culprits for staining teeth include coffee, tea, red wine, and berries. Although eliminating these items from your diet can be challenging, you can limit your consumption. It’s also a good idea to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth shortly after eating or drinking anything that could stain your teeth.
Drinking teeth-staining beverages, such as coffee, tea, or soda, through a straw will minimize contact between the staining liquid and your teeth. If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of plastic straws, consider using reusable straws made from silicone, metal, or glass.
Smoking is one of the common reasons why people have stained teeth. Nicotine and tar can cause teeth to appear yellow or brown as they build up on teeth. Quitting smoking will improve your overall health and help keep your smile white.
Brushing your teeth at least twice daily and flossing once daily can eliminate surface stains and prevent plaque buildup. When plaque accumulates on teeth, it creates a rough surface that attracts stains. For this reason, maintaining good oral hygiene prevents stains from forming.
Besides keeping your mouth healthy, dental cleanings at least twice yearly keep your teeth white. During a cleaning, the dentist or hygienist removes surface stains and buildup that brushing and flossing can’t eliminate. In addition, they offer advice on how to maintain good oral hygiene at home.
At LP Dental & Cosmetics, we provide high-quality teeth whitening treatments to help you achieve a dazzling white smile. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Millions of people worldwide struggle with dental anxiety. For some, the fear and anxiety associated with dental visits can be so overwhelming that they avoid seeking the care they need. With the advancements in sedation dentistry in Miami, patients can relax and feel more comfortable in the dental chair.
Although dental sedation can be a safe and effective option for most patients, not everyone is a good candidate for this treatment.
Dental anxiety or phobia can prevent patients from receiving necessary dental care. Dental sedation makes it easy for them to undergo treatment.
Routine dental procedures can be uncomfortable for patients with a low pain threshold. Since sedation dentistry reduces pain perception, they can tolerate dental procedures.
People with a strong gag reflex can benefit from dental sedation because it suppresses this reflex, making it easier for the dentist to perform the procedure.
Patients with special needs, including developmental disabilities or , may find it challenging to tolerate dental treatments. Sedation dentistry makes the experience less stressful and more comfortable for them.
People with severe asthma, obstructive sleep apnea, or heart disease may not be good candidates for dental sedation because it can worsen their conditions and pose a risk to their health.
Pregnant women must avoid sedation dentistry because it can cause harm to the developing fetus.
Patients with a history of substance abuse are prone to addiction or other adverse reactions to the medication used during dental sedation.
Medications used for dental sedation can trigger an allergic reaction in some patients. For this reason, those allergic to certain medications may not be good candidates for sedation dentistry.
At LP Dental & Cosmetic, we want you to be as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your appointments. Contact us today to make an appointment.