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Tooth decay is a common oral health issue affecting millions worldwide. Although dental professionals have made significant progress in understanding and treating tooth decay, persistent myths surrounding it prevent people from making informed decisions about their dental health. The best dentist near Miami Airport sheds light on the facts to promote healthier smiles for everyone.

Debunking Tooth Decay Myths 

Myth #1: “Sugar is the sole cause of tooth decay.” 

While it’s true that consuming excessive amounts of sugar can contribute to tooth decay, it’s not the sole cause. Tooth decay is a complex process that involves a combination of factors, including bacteria in the mouth, poor oral hygiene, frequent snacking, acidic foods and beverages, and genetic predisposition.  

Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that attack the tooth enamel. However, it’s important to note that proper oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, can help remove plaque and reduce the risk of tooth decay, even after consuming sugar. 

Myth #2: “Brushing teeth harder and more frequently prevents tooth decay.”

Brushing your teeth harder and more frequently doesn’t necessarily provide better protection against tooth decay. Brushing too hard or using a hard-bristled toothbrush can erode the enamel and irritate the gums, leading to sensitivity and gum recession.  

Dentists recommend brushing your teeth gently but thoroughly, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, for two minutes twice daily. Additionally, don’t forget to floss daily and visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings. 

Myth #3: “Only children get tooth decay.” 

While children may be more susceptible due to their developing teeth and less-developed oral hygiene habits, tooth decay can occur at any age. Factors such as poor oral hygiene, a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates, dry mouth, gum recession, and certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of tooth decay in adults. People of all ages must maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to prevent and detect tooth decay early. 

Are You Looking for a Dentist Near Miami Airport? 

At LP Dental and Cosmetics, we provide quality dental care to help you enjoy a lifetime of healthy smiles. Contact us today to make an appointment. 

Your mouth is the first place your body comes in contact with the nutrients you consume. So, the food or drinks you put in your mouth can affect your general health, teeth, and gums. If your nutrition is poor and you do not take your oral health seriously, it can be noticeable in your mouth.  The best advice you can get is from your affordable Miami Dentist if you’re unsure what to avoid. 

Some Foods Can Cause Damage 

The job of your dentist is to educate you about oral health and how you can have a healthy, beautiful smile. You may want to limit foods or drinks that can damage your oral region and cause gum disease. Your gums are as important as your teeth; they deserve the same respect and, most importantly, care. 

Which Foods and Drinks Should We Avoid?

Sugar causes plaque to form on your teeth, which leads to enamel erosion and gum disease if left unchecked. Let´s examine the most common foods and drinks we consume that can negatively affect our health. 

• Ice Cream: This frozen dessert is extremely high in sugar content. 
• Tomatoes: The tomato juice is highly acidic. Its acid wears away gums and promotes decay. For this reason, the dentist recommends pairing it with other food like tuna, chicken, and lentils to neutralize. 
• Oranges: This fruit, like grapefruits, lemons, and limes, is acidic and high in natural fruit sugar, which can damage and erode teeth and gums.  
• Bread: Bread, crackers, and chips are full of starches made from white flour; these are not friends of your gums. 
• Sports drinks: These are high in sugar and acid, so they can erode gums and promote tooth decay. Ingredients in these beverages can affect your health.  
• Coffee, Tea, and Alcohol: These drinks reduce saliva flow, which can contribute to gum disease. 

You don´t have to stop eating the meals you love, but you must be conscious of them. 

Talk to Your Affordable Miami Dentist to Know More About Protecting Your Gums!

At LP Dental and Cosmetic, we believe that patient education is crucial to keeping your dental health. Feel free to make an appointment and ask your dentist in Miami about gum disease and overall oral health. Please schedule an appointment today.  

It’s an experience that we all share. You wake up in the morning, yawn, and find out that your breath smells terrible. However, you don’t always have to rush to your West Miami dentist in 33144 at the first sign of bad breath. The reason behind morning breath is not always something alarming. 

Stinky Breath Is a Natural Byproduct of Sleep 

As the body rests during sleep, the mouth decreases its saliva production. Saliva is vital to removing bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause plaque and foul-smelling breath.  

Because the mouth is secreting less saliva as you sleep, these oral fauna thrive and multiply. In this case, you can eliminate bad breath by gargling mouthwash or water after waking up. You can also prevent it from coming back by drinking at least eight glasses of water a day. 

When Is Halitosis a Cause of Concern? 

You may have a dental problem if the smell persists throughout the day, even after observing proper oral hygiene. Here are some possible reasons you continue to have a foul odor in your mouth. 

Plaque 

Plaque can still form even when you regularly brush your teeth. Malocclusion, or crooked teeth, may leave food bits in areas the bristles cannot reach. These particles will attract bacteria that coat your teeth if not removed. Adding flossing to your oral health routine may help remove plaque and prevent smelly breath. 

Gum Infections 

Both gingivitis and periodontitis can manifest as potent breath. In gingivitis, the foul smell comes from plaque that hardened into a shell called tartar. Your dentist can treat and remove tartar, as well as bad breath.  

On the other hand, periodontitis causes tissue recession that exposes microscopic gaps between gums and teeth where bacteria can multiply and cause bad breath. 

Tobacco 

Tobacco deposits chemicals into your teeth that add to plaque’s effect and worsen pungent breath. Smoking also dehydrates the mouth and decreases saliva levels, allowing more bacteria to reproduce. 

Visit Your West Miami Dentist in 33144 Regularly 

You can prevent situations that cause pervasive foul oral odor by regularly visiting your dentist in West Miami. For appointments, contact our office now. 

Many people are scared to go to the dentist in 33144 because they don’t want to be judged, especially those who haven’t been conscientious about their oral care routine. Sadly, many of them lie about their dental hygiene practices. Truth be told, your dentist knows that you’re lying. Statistics show that more than a quarter of the US population lie to their dentist.    

2 Reasons Why You Should Be Honest with Your Dentist 

#1 Your Dentist Won’t Judge 

Why do patients lie to their dentists? The reason why they lie is that they are afraid they’ll be judged. Lying to your dentist will not solve the problem. To set the record straight, your dentist will not judge you, and they won’t blame you nor condemn you for what happened. In fact, they’ll do the opposite. 

Dentists are understanding and compassionate, and instead of insulting or shaming you, they’ll educate you on what to do and give you tips to help improve your oral health. 

#2 Your Dentist Knows the Truth 

Lying is a complete waste of time because your dentist knows the truth. Just by looking at your teeth during an oral exam, your dentist will know. So, don’t lie about brushing your teeth every day if you only brush whenever you remember. 

Your unhealthy lifestyle will show on your teeth and gums. Dentists also know if you only floss your teeth the day before your appointment. Months of neglect will cause plaque and tartar to accumulate on your teeth, and this is something you can’t get rid of overnight. 

Are You Honest with Your Dentist in 33144? 

Being honest with your dentist will result in better dental care. At LP Dental and Cosmetic, we are proud of our decades of experience in the industry. Over the years, we’ve provided our patients with excellent dental services that are customized to fit their needs. Call us today for an appointment. 

Despite how busy your mornings are, you still find time to brush your teeth. And, even if you are dead tired from work, you make sure you brush and floss your teeth before going to bed. But you get the shock of your life when your dentist tells you that you have cavities. How could that be when you religiously followed the advice of your dentist in 33144.  What went wrong? You were sure you did everything by the book. 

Why Do I Still Have Cavities Despite Brushing and Flossing Daily?  

You’re Brushing and Flossing Wrong 

Some people brush their teeth using the wrong toothbrush, and then some brush too hard. Others brush too fast. Unfortunately, if you don’t follow the proper techniques for brushing and flossing, all your efforts are for nothing. 

Ideally, you should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes using gentle, circular strokes. However, brushing too hard and too fast is counterproductive, and doing so will only predispose you to enamel erosion and cavity development.  

It’s also important to know the proper way to floss your teeth to ensure that all crevices are free from plaque and traces of food debris.

You Snack Frequently 

Did you know that frequent snacking will put you at risk of cavity formation? When you frequently snack, especially if your snacks are loaded with starch or sugar, plaque will continuously form in your mouth. Remember that the bacteria present in plaque produce acids that will eat away your enamel and create pits and holes known as cavities. 

Do You Need to See a Dentist in 33144? 

Aside from an oral care routine, you must also regularly visit your dentist for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. At LP Dental and Cosmetic, your dental health is our priority. We also ensure that the dental treatments you’re about to undergo will meet your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Call us today for an appointment.