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Gum disease is among the most troubling dental illnesses. It causes gum recession and bleeding, which may be painful. If you don’t visit your West Miami dentist in a timely manner, it may lead to even more serious consequences, like tooth loss and severe jawbone recession.

Sadly, around 75% of Americans currently suffer from periodontal disease, making it a highly common disease. Unbeknown to most, periodontitis is a pretty contagious disease. It can easily spread to your loved ones if you’re not careful and don’t oversee the importance of getting a periodontal treatment.

Here’s what you need to know about this.

Is Periodontal Disease Contagious?

The answer is yes.

Gingivitis is caused by a bacterial infection that spreads to the gums from plaque buildup. This bacteria can pass from person to person. Although short-term, casual contact cannot transmit gum disease, prolonged, frequent salivary contact (e.g., kissing) can raise your risk of developing periodontal disease.

Pregnant Women and Gingivitis

Did you know that several biological factors make pregnant women more susceptible to gingivitis? If it goes unnoticed, it’s easy for them to pass it to their baby once they’re born by taste-testing their food or gauging its temperature before offering it to them. Even giving them kisses on the lips can also help spread the bacteria.

Babies and Gum Disease

Due to their developing immune systems, babies are more likely to get gingivitis. In fact, a 2008 study indicates that because of shared bacteria, children are more likely to have gum disease if their parents do.

Because of this, prompt diagnosis of periodontal disease is key to keeping the mouths of you and your family happy and healthy.

Treat Your Gum Disease with Our West Miami Dentist

Having gum disease is not the end of the world! You can keep the illness at bay by maintaining proper oral hygiene and visiting a professional at LP Dental & Cosmetic. Still, it’s important not to leave it untreated.

Without treatment, gum disease can cause serious damage to your mouth and easily spread to your loved ones. To prevent this from happening, reach out to us and let someone from our qualified team help you!

If you’re thinking of getting dental implants, you’ve probably heard that you need to stop smoking. There are various ways in which cigarette smoke can affect our body’s health, and the mouth isn’t an exception. These effects can also make it difficult or even prevent you from being a suitable candidate for dental implants in Miami.

Here are five ways in which smoking affects your oral health and may prevent you from getting dental implants:

1. Cavities

Patients who smoke cigarettes tend to have more dental cavities. Cigarettes increase the buildup of tartar, plaque, and bacteria in the mouth while weakening the tooth enamel. This combination makes smokers prone to cavity breakage.

With poor oral hygiene and a higher risk of cavities, smokers may not be ideal candidates for implants.

2. Stained Teeth

When you smoke, tar and nicotine get deposited on the teeth’s enamel, giving them a yellowish tint. Moreover, cigarette ⁣discoloration is harder⁣ to remove and requires professional teeth whitening ‍treatments. 

While stained teeth don’t directly affect implant eligibility, they can detract from the aesthetic appearance of the implant and final restoration. 

3. Bad Breath

The accumulation of tobacco particles and chemicals in the mouth can cause chronic bad breath, also known⁣ as‌ halitosis—even among patients who properly care for their dental hygiene. 

Persistent bad breath can be a sign of underlying oral health issues, which may need to be addressed before getting dental implants. 

4. Gum Disease

Smoking weakens ⁣the immune system, making it‌ harder for the body‍ to combat oral infections. It also increases the risk of gum disease, which is caused by an infection of the gums. 

Severe cases can lead to gum recession and ‍tooth loss, making it difficult to support dental implants. Because of this, it is crucial to address gum disease during its early stages. 

5. Oral Cancer

The worst consequence of smoking to the mouth is probably oral cancer. This can occur on the pharynx, larynx, tongue, or oral cavity. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, the risk of oral cancer for someone who smokes regularly is about 5 to 6 times greater than for someone who has never smoked. 

Oral cancer and its treatments can cause significant damage to the oral cavity, potentially making dental implants impossible or more complicated.

Are You a Smoker Considering Dental Implants in Miami?

As you can see, the risks of smoking go beyond not being able to get an implant. Your oral health is directly tied to your entire body, so taking care of it should imply acquiring healthy habits. 

Quitting smoking may be necessary to improve your overall oral health and increase your chances of being a suitable candidate for a dental implant procedure at LP Dental & Cosmetic. If you want to learn more about how to take care of your teeth and gums, give us a call!

For those grappling with periodontal concerns, the thought of undergoing treatment can be daunting. However, sedation dentistry in Miami has emerged as a welcomed solution in periodontal care, providing patients with a more relaxed and stress-free experience during these vital procedures. 

The Synergy of Sedation Dentistry with Periodontal Care

Stress Reduction 

One of the key advantages of integrating sedation into periodontal care is its ability to alleviate anxiety. Patients often experience heightened stress when facing periodontal procedures, and sedation dentistry, whether through oral sedatives or intravenous methods, helps create a serene environment conducive to effective treatment. 

Enhanced Cooperation 

Periodontal treatments involve intricate procedures like scaling and root planning. Sedation promotes patient cooperation by inducing a calm and collaborative state, facilitating the dental team to perform these procedures precisely. 

Discomfort Management 

Periodontal treatments can be uncomfortable, especially those involving deep cleaning or surgical interventions. Sedation dentistry helps manage discomfort by dulling sensations, ensuring patients experience less pain during and after the procedure. 

Increased Treatment Efficiency 

Sedation allows dental professionals to work more efficiently. Patients can tolerate longer and more complex procedures, enabling the dental team to comprehensively address periodontal issues in a single session rather than multiple appointments. 

Gag Reflex Suppression 

Certain periodontal treatments may trigger the gag reflex. Sedation dentistry helps suppress the gag reflex, ensuring a smoother and more effective execution of necessary treatments. 

Experience Anxiety-Free Sedation Dentistry in Miami!

Integrating sedation dentistry with periodontal care is a valuable approach that prioritizes patient comfort. By mitigating anxiety, enhancing cooperation, managing discomfort, improving efficiency, and addressing gag reflex concerns, sedation dentistry by LP Dental & Cosmetic becomes an invaluable companion in the pursuit of maintaining optimal oral health. Contact us! 

For some patients, caries are a “minor” dental problem. That’s why some postpone treatment and don’t visit their West Miami dentist until it’s too late. Even though many people don’t consider it as important, tooth decay is a serious dental problem, and not treating it in time can endanger a person’s oral health. Let’s read more about it below.

Why a Cavity Should Be Treated on Time

Initially, caries only affect the outermost part of a tooth, i.e. the enamel. Since the enamel is hard, it doesn’t usually cause discomfort to the sufferer. But of course, not treating this decay in time can cause it to advance to deeper layers of the tooth. When the caries are more advanced and attack the dentin, the real problems begin, mainly because they usually damage the periodontal ligaments, the bone, and the gum, causing quite intense and acute pain. 

From here, if the caries continue to advance and penetrate until they reach the pulp of the tooth, they will most likely cause an infection, which will result in phlegmon, which is painful and bothersome. 

The ultimate consequence of not treating a cavity in time will be the total loss of the tooth. 

Preventing Caries Is in Your Hands 

Although the treatments are effective and, in most cases, not very bothersome, it’s always necessary to prevent caries from appearing. Oral hygiene is basic, with good brushing after meals and the use of dental floss. In addition, it’s advisable to avoid sugary or acidic foods that damage the enamel and serve as food for bacteria that grow in the mouth. 

Looking for a West Miami Dentist?

As always, prevention is better than cure. We invite you to book a first visit with us and we will check in depth if you have, or not, dental caries. Avoid the complications of an untreated cavity and call us today at LP Dental & Cosmetic for an appointment!  

When it comes to health, prevention is the best prescription. This advice is valid in any field, but it becomes even more important when we talk about the health of our mouths. Aesthetically, it is our letter of introduction to others on a daily basis. But it is also a source of medical problems if we do not take proper care of it. We know that the idea of going to the dentist near the Miami airport doesn’t excite many, but here we show you why it’s essential to make regular visits. Let’s take a look.

To Keep Our Teeth in Good Condition

The main purpose of a regular visit to the dentist is a deep cleaning and a general check-up. This act of prevention and cleaning will prevent tartar and cavities from advancing and weakening our teeth, causing bad breath or even leading to the loss of teeth. It will also allow early detection of other dental problems. 

Saving Time, Money, and Discomfort 

It should also be taken into account that not going to our check-ups, which should always be scheduled by the dentist, can lead to a significant future expense in time, money, and discomfort; this happens because most of the problems that arise in the mouth, the sooner we attack them, the easier it will be to solve them. In other words, laziness makes problems grow. 

Avoiding the Impact on Our General Health 

Our oral health, as mentioned above, is directly linked to our general health. Our mouth is the entrance of food, and when we do not chew properly (because there is discomfort, missing teeth, or pain) can lead to stomach problems. Periodontal (gum) disease can also appear or lead to diabetes or cardiovascular problems.

Looking for a Dentist Near the Miami Airport? 

Going to our trusted dentist will give us a beautiful and healthy smile, but above all, it will prevent us from having major and painful problems. Visit us or call us at LP Dental & Cosmetic for a thorough examination! 

The price of dental implants in Miami is usually concerning for those who want to improve their smile with this popular procedure. It’s a determining factor, which sometimes makes them choose to undergo the treatment in one office or another, so before you make a decision, we want you to know what influences the final price of your dental implant treatment.

The Most Important Factors

1. Patient Characteristics

Depending on the state of your oral health, a treatment will be designed specifically for you. For example, if there is a lack of bone where the implant will be placed, the procedure will be a little more complex. If you have gum problems, such as periodontitis, this problem will have to be treated before the intervention to ensure that the implant integrates correctly. 

2. The Implant Material

Great advances have been made in the materials used to manufacture implants. The truth is that perhaps you don’t need the most sophisticated material for your implant to be long-lasting since the way you take care of them is more important, however, we do need a brand with a long history in the market, with scientific studies of quality. 

3. The Type of Procedure

The type of technique and the surgical protocols applied also influence the price. In each case the specialist will decide the type of surgery indicated to achieve satisfactory results, and this can vary from conventional surgery to surgery guided by complex software systems for example. 

Looking for Dental Implants in Miami? We Have Solutions for You!

At LP Dental & Cosmetic we pride ourselves on our transparency with our valued patients. If you feel dental implants are the option for you and you’re interested in discussing your options, just contact us and make an appointment, let’s work on your smile today!

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.  

The key to maintaining good oral health is preventive dentistry. But with the expenses you’re faced with day-to-day, spending money on preventive dental care is likely the least of your worries, especially if you’re not experiencing oral health problems (yet). If money is the issue, be glad to know that you can find an affordable Miami dentist in your area, you just have to do your research. 

Setting a budget for routine oral exams and teeth cleanings will help boost your oral health and prevent you from spending money on costly dental treatments. Here’s why preventive dental care will save you money in the long run. 

How Can Preventive Dentistry Save You Money 

Filling a Cavity Is Costly 

Did you know that cavities are one of America’s most common oral health issues affecting young children and teens? Cavities are pits and holes that form in your teeth resulting from your regular consumption of starchy and sugary foods. 

The sugar and starches will stick to your teeth and encourage the buildup of plaque, bacteria, and acids. If not removed, they can cause cavities tooth decay. When cavities are so pronounced, your dentist will suggest dental fillings.  

The Cost of Tooth Extraction 

The goal of dentists is to preserve all your natural teeth as much as possible. Still, if you suffer from severe periodontitis or tooth decay that’s beyond repair, tooth extraction may be necessary. 

The cost of a tooth extraction can vary greatly depending on the complexity of the procedure. 

Are You Looking for an Affordable Miami Dentist? 

Never think spending money on preventive dental care is a waste because if you look at the bigger picture, you’ll discover that preventive dentistry is a money-saver! 

At LP Dental and Cosmetic, we offer affordable, personalized, and superior-quality dental care for all ages. We take pride in our team’s skills, knowledge, and drive in performing a wide array of procedures. Call us today for an appointment or visit our website to learn more about our dental services.

According to a research study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, it was revealed that Covid-19 patients who suffered from gum disease were more likely to experience serious complications when infected by the virus. Studies show that they were three times more likely to be admitted to the ICU, four times likely to use a ventilator, and nine times more likely to die than those who have healthy gums. During these uncertain times when we don’t know when this is all going to be over, it’s best to see an affordable Miami dentist regularly to ensure your gums are in great shape. 

How Does Gum Disease Make Covid-19 Worse?

How Can Gum Disease Affect Your Body If You’re Infected with Covid?

Periodontal disease or gum disease is an infection in your gum tissues that will cause your gums to inflame. Inflammation is your body’s way of repairing damaged tissues. When your immune response is activated, your body will produce neutrophils. Although these cells are released to heal your gums, your body goes into overdrive and makes too many of them.

Neutrophils work throughout your system to search for other sources of infection. This will cause your immune system to work too much in response to a secondary infection like Covid-19. Instead of focusing on damaged tissues, neutrophils tend to destroy the healthy tissues surrounding the affected sites. As a result, the symptoms become more severe. Regular dental checkups and cleanings with your dentist can prevent all this from happening. 

How Do You Prevent Gum Disease 

Gum disease occurs when plaque builds up along the gumline. If plaque isn’t removed, it will irritate and infect the gums instigating the inflammation process. You can prevent gum disease by brushing and flossing your teeth daily using an FDA-approved toothpaste and visiting your affordable Miami Dentist at least twice a year for routine checkups and cleanings. 

Are You Looking for an Affordable Miami Dentist? 

The pandemic has taken a toll on our finances but, don’t fret because, at LP Dental and Cosmetic, we offer budget-friendly dental services without compromising on quality. Our trained staff has years of experience in the dental industry to help improve your oral health. Call us today to inquire about our services or to book for an appointment.

People want instant results. It’s part of our nature. If we want something, we want to get it fast. This explains why local supermarkets and pharmacies are flocked with people wanting to grab teeth whitening kits off the shelves. Getting your hands on these whitening kits is way faster than queuing in a dental office (or is it?). Another reason why it’s tempting to purchase over-the-counter teeth whitening kits is that it’s cheaper. But, don’t be fooled by the price. When it comes to teeth whitening in Miami, you have to look at the quality of the product, how it’s delivered, and its efficiency in giving you a bright and beautiful smile without compromising your oral health. 

Store Bought Kits Versus Professional Teeth Whitening

Is It Effective? 

Many of these kits do not have enough strength in them to cause your teeth to whiten. Besides, even if they have sufficient concentration, there’s a possibility it won’t whiten your teeth evenly. If you want fast and effective results, see a cosmetic dentist. 

Is It Safe?

Is teeth whitening safe? The answer is both a yes and a no. Yes, if you visit a trusted cosmetic dentist, and no if you attempt to whiten your teeth by yourself at home. Bleaching solutions may injure your teeth and gums so you have to know how to protect your teeth during the treatment.

If you have no prior experience and if you lack the training to do it, there’s a big chance you might hurt your teeth and gums. To be safe, we recommend you choose a cosmetic dentist to perform the procedure. The results are not only instant, but you’ll have peace of mind knowing that your teeth and gums are safe during the treatment. 

Are You Interested in Teeth Whitening in Miami?

Do you want to achieve a brighter and more brilliant smile? At LP Dental and Cosmetic, we are proud to offer an array of top-quality dental services to cater to your needs. Call us today for an appointment or browse our website to learn more about our dental services.