Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Kids and Dentistry!

Monday, August 27, 2007

One of the most common questions that we get from parents is when should my child first go to the dentist? My answer is usually around 3 years of age.

Going to the dentist for children isn't just about checking for cavities. It is more about creating an environment for the child that will promote a healthy and happy association with going to the dentist.

Many of our clients bring their children to a Pedodontist, a specialist who treats only children in their practice. This is a wonderful place to begin a childs journey into a dental office. They will see Susie and Johnny and Jimmy right next to them experiencing the same treatment and they will take comfort with the presence of their "peers".

At some point most children want to stop going to the "kiddy" dentist, that is when it will be time to transition them to our practice.

If you have any questions regarding your child and their dental health, please do not hesitate to contact us at 561-394-9000.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Chewing Gum and your TMJ

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Love that Juicy Fruit or Bubble gum? Chewing gum may be a great way to relieve stress for many people, especially smokers and those individuals dieting. There are also many dental benefits of chewing sugarless gum. The gum stimulates the production of saliva which in turn helps to "wash" bacteria off the teeth and gums helping to prevent the little "bugs" from setting up shop.

Dr. Douglas Shin, an oral surgeon from the University of Texas Southwestern reported that constant chewing gum can tire your jaws and lead to muscle fatigue, muscle spasms and pain.

So you chew to help you relax, but the more stressed you are the harder you chew. The harder you chew the more stress you put on your jaw according to Dr. Shin's research, potentiating more damage to your jaw.

Shin suggests that instead of relying on chewing gum the individuals should for for other ways to distract themselves to relieve their stress such as exercising meditation of squeezing a stress ball!

Finding our individual outlet for stress in of paramount importance in our lives and for our overall health!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

The importance of getting the bite right!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

It is tough enough getting one's dentistry done to begin with, but then I as your dentist want to fiddle around with having you tap on some paper over and over again. In between the proverbial tap tap tap, then a little grind here and a littler grind there. How annoying huh?

I can't begin to emphasize how important it is to get the bite just write!

Without the tedious steps of making sure the bite is correct all sorts of problems can be started. If the bite isn't right, you hit on that tooth before everyother tooth in your mouth. that will direct the full strenght of your muscles on that particular tooth...creating a nasty bruise in the tooth ligament and PAIN.

Please remember that after your numbing wears off if your bite isn't quite right, don't second guess yourself, call us at 394-9000 and we will correct the problem.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Periodontal disease and Pregnancy

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

The importance of great home care and keeping your teeth exceptionally clean during pregnancy once again needs emphasizing. Why? A recent study appearing in the Journal of Periodontology found common bacteria associated with periodontal disease in the amniotic fluid of some women. According to the studies author Gorge Gamonal of University of Chile Faculty of dentistry; "we know there are many reasons a woman can be diagnosed with threatened premature labor, including bacterial infection. Past research has shown a relationship between pregnancy outcomes and periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection."

Again important information for woman to pay special attention to their oral health during pregnancy!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

New Technology on the Horizon

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

I believe one of the most unpleasant procedure in the dental office, impression, is on the way to becoming extinct! No more gagging, no more mess and nasty tastes!

What is happening is the advancements in digital photography are no being applied to dentistry. The ability to place a camera into your mouth a take several photos is here. The information from the photos is then sent via the internet to the dental laboratory where the crown is then processed.

The hope is that these digital "impressions" will be more accurate and increase the quality of the dental restoration. For additional information check out Cadent's web site!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Batteries Recharged!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Vacations are a wonderful thing. It allows us to take time away from the normal grind and spend time with those most important to you!

It also allows us to see different parts of this magnificent country of ours. My family and I were fortunate to be able to visit Oregon for our vacation.

What an incredible part of the country. They have it all ocean(cold), mountains, rivers(colder) and desert. The produce is phenomenal; yellow and orange watermelons, purple cauliflowers and purple bell peppers to name a few differences from what we see on the east coast.

The importance of taking time off from the day to day grind can't be overlooked for our mental as well as physical well being!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Protect Your Investment

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Have you ever wondered how a tooth that is crowned could develop decay???? My patients, ask me this on a weekly basis. Often I hear, "I don't have any of my own teeth, they are all crowned." "How could I develop decay?" Well, let me tell you how you can develop decay.
There is always a margin between the natural tooth and the restoration (crown, veneer, onlay or filling) this is where the natural tooth and the restoration meet. It is at this margin where bacteria has the opportunity to penetrate the tooth and cause decay. This is why your hygienist places so much emphasis on proper homecare, regular professional cleanings and routine xrays. We realize and appreciate the investment that you have made in your mouth and we want to work with you to maintain your investment. For some it starts with general health and medications that cause a dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva helps to neutralize damaging acids produced by plaque that contribute to decay. A prescription strength fluoride recommended by your hygienist is a valuable treatment used at home to protect your smile. Radiographs help us to see around the margins of crowns and fillings, etc. If we catch decay early enough it could prevent a greater expense. At each professional cleaning, your hygienist examines all of your dental work to confirm that your teeth are in good health . Finally, proper brushing and interdental cleaning at home is critical. If plaque is living around your dental work and not being removed daily it will eventually penetrate the tooth.

Kimberly Wright, R.D.H.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.