Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Periodontal Disease and your health!

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

We often hear some interesting comments while we are providing our patients with a comprehensive examination. One of the more important aspects of the examination is examining the periodontium, the gums and structures that support our teeth. Unlike a cavity in a tooth, periodontal disease doesn’t hurt until late in the development of the disease. That why it is important to assess the health of your gums on an annual basis.

What are some of the signs of periodontal disease? Do your gums bleed when you brush or floss? Do you notice that you always have bad breath? Are your gums red, puffy or swollen? Are any of your teeth loose? Are your teeth temperature sensitive? If you are experiencing these symptoms, you may indeed be living with periodontal disease.

What should you expect as part of your periodontal examination? Most importantly is periodontal probings. This is when we recite a series of number, 1-10. The lower the number, the healthier that particular area of your gums are. Ideally, we want to hear 1-3! Anything 4 or above indicates some degree of periodontal disease. It never ceases to amaze me how many patients tell us that they have never had periodontal probing before. This is a procedure that should be performed on an annual basis to monitor the health of the periodontium.

Your health of your gums goes well beyond your teeth. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and other diseases. If you have any questions regarding your periodontal health, please do not hesitate to call us for an appointment at 561-394-9000. We will arrange to provide you with an examination to get you on your way to the healthiest you can be!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Braces...go fast or go slow?

Monday, February 21, 2011

Dental Turtle or Rabbit?

When a patient discusses with us the appearance of their smile the discussion often leads to orthodontic or instant orthodontics. That’s where the turtle and the rabbit come into play. In our society immediate gratification often is the desire, whether it is the best solution or not. In cosmetic dentistry there are opinions and values, no right or wrong, just emotions and the desire for a beautiful healthy smile. So what are the pros and cons?

When it comes to orthodontics; this is the turtle. It takes time to move teeth to the best position. This is accomplished over a period of time, depending on the severity of the case. It is accomplished with a series of wires, brackets and bands being placed on or over your teeth. With specific engineering the dentist will shift the teeth help you achieve your goal of a beautiful smile with gorgeous straight teeth.

Instant orthodontics is actually orthodontics at all. This is the rabbit of achieving a beautiful smile. With 2 -3 appointments your dentist can give the smile you have desired. This is achieved with restorative dentistry such as porcelain veneers. The appointments usually are 2-3 hours in length and depending on the goals some drilling and reshaping on the teeth may be required.
Instant orthodontics not only will give you the straight teeth you are seeking but it will allow you to change the shape, size and color of your teeth as well.

Should you have any questions regarding orthodontics or instant orthodontics, please do not hesitate to give our office a call at 561-394-9000. We will arrange an appointment that will work best with your schedule and get you on your way to the beautiful smile that you yearn!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Good Dental Health/Good Health in General

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Good Dental Health/Good Health in General

As a dentist we see patient shirk and shrink in our chair when we speak about flossing and brushing. It’s not like we are trying to send them on a guilt trip, not at all! We now know that the research is overwhelming that periodontal disease can and is a risk factor several serious conditions.

Heart disease, diabetes, low-birth weight babies are just few. Like putting your money in a savings account at getting compound interest, so the cumulative effect of periodontal disease throughout one’s life takes on a greater significance.

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by certain bacteria in the mouth. It can only be treated by removing the bacteria through flossing, brushing and regular dental hygiene visits. Just like genetic play a role in heart disease so does periodontal disease.

How long has it been since you had your teeth cleaned professionally? If you have any questions about your oral health and periodontal disease, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment. We can be reached at 561-394-9000. Call us and let us help you stay on the path to excellence in oral health!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Dental Health Month....For Pets!

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Dental Health Month....For Pets!

A kind reminder to pet owners out there. February is Pet Dental Health Month. Now while it is not as important to have our pets have their teeth cleaned every 6 months, it is important that we brush their teeth and make sure they have chew toys that help to minimize the infections that accompany periodontal disease.

Not only is periodontal disease a common problem in people, it is the most commonly diagnosed problem in dogs and cats. If untreated, it can develop into more serious medical conditions." According to Dr. Larry Kornegay, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association, "It's estimated that by the age of two 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease," Just like people, periodontal disease in our dogs and cats has been linked heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Let’s make sure we give our pets that extra little TLC and have a dental check-up with your veterinarian

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Bad Breath...Bye Bye

Thursday, February 03, 2011

10 Tips to banish bad breath

Brush your teeth…………..and tongue 2 times daily. Use of fluoride toothpaste,
Brushing the teeth and the back of the tongue. Studies have shown that brushing/scraping the tongue can productively reduce bacteria that cause bad breath.

Floss 1 time daily. Remove hidden foods and plaque bacteria. Flossing will aid in the reduction
of the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, which can also cause bad breath.

Gargle with peroxide or an antibacterial mouthwash. The oxygen in the hydrogen peroxide kills mouth bacteria that causes bad breath.

Use a Fluoride Mouthwash. Not only do decayed teeth hurt, they also give off an
awful smell. Fluoride and proper dental care can prevent this from occurring.

Drink lots of water. Lack of fluids can lead to dry mouth. Due to a reduction in
saliva, combined with bacteria, can also cause bad breath.

Check your sinuses, infections can cause bad breath. Underlying infections can be
Diagnosed from bad breath. Post nasal drip, most noticeable at night
Which is why many people brush immediately when getting up in the morning.

Eat yogurt for sweet breath. It replenishes the “good” bacteria in the stomach and
“promotes a healthier mouth”. Celery removes stinky bacteria. Parsley has
antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Chewing gum with Xylitol. Makes you salivate if your mouth is dry causing bad
Breath. Saliva washes away the bacteria.

See your dentist at least every 4 months for cleanings, exams to check for decay and
gum disease that can also cause bad breath.

If self care tips do not work, consult your physician. It could be a more serious medical issue that may require attention. I f you have any questions about how you can get that sweet smelling breath back again. Call us for an appointment at 561-394-9000. We will get you back on the road to a healthier mouth and a confident smile.

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Bad Breath...why?

Wednesday, February 02, 2011

Don’t let bad breath trouble your pretty smile

The kiss, the smile, the breath……..which of these characteristics is more important to you and your significant other. Chances are it is good breath! Bad breath can affect how you feel about yourself, not to mention how others perceive you. You may not even know you have bad breath until a brave friend mentions it to you.

This blog is being presented in two parts. Today the 5 common causes of bad breath, tomorrow how to treat bad breath!

5 Common causes of bad breath

Bacteria: They breed inside the mouth. Micro-organisms hide between your teeth
And cover your tongue. When not removed properly they multiply and
Give off stinky odors.

Say Ahhhhh: Tonsils. The deep holes in them called crypts are a common area and
Can be the cause of “bad breath” or “halitosis”. Especially if tonsils are
Pitted, a smelly substance lodges in these areas causing bad breath.

Pungent Foods: onions, garlic, and fish can cause bad breath, even hours after good
Brushing.

Bad Habits: any type of smoking or chewing tobacco can leave you with bad breath

Stomach Troubles: Gastrointestinal problems can cause bad breath. Ex. GERD or
Ulcers….gases are released that can cause bad breath. Also, low-carb
Diets, which can cause Ketosis, a fat burning state in the body that
Produces “ dragon breath”.

If you are concerned that you or your loved one has bad breath, give us a call at 561-394-9000. We will arrange an appointment to find out why the halitosis exists and how to make your breath fresh and healthier!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.

Good Dental Health/Good Health in General!

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Good Dental Health/Good Health in General

As a dentist we see patients shirk and shrink in our chair when we speak about flossing and brushing. It’s not like we are trying to send them on a guilt trip, not at all! We now know that the research is overwhelming that periodontal disease can and is a risk factor several serious conditions.

Heart disease, diabetes, low-birth weight babies are just few. Like putting your money in a savings account at getting compound interest, so the cumulative effect of periodontal disease throughout one’s life takes on a greater significance.

Periodontal disease is an infection caused by certain bacteria in the mouth. It can only be treated by removing the bacteria through flossing, brushing and regular dental hygiene visits. Just like genetic play a role in heart disease so does periodontal disease.

How long has it been since you had your teeth cleaned professionally? If you have any questions about your oral health and periodontal disease, please do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment. We can be reached at 561-394-9000. Call us and let us help you stay on the path to excellence in oral health!

Kenneth A. Mogell, D.M.D.