Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Strong Muscles, Rotten Teeth

Friday, May 29, 2015

Endurance athletes have always impressed me - it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to become so physically fit. Unfortunately, those strong muscles are often attached to a mouth full of rotten teeth.

There was research done a few years ago that showed that Olympic athletes had terrible dental health, but that study didn't really discuss the reasons for the problem. Turns out that lots of athletes have this issue and the cause is some of the products that these athletes use.

We think of energy drinks, energy gels and other energy snacks used by athletes as healthy. In reality, they are full of sugar and acids which wreak havoc on oral health. Problems caused by these substances include loss of tooth enamel, tooth decay and gum disease.

Of course, the energy drinks and energy gels are not just used by elite athletes - they are used by kids on the soccer field and cross-fit enthusiasts but the outcome is the same. Damage to the teeth.

Researchers at the Academy of General Dentistry published a study in 2012 that outlined the dangers of energy drinks with regard to oral health. The study found that the high acidity in the beverages eroded the tooth enamel, the glossy, white, outer layer of the teeth. Without a solid layer of enamel teeth look yellow, they become sensitive and, they are open to bacteria which cause decay.

How can you protect your smile? First, try to avoid the stuff that is causing the problem. If you do consume an energy gel or drink don't brush your teeth right away. I know it sounds crazy, but brushing your teeth right away can actually wear down the softened tooth enamel even more. Simply rinse with water - swish your mouth out well and then drink more water.

If your teeth start to feel sensitive - give our office a call. If the damage to tooth enamel is caught early we can help stop the process and help you keep your beautiful white smile.

Call Mogell Dental Associates in Boca Raton, FL at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit.

yourdentalblog

Help! What To Do If You Swallow Your Crown

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Dental work like crowns and bridges are cemented in place using "permanent" materials, but the mouth is a very unforgiving place. Over time these "permanent" cements may break down and when you bite into that chocolate and caramel candy bar -- off comes the crown!

The best case scenario is that you feel the crown or bridge come loose and stop chewing immediately! Simply save the crown or bridge and make an appointment as soon as possible. We can clean everything up and re-cement everything back in place.

The next scenario is not quite as simple and actually happens more often than you think. You don't realize anything has come loose and you accidentally swallow your crown or bridge!

You can still save that expensive dental work - it just requires a few days time and some "sifting". While this may sound horrible, once the crown or bridge is found we can completely sterilize it and re-cement it in place. Passing the object may take anywhere from 1-4 days.

If the dental work has been in place for many years it may have become loose because decay formed under the restoration. In this case the tooth will need further treatment and a new restoration.

If any of your crowns or bridges feel "funny" or loose please contact our office at 561-394-9000 to schedule an appointment so we can check and help you avoid any problems.

yourdentalblog

Kenneth A. Mogell D.M.D.

We Make Beautiful Smiles a Reality in Boca Raton.

2900 North Military Trail
Suite 212
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Ph: 800.786.1497
Fx: 561.988.1102

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Friday, May 29, 2015

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Kenneth A. Mogell D.M.D.