Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

Do You Have a Retirement Dental Plan?

Monday, August 24, 2015

My mom and dad have the best retirement dental plan there is - they raised a dentist! All joking aside, once people retire and no longer have employer health and dental benefits they face some choices.

Some people are surprised when they sign up for Medicare and discover that it doesn't include dental care. Some of the Medicare Advantage plans offer very limited dental benefits but most retirees pay for dental care out of pocket or purchase an individual dental plan.

Research has shown repeatedly that poor oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease and more. About 25% of Medicare recipients have no natural teeth which puts them at higher risk for nutritional deficiencies.

As with most things in life - it pays to plan ahead. Hopefully you have been taking great care of your oral health all along -- if so, just keep it up and your oral health problems should remain minimal as you age. Remember that many dental problems are preventable -- keep brushing, flossing and getting regular cleanings.

If you are a few years away from retirement and still have employer dental coverage now is the time to start taking advantage and getting the treatment you have postponed. While most dental insurance plans are pretty limited as to what they will cover on an annual basis, some coverage is better than none. Talk to us about your future plans so we can work together on completing your planned treatment.

Please contact the central Boca Raton dental office of Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your visit.

Labels: Boca Raton cosmetic dentist, dental hygiene, dental insurance

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Which is Worse - Flossing or Cleaning the Toilet?

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Surprisingly, about 14% of people think that flossing is worse than spending time cleaning the toilet. No wonder over one-quarter of people lie to their dentists about how often they floss!

Dentists are all about prevention - if we can keep problems from happening it makes life easier for everyone - especially you! Keeping your mouth healthy does require some sacrifices, including brushing twice each day and flossing once.

Why can't you floss once a week and forget it? It has to do with the gunk you are scraping off your teeth when you floss. That gunk (a technical term) builds up on teeth every day and at first it is soft and sticky and can easily be scraped away. After 24 hours or so, that changes. The gunk becomes hard and then the only way to get it off is to have the dental hygienist remove it.

Why is it important to keep the gunk from hardening and building up? Number one - it would look really nasty after a while. Number two - the bacteria that cause gum disease look upon that hardened gunk like it is a new condo just waiting for them to move in.

Some people just love flossing - but I know they are a minority. The folks that would rather scrub the toilet to avoid flossing... not sure what is going on with them. The majority of us fall into the middle. We will floss when we remember or if it is convenient.

Try keeping the floss out on the bathroom counter or on the nightstand, it might prompt you to remember. Many people find using small brushes (proxy brushes) or floss picks more convenient and comfortable than fighting with a long piece of dental floss.

Whatever works to get you cleaning out the gunk on a daily basis - go for it!

To start out your new regimen with squeaky clean teeth please contact our Boca Raton office at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next appointment with Katie, our wonderful hygienist!

Labels: dental hygiene, flossing, gum disease

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What's Living On Your Toothbrush?

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

We don't like to think about it but there are lots of bacteria living in our mouths, and on our toothbrushes!

No, you don't need to break out a new brush every day - but you do need to replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. The usual rule of thumb is to replace the brush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are worn. If you have been sick it might be a good idea to pull out a fresh brush too -

Rinse your toothbrush well after using it and store it standing up in a rack or cup so it can dry. Tossing a wet toothbrush in the medicine cabinet isn't a good idea because the lack of air circulation can promote bacteria growth. Some people like those toothbrush sanitizer gadgets that you can buy, but they really aren't necessary for most people.

If your toothbrush is looking a little ragged after only a few weeks of use you are probably brushing too hard! Relax and let the brush do the work. Scrubbing your teeth like tile grout will wear down the tooth enamel, leaving teeth sensitive, yellow and susceptible to damage. Lighten up your touch, use a soft bristle brush and brush for two minutes each time. Not sure if you are doing it right? Get Katie to show you how at your next hygiene appointment or check out our website for oral hygiene instructions.

Please contact Mogell Dental Associates at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your next visit.

Labels: dental hygiene, toothbrush

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Saliva Protects Teeth From Decay

Friday, December 12, 2014

For a long time we have known that saliva protects teeth from decay. Recent research from scientists at Harvard and MIT have found that the mucus in saliva actually defends against the bacteria S. mutans, that cause tooth decay.

Study author Erica Shapiro Frenkel of Harvard and investigator Katharina Ribbeck, a professor at MIT found that the mucus in saliva don't kill the bacteria or change the levels of the S. mutans bacteria that cause tooth decay. Instead, the mucus in the saliva keeps the bacteria suspended and this reduces their ability to attach to the teeth. "This is particularly significant for S. mutans because it only causes cavities when it is attached, or in a biofilm on the tooth's surface," said Dr. Frenkel.

A biofilm is a sticky layer of microbes that grown on surfaces of teeth. The S. mutans bacteria attaches itself to the teeth by forming a biofilm from sticky substances it secretes. As the bacterial colony grows under the biofilm the acids secreted by the bacteria destroy the tooth enamel, causing cavities.

In the past we thought that killing all the bacteria in the mouth was the best way to prevent cavities. Now we know that many of the bacteria in our mouth's are beneficial and that the best way to preserve oral health is to maintain a healthy balance of good versus bad bacteria.

Patients who suffer from dry mouth due to medical conditions or medications usually see an increase in tooth decay. Saliva substitutes can help protect teeth as can more frequent visits to the dentist for dental hygiene appointments. Talk to your dentist about the best way to protect your smile if you suffer from dry mouth.

Contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit.

Labels: dental hygiene, tooth decay

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Chronic Gum Disease Linked to Atherosclerosis

Thursday, July 24, 2014

A recent study co-authored by Dr. Richard Darveau of the University of Washington has shown how the pathogen responsible for gum disease can evade the immune system and cause inflammation and damage in the heart. Atherosclerosis is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries in the heart.

"We had published earlier that this mechanism could be used by P. gingivalis to evade host detection, and this paper is the first to demonstrate it in an animal model of disease," said Dr. Darveau.

Evidence that the chronic inflammation caused by oral disease can be linked to the elevated risk of serious health problems including heart disease, diabetes and even certain cancers.

Protecting yourself from chronic inflammation caused by gum disease is pretty simple. Brush your teeth at least twice per day, floss once each day and visit your dental hygienist every six months (more often if you have gum disease).

Eating a healthy diet that includes lots of fresh fruit and vegetables will keep your entire body, including your gums, healthy! Add in some exercise and you have a recipe for reducing inflammation and maintaining better health.

If you want to find out more about good home care for optimum dental hygiene just ask your dental hygienist at your next appointment. Contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit.

Labels: dental hygiene, gum disease

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Brush or Floss First?

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Is it better to brush first or floss first?

Serious connoisseurs of oral healthcare know that it is better to floss before you brush. Flossing first removes plaque and food debris that can block the cleansing and protective action of your fluoride toothpaste.

Does it make a HUGE difference? Most dentists and hygienists will tell you - we're just happy that you floss once a day no matter when you do it. You can floss at breakfast, in the car at stoplights or at your desk after lunch -- just floss!

If you notice your floss feeling a little "bumpy" around the bottom of certain teeth it means that plaque has started to build up. Some people form plaque more quickly than others. If this happens to you please contact us at 561-394-9000 so we can schedule a dental hygiene appointment as soon as possible.

Keep smiling!

Labels: dental hygiene

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Happy Father's Day!

Sunday, June 15, 2014

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

One thing that dentists know about dads, and men in general, is that the women in their lives visit the dentist more often and on a more regular basis. Considering the link between gum disease and heart disease these statistics need to change.

I know, it is tough to carve time out of a work day to go and get your teeth cleaned. Remember that our first appointment of the day is 8:00 AM! You can start your day with a clean, fresh mouth and make it to the office.

I'm sure everyone loved the tie/barbecue apron/shirt that they got as a Father's Day gift. The best gift you can give yourself, and your family, is keeping healthy so they have you around to celebrate many, many more days like this.

Contact our office at 561-394-9000 today to book your next visit. We look forward to seeing you!

Labels: dental hygiene, gum disease

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University of Florida Study Links Gum Disease and Heart Disease

Saturday, June 14, 2014

I went to dental school at the University of Florida (even though I'm a Seminole at heart). A new study from the University of Florida shows that the same bacteria that cause gum disease also promotes heart disease - a discovery that could change the way heart disease is diagnosed and treated.

Irina M. Velsko, a graduate student in the UF College of Medicine presented the data, saying "We report evidence that introduction of oral bacteria into the bloodstream in mice increased risk factors for atherosclerotic heart disease. Our hope is that the American Heart Association will acknowledge causal links between oral disease and increased heart disease. That will change how physicians diagnose and treat heart disease patients."

Almost half of all adults have some form of gum disease and heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US. Hopefully this study will help end the separation between oral health and systemic health - after all the mouth is the gateway to the body!

Gum disease is caused by bacteria and can be prevented, or if gum disease exists, it can be treated.

Keep your heart healthy - eat right, exercise regularly and, easiest of all, visit your dental hygienist every six months for a thorough cleaning and examination.

Let us help you get your gum health back on track - contact us today at 561-394-9000 to schedule your appointment.

Labels: dental hygiene, gum disease

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I Hate Flossing

Friday, September 13, 2013

Dentist hear these words a lot "I hate flossing!"

I understand, flossing is not the most fun or exciting way to spend your time but there are very few things you can do to improve your overall health that take such little effort, so little time and such a small expense.

Don't believe me? Think about the things we are always told we need to do to be healthier overall: exercise, eat right and avoid any vices like drinking or smoking.

I happen to love exercise so for me that isn't a chore but most people have to really force themselves to go to the gym or go for a run. Passing up the donuts and burgers is something we all know we should do but most of us give in to temptation - after all, we don't always have time to cut and chop our way to vegetable goodness for every meal. Smokers all know they should quit but it is very hard and having a drink with friends is part of the social fabric.

So just how does flossing improve your health? Flossing prevents gum disease (and some tooth decay). Gum disease causes inflammation throughout the body and has been linked to everything from heart disease to premature birth to certain cancers. Even dementia may have an oral health connection.

Flossing only takes a few minutes each day - you can do it at any time and any place. You can floss while watching TV or while reading a book. Keep a package of floss picks (those little plastic handles with a piece of floss attached) in the car and you can floss at stop lights!

Not sure about your flossing technique. Ask Shari or Katherine how it should be done at your next hygiene visit. Make your appointment today by contacting us at 561-394-9000.

Labels: dental hygiene

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Back To School - Don't Forget Your Dental Appointment

Friday, August 24, 2012

Students are back to school already - wow that summer went fast! Did you remember to get your teens and college age kids in for their dental appointments?

Don't panic if you didn't. The schedules for kids in these age groups are complicated because of school, extra-curricular activities and sports teams once the school year gets in full swing. We really have to remember to plan in advance for our out-of-town college students because their time back home is limited.

Contact the office as soon as possible at 561-394-9000 to schedule your appointments. We can try to schedule using the Palm Beach County school system calendar to check for days your child might have a full-day or half-day off of class. Find out when your child will be home on college break to get them on the schedule.

Toothaches and dental problems are a common cause for students missing school and a recent study showed that children who experience dental pain have lower grade point averages. Prevention in the form of good home care (brushing and flossing) and regular dental hygiene visits can make sure your child doesn't have to experience this.

Please contact Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your visit.

Labels: dental hygiene, toothache

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