Dr. Mogell Dental Blog

Boca Raton Cosmetic Dentist

5 Things To Eat For Healthy Teeth

Monday, October 12, 2015

There is a long list of things that we eat that are bad for our smiles, but there are a lot of things we can eat that can improve the health of our teeth.

Crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery are natures toothbrush. Chewing these actually removes plaque from the teeth and stimulates saliva production. Saliva does two things, it washes away debris in the mouth and helps control the bacteria that cause cavities.
Cheese. Dairy products like cheese are full of calcium, but cheese is great for your smile in another way. It can stop cavities. Certain cheeses, like cheddar, Swiss, mozzarella and Monterey Jack help balance the pH levels in the mouth. Since cavity formation flourishes in an acidic environment this is a huge boost for oral health. But there is more good news about cheese, when the calcium and phosphorous in cheese combine with saliva, the reaction actually restores minerals to the teeth helping them stay strong.
Almonds pack a huge nutritional boost to teeth. Teeth need a combination of phosphorous for bone formation, vitamin D and magnesium to absorb calcium, vitamin B to prevent mouth sores and vitamins C and potassium to maintain strong gum tissue. Almonds are packed with all of these nutrients.
Chocolate. But wait, isn't candy bad for teeth? The answer is usually yes because of the sugar but cocoa contains polyphenols that actually protect teeth from decay. Cocoa extracts have been shown to work as well as fluoride to strengthen teeth.
Tea. A cup of tea is relaxing and it is great for teeth. Black or green tea is a rich source of many micronutrients that reduce gum disease. A 2004 Rutgers University study showed that antioxidants called catechins, found in green tea, reduced gum inflammation.

You are what you eat and choosing wisely can improve your overall health and the health of your smile!

Please contact the Boca Raton office of cosmetic and general dentist Dr. Kenneth A. Mogell today to find out more about keeping your smile healthy. We can be reached at 561-394-9000.

Labels: gum disease, tooth decay

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Special Dental Health Challenges for Women

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

It is a good thing that studies have shown that women tend to visit the dentist more often than men -- women have special dental health challenges that men don't face. Because women's bodies go through major hormonal changes throughout their lifetime they are at increased risk for periodontal disease and other problems.

Fluctuations in hormone levels have been shown to increase risk for gum disease. For women, hormonal changes begin a puberty and continue every month. Pregnancy and menopause bring more changes. These fluctuations cause changes in the mouth that allow bacteria to grow and enter the bloodstream.

During pregnancy hormones increase and the severity of dental problems can intensify as a result. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should visit their dentist to ensure gum health and to make sure teeth are cavity free. Almost half of pregnant women experience pregnancy gingivitis, beginning in the 2nd or 3rd month of pregnancy. This condition is uncomfortable, but if gums were previously healthy, usually resolves with good oral care. Severe gum disease has been linked to pre-term birth so don't be surprised if your obstetrician asks about your dental visits.

Later in life, menopause presents its own challenges for women's oral health. Tastes can change and decreasing estrogen levels can cause dry mouth. These changes also increase risk for bone density changes. Keep an eye out for gum recession which can be a sign of bone loss in the jaw. Receding gums can also cause tooth sensitivity and those teeth may be more prone to decay.

Most women can maintain good oral health despite these challenges. Brushing, flossing and regular dental visits can stop small problems from turning into larger ones. If it has been a while since your last visit, please contact our Boca Raton dental office at 561-394-9000 today to schedule your appointment.

Labels: Boca Raton cosmetic dentist, gum disease, oral hygiene, tooth decay

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World Oral Health Day March 20th

Thursday, March 19, 2015

If you have recovered from St. Patrick's Day and are looking for something a little healthier to celebrate, how about World Oral Health Day on March 20th?

The theme this year is Smile for Life - has a double meaning referring to keeping your smile for your lifetime and celebrating life.

Ok, so this isn't as exciting as green beer, but it is important.

Dentists are all about prevention because most dental disease can be prevented.

The simple acts of brushing, flossing and regular dental hygiene visits can eliminate the chance that small problems can become big ones. While some feel that fluoride is controversial, in the dental world it has proven to both prevent cavity formation and can even help heal teeth with minor damage to the enamel - preventing decay from gaining a larger foothold.

If you don't drink water that contains fluoride ask your dental hygienist about prescription strength fluoride toothpaste and if it might be right for you.

Keep your Smile for Life - don't smoke, avoid soda and other sugary stuff and floss every day! Have a happy World Oral Health Day and, what the heck, maybe we can have that beer anyway.

Labels: tooth decay

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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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EPA Going After Mercury From Dental Amalgams

Friday, September 26, 2014

I saw a report today that the Environmental Protection Agency was proposing that dentists install a new type of amalgam separator in their offices to keep the mercury from old dental amalgams out of the water supply. I have one question - why do they still allow mercury amalgam fillings in the first place?

Dental amalgam (those old silver fillings) are about 50% mercury. Mercury is a neurotoxin - bad for everybody. While patients worry about having the stuff in their mouths those of us who spend our days removing old mercury fillings from patients are exposed to even more risk.

Our practice has never used mercury amalgam fillings and we never will. This is for the safety of our patients, our staff and the environment. Mercury amalgam fillings have been around since the 1800's - I think that material science has made some progress in the years since.

New dental restorative materials do not contain mercury and do not expand and contract when exposed to heat/cold, thereby cracking teeth. Tooth colored restorations are more aesthetically pleasing and actually help to strengthen the tooth.

Why do some dentists still place mercury amalgam fillings? Simple - the stuff is cheap and easy to work with. I'm hoping that progressive dentists will finally stand up and find a way to get rid of mercury amalgam use in the United States.

Labels: mercury fillings, tooth decay

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Preventing Cavities In Kids

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Tooth decay among children is skyrocketing after almost 60 years of reduced rates. What has happened that preventing cavities in kids is no longer working?

Rates of childhood tooth decay started to go down when municipal water supplies started adding fluoride. Today, more and more kids are drinking bottled water (or other beverages) instead of tap water. This has dramatically reduced the amount of fluoride they are receiving.

There are lots of things you can do to protect your kids, and yourself, from tooth decay. Delta Dental, the insurance company, studied more than 90 million claims and found:

More than 70% of kids ages 6 to 18 are not receiving 2 fluoride treatments per year
More than 60% of kids ages 6 to 9 did not get sealants on their first molars
More than 80% of kids aged 11 to 15 didn't get sealants on their second molars

These are low cost, preventative measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of tooth decay. Here are a few more things you can do at home to protect your kids (and your own) teeth:

Avoid drinking soda, sports drinks and energy drinks. The acid and sugars destroy teeth!
Avoid constant snacking. This is good for everyone's waistline and their teeth. Having sugary or high carbohydrate snacks throughout the day keeps oral bacteria well fed and growing - not something we want.
Limit sugary treats to mealtimes.
Chew sugarless gum. The chewing action helps remove debris from the teeth and the xylitol in the gum has been shown to help prevent bacteria from sticking to teeth.

Remember, you won't know when you have tooth decay! By the time a tooth starts to hurt because of a cavity it means that the decay has become very advanced which means a larger filling or perhaps a root canal and crown. All members of the family should visit the dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Yes, we do need to take x-rays every so often because there is often decay that we can't see.

Contact Dr. Ken Mogell at 561-394-9000 to schedule your next visit.

Labels: mercury fillings, tooth decay

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Boo! Halloween Doesn't Have to be Scary for your Smile

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Is Halloween a scary time for your child's smile? It doesn't have to be. Your children can still enjoy their Halloween treats without damaging their teeth if you follow a few simple rules.

Avoid the sour and sticky stuff. Sour candies like War Heads, etc. contain a lot of acids plus a lot of sugar and the combination destroys dental enamel - just toss these.
Say yes to chocolate. Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is actually good for your oral health (in moderation of course). A chocolate bar filled with sticky stuff - not so much!
Avoid sticky, gooey candies. The sugar literally sticks to the teeth which hastens tooth decay.
Don't let your children graze on their candy throughout the day. The best time to allow candy consumption is right after a meal. Saliva is flowing and will help quickly wash away the sugars and, because they aren't hungry, your child won't eat as much candy!

Have your child rinse their mouth with water or chew some sugarless gum right after eating candy. Don't have them brush immediately, but wait about 30 minutes. This gives the saliva time to restore the dental enamel strength following the sugar attack!

Schedule regular dental cleanings for your entire family and help avoid tooth decay. For more information contact Boca Raton dentist Dr. Kenneth Mogell at 561-394-9000.

Labels: tooth decay

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