The makers of electric toothbrushes are constantly coming up with new features. This year, many of them are rolling out apps for mobile devices. These apps are mostly geared toward people with disabilities and children who are having trouble learning oral hygiene and are meant to make brushing easier.
Studies show that electric toothbrushes are not significantly better than manual ones when people brush properly, but proper brushing takes at least two minutes per session. Even most people who are able to do this don’t. Though electric toothbrushes are much faster, they also have to be used properly. Some of the new apps provide the user with feedback about which parts of their teeth they’re skipping over and whether the frequency of their toothbrush’s vibrations needs to be adjusted. The apps for children encourage them to brush for the right amount of time by providing them with video games to play while brushing. They are rewarded in-game for brushing properly, and will hopefully learn a lifelong habit. Electric toothbrushes are expected to remain an expensive investment, but they may be worthwhile for people who need help figuring out what they’re doing wrong or extra encouragement.
Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163rd St, Suite 110, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.
Miami Dental
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Receding Gums
Gum recession isn’t just a cosmetic issue; it also leaves the roots of teeth painfully exposed and sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. There are a number of things which could cause gum recession, including tooth misalignment and genetics, but the reason is usually periodontal disease. If so, the treatments range from routine to requiring the attention of a periodontal specialist.
Healthy gums form snug pockets around tooth roots. But there’s always space for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, and if they cause the surrounding tissue to corrode, they will have room to expand to. During deep cleanings, dentists and hygienists remove the decay-causing plaque, but something must be done about the enlarged pockets and exposed tooth roots or the problem will simply return. Scaling and root planing are standard ways of combating plaque, but reducing gum pockets and covering bone requires cutting a flap in the gums. Usually, this requires only a single incision and a suture to hold the flap in place. The most severe cases are the ones periodontal specialists are called in for to do a gum graft. This could involve either a transplant or the use of artificial gum material.
Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163rd St, Suite 110, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.
Healthy gums form snug pockets around tooth roots. But there’s always space for bacteria and plaque to accumulate, and if they cause the surrounding tissue to corrode, they will have room to expand to. During deep cleanings, dentists and hygienists remove the decay-causing plaque, but something must be done about the enlarged pockets and exposed tooth roots or the problem will simply return. Scaling and root planing are standard ways of combating plaque, but reducing gum pockets and covering bone requires cutting a flap in the gums. Usually, this requires only a single incision and a suture to hold the flap in place. The most severe cases are the ones periodontal specialists are called in for to do a gum graft. This could involve either a transplant or the use of artificial gum material.
Dr. Allen Ressler, Dr. Andrew Hirschl, and Dr. Ira Lelchuk operate from two locations. To schedule an appointment at the location at Mount Sinai Medical Center, 4300 Alton Road, Suite 1190, Miami Beach, Florida, 33140, call 305-532-1444. To schedule an appointment at Intracoastal Mall, 3909 NE 163rd St, Suite 110, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com, through a contact form.
Tooth-Friendly Diet
Most people don’t realize that they may be able to prevent two of the most common diseases of modern civilization, tooth decay (cavities) and gum disease, simply by improving their diet. We all love our fair share of junk food, but what we eat and how often we eat are important factors to help maintain good oral health. Doctors Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, can’t be your nutritionists, but they can recommend foods that are healthy for your teeth.
Decay happens when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, try to avoid soft, sweet, and sticky foods such as cakes, candy, and dried fruits. Instead, choose to munch on cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. Other excellent food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery. These foods help protect against decay by buffering the acid that demineralizes teeth.
If you have further questions about how diet affects your dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Decay happens when the teeth and other hard tissues of the mouth are destroyed by acid products from oral bacteria. Certain foods and food combinations are linked to higher levels of cavity-causing bacteria. Foods that cling to your teeth promote tooth decay. So when you snack, try to avoid soft, sweet, and sticky foods such as cakes, candy, and dried fruits. Instead, choose to munch on cheeses, chicken or other meats, nuts, and milk. Other excellent food choices include firm/crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and celery. These foods help protect against decay by buffering the acid that demineralizes teeth.
If you have further questions about how diet affects your dental health, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Laser Therapy for Gum Disease
Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums that starts out as plaque – an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attack the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Here at the office of Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, our doctors can address the underlying infection that causes it with a procedure called Laser Bacterial Reduction (LBR).
With laser treatment, there are many reported benefits such as a reduced need for local anesthesia, minimal bleeding, and swelling is controlled with minimal discomfort. Laser light energy is used to vaporize the bacteria and infected tissue in the deepened gum pocket. This procedure is painless, takes less than 10 minutes and reduces the bacteria around your gums from billions to hundreds. Our doctors recommend that all of our patients have their teeth decontaminated prior to cleaning appointments.
If you suffer from mouth pain caused by gum disease, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
With laser treatment, there are many reported benefits such as a reduced need for local anesthesia, minimal bleeding, and swelling is controlled with minimal discomfort. Laser light energy is used to vaporize the bacteria and infected tissue in the deepened gum pocket. This procedure is painless, takes less than 10 minutes and reduces the bacteria around your gums from billions to hundreds. Our doctors recommend that all of our patients have their teeth decontaminated prior to cleaning appointments.
If you suffer from mouth pain caused by gum disease, give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Wisdom Tooth Decay
As we age, we acquire wisdom, and the same goes for wisdom teeth. Wisdom teeth appear between the ages of 17-21 and are known as the third set of molars. When they erupt correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chomp your food a little faster. However, if they start to cause you pain and discomfort, you may need to schedule a consultation with the Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, to discuss extraction.
If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, one of our doctors may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.
If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
If you bite on a piece of food that is too hard or you experience a mouth injury, wisdom teeth may become troublesome. They can also become cracked, broken, and decayed. Decay can form on any tooth surface, but when the decay begins to attack the wisdom teeth, depending on the position of the tooth it becomes difficult to clean. Depending on the individual case, one of our doctors may be able to fill the tooth, but even in cases where a filling could be successfully placed, if the wisdom tooth cannot be adequately maintained, recurrent decay can occur. Though many patients tend to procrastinate through the process, extraction is always best to avoid infection.
If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you have questions about removal, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Cavity Causes
Dental cavities are common, affecting over 90 percent of the population. As much as we love to see you at the dental practice of Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, our staff would rather you prevent them altogether. The number of cavities can be reduced by proper nutrition, excellent oral hygiene, few snacks in between meals, the use of oral or topical fluorides, and topical sealants. But where do they come from if you are already receiving one or more of the above?
Cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth consume simple sugars, converting them into acid plaque. Acid plaque is different from the periodontal plaque that causes gum disease. The reason is that acid plaque produced by these bacteria cause the hard inorganic layers of the enamel and dentin to soften. The softened layers are then dissolved by saliva, leaving a hole (cavity) in the tooth. Small cavities may go unnoticed, but the larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by toxins and cause a severe toothache.
If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth consume simple sugars, converting them into acid plaque. Acid plaque is different from the periodontal plaque that causes gum disease. The reason is that acid plaque produced by these bacteria cause the hard inorganic layers of the enamel and dentin to soften. The softened layers are then dissolved by saliva, leaving a hole (cavity) in the tooth. Small cavities may go unnoticed, but the larger cavities can collect food, and the inner pulp of the affected tooth can become irritated by toxins and cause a severe toothache.
If you suspect you have a cavity, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Benefits of a Good Night’s Sleep
It’s no surprise that sleep plays a vital role in our health and well-being. After all, without sleep, we would all be zombies. Getting enough quality sleep on a daily basis can help protect your mental health, physical health, improve your quality of life and safety. If you aren’t getting enough sleep lately for whatever reason, visit our doctors Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, to rule out serious health issues such as sleep apnea.
Sleep is important for endless reasons. It is connected to the healing and repair of your heart vessels. Therefore, if sleep deficiency is left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. In addition to assisting in the rejuvenation of your body, sleep help keeps your heart healthy, reduces stress, improves your memory and can help control body weight issues.
If your quality of sleep is being compromised, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Sleep is important for endless reasons. It is connected to the healing and repair of your heart vessels. Therefore, if sleep deficiency is left untreated, it can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke. In addition to assisting in the rejuvenation of your body, sleep help keeps your heart healthy, reduces stress, improves your memory and can help control body weight issues.
If your quality of sleep is being compromised, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
Thank You For Your Testimonials!
Here at the dental practice of Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, our staff appreciates feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Felita C. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!
“I totally trust Dr. Hirschl and his patient care is stellar. Just had a problem with a tooth and rather than going straight to putting in a crown, Dr. Hirschl opted for a conservative approach and redo the filling. He is not an up seller of services; just honest with what is truly needed. He recognizes & understands his patient's needs. He's been my dentist since moving to FL 15 yrs. ago and though I've since moved an hour north of his office I continue seeing him as my dentist. Oh, and his staff is really nice.” –Felita C. – Patient since 1999
If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
“I totally trust Dr. Hirschl and his patient care is stellar. Just had a problem with a tooth and rather than going straight to putting in a crown, Dr. Hirschl opted for a conservative approach and redo the filling. He is not an up seller of services; just honest with what is truly needed. He recognizes & understands his patient's needs. He's been my dentist since moving to FL 15 yrs. ago and though I've since moved an hour north of his office I continue seeing him as my dentist. Oh, and his staff is really nice.” –Felita C. – Patient since 1999
If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
How to Prevent Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Hundreds of different types of bacteria live on our teeth, gums, tongue and other crevices in the mouth. Some are helpful, but some can be harmful such as those that play a role in the tooth decay process. At our Miami Beach and North Miami Beach dental practice, we want our patients to know that good oral and dental hygiene can help you avoid cavities and tooth decay.
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:
When a tooth is exposed to acid frequently – for example, if you frequently eat foods or drinks containing sugar and starches – the repeated cycles of acid attacks cause the enamel to continue to lose minerals. This will cause a white spot to appear if the minerals have been lost. When this happens, this is a sign of early decay.
You can help prevent tooth decay by following these tips:
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth daily with floss or an interdental cleaner.
- Eat nutritious and balanced meals and limit snacking.
- Visit us for professional cleanings and oral examination.
Dental Bonding Benefits
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately “bonds” the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. Dental bonding may be considered when a tooth is chipped or cracked, to repair decayed teeth, to close spaces between teeth, and to improve the appearance of discolored teeth. The first step in deciding whether dental bonding is right for you is to schedule a consultation with our doctors Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, so you can discuss your treatment goals.
One of the top benefits of dental bonding is that it’s the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedure. In addition, the composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Sometimes, bonding also is used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings, or to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede.
If you believe you may benefit from dental bonding, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
One of the top benefits of dental bonding is that it’s the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedure. In addition, the composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Sometimes, bonding also is used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings, or to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede.
If you believe you may benefit from dental bonding, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or hygienists, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.
How Do Teeth Become Worn Down?
Worn down teeth can cause pain, sensitivity, discoloration, and they can begin to change shape. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA of Miami Beach, FL and N. Miami Beach, FL want their patients to know how teeth can become worn down. Here are a few of the common ways it can happen.
Brushing Abrasively
As we have mentioned before, brushing too hard can begin to wear down your enamel. Use soft bristles and a light scrub to remove plaque. Anything more can wear down enamel. When looking for a new toothbrush, make sure the label does not say hard or firm. Soft or medium are your best bets.
Homemade Whitening
If you are on Facebook or Pinterest, you may have seen homemade teeth whitening recipes pop up on your feed. While sometimes they can be effective, they can also be dangerous for your teeth. For instance, recipes with baking soda can end up wearing down your teeth. Baking soda is extremely abrasive. While it is useful, it is only okay in small doses.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Are you someone who habitually drinks an energy drink to get you through the afternoon? Or do you have a soda with your dinner every night? It may be time to make those drinks treats instead of everyday occurrences. This is because drinks like soda are filled with acid. Too much of it can lead to the erosion of your teeth. This also includes hard candies, citrus fruits, and more.
For the sake of your enamel, keep these tips in mind. To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Brushing Abrasively
As we have mentioned before, brushing too hard can begin to wear down your enamel. Use soft bristles and a light scrub to remove plaque. Anything more can wear down enamel. When looking for a new toothbrush, make sure the label does not say hard or firm. Soft or medium are your best bets.
Homemade Whitening
If you are on Facebook or Pinterest, you may have seen homemade teeth whitening recipes pop up on your feed. While sometimes they can be effective, they can also be dangerous for your teeth. For instance, recipes with baking soda can end up wearing down your teeth. Baking soda is extremely abrasive. While it is useful, it is only okay in small doses.
Acidic Foods and Drinks
Are you someone who habitually drinks an energy drink to get you through the afternoon? Or do you have a soda with your dinner every night? It may be time to make those drinks treats instead of everyday occurrences. This is because drinks like soda are filled with acid. Too much of it can lead to the erosion of your teeth. This also includes hard candies, citrus fruits, and more.
For the sake of your enamel, keep these tips in mind. To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
The Wrong Ways to Brush
Do you brush your teeth two to three times per day? If so, great! However, did you know that there is such a thing as brushing them in a harmful way? Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA of Miami Beach, FL and N. Miami Beach, FL want you to know the ways you should not brush your teeth.
Brushing After Eating or Drinking
While you should brush after meals, it is advised to wait a little while before doing so. This is because some of our food and drinks may contain acid which softens our enamel. When we brush our teeth right afterward, the softened enamel can be brushed away. To further help get rid of the acid, rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking something especially acidic, like soda.
Brushing With Too Much Force
It does not take much to remove plaque. Soft bristles with a light touch isenough. Stiff bristles or brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums, leading to cavities, darkened teeth, and gum recession.
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Our mouths are all different. Our teeth are placed differently and we are all different sizes. Because of this, you should choose a toothbrush that is the right fit. Too large of a toothbrush will be too difficult to maneuver around a smaller mouth. This could mean you end up missing spots!
For healthy and strong teeth, keep these tips in mind. To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or call our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested by visiting our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Brushing After Eating or Drinking
While you should brush after meals, it is advised to wait a little while before doing so. This is because some of our food and drinks may contain acid which softens our enamel. When we brush our teeth right afterward, the softened enamel can be brushed away. To further help get rid of the acid, rinse your mouth out with water after eating or drinking something especially acidic, like soda.
Brushing With Too Much Force
It does not take much to remove plaque. Soft bristles with a light touch isenough. Stiff bristles or brushing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate gums, leading to cavities, darkened teeth, and gum recession.
Using the Wrong Toothbrush
Our mouths are all different. Our teeth are placed differently and we are all different sizes. Because of this, you should choose a toothbrush that is the right fit. Too large of a toothbrush will be too difficult to maneuver around a smaller mouth. This could mean you end up missing spots!
For healthy and strong teeth, keep these tips in mind. To schedule your next cleaning and examination with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or call our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested by visiting our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Do You Spend Enough Time Brushing?
When brushing your teeth, do you spend enough time? When you hit all of your mouth’s surfaces adequately, you should be spending about two minutes brushing. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA of Miami Beach, FL and N. Miami Beach, FL want to give some tips for making sure you brush for a long enough amount of time.
Tunes
Play your favorite song while brushing your teeth. Most music players have a timer on it as the song plays. Use it to make sure you are brushing for two minutes. To get an even brushing, spend thirty seconds on each quadrant in your mouth.
Quadrants
Speaking of those quadrants, splitting them up can help you keep track. Spend thirty seconds on your upper-left teeth, your upper-right teeth, lower-left, and lower-right. Then, be sure to clean your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks.
Timers
These days, timers are easy to find. There is probably a timer on your cell phone! However, you can add to your bathroom’s décor and buy a more interesting-looking timer like an hourglass (minute-glass) or a clock.
Timely Toothbrushes
Many electric and manual toothbrushes have timers now! They either play music for two minutes or they stop their vibration a few times after two minutes.
For a healthy mouth, do a good job brushing and come in for your routine dental cleanings. To schedule an appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Tunes
Play your favorite song while brushing your teeth. Most music players have a timer on it as the song plays. Use it to make sure you are brushing for two minutes. To get an even brushing, spend thirty seconds on each quadrant in your mouth.
Quadrants
Speaking of those quadrants, splitting them up can help you keep track. Spend thirty seconds on your upper-left teeth, your upper-right teeth, lower-left, and lower-right. Then, be sure to clean your tongue, the roof of your mouth, and the insides of your cheeks.
Timers
These days, timers are easy to find. There is probably a timer on your cell phone! However, you can add to your bathroom’s décor and buy a more interesting-looking timer like an hourglass (minute-glass) or a clock.
Timely Toothbrushes
Many electric and manual toothbrushes have timers now! They either play music for two minutes or they stop their vibration a few times after two minutes.
For a healthy mouth, do a good job brushing and come in for your routine dental cleanings. To schedule an appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Brushing and Flossing with Braces
Brushing and flossing are something you (hopefully) do several times per day. When you have braces on, however, that normal routine needs to change a bit in order to keep good dental health. Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA of Miami Beach, FL and N. Miami Beach, FL want to ensure their patients know how to brush with braces on.
While wearing braces, the brackets create extra hiding spots for plaque, which means more opportunity for cavities and staining. For this reason, there are techniques and tools that can help you do a good job.
When brushing, make sure to include the brackets into your routine. After brushing the chewing surfaces, angle the toothbrush and brush along the tops of all the brackets. Do the same for the bottom of the brackets. To hit the sides of them, use an interdental toothbrush. These are very small brushes that can get underneath the wires, unlike your regular toothbrush. You want to be sure you can see the edges of the brackets, afterward.
In order to floss with braces, it will be helpful to own Superfloss or floss threaders. These make it easy to get the floss underneath the wires of the braces. Floss normally, going underneath the gums and paying extra attention to the molars.
Be extra-careful when taking care of your smile with braces. A good dental routine will help keep your orthodontic treatment on the right tracks. It will also ensure you have a beautiful, stain-free smile when your braces come off. To schedule an appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our North Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
While wearing braces, the brackets create extra hiding spots for plaque, which means more opportunity for cavities and staining. For this reason, there are techniques and tools that can help you do a good job.
When brushing, make sure to include the brackets into your routine. After brushing the chewing surfaces, angle the toothbrush and brush along the tops of all the brackets. Do the same for the bottom of the brackets. To hit the sides of them, use an interdental toothbrush. These are very small brushes that can get underneath the wires, unlike your regular toothbrush. You want to be sure you can see the edges of the brackets, afterward.
In order to floss with braces, it will be helpful to own Superfloss or floss threaders. These make it easy to get the floss underneath the wires of the braces. Floss normally, going underneath the gums and paying extra attention to the molars.
Be extra-careful when taking care of your smile with braces. A good dental routine will help keep your orthodontic treatment on the right tracks. It will also ensure you have a beautiful, stain-free smile when your braces come off. To schedule an appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our North Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Kids' Dental Fears
Dental fear often starts out in childhood. While we understand there are kids who fear dental appointments, we also know there are ways to make them feel better. At Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA in Miami Beach and N. Miami Beach, FL, we want all of our patients to feel comfortable in our dental chairs. Read on for tips on how to make kids feel more at ease for their dental appointments.
Kids feel more comfortable when they are familiar with something. This means the earlier you start bringing your child to the dentist, the more familiar they will be with the process. Kids should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth starts growing in, or by the age of one if that hasn’t happened yet. If your schedule permits, bring them with you when you are having a cleaning. That way they will have seen the office and met some of the staff before their first appointment.
For young kids who have never been to the dentist before or who do not remember going, you can play “pretend dentist” with them at home. Have them lean back in a recliner chair or a couch. Have them open wide and “examine” their teeth by counting each one. You can even take a dry toothbrush and “clean” each one of their teeth. Showing them what will happen at the dental office will help them feel more at ease.
In addition to familiarity, kids do better when they know reasoning. Explain to them why they need to see the dentist. Educational videos and tools may help with this.
Kids’ teeth are just as important as adult teeth. To schedule your family’s next appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Kids feel more comfortable when they are familiar with something. This means the earlier you start bringing your child to the dentist, the more familiar they will be with the process. Kids should start seeing the dentist when their first tooth starts growing in, or by the age of one if that hasn’t happened yet. If your schedule permits, bring them with you when you are having a cleaning. That way they will have seen the office and met some of the staff before their first appointment.
For young kids who have never been to the dentist before or who do not remember going, you can play “pretend dentist” with them at home. Have them lean back in a recliner chair or a couch. Have them open wide and “examine” their teeth by counting each one. You can even take a dry toothbrush and “clean” each one of their teeth. Showing them what will happen at the dental office will help them feel more at ease.
In addition to familiarity, kids do better when they know reasoning. Explain to them why they need to see the dentist. Educational videos and tools may help with this.
Kids’ teeth are just as important as adult teeth. To schedule your family’s next appointment with Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, call our Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 532-1444 or our N. Miami Beach, FL office at (305) 949-2630. Appointments may also be requested through our website, www.miami-dental.com.
Tips for Keeping Fresh Breath
Bad breath is not pleasant; especially for the person you are talking with or sharing a car with. At Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA in Miami Beach and North Miami Beach, FL, we strive to help our patients achieve optimal dental health. Take some of our tips for keeping fresh breath.
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. In order to fight the odor, you need to fight the bacteria. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to brush and floss. In addition, while brushing your teeth, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Brush two to three times per day and floss at least once per day.
Keeping your mouth hydrated is another important step. Bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Therefore, drink your daily recommended amount of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeinated drinks, as these dry out your mouth. The properties of green tea actually fight odor-causing bacteria, so sip on that to keep hydrated and fresh.
If you have bad breath after eating a particularly smelly food, it may help to chew mint leaves, parsley, or lemon rinds. These neutralize odors and stimulate saliva.
Keeping fresh breath will not only ensure there are no awkward moments caused by bad breath, it will also ensure you are keeping bacteria levels to a minimum! To learn more about dental hygiene, visit our website, www.miami-dental.com. Appointments at Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA can be made by calling our Miami Beach office at (305) 532-1444 or calling our North Miami Beach office at (305) 949-2630.
Bad breath is usually caused by bacteria in the mouth. In order to fight the odor, you need to fight the bacteria. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to brush and floss. In addition, while brushing your teeth, brush your tongue and the roof of your mouth. Brush two to three times per day and floss at least once per day.
Keeping your mouth hydrated is another important step. Bacteria thrive in dry mouth conditions. Therefore, drink your daily recommended amount of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeinated drinks, as these dry out your mouth. The properties of green tea actually fight odor-causing bacteria, so sip on that to keep hydrated and fresh.
If you have bad breath after eating a particularly smelly food, it may help to chew mint leaves, parsley, or lemon rinds. These neutralize odors and stimulate saliva.
Keeping fresh breath will not only ensure there are no awkward moments caused by bad breath, it will also ensure you are keeping bacteria levels to a minimum! To learn more about dental hygiene, visit our website, www.miami-dental.com. Appointments at Ressler, Hirschl, & Lelchuk, DDS, PA can be made by calling our Miami Beach office at (305) 532-1444 or calling our North Miami Beach office at (305) 949-2630.
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