Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Formula, milk, and fruit juices all contain sugars. Baby bottle decay is caused by frequent exposure to these sugars over time. The sugary liquids pool around the teeth for long periods as your baby sleeps, leading to cavities that first develop in the upper and lower front teeth. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk don’t want adults to develop tooth decay, let alone pediatric patients, if your child hasn’t visited the dentist before his or first birthday, it’s time!

It’s critical to take care of an infant’s gums right away. But at first, you will not be using a toothbrush or toothpaste. Instead, you should grab a soft, moistened washcloth or piece of gauze and gently wipe down your baby’s gums at least twice a day. Especially wipe your baby’s gums after feedings and before bedtime to avoid baby bottle decay.

If you have questions or concerns regarding a pediatric dental care, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the 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.

Tips for the Holidays

We wish all of our patients at the dental offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk a Happy Thanksgiving! During the holidays, sugary treats abound, and we want to make sure that everybody is keeping their teeth safe from decay. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the season; it just means following a few tips in this guide.

The longer sugar is in contact with teeth, the more time there is for bacteria to consume it and produce acid. For this reason, it’s not just the sugary, sticky candies that get stuck in dental crevices you have to worry about. Hard candies can pose the same risk since they are in contact with teeth for a long time, as can starches from sources such as squash and crackers. People should also remember that seasonal drinks such as pumpkin spice lattes, apple cider, and eggnog leave sugary residue behind. Additionally, saliva helps to wash away residue, so you’ll want to drink a lot of fluoridated water to compensate for anything that could dry your mouth out.

You produce more saliva when you’re eating large meals, so limiting eating to those time will help you to avoid tooth decay. If that’s not feasible, you can chew sugar-free gum after snacking to dislodge some food debris. If you’re hosting, you can also opt to serve xylitol-flavored hard candies in place of sugary ones.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

National Diabetes Awareness Month

Since November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, this seems like a good time to remind our patients of the relationship between diabetes and gum disease. We understand that people face different oral health challenges, and at the Miami Beach dental offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we strive to treat people struggling with gum disease with respect. If a patient frequently struggles with gingival bleeding, uncontrolled blood sugar could be the culprit.

Inflammation is the body’s attempt to isolate diseased tissues. Inflamed gums are often caused by infections in the gum pockets. If the infections become bad enough, the structures holding teeth in place will erode, leaving them vulnerable to falling out. People with diabetes have higher than average rates of periodontal disease. One of the effects of high blood sugar is decreased effectiveness of the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to defeat gum pocket infections. But the effect also goes in the other direction; infections make it more difficult for the body to regulate blood sugar, putting the patient at greater risk for other diabetes complications.

People with diabetes need to be especially vigilant about their oral hygiene to prevent gum pocket infections from developing. But even people who brush and floss regularly need to maintain regular oral hygiene appointments so that we can clean away calculus. There is also good news for diabetic patients. When people receive treatment for gum inflammation, their other diabetes symptoms show improvement.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Dry Mouth

If you’ve ever been parched and in desperate need of wetting your whistle, you know how uncomfortable dry mouth can be. Dry mouth is the feeling that there is not enough saliva in the mouth. Everyone has a dry mouth once in a while, but excessive dry mouth can be due to medication, or an underlying condition such as diabetes. If dry mouth is causing you discomfort, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk can treat the problem.

Symptoms of dry mouth include a sticky, dry feeling in the mouth that may be accompanied by a dry feeling in the throat, a dry rough tongue, mouth sores, and/or trouble chewing, swallowing, or speaking. Causes for dry mouth include certain medications that you can discuss with one of our doctors, salivary glands diseases, and smoking. Treatment for dry mouth will depend on the cause.

If you have questions or concerns regarding dry mouth, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the 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.

Dental Emergencies

Any dental emergency like an injury to the teeth or gums can be potentially serious and should not be ignored. If you are in need of emergency dental work, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk can help you any time, any day, and when your dental health is at risk, each member of our dental team will do everything they can to make sure that you’re treated as soon as possible.

One of the most common dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. When you hit your mouth on something hard and it knocks a tooth out, it can be a particularly scary experience. In this situation, the first thing you need to do is locate the tooth and contact the dentist immediately. If at all possible, the tooth needs to be re-implanted almost immediately.  Any injury to teeth or gums should not be ignored. Nerves or blood vessels could be damaged and there is also a risk of getting an infection. If an infection is not treated, it can spread to other parts of the head and neck and cause serious health problems. Other types of dental emergencies include objects caught between teeth, a lost filling or crown, broken braces and wires, loose brackets and bands and soft tissue injuries.

If you have questions or concerns regarding a dental emergency, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the 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 Positive Reviews!

Here at Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL, 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 John V. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“My dental  hygienist was awesome. Thorough job. Marianela is her name. I've been going for 20 years even though I live in Miami Lakes. The dentists themselves are professional, they work with my insurance issues, they occasionally suggest some optional treatments which is fine, and they do not push too hard. The crowns, cavities, etc. are done in one sitting, quickly and with minimal pain. I usually see Dr. Hirschl, but I've seen them all. Receptionists are friendly. I trust them.” – John V.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the 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.

What is TMD?

The temporomandibular joint is a hinge that connects your jaw bone (mandible) to the temporal bones in your skull, in front of each ear.  A general term for any problem or issue with this joint is temporomandibular disorder, or TMD.  Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk can help his patients prevent and recover from the negative effects of TMD.
Patients that grind or clench their teeth often end up with a sore jaw.  Other patients experience injuries with facial trauma that cause jaw pain, or result in the patient feeling their jaw gets stuck or ‘locks’ in either an open or closed position.  A custom night guard keeps the jaw in a neutral position during sleep, and this helps many patients find relief from TMD symptoms.  For any pain, your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter painkiller or warm and cold compresses.  To prevent further discomfort, you may be assigned stretches for your jaw. 

Whatever your symptoms, you don’t have to suffer from discomfort in your jaw.  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 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. You can also visit Miami-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Dental Crowns

If you have a tooth that has been weakened due to decay, a desire to restore a broken tooth that has been severely worn down or simply wish to enhance the aesthetics of your smile, then you may be a candidate for a dental crown. Dental crowns are fixed prosthetic devices that Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk cement onto existing teeth or implants. There are several types of materials that can be used for dental crowns and one of our doctors will discuss them during your consultation.

On the first visit, your tooth will be reshaped by filing down the enamel so that there is room for the crown to be placed over it. Once the tooth has been reshaped, a mold will be taken of that tooth and the surrounding teeth. This mold will be sent to a dental lab so that the permanent crown can be made. Before you leave the office, you will be fitted with a temporary crown so that you have some protection on the tooth. In about two weeks you will come back for the final result.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Dental Instruments

Regular dental cleanings are crucial to maintaining patients’ health, but we understand that many people suffer from dental anxiety. At the Miami Beach and North Miami Beach practices of Ressler, Lelchuk, and Hirschl, we want our patients to feel at home in the dental office, which is why we thought it would be a good idea to explain what some of our instruments are for.

Patients are familiar with the hose that sucks away saliva and debris, but they may not have known that it’s called an evacuator. The three instruments we use the most frequently are the evacuator, handheld mirror, and an explorer or probe. Explorers are the hooked metal instruments we use to test the hardness of enamel and the cleanliness of gum pockets. They are also used to pry away calculus that has built up on teeth.

We have more specialized tools for each procedure, including repairing tooth decay. For most procedures, we inject the patient with a local anesthetic using a syringe. Modern dental drills are designed to minimize heat by running water over the drill site. Once the drill debris has been evacuated, we’ll mix the white resin filling material on a small spatula and apply it using a blunt-tipped instrument called a burnisher. These instruments come in many shapes and are also used by orthodontists to contour molar brackets.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Using a Floss Threader

If you have traditional braces or a fixed retainer, flossing threaders will make this task easier and improve the health of your teeth and gums. You should never avoid flossing with these orthodontic appliances because plaque left on the teeth will turn into tartar (calculus) which only our team at the office of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk are able to remove. Tartar buildup will cause the gums to be inflamed and this may lead to a more aggressive form of periodontal disease. If you don’t know what a floss threader is, we are here to tell you what it is and how to use one.

A floss threader is a flexible, yet rigid plastic tool used for passing floss between fixed bridgework, orthodontic wires, and beneath fixed retainers. They resemble large plastic “needles” as far as shape goes and are effective in getting floss between teeth that are close together. To use one, simply thread 18” of floss into the eye of the floss threader and use the end to push through the teeth. Once the floss has been inserted, the ends can be easily manipulated to floss around the tooth. If you need assistance, our doctors are happy to help.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at our practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Sleeptember

If your jaw hurts or your teeth are misaligned, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be to blame. Although OSA is believed to be one of the most common health conditions in the United States, it is underdiagnosed. Consequently, nighttime tooth grinding (bruxism) being caused by OSA often is not treated properly. At the Miami Beach and North Miami Beach dental offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we want our patients to know how to address the source of the problem, which is why we’re pleased the American Sleep Apnea Association’s “Sleeptember campaign” is raising awareness of this issue.

In people with OSA, there is something, usually the tongue, blocking the airway. This prevents enough oxygen from getting to the patients’ blood and causes them to be pulled out of deep sleep throughout the night, leaving them fatigued. Bruxism results from the body unconsciously attempting to open an airway. The pressure put on teeth could cause them to tilt outward or, in the worst cases, crack.

Besides fatigue, other signs might include snoring and floppy eyelids. Overweight men are especially at risk. People who suspect they have OSA can get assessed at a sleep clinic, where their airways will be examined. They may be provided with a CPAP machine. We can also assist by fabricating custom-fitted oral appliances called night guards that will keep the jaws apart at night, protecting the teeth from further damage.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk have seen adult patients that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy!
We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterward to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!
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 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. You can also visit Miami-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Gingival Graft after Gum Recession

Gum grafting is primarily used to treat receding gums where tooth has been exposed. When plaque and bacteria build up at the gum line, the gums start to pull away from the teeth and stretch, forming little pockets around the buildup. Even when these little pockets are cleaned out, they remain at the gum line and cause the gums to recede.  Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk can help you correct this by repairing deficient gums with a gum graft.
A gum graft procedure consists of harvesting healthy tissue from the roof of the patient’s mouth and transferring it to the site that needs reinforcement. This gives the deficient gum a replacement, and encourages growth of new material around the graft.  Gum grafting can be performed when receding gums become unsightly, or to cover teeth that have been exposed by receding gums and become much more sensitive.  If you think you could benefit from a gum graft, please contact us.
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 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. You can also visit Miami-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

White Fillings

A composite filling is a tooth-colored plastic and glass mixture used to restore decayed teeth. Composites are also used for cosmetic improvements of the smile by changing the color of the teeth or reshaping disfigured teeth. At our dental practice, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, will apply a composite resin on the affected tooth or teeth. It is then molded and sculpted over an adhesive gel that is placed on the tooth. After the resin has been applied, an LED light is used to harden the resin, which is then polished to give you a fresh new smile.

White fillings are matched to be the same color as your teeth and therefore used to give patients a more natural appearance, plus they are safer than Amalgam fillings. Amalgam (silver) fillings are now a thing of the past because they contain almost as much mercury as a thermometer. The procedure to place a white filling is simple and can be completed in one appointment. If you can benefit from a white filling, schedule a consultation today.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dentistry, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Pacifiers and Teeth

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk get a lot of questions from parents about weaning their child off a pacifier.  Infants are soothed by pacifiers and when the time comes, it is one of the hardest habits to break.  It can require a great deal of persuasion, but because of the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth children should stop using pacifiers by the age of two.

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.  Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur.  Using a pacifier too long can also lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth, and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Until the age of two, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.  We can help and support parents having any trouble weaning their child off a pacifier before that age.

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 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. You can also visit Miami-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Pediatric Dental Care

At the dental practice of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we are proud to serve the families of our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first baby tooth appears, or around the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development are important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth.

Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development.  Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seemed nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  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 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. You can also visit Miami-Dental.com and fill out a contact form.

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

Here at Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, of Miami Beach, FL and North Miami Beach, FL, 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 James B., Jr. for this five-star review, but we would like to thank him for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know! 

“Dr. Hirschl and staff have performed in a most professional and competent manner in determining what was necessary to resolve my dental problems and then carrying the repairs out. He made me feel comfortable during the dental procedures. He followed up with a phone call later that evening to see how I was doing.” – James B., Jr.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the 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.

Interdental Cleaners

Interdental brushes serve as an alternative to flossing. If patients do not have the dexterity or motivation to use dental floss, he or she may benefit from cleaning with an interdental device. Using an interdental brush versus using floss will depend on personal preference because both are effective in eliminating plaque and leftover food particles between the teeth. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, would like to explain the difference between floss and an interdental brush.

Interdental cleaning helps remove debris and plaque that collects between the teeth from foods that we eat. Interdental brushes have precision manufactured brush-heads that remove dental plaque from crowns, bridges, dental implants, and orthodontic appliances. Most of them have handles designed for comfort and grip to reach where floss might not be able. Dental floss needs no introduction, but you have to use it to reap the benefits of fresh breath, clean teeth, and a healthy mouth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding preventive dentistry or oral care, please give us a call. To learn more about dental hygiene as well as the 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.

Why Should Children Spit their Toothpaste?

When children learn to brush their teeth, it is important for them to know to spit the toothpaste out afterward. People may wonder why that is. The answer is fluorosis, the discoloration of teeth due to excessive fluoride consumption, and we at the dental offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk want our patients to understand more about it.

When children’s teeth are forming, an excessive amount of fluoride can cause staining on a deep level. Fluorosis is not common and most cases are only apparent to dental professionals doing an examination. But in the worst-case scenarios, it can cause teeth to appear brown or to have white web-like patterns on them. Fluoride helps to prevent cavities and dentists commonly apply it to children’s teeth in order to protect them, but a child who swallows their toothpaste is at risk of consuming too much.

When children are learning to brush, parents should emphasize the importance of only using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and of spitting. Parents also should not give their children fluoride supplements unless instructed to do so by one of the child’s doctors. If the teeth do get stained, the issue is only cosmetic and may be hidden with bonding or veneers.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Bleeding Gums

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) wreaks havoc on a person’s body, and unfortunately, the gums are not spared. Severe periodontal disease threatens the stability of a person’s teeth, which is part of the reason why the dentists of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk want our patients to understand why people with RA need to be especially careful about their oral hygiene.

Unlike some other forms of arthritis which are caused by wearin down of cartilage over a lifetime, RA is an autoimmune disorder. That means the body’s immune system has turned against its own tissues, resulting in inflammation. Studies by Johns Hopkins have found that most people with RA have gum disease, and six times as many people with RA have severe gum disease as in the general population. Gum disease was also common in people whose RA was in its early stages, suggesting the inflammation was not just due to difficulty brushing.

Scientists are currently examining whether better oral care can reduce RA symptoms. Regardless, the evidence shows that regular brushing and flossing do help people with RA to fight gum disease. For those with difficulty holding a manual toothbrush, an electric alternative may be preferable. Throat moisteners can also help people suffering from dry mouth as a side effect of RA medication.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Central Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition in which a patient stops breathing or takes pauses while breathing during sleep. There are two different types of sleep apnea. We’ve previously mentioned obstructive sleep apnea, but in this post, Drs. Ressler, Hirschl & Lelchuk, DDS, PA, are going to discuss central sleep apnea. Central sleep apnea has similarities to obstructive sleep apnea but the difference is that there is no blockage of the airway.

Obstructive sleep apnea occurs because of a physical blockage in the airway, while central sleep apnea is more psychological. In central sleep apnea, breathing is regularly disrupted during sleep because of the way the brain functions. The symptoms remain the same; therefore, if you experience morning headaches, restless sleep, or chronic fatigue, it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis and explore your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Missing Incisors

If you’re missing a pair of incisors, you’re not alone. In about 2% of the adult population, the upper lateral incisors (the ones on the sides of the central incisors, or front teeth) either never descend or never grow at all. At the offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, our dentists have a great deal of experience in providing prosthetic teeth and other assistance that can provide people who are missing teeth with healthy, beautiful smiles.

Although it is somewhat unusual for the lateral incisors to not descend, it is a common problem with upper canines. Dentists who perform oral surgery often cut away a bit of gum tissue, allowing orthodontists to attach brackets to the impacted teeth. They can then be guided downward with orthodontic wires while the other teeth are moved aside to make room. In cases where there simply are no lateral incisors, artificial ones may be fabricated. Single implants, fixed bridges, and removable dentures are all possible options, depending on the state of the patient’s other teeth and where they end up after orthodontic therapy has opened up enough space for new teeth. After getting their new incisors, the patient will have to be vigilant about wearing their retainer, since the denture or bridge will be designed based on the assumption that the surrounding teeth do not move again.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, www.miami-dental.com through a contact form.

White Spot Lesions

You probably are familiar with dark-colored tooth stains, but what do you do about white spots? Although teeth can become stained through consumption of dark-colored drinks and food, white spot lesions or incipient lesions indicate a threat to your mouth’s health. Fortunately, at the offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, we can provide treatment and restore your smile’s beauty.

Tooth enamel looks unnaturally white early in the process of demineralization. This effect can be seen on the back teeth of people suffering from acid reflux. More commonly, it results from oral infections. As bacteria feed, they produce acid, which erodes the teeth. The gum line, the sides of teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach, and the areas surrounding orthodontic brackets are all common places for white spots to develop. It only takes about thirty days for bacteria to erode enough enamel to be visible.

White spot lesions indicate the presence of an infection that needs to be brought under control before anything else can be done. When the infection is no longer active, the white spot will look shinier. If necessary, it can be treated with remineralization therapy or covered with bonding or a veneer.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Retainer Options

If you’ve recently completed orthodontic treatment, you’ll need to protect your investment with a retainer. Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk offer two different kinds of retainer options to choose from and the type you decide on will depend on your needs and your preference. A removable retainer is designed for a patient who is disciplined enough to remember to wear it, while a fixed retainer is for a patient looking for a more permanent option.

• Removable Retainer – a removable retainer is the most common type, but depending on the individual, it may not always be the best choice. A removable retainer is crafted from a clear plastic that is formed by heat and a model of your teeth.  Removable retainers can be virtually invisible, and easy to wear.


• Fixed Retainer – also known as a bonded retainer, a fixed retainer consists of a wire being bonded to the back of the six bottom or top teeth. Bonded retainers tend to protect fewer teeth than removable retainers, but are ideal for the patient that may forget to wear his or her retainer at night.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment or retainer options, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or our North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Celebrate World Oral Health Day Everyday

World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on the 20^th of March. The purpose of this international holiday is to celebrate the benefits of a healthy mouth and to promote worldwide awareness of oral health issues and the importance of good oral hygiene. Though this day has passed, here at the offices of Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk we encourage patients to celebrate oral health day, every day, here’s a reminder of how you can maintain a healthy smile.

Oral health goes beyond aesthetics. Brushing and flossing the teeth doesn’t just keep pearly whites, white, it prevents oral health conditions such as periodontal disease and tooth decay. Maintaining a healthy mouth allows you to speak, smile, chew and taste, without pain or discomfort. Because numerous studies have linked oral health to overall health, it’s important to brush thoroughly for two minutes, twice a day, and floss at least once a day, in addition to visiting our office twice a year for a professional exam.

If you have questions or concerns about oral care or dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or the North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Research into Causes of Filling Failures

Patients at the Miami Beach and North Miami Beach offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk are assured of getting high-quality fillings to fix decayed and cracked teeth. But fillings sometimes fail early, and scientists have been trying to determine why that is. New research into filling failure published last November found some common factors.

The average lifespan of a filling is about ten years. But the study found that in men who smoke and people of both sexes who drank alcohol regularly, fillings had a higher risk of failing after just two years. This matches research showing that implant failures are more common in smokers. A more surprising result was that filling failures often run in families and may be linked to a certain genetic sequence.

When fillings are not replaced in time, they may provide bacteria with a new hiding place by making it harder for a toothbrush to reach certain areas. The new research shows why it is especially important for people who are at-risk to maintain regular check-ups, where we can assess their fillings’ vitality. The research also showed that we can rule out fillings’ construction material as a factor in early failure, meaning that the cosmetically-pleasing options don’t come at the price of worse oral health.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami-Dental.com through a contact form.

Sectioning during Extractions

When tooth extractions are unavoidable, the doctors of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk carry out the procedure efficiently and with minimal discomfort for the patient. Some extractions, particularly of the wisdom teeth, require a tooth to be cut apart prior to removal, and we want our patients to better understand the procedure.

Wisdom teeth have large roots and are anchored by strong ligaments. They are often unable to erupt fully, leaving a part of them stuck below the gum line. Extractions are usually done by wiggling a tooth while elevating or pulling it, but this approach may not work with teeth that are firmly rooted or are at an angle that makes them difficult to move through a small opening. When this happens, we use a dental drill to cut into the tooth, dividing it into sections. This does not hurt the patient, who is already numb, and a steady stream of water is used to keep the extraction site cool. Once the sections are split up, they require less strength to pull and are more maneuverable. The patient may require sutures if any incisions were made, but the risk of damage to the ligaments has been reduced.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

 

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

You and your partner may laugh off loud snoring, but snoring is usually the result of an underlying problem, such as sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is the most common form of sleep apnea and it is characterized by a patient taking pauses in breathing during sleep. If you or your partner find yourself waking up in the middle of the night gasping for air, or can’t seem to shake off fatigue, visit Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk to rule out sleep apnea.

Not everyone who snores has sleep apnea, which is why it’s important to receive a proper diagnosis. Adults and children may differ in symptoms, but common symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea include dry mouth or throat in the morning, chest pain upon waking up, morning headaches, or mood instability. Regardless of what is causing obstructive sleep apnea, it’s a serious matter and should be treated promptly.

If you have questions or concerns about sleep apnea, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Research into Causes of Filling Failures

Patients at the Miami Beach offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk are assured of getting high-quality fillings to fix decayed and cracked teeth. But fillings sometimes fail early, and scientists have been trying to determine why that is. New research into filling failure published last November found some common factors.

The average lifespan of a filling is about ten years. But the study found that in men who smoke and people of both sexes who drank alcohol regularly, fillings had a higher risk of failing after just two years. This matches research showing that implant failures are more common in smokers. A more surprising result was that filling failures often run in families and may be linked to a certain genetic sequence.

When fillings are not replaced in time, they may provide bacteria with a new hiding place by making it harder for a toothbrush to reach certain areas. The new research shows why it is especially important for people who are at-risk to maintain regular check-ups, where we can assess their fillings’ vitality. The research also showed that we can rule out fillings’ construction material as a factor in early failure, meaning that the cosmetically-pleasing options don’t come at the price of worse oral health.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Fixing a Cracked Tooth

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk understand that accidents happen. Perhaps you were crunching on a piece of popcorn, chewing hard on some ice, or were the victim of some sort of dental trauma. Regardless of how you develop a cracked tooth, our doctors can repair it and restore it back to its natural function with cosmetic services such as dental bonding.

Though enamel is the toughest mineralized tissue in the body, this doesn’t mean that it’s indestructible. If your tooth is broken, chipped, or cracked, it’s important to visit our doctors immediately to avoid losing the tooth that has been damaged. Typically, if a tooth has a minor crack, dental bonding will be applied to the tooth and molded to replicate the tooth structure that was once there. Otherwise, if a large amount of the tooth breaks off, our doctors may suggest a dental crown to look nearly identical to the original tooth.

If you have questions or concerns about cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Dental Sealants Prevent Decay

If your child is prone to cavities and you’ve never heard of dental sealants before, it may be time to inform yourself. Dental sealants are plastic coatings that are placed on the chewing surfaces of the permanent back teeth. Although brushing and flossing remove food particles, sometimes it’s hard to reach into the crevices to remove all of them. Because children and teenagers are highly prone to decay, our doctors Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk suggest dental sealants to these candidates the most.

Though adults can reap the benefits of dental sealants, they are more for children and teenagers. This is because of the likelihood of developing decay in the depressions and grooves of the molars. Dental sealants are simple and the process to apply them is painless. Sealants are painted onto tooth enamel where the material bonds directly to the tooth and hardened. Sealants can protect teeth for up to 10 years with proper oral care and reduce the risk of cavities by up to 80%.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Sleep Apnea and Acid Reflux

We provide patients with treatments for a wide range of dental and oral health issues at the offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk. Oftentimes, a comprehensive approach is necessary because two problems are linked. An example is acid reflux and sleep apnea.

Acid reflux and sleep apnea are both common maladies in people who are overweight, but it’s possible that one also contributes to the other. When stomach acid escapes into the esophagus and oral cavity, the burning sensation is commonly known as heartburn. Night time teeth grinding, or bruxism, can happen when the body is attempting to keep airways open, and the presence of fluid in the esophagus may trigger this. Acid reflux also causes enamel erosion and can irritate the teeth, which may result in nighttime jaw movements. All these disruptions can also interfere with sleep quality.

People are less likely to suffer from acid reflux if they avoid meals before bed and reduce their consumption of acidic food and dairy. New research has found that use of CPAP machines, a common treatment for sleep apnea, is associated with lower frequencies of acid reflux.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Oral Cancer and Alcohol

When patients come to the offices of Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk, they’re getting top-quality care from dentists who have a close relationship with other hospital staff. This is especially important for patients facing oral cancer, which we provide screenings for. But while we are experienced with caring for the needs of oral cancer patients, we want the public to be better educated about how to avoid this disease, which is why we’re passing along a new study on the relationship between oral cancer and alcohol.

The study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology found that alcohol causes about 5% of cancer cases, including cases of oral cancer. This is different from past studies, which examined alcohol in combination with smoking, a more widely-known risk factor. The study found that people are generally unaware of the carcinogenic danger posed by alcohol and that the type of alcoholic drink consumed does not alter the risk (meaning beer and wine are not less dangerous than liquor). While heavy drinking is riskier, light and moderate drinking were still contributors. Why alcohol would cause oral cancer is still unclear, but the study also found that when people stop alcohol consumption, their chances of developing cancer in the oral cavity or the rest of their digestive tract fall to the levels they were at before they started drinking.

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 163^rdSt, Suite 310, North Miami Beach, Florida, 33160, call 305-949-2630. They can also be reached on their website, Miami Dental through a contact form.

Advanced Periodontitis

Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk hope that patients never reach the first stage of periodontal disease let alone the final stage. If mild gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to periodontitis. Periodontitis is typically treated first through a procedure called scaling and root planing. This involves a deep cleaning of the gums that can be avoided with proper oral hygiene habits. If you experience gum inflammation, schedule a professional cleaning to get the condition under control.

Healthy gums are firm and pink; therefore, if your gums are a dark red, or have a purple tint, you may be a victim of periodontal disease. With advanced periodontitis, the gum will pull away from the tooth, and the risk of losing permanent teeth is increased. Depending on the severity of periodontitis, scaling and root planing will be performed to remove the bacteria from below the gum line. To prevent periodontal disease in any form, you should adequately brush your teeth at least twice a day for a two-minute period. Follow this up with proper flossing and a quick mouth rinse, and your smile will benefit.  

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630. 

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Have you ever walked down the oral health aisle, just to find yourself overwhelmed by all of the decisions? Fear not, because Drs. Ressler, Hirschl, and Lelchuk are here to help you pick the right instrument to clean those pearly (or not so pearly) whites. It’s important to know that it doesn’t matter if you use an electric or a manual toothbrush, as long as you are putting the time and effort into your oral hygiene routine.

Any toothbrush that you choose for yourself should have soft bristles. Hard bristles can cause abrasion to periodontal tissue and will only make the teeth more sensitive. Select a toothbrush head that will easily fit in your mouth. If you are shopping for a child, it’s important to select a toothbrush that has soft bristles for gentle cleaning, a small head to fit their tiny teeth and a large handle, because this is easier for a child to grip. You should replace your toothbrush once every three months or sooner if the bristles become worn out or frayed.

If you have questions or concerns about dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about dental health as well as the services we provide at the practice, visit www.miami-dental.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, give us a call at our Miami Beach office: 305-532-1444 or North Miami Beach office: 305-949-2630.