Why Routine Dental Care Is Important

Even though research has informed us that routine health checkups are crucial to avoiding chronic and long-term health issues, we underestimate their importance. We wait until we can see and feel the symptoms, but the condition has already worsened at that stage. Similar is the case for oral hygiene. Routine dental care helps us avoid disorders that can lead to permanent dental damage if left unattended.

Are you searching for a Miami dental clinic? Our team at Jennifer Lopez Dental Care, Miami, is at your service. Here’s why you should let our professional take care of you:

Early Detection of Disease:

During routine checkups, the dentist examines your mouth to detect and identify any existing oral disease symptoms. Sometimes a tooth can visually display signs of distress, often visible to experts before the pain starts. Dentists can commence treatment immediately if the infection is detected early, preventing it from spreading or causing irreversible damage.

Prevent Tooth Loss:

Gum infections and tooth decay caused by plaque buildup are the most common reasons for tooth loss. Routine dental care helps maintain oral hygiene and ensures such a problem doesn’t arise. Even if dentists notice signs of impending infection, they prescribe medications and treatments to resolve the issue before the disease strengthens and the tooth can no longer be saved.

Safeguard Overall Health:

Most people are unaware that your mouth is the door to the vital internal organs of your body. If this door is weakened, the chances of health disorders rise significantly. Bacterial pneumonia, Infective Endocarditis, Sepsis, and Cancer are a few of the many complications that arise due to poor hygiene. Often initial symptoms of chronic diseases like diabetes can also be detected within the mouth during the early stages. Routine dental care helps detect these diseases at their onset.

Therefore, routine dental care is vital to maintaining your health and preventing long-term oral disorders. If you are looking for a dentist office near me Miami, Jennifer Lopez Dental Care is at your assistance. Our professionals are highly trained and experienced in detecting and treating multiple complex dental disorders. They work tirelessly to ensure all our customers leave feeling satisfied.

Tooth pain can be a significant inconvenience in your daily routine. It is a continuous nagging pain that demands your immediate attention.

Read on to learn what to do if you are suffering from tooth pain.

Causes of Tooth Pain

There are several causes of tooth pain, some of which are listed below.

Gum Disease

Gum disease, also known as Periodontitis, is a severe infection of the gums that can cause a myriad of problems. It builds up plaque which makes it hard to clean your teeth. It also strips away the soft tissue layer and the bone, creating cavities that can be painful.

Gum disease can also expose the tooth root, causing tooth sensitivity.

Tooth Decay

If you haven’t been following a good dental hygiene routine, the bacteria and plaque will start to accumulate. Too much plaque will form a hard-to-remove layer called tartar which prevents you from cleaning your teeth properly.

When your teeth aren’t being cleaned, they will naturally start to decay and become weak. This can cause tooth pain.

Treatment for Tooth Pain

Tooth pain can be easily solved by using various methods, some of which are given below.

Cold Compress

You may have seen people pressing a bag of ice to their cheeks. This is usually done to help relieve tooth pain. The ice constricts the blood vessels in the affected area, which provides a relieving effect.

If you are suffering from a toothache, put a cold compress on the area for at least 15-20 minutes. Doing so repeatedly will help you sleep better in bed.

Pain Medication

Several over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications are available for tooth pain, like Advil or Tylenol. These pain medications are particularly effective for mild to moderate tooth pain. However, if the problem persists or if you have a severe toothache, we recommend visiting a dentist.

Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

If you are suffering from gum disease, you should rinse your mouth with a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. According to a study in 2016, this is quite effective in decreasing the build-up of plaque. It is recommended to use dilute food-grade hydrogen peroxide with water. Avoid swallowing the water as it may cause adverse effects; simply rinse the mouth.

Conclusion

Tooth pain is a common problem but one that can be easily solved by taking some appropriate measures. Various home remedies are quite effective in alleviating pain.

If your tooth is still aching, there might be a bigger, more serious underlying problem. Visit our website to schedule an appointment with our dentist.

Teeth sensitivity is a common problem that everyone is likely to experience at some point in their lives. According to this study, the prevalence of teeth sensitivity is 12.3%. Read on to find out more about the causes and solutions for sensitive teeth.

Causes of Sensitive Teeth

There can be several potential causes for sensitive teeth.

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay can expose your tooth root, allowing external factors to attack it, like having something hot or cold. Sometimes sweets, or even just air, can irritate the exposed tooth root.

Acidic Foods

Acidic foods are another cause of sensitive teeth. If you consume too much acidic food, you can erode the enamel, which is the outer layer of your teeth. If the enamel is eroded, it will expose the sensitive inner layer called the dentin. 

Gum Disease

Your teeth roots are comprised of tiny tubes that are connected to a nerve center. These roots are responsible for feeling the differences in hot, cold, or sweet things, and they have a layer on them called gum tissue. If you have gum disease (also known as periodontal disease), this layer of gum tissue will erode, which will expose the tooth root.

Treatment for Sensitive Teeth

There are several recommendations that your dentist will suggest based on the type of sensitivity you have.

Fluoride Gel

Fluoride gel is a medication used to prevent cavities. After applying fluoride gel, the tooth enamel is hardened, which in turn lessens your sensitivity.

Crowns

Dental crowns are caps used to cover damaged teeth and restore their shapes. In case of teeth sensitivity, crowns can be used to repair tooth decay.

Gum Graft

Remember when we talked about gum tissue protecting the tooth’s roots. If you are suffering from gum disease and the gum tissue has been removed from the roots, a surgical gum graft can protect them and consequently treat sensitive teeth.

Conclusion

If you still have teeth sensitivity, your dentist may suggest a root canal treatment to eliminate the problem entirely. Sensitive teeth can be troublesome, but most of the time, they can be treated easily.

If you are suffering from teeth sensitivity, visit our website to schedule an appointment today!

There is a reason why smoking is universally considered harmful to your overall health, especially your oral health. Yet, each day, around 1,600 youth try their first cigarette. Listed below are some of the harmful effects of smoking.

Tooth Decay

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one in five people suffers from untreated tooth decay. As a result, pain, infection, and many other problems can affect your speech, eating, and even working.

Smoking affects the large cavities surrounding the gum line, which results in infections and weak teeth. Repairing broken teeth is both painful and costly.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is unsurprisingly quite common in most people. It is mainly caused by poor brushing and flossing habits, thereby enabling bacteria to harden.

The National Institute of Health declares smoking to be the chief cause of gum disease. On top of this, smoking also minimizes the success rate of gum disease treatment.

Tooth Discoloration

It is a well-known fact that smoking is directly proportional to teeth discoloration. The more you smoke, the faster your teeth turn yellow and the darker the yellow is.

It doesn’t matter whether you are a regular smoker or a chain smoker. All that matters is smoking, and tobacco (literally) paints a gross picture of your teeth.

Conclusion

No matter how “cool” smoking appears to be, it really isn’t. Not only does it cause severe medical problems, but it is becoming increasingly accepted among the youth.

If you are suffering from any or all of these adverse effects of smoking, visit our website for an immediate consultation and treat your dental problems as soon as possible.

Also known as a cosmetic dental procedure, teeth whitening removes stains and discoloration and helps you get whiter teeth. Depending on what teeth whitening treatment you are opting for, it might take more than one application to lighten the color of your teeth. So, without further ado, let’s examine the top four ways to whiten your teeth and determine how long does teeth whitening take:

1.    Whitening Strips

Though an effective at-home teeth whitening treatment, the process may take longer than you want. According to the instructions, you have to attach the gel strips for one or two hours every day. A whitening strip teeth whitening process typically takes around 2 to 3 weeks.

2.    Professional Teeth Whitening

Getting your teeth cleaned and whitened in-house is the most effective and efficient teeth whitening process. On average, a patient walks out with their teeth 3-5 shades lighter after the 60-minute teeth whitening procedure.

3.    Teeth Whitening Rinses

Similar to mouthwash, teeth whitening rinses comprise of whitening agents that can give you the smile you desire without leaving your home. Even though it might take months for you to see actual results, you only have to rinse using the liquid two or three times a day.

4.    Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

The teeth whitening toothpaste has mild enzymes which scrape away the stains from your teeth. Use it instead of toothpaste with an electric toothbrush. Apply the toothpaste twice a day and see results in 2 to 6 weeks.

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Looking for cosmetic dentistry in South Miami? Jennifer Lopez Dental Cosmetic and Family Dentistry has got you covered. Operating in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, and Doral, Dr. Jennifer Lopez aims to provide you with top-quality lifetime dental care. Click here to book an appointment or give us a call at (305) 227-1213.

A nail-biting problem is more common than you think. This seemingly harmless subconscious act provides a sense of comfort, especially when you’re in a stressful situation. Unfortunately, however, the act is far from harmless. To make matters worse, it doesn’t just affect your nails.

In reality, nail-biting does more damage to your teeth than your nails. It increases your risk of chipping, cracking, and even breaking your teeth. Additionally, a sharpened fingernail could tear your gums and make them more sensitive. Following are some of the negative side effects of nail-biting on your teeth.

  • Gum Disease and Infections: In general, people who bite their nails are more likely to develop gum disease and infections, such as gingivitis and gingival trauma. There is also a risk of accidental trauma, as your nails can accidentally cut through your gums. In addition, the germs under your nails can also irritate or infect your gums.
  • Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): If you are prone to biting your nails while anxious, there’s a high chance that you continue doing so while you’re asleep. However, you will likely not be biting your nails. Instead, you will be grinding your teeth against each other. Teeth grinding over a long period can cause teeth to fall out.
  • Poor Dental Occlusion: When you bite your nails, it puts pressure on your teeth and jaws. This can lead to your teeth shifting out of position and becoming oddly shaped. As a result, you’ll require braces or retainers to bring your teeth back into alignment, or it could lead to other serious issues in the long run.

If you feel that your nail-biting habit has already affected your teeth, it is crucial to visit a dentist immediately. If you live in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental for a consultation today.

Do your gums bleed when you floss or brush them? While slight bleeding from your gums might seem normal, regular bleeding signals an underlying oral health issue. Some common causes of why your gums bleed are mentioned below:

1.    Rough/Incorrect Brushing Technique

Most people believe that brushing their teeth vigorously is the best way to get them as clean as possible. However, in reality, your gums are extremely sensitive, so brushing them too hard can cause irritation and even gum recession, causing them to bleed. Therefore, the first thing to do if your gums bleed is to make sure that you are brushing softly in a circular direction.

2.    Gingivitis

One of the most prominent reasons why your gums bleed is gingivitis. It can be described as the buildup of plaque at the gum line. If not dealt with in time, gingivitis can lead to severe gum disease, which is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Therefore, if your gums bleed or you feel like they are tender or swollen, visit a dental clinic in South Miami to get your gums checked before it’s too late.

3.    Using the Wrong Toothbrush or Incorrect Flossing Technique

Many people use a toothbrush with hard/firm bristles, believing that the greater the abrasiveness, the better the cleaning. However, in reality, using the wrong toothbrush and flossing technique can damage the enamel on your teeth, causing your gums to bleed. Therefore, invest in a gentler floss and softer toothbrush.

4.    Poor Diet

Ingredients in processed foods can not only irritate your gums but can also cause them to bleed. Therefore, if your gums bleed, avoid sugary and processed foods and switch to a healthier balanced diet comprising of foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and vitamins A, C, and K.

Book an Appointment at Jennifer Lopez Dental Today!

Are you looking for a dental clinic in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, and Doral? At Jennifer Lopez Dental, we are committed to providing high-quality and customized dental care with the utmost integrity. Click here to schedule an appointment right away!

Dental implants are an excellent option if you have missing teeth and want to replace them. Since they feel and function like natural teeth, they’re a much better option than dentures. However, many people are confused about dental implants and what they are. In this article, we’ll answer the question, “What are dental implants?” and talk about their advantages.

Dental implants are small metal posts that function as replacements for the root of a tooth. When you have a missing tooth or several missing teeth, a dental implant can be implanted into your jawbone. This becomes the replacement root and acts as an anchor for an artificial tooth, i.e., a crown. Since the crown is built to match the color of your natural teeth, and the metal fixture fuses to the bone, the resulting dental implant looks and functions like an actual tooth.

Most dental implants are endosteal implants, i.e., implants surgically inserted into the jawbone. However, if your jawbone can’t support this, or you want to avoid bone grafting, you can also opt for subperiosteal implants. These rest under the gum tissue but on top of the jawbone.

Dental implants are a popular option for people with missing teeth because of their many advantages. In addition to looking natural, they feel like an actual tooth and are more comfortable than dentures. They also facilitate chewing and talking better and decrease sensitivity in surrounding teeth. Additionally, unlike dentures, implants don’t need to be taken out and cleaned, and there’s a lower risk of cavities or sensitivities developing in nearby teeth. Lastly, since dental implants are so durable, they’re long-lasting and an excellent long-term investment.

If you’re interested in this option to replace missing teeth, discuss it in detail with Dr. Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer Lopez Dental can be your go-to Miami dental clinic. We serve the South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, and Doral areas and specialize in various dental procedures, including dental implants. Call us at (305) 227-1213 or reach out to us here for more information.

Dental braces have come a long way in the past few years. Today, instead of having cumbersome, traditional braces, you can opt for clear braces in the form of Invisalign. The clear aligners can gradually improve your smile while remaining discreet. Here are some things you should know about Invisalign before opting for the treatment.

1. Wear Time

Traditional braces cannot be removed, but this isn’t the case with Invisalign. You can remove your aligners for a couple of hours every day.

2. Eating and Drinking

If you have metal dental braces, there are a variety of foods you have to avoid eating. You don’t have the same restrictions with Invisalign since you can simply remove the aligners and eat whatever you want. However, it’s important to remember to remove your aligners when you’re eating and drinking liquids other than water.

3. Caring for the Aligners

While you have to care for your aligners, this is relatively straightforward. You will have to rinse them upon removing them from your mouth and clean them properly with a toothbrush and water or antibacterial soap.

4. Types of Invisalign

There isn’t just one type of Invisalign. There are many different options, including those for fixing minor problems, intermediate issues, and extremely tough orthodontic issues. You can choose between Invisalign Lite, Full, Teen, and Express, all of which suit different needs.

5. Treatment Time Differs

How long your Invisalign treatment takes depends on various factors, including spacing, age, and adherence. It can take anywhere from six months to a few years. Each case differs and should be discussed with a dental professional.

Invisalign is an excellent way to straighten your teeth and perfect your smile. In addition to being completely customized, it’s discreet and effective. If you’re interested in Invisalign and want to know whether it’s right for you, Dr. Jennifer Lopez can help. Jennifer Lopez Dental is the Miami dental clinic for you if you’re located in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral. Call us at (305) 227-1213 or reach out to us here.

The holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year. You get to gather with your family and loved ones, enjoy delicious food, make memories, and, of course, get a few days off work or school. Unfortunately, your teeth are likely not enjoying them as much as you are.

On the other hand, the bacteria in your mouth are likely having a blast. Holiday treats and sugary snacks create the perfect environment for all the harmful bacteria to thrive and multiply in your mouth. It puts a damper on the holidays, doesn’t it?

The good news is that you can minimize the damage the holidays can cause to your teeth and gums due to overindulgence. Following are some tips to protect your teeth during the holiday season.

  • Be Smart with Your Choice of Sweets: Let’s be honest; avoiding sugar is not a smart plan. The craving will only make things worse when you inevitably give up and start indulging in holiday sweets. However, you can be smart about what you eat. Cookies, muffins, pie, hot chocolate, and other such sweets are safe to eat as you can rinse your mouth afterward to reduce the amount of time the sugar stays in your mouth. On the other hand, caramel and toffee can stick to your teeth. Therefore, it is important to keep their consumption to the minimum.
  • Drink A Lot of Water: You’re likely aware of the importance of water for survival. But did you know that water plays a crucial role in maintaining your oral health as well? It helps rinse      leftover food and unwanted toxins out of your mouth and improves dry mouth. Plus, it keeps you hydrated, which can help prevent you from overeating during meals.

It is also important to have routine dental appointments to ensure your teeth are always at their best. If you don’t already have a regular dentist, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental in Miami for a consultation as soon as possible.

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