3 Reasons to Restore Your Smile

If you have crooked, crowded, chipped, or broken teeth, you might be looking for a cosmetic dentist to restore your smile. However, you might be surprised to learn that these tooth problems go beyond cosmetic fixes. If you live in South Miami, Sweetwater, or Kendall, you should visit Jennifer Lopez Dental at least every 6 months to ensure that your oral health is in tip-top condition. They will also check to ensure that none of the below-mentioned diseases manifest in your mouth due to overcrowding, broken, or chipped teeth.

Oral Diseases Due To Poor Teeth

1.   Risk of Gum Diseases

Overcrowded or crooked teeth may be a significant reason to consider visiting an experienced Miami beach dentist because it can lead to devastating results. For instance, overcrowded teeth can crack, fracture, or even break because of a lack of space. Moreover, this oral problem can manifest into a gum infection or gingivitis.

On the other hand, crooked or misaligned teeth can be hard to clean, and plaque can collect in between the teeth. This can erode tooth enamel and lead to several other oral problems.

2.   Ensure Your Teeth Wear Evenly

Another important reason to consider going to a Miami beach dentist is uneven teeth. Your teeth are designed in a way that they don’t touch each other. If your teeth are overcrowded, misaligned, or chipped, they will wear unevenly and hurt over time. Going to an expert Miami dental restoration center will fix your teeth’ unevenness and improve your bite.

3.   Fix Your Overall Health

Gum diseases are associated with various health issues, and it’s crucial to take good care of your gums to prevent other problems. Some of the dangerous conditions associated with gums are diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s. So if you want to avoid facing any of these problems, visit your nearest Miami beach dentist now.

Ending Note

Excellent oral health is one of the reasons why most people are free from various diseases. Since our mouth hosts our food, it needs to be in perfect shape. Therefore, restoring your smile goes beyond just cosmetic dentistry. At Jennifer Lopez Dental, you will receive excellent care and quick solutions to your oral health problems. Moreover, Dr. Jeniffer M. Lopez has ample years of experience, ensuring you and your loved ones are in professional hands.

Your mouth is a battleground! Knowing how sugar causes cavities and affects your teeth will help you make informed decisions and avoid excessive consumption. It is vital to learn how to take care of your teeth as you grow up.

Dental health has an inexplicable connection with your overall health. The more sugar you consume not only increases your risk of tooth decay and gum disease, but it is also unhealthy. Miami dental restorations can be your one-stop solution to help you maintain your oral health.

Sugar and Teeth

Miami dental extractions can help you maintain good oral health. Miami’s best dentist will guide you on how much and what type of sugar you should be consuming. Excessive sugar intake can lead to several problems, such as

1)   Tooth Decay

It’s not the sugar that affects your teeth, but it’s the acid that gradually dissolves the protective outer layer of your teeth. The bacteria living in our mouths feed on sugar. It reacts with sugar, forming a dental plaque affecting the layers below the enamel, causing tooth decay.

2)   Gum Diseases

When you consume something sugary, hoards of tiny bacteria are welcomed into the mouth, leading to gum disease. The bacteria breeding in the acidic environment slowly disintegrates your enamel, receding the gums.

3)   Cavities

The harmful bacteria living in our mouth, if left untreated, can quickly progress in the inner layers of our teeth. The damaged enamel can cause pain and discomfort and may lead to the loss of teeth if left untreated.

Jennifer Lopez Dental is committed to maintaining happy and healthy smiles. Get the best consult by filling out this form.

Visiting your dentist every 6 months will help to prevent unhealthy gums and teeth because the following oral problems can lead to many non-oral health issues. In this article, we have shared numerous problems associated with bad oral health so you can understand why it is essential to visit your dentist.

1.  Heart Diseases

Lack of hygiene can cause several oral problems, leading to various non-oral health issues. One of the non-oral health issues linked with bad oral health is cardiovascular diseases. Believe it or not, the bacteria that causes gum disease can travel through blood vessels and clot your cardiovascular arteries. This blockage causes atherosclerosis which is a dangerous, fatal disease.

2.  Respiratory Infection

Bacteria from an infected or swollen tooth can also travel through the bloodstream and collect in the lungs. When this bacterium reaches the lungs, it can block the air passage, causing a shortage of breathing or respiratory infection.

3.  Infertility

According to Medical News Today, infertility in women is linked to poor oral health. The gum disease is the alleged culprit that makes it difficult for women to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy. Furthermore, women with poor oral health take longer to conceive a baby as opposed to a woman with excellent oral health.

The Bottom Line

Good oral health is crucial to maintain a healthy life. Your mouth is a host for various bacteria and viruses, which can cause numerous non-oral health issues. Instead of dragging your oral health problems, you should visit the best Miami dental clinic, Jennifer Lopez Dental. Dr. Jennifer M. Lopez is an expert general dentist with years of experience in treating various oral diseases. You can count on the best Miami dentist to look after your oral health and prevent any illness from manifesting into a bigger problem.

Many people assume they need a cosmetic dentist only when they need to fix their smiles, but that’s not all that cosmetic dentists are good for. Sure, they can improve your smile, but there are plenty of other reasons why you might need a cosmetic dentist. Here are a few reasons that will help you understand the importance of a cosmetic dentist.

Benefits of Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist

1.   More Options

One of the things that make a cosmetic dentist different from an orthodontist is the variety of technology at their disposal. With numerous technologically advanced techniques and machinery, a cosmetic dentist can give you many options to choose from. The best example of this is dental tooth filling. While a dentist might offer one or two options, a cosmetic dentist can offer multiple different materials and colors to decide which best suits your appearance.

2.   Better Training

Cosmetic dentists are trying their best to be at the top of their work. It means better technology for dental procedures and better training. A cosmetic dentist is trained to use the latest tools and machines to give you the best results possible.

3.   Better Fit

Not all dentists are well trained to design braces of dental implants that fit well. That is why cosmetic dentists are trained to use the latest tools that make dental procedures more comfortable and better fit.

Ending Note

A cosmetic dentist can fix your oral health in the most comfortable way possible. With the latest tools and technologies, a cosmetic dentist can help you achieve your desired results. If you are looking for the best Miami cosmetic dentist, you can trust Dr. Jennifer Lopez for the best results. Scheduling an appointment is as easy as calling (305) 227-1213 or visiting our website

It takes a lifetime of care to achieve healthy teeth. Even if you’ve been told that you have nice teeth, not taking the right steps to take care of them will cause them to deteriorate quickly. This involves getting the right oral care products and following a proper teeth care ritual daily!

Be mindful of your daily habits and practice the following to maintain that beautiful smile.

  • DO NOT Go To Bed Without Brushing: This is always the first oral healthcare advice, and for a good reason. Even though people are generally aware of the importance of brushing their teeth at night, many people still tend to neglect this practice. Germs and plaque accumulate in our mouths throughout the day. Going to bed without brushing allows them to thrive and multiply in your mouth overnight. Brush before sleeping to get rid of these.
  • Use a Fluoride Toothpaste: There are more important things than flavor and whitening powders when it comes to choosing a toothpaste. Fluoride easily lands the top spot on that list. This is because it is a leading defense against tooth decay. It provides a protective barrier for your teeth and fights germs that can lead to decay.
  • Drink More Water: Water is the best beverage for your overall health, and this includes your oral health as well. Drinking water after every meal can help wash out some of the negative effects of the acidic and sticky foods that get leftover in your mouth. This is an excellent way to practice oral hygiene in between brushes.

It is also important to visit your dentist regularly. If you don’t have a regular dentist yet and reside in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental now.

 The list of foods that aren’t great for your teeth goes far beyond soda and sugar. In fact, some of the healthy foods that are currently trending may wreak havoc on your enamel, potentially cause cavities, and have a negative effect on your overall health.

Following are some trending drinks that aren’t great for your teeth.

  • Hard Seltzer: Most alcoholic beverages are a concern due to their high sugar content. The drying-out effect they have on the mouth can further enable the development of cavities. With modern trends towards wellness and natural ingredients rising, better alcoholic beverages are also making their way to most clubs. A prime example of this is hard seltzer – a drink with relatively clean ingredients and low sugar content. However, it still isn’t good for your teeth, as any carbonated beverage can mess with the mouth’s pH level, making the enamel more vulnerable to bacteria. That being said, it is still better than regular alcohol.
  • Kombucha: One of the more popular health trends recently has been the general obsession with kombucha tea. The fermented tea is full of antioxidants and probiotics that aid your gut health and ease inflammation. However, it can be very damaging to your oral health. To prevent bacteria from forming, kombucha should be kept at a pH level below 3.5. This can be very acidic for the enamel and cause it to erode. It can also stain the teeth.

That being said, you don’t need to completely give up on these drinks; just make sure to consume them in moderation.

If you do not have a regular dentist yet and reside in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental now.

Cosmetic dentistry is on the rise. More and more people opt for it as they learn and witness how a dentist can transform almost anyone’s teeth to give them a smile they desire. If seeing all the hype has made you curious, but you still aren’t aware enough to decide whether you want to opt for the treatment, read on.

There are several different choices for cosmetic dental work if you want to improve your smile. Following are the most common cosmetic dental procedures.

  • Teeth Whitening: Also known as “teeth bleaching,” this procedure is used to fix discolored or stained teeth. This is one of the most simple cosmetic dental procedures and can quickly whiten or brighten your teeth in a few visits to the dentist. You can even get a home kit to whiten your teeth. However, not everyone’s teeth are suitable for bleaching, so it is important to check in with your dentist before getting a home kit.
  • Dental Veneers: If you have minor teeth issues such as a slightly crooked tooth, chipped teeth, or discolored teeth, you can opt for cosmetic dental veneers. These are thin shells made out of porcelain or composite material. They’re custom made for each patient and are cemented to the front side of the tooth. It can also be used to cover spaces between the teeth.
  • Dental Implants: A dental implant is performed to replace missing teeth. A metal device that is usually made out of titanium is surgically placed into the jawbone where the tooth is missing. The dental implant works as a tooth root, which can anchor artificial teeth such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

However, it is important to note that not all cosmetic dental procedures are suited for everyone. If you have any concerns regarding the appearance of your teeth, it is better to visit a dentist and get an expert opinion about the best course of action.

If you live in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, visit Jennifer Lopez Dental for a consultation now.

One of the first things people notice about you is your smile. Not only does a good smile impact the way others perceive you, but it can also boost your self-confidence. A survey by a dating site showed that a whopping 60% of the men and 71% of the women claimed that they care about a potential date’s teeth the most. 

However, this can be an issue for people who suffer from dental problems that affect the look of their smile. Dental procedures that improve the look of teeth and gums are known as cosmetic dentistry. Issues such as yellowed, crooked, or even missing teeth can all be corrected through cosmetic dentistry.

Following is a list of issues that can be fixed with a few trips to a cosmetic dentist.

  • Crooked teeth
  • Misaligned teeth
  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Misshaped teeth
  • Crossbites
  • Underbites, overbites, or open bites
  • Missing teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Gummy smile

If you suffer from any of the above issues and affect your confidence and self-esteem, it is worth undertaking a cosmetic dental procedure. However, it is more likely going to be a long term commitment. Therefore, it is necessary to do the proper research beforehand to make an informed decision after being aware of your options.

If you are looking for an excellent cosmetic dentist and reside in South Miami, Sweetwater, Kendall, Coral Gables, or Doral, consider visiting Jennifer Lopez Dental as soon as possible.

The one thing you probably never want to hear your dentist say is that you have a cavity. However, it is an issue that affects a lot of people.

What Is a Cavity?

A cavity is a hole in a tooth. It is caused by decay that happens over time. The issue is that a cavity can go unnoticed for an extended period until specific symptoms become impossible to ignore.

To avoid having your teeth filled, you have to take good care of your oral hygiene even if you have no symptoms at all, while also keeping a check on the early signs of a cavity.

Signs of a Dental Cavity

Most of the time, small cavities are impossible to detect by yourself. You will have to consult a dentist who will probe your tooth or even perform an X-ray to conclude if you have a cavity. However, the following are some signs that you should be on the lookout for.

  • Toothache can be a sign of a cavity. If a specific tooth is throbbing and aching, and you find your tongue poking against it, you may want to consult a dentist.
  • If one of your teeth has become more sensitive to temperature changes than the rest, then the chances are that it may have developed a cavity. This will be apparent when you drink something hot, cold, or really sweet.
  • A lot of things can cause bad breath. However, if you consistently find yourself with bad breath without any reason, then it may be pointing toward a cavity.
  • The biggest sign of a dental cavity is a hole in your tooth. Whether you see a tiny hole or a larger one, consult a dentist immediately.

If you find yourself suffering from any of the above symptoms and live in Miami, visit our website to book an appointment with Dr. Jennifer M. Lopez. She is one of the best dentists in Miami and will give your case her undivided attention.

Most people already know the various benefits of regularly visiting the dentist. It helps maintain oral hygiene, keeps teeth and gums healthy, and most oral problems are caught on early.

However, there are a few unexpected benefits of visiting the dentist regularly that may surprise you.

  • It Can Help You Sleep Better: Do you have trouble dozing off but don’t seem to find the root cause of the issue? Well, your dentist may be able to help as your teeth can be the key to a good night’s sleep. There is a whole branch of dentistry called “dental sleep medicine,” which is devoted to sleep apnea treatment. Your dentist will likely fit you with an oral device that will help you enjoy uninterrupted sleep.
  • It Can Help Prevent or Manage Diabetes: There is a strong link between oral health and diabetes. According to the American Academy for Oral Systemic Health, about 95% of people with diabetes also have gum disease. On the other hand, people with gum disease have a more challenging time controlling their blood sugar levels. So regularly visiting your dentist can help with diabetes as well.
  • It Can Lower the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Having gum disease can increase your risk of developing heart disease. The risk of bacterial infection in the bloodstream is increased due to gum disease, which can further affect the heart valves. To avoid this, it is suggested to brush and floss your teeth regularly and adequately get dental-checkups.

If you live in Miami, it would be great to visit Dr. Jennifer M. Lopez at Jennifer Lopez Dental. Head over to our website to book an appointment today.

Soda isn’t great for our health. We know that, but many of us still indulge in soda, at least now and then. Other people can’t get through the day without their favorite soda, even drinking multiple cans a day! 

Why Is Soda Unhealthy? 

Below are a few of the most important reasons to consider cutting soda out of your diet for good: 

  1. Sleeping disorders, including insomnia – Drinking too much soda can eventually interfere with your sleeping habits, making it harder to fall asleep or to get the full benefits of sleep. 
  2. Difficulty in weight loss efforts – One can of Coke has 160 calories. If you drink only one can of Coke a day, this adds 4800 calories every month! Even diet soda options won’t help, as it has been found that those who drink diet soda instead of regular soda have increased waist sizes. 
  3. Artificial stimulant – Caffeine is a stimulant, causing changes in mood, perception, and behavior. It can be addicting, just like any other stimulant, and it also comes with a crash. This can leave you feeling sluggish, lethargic, moody, and with a craving for another soda to pick yourself up! It’s time to break this cycle. 
  4. Damages and stains the teeth – Dark sodas will eventually begin to stain your teeth. Colored sodas are also up to 10 times more harmful to the tooth enamel than fruit juices and other acids. Weakened tooth enamel will lead to cavities, tooth decay, and eventual tooth loss. 

Here at Jennifer Lopez Dental, we encourage you to discontinue or decrease your soda intake. Not just for the sake of your dental health, but your overall health as well! 

Thumb sucking that extends past the age of 5 can create an anterior open bite. With an open bite, the roof of the mouth (called the palate) arches too high, and the front teeth (incisors) don’t touch when the mouth is closed. An open bite will require expensive orthodontic treatment and may cause speech difficulties for your child. 

Quitting the Thumb-Sucking Habit 

There are a few ways you can encourage your child to quit this harmful habit before it can do any permanent damage: 

  • Refrain from negative enforcement. Positive enforcement has been shown to be much more effective. This means praising your child when he isn’t sucking his thumb instead of punishing him when he does. 
  • Use a reward system or a sticker chart to reward your child for going a day (or even an hour at first) without thumb sucking.
  • Countless children will resort to thumb-sucking out of stress or boredom. Do your best to alleviate any anxiety your child may be experiencing or engage them in playing a game, doing a puzzle, playing with Legos, or participating in any activity that requires the use of their hands.
  • Put your child to bed with a band-aid or a sock on her hands to discourage overnight thumb-sucking.

If your child’s behavior persists, please bring it up at their next dental cleaning and checkup, and we will be able to offer more advice. To make an appointment, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental, our Miami general dentistry office.  

Bruxism is the technical term for nocturnal teeth grinding and clenching. Not only can bruxism result in disrupted sleep patterns, but it can also damage your teeth. 

Bruxism can be caused by several issues, including: 

  • Drinking too much caffeine 
  • Struggling with an anxiety disorder 
  • Sleep apnea 
  • A side effect of certain medications 
  • Snoring 

You may be suffering from bruxism and not even know it! Most people only realize they’re clenching and grinding their teeth in their sleep is when a sleeping partner brings it up, or their dentist diagnoses it. The symptoms of bruxism include the following:  

  • Headaches in the morning 
  • Pain or a clicking sound when opening or closing the jaw
  • Tight or achy jaw muscles 
  • Pain that feels as if it’s coming from the ear 
  • Tooth pain and sensitivity  

There is no cure for bruxism, but there are a few ways to manage the symptoms:

  • Create a relaxing sleep environment- The ideal sleep environment is comfortable, cool, and dark. We recommend putting down screens (laptop, phone, tablet) at least one hour before going to bed. Blue light from electronic screens can inhibit melatonin production in the body, causing sleep problems. 
  • Change your sleeping position – In the same way that changing position can stop you from snoring, it can also ease the bruxism flare-ups. If you’re used to sleeping on your back, switch to one of your sides, and vice versa. 
  • Reduce stress as much as possible – Reducing stress not only helps to eliminate your bruxism but will also improve your overall health. 
  • Wear a nightguard to bed – If you suffer from bruxism at any severity, a nightguard is a necessity. Nightguards are dental appliance worn to bed, similar to a retainer. The nightguard acts as a cushion between the jaws so that even if you grind, no damage is done to your teeth. 

If you suffer from bruxism and would like to talk about a custom nightguard in Miami, Florida, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental to make an appointment!

Halloween is almost here! This holiday is notorious for candy and treats! Unfortunately, even consuming these treats in moderation can harm your dental health. We know that sugar is terrible for our teeth, but you may not know why. 

Sugar & Tooth Decay 

Plaque bacteria is always forming on and between the teeth, and, if given the right food, it can wreak havoc on your vulnerable tooth enamel. Sugar acts as the food for these bacteria, allowing them to multiply more quickly and adhere to your teeth, eventually forming tartar. 

Your tooth enamel is one of the hardest substances in your body, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t susceptible to plaque, bacteria, and tartar. As these substances break down the tooth enamel, they sneak inside, causing dental cavities and infections. 

Preventing tooth decay 

Everyone is at risk for tooth decay because we all have plaque multiplying on our teeth as we speak! However, the enamel on baby teeth is much thinner than adult teeth. Since kids are the ones eating the majority of candy on Halloween, they’re the most at-risk. Below are a few ways to make sure your child’s teeth are as healthy as can be: 

  • Make regular trips to Jennifer Lopez Dental for a dental cleaning and a checkup for your dental cleanings and an exam by Dr. Lopez. 
  • Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss every day. These simple habits play a significant role in improving your dental and overall health. 
  • Remember that the sticker the candy, the worse for your teeth! Stay away from food and candy that can pull out fillings or break the teeth. 
  • Rinse your mouth with water after eating to flush away some of the residual food or bacteria.

From all of us at Jennifer Lopez Dental, have a safe and healthy Halloween! To schedule an appointment for your post-Halloween dental cleaning and exam, please call our Miami, Florida general dentist’s office today! 

It probably isn’t shocking to discover that fear of the dentist is widespread! Between 10-15% of Americans avoid their dental checkups because of dental anxiety. That’s around 25-40 million people!

People who suffer from a fear of the dentist experience the early loss of teeth and are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. Dental anxiety can also take an emotional toll. If you aren’t keeping your dental checkup appointment, your teeth may become damaged or discolored, which may cause problems with self-esteem.

4 Ways to Manage Dental Anxiety 

  1. Let us know about it – Rest assured that we here at Jennifer Lopez Dental will do anything we can to make your visit to our office is as comfortable and stress-free as possible! If you have anxiety about your upcoming appointment at our office, please give us a call so we can answer any questions you may have.
  2. Do research to ease anxiety – Much of the fear centered around the dentist stems from not knowing what to expect. Make sure you learn as much as you can about your procedure and feel free to ask us questions. 
  3. Feel free to distract yourself – If distraction is a good way for you to ease your anxiety, we recommend bringing in a set of headphones! Listen to soothing songs, mindfulness meditations, or your favorite podcast. Focusing on something besides your treatment can be a big help. 
  4. Consider sedation if all else fails – Once you’ve ruled everything else out, it might be time to consider sedation. We offer a few different options for sedation depending on the procedure, age of the patient, and severity of anxiety. If you’re interested in learning more about sedation, we can go over your options with you!  

The longer you wait to get treatment, the more dental care you may end up needing in the long run! We recommend coming in for your dental checkups to catch any potential problems early on when they’re easier to treat.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Jennifer Lopez Dental here in Miami, Florida!  

If you’re wondering whether your kids are eating too much sugar, there are a few signs to look out for. And this is an important question to ask! It’s not a secret that a high-sugar diet contributes to cancer, ADHD, diabetes, and heart disease. Sugar can also be a tough habit to quit, especially when it’s established in childhood. If you limit sugar early enough for your kids, you can break this harmful sugar cycle! 

Signs That Your Children Are Eating Too Much Sugar 

According to the American Heart Association, children should only be consuming up to 12 grams of sugar per day. To put this in perspective, a single box of Juicy Juice apple juice contains 23 grams, almost twice the allotted daily amount for kids! For this reason, it’s a good idea to check the labels on your children’s snacks. 

Below are a few signs that your kids are consuming too much sugar: 

  • Cravings – Sugar is extremely addictive. Like any addictive substance, the more you get, the more you crave. If your child is continuously snacking on or asking for sugary snacks, he or she may be developing a sugar addiction. 
  • Attitude changes – If your child experiences frequent attitude or demeanor changes, this can be a sign of a fluctuating blood sugar level. For example, if your child goes from energetic one minute to moody, sluggish, or lethargic the next, sugar highs and lows could be to blame. 
  • Dental cavities – Lastly, sugar is the number one cause of dental cavities in children. If your kids are developing multiple cavities, their diet might be the cause. Even if your kids are diligent about brushing and flossing, consuming too much sugar will result in cavities anyway. These sugars cling to and damage the teeth before your child even has a chance to brush. 

If the above signs seem familiar to you, it may be time to reevaluate your family’s sugar intake. To make an appointment for your child to receive a dental cleaning and check for cavities, please call Jennifer Lopez Dental. Our family dental office is based here in beautiful Miami, FL. 

When it comes to keeping gum disease at bay, nothing beats an interdental brush! These tiny brushes clear away any food debris and plaque hiding between the teeth, which will keep your gum tissue healthy.  

If plaque and bacteria are allowed to build up between the teeth, the gums will become irritated and swollen. Interdental brushes are great for everyone, but we recommend them especially those who have a history of problems with their gums.

What are interdental brushes?  

Interdental brushes are very small and have handles similar to a toothbrush. They have a small, conical head with bristles, meant to clean between the teeth. Interdental brushes come in different sizes depending on the spacing between your teeth; for example, you will need one size for the gap between the front teeth, and another for the gaps between the molars.

Tips on using an interdental brush  

You should always make sure to follow the advice of your dentist when using your interdental brush. Below are a few tips that may also help:

  • Make sure you’re using the right-sized brush for the gaps between each tooth. Don’t force the brush between the teeth.
  • Brush gently between each tooth. Brushing too vigorously may do damage to your gum tissue.
  • Brush in a pattern around your entire mouth. Having a starting and ending point ensures that you won’t miss any spaces between the teeth.

When you first begin to incorporate interdental brushing into your routine, it’s common for your gums to become tender or bleed a bit. Continue using the brushes as normal, and the bleeding and tenderness will reduce as the tissue becomes healthier.

If you have questions or concerns about interdental brushing, please don’t hesitate to make an appointment here at Jennifer Lopez Dental. We’re happy to give advice about interdental brushing at our Miami, Florida dentist’s office!

Stress is inescapable, especially with everything going on in our world right now. It’s widely known that stress harms our health, but it’s less widely known that this also extends to dental health.

Our bodies were built to withstand short, temporary bursts of stress. However, when stress levels are continuously elevated, it will eventually become very damaging to emotional, physical, and dental health.

5 Dental Problems Caused or Exacerbated by Stress 

Below are 5 of the ways that stress may manifest in your dental health:

  • Cold Sores – If you’re already susceptible to cold sores, higher-than-average stress can lead to an outbreak. Stress weakens your immune system, which allows the virus that causes cold sores (herpes simplex virus or HSV) to sneak past your defenses. Cold sores can be painful, but they usually go away on their own after a week or two.
  • Gum Disease – As stated above, stress weakens your immune system. It can also decrease the body’s ability to rid the mouth of harmful bacteria. If these bacteria are allowed to build upon the teeth, you become vulnerable to gum disease and gingivitis.
  • Canker Sores – Similar to cold sores, canker sores are also a common result of stress. Canker sores shouldn’t last more than a week or so, but if you’re looking for a way to ease the pain of canker sores while they heal, there are over-the-counter rinses and gels found next to the toothpaste in most drugstores.
  • Neglect of Oral Hygiene – Most of us got in some unhealthy habits during quarantine! This may have included neglecting your dental hygiene routine. Once you let your guard down, it doesn’t take long for plaque and bacteria to build up and begin wreaking havoc on your tooth enamel. Set a reminder on your phone and make sure to stay on top of your routine!
  • Bruxism – Lastly, bruxism is a common result of stress. But it’s tricky, because you may not even know you have it! Bruxism is the term for the nighttime clenching of the jaw and grinding of the teeth. This condition will put a lot of stress on the jaw and teeth, causing headaches, pain, or chipping and cracking of the teeth.

If you’re concerned about how your stress could be impacting your dental health, or if you need to make an appointment for a cleaning and a checkup, please call Jennifer Lopez Dental in beautiful Miami, Florida. Dr. Lopez looks forward to seeing you!

To make the most out of your next trip to the dentist for a dental cleaning and a checkup, there are a couple of questions you can ask to maximize your time spent in the dental chair! The more educated you are about your dental health, the better able you are to care for your teeth and your family’s teeth!

3 Questions to Maximize Your Dental Health

  • How is my oral health overall? 
    Asking about your overall dental health will allow you to get a more comprehensive view of what you’re doing well and what you can work on. This is also a great way to determine if your habits or lifestyle contribute to your oral health or hygiene.  
  • How can I improve my dental health? 
    Pay close attention to any treatments or procedures that your dentist recommends. Your dentist can also help you ensure that you’re using the right kind of toothpaste and floss, whether you’re brushing correctly, or if there’s anything else you need to incorporate into your dental hygiene routine.
  • Is there anything I should talk to my family doctor about? 
    Lastly, dental health is closely linked to overall health. Your dentist will be able to spot signs of a non-dental health problem during your dental exam. Asking this question will allow you to make sure that the right medical professionals have all the relevant information.

Part of making sure you have a healthy smile is by ensuring a daily oral routine. Pain, tenderness, bleeding, or loose teeth can all be signs of dental problems, gum disease, or gingivitis. If you the symptoms mentioned above, please call Jennifer Lopez Dental. Our Miami Dentist, Jennifer Lopez, is here to help! We also see dental patients in South Miami, Kendall, Doral, Sweetwater, and the surrounding area. Find a dentist near you today.

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