When it comes to proper dental care, senior citizens should prioritize their oral health for a variety of important reasons.  Oral health has a direct influence on overall health and with adequate senior citizen dental care, toothaches, gum disease, and tooth loss can be reduced, and possibly avoided, altogether. 

However, in the United States, access to dental care for senior citizens remains a concern because when someone retires, dental coverage stops and Medicare doesn’t cover dental expenses. But there are simple dental care tips for senior citizens one can follow at home and important signs when you absolutely must see a dentist. 

The Importance of Seeing a Dentist for Senior Citizens

Gum disease is common in the elder population, which is why seeing a dentist for senior citizens is so important. This occurs when the gum tissue peels away from the tooth, revealing the tooth’s base, or root. In the case of periodontitis, or advanced gum disease, one can experience painful, bleeding gums, difficulty biting, and tooth loss. 

In order to combat this disease, early detection and holistic treatment from a reputable dentist is the best weapon.

How Often Should A Senior Citizen See A Dentist?

According to the American Oral Association (ADA), each individual is unique and their distinct lifestyle patterns influence their dental health as they get older. Checking for symptoms of oral issues including cavities and gum disease should be a part of a normal bi-annual check-up. 

Seeing your dentist on a regular basis might help you identify symptoms early on before they develop into more serious issues. Regular dental care is especially crucial for ageing elders to avoid deteriorating health issues and serious, irreversible disorders. Therefore, seeing a dentist is a necessary visit once every six months.

Tips For Senior Citizen Dental Care

Senior citizens can keep a healthy oral care routine by following these tips: 

• Brush twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Opt for an electric toothbrush for optimal clean with less manual effort.
• Taking supplements, such as calcium and vitamin D, can support strong teeth.
• Try to eat a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet to avoid tooth decay.
• Smoking is one of the most harmful factors for overall health, especially for your teeth, so try to quit smoking.
• Even though flossing constitutes a vital aspect of dental hygiene, many people do not floss on a regular daily basis. Make sure to floss at least once a day. 

Don’t underestimate the care that your teeth need—if you’re searching for senior dental care near Coral Gables, contact us today!  

We understand the importance of senior citizen dental care and provide the best options for the care of your dental health. 

If you think you may have TMJ, it’s absolutely normal to have many questions about this condition and where to find the best TMJ treatment in the Miami area.

First, it’s important you learn what TMJ is, what causes this condition and the signs of TMJ to determine if you need treatment. If you do need help, we’ll then discuss how to find a TMJ dentist specialist in the greater Miami area. 

Signs Of TMJ

There are many, common signs of TMJ, and while these symptoms don’t necessarily mean you’re suffering from TMJ, it’s still important to know and understand them. TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, which is the link responsible for connecting the lower jaw to the skull. This joint is part of everyday functions, like chewing, talking, and yawning. The health of this joint affects the comfort of one’s jaw, neck, face, and ears.

Malfunctions of this joint are commonly referred to as the abbreviation for the temporomandibular joint itself, TMJ. Injuries to the temporomandibular joint are frequent causes of:

• Jaw pain, soreness, or locking
• Jaw pain when eating
• Popping sensations and tenderness when moving jaw muscles
• Discomfort in facial muscles
• Pain around the eyes
• Temple pain
• Earaches
• Stiff neck
• Shoulder pain
• Dizziness
• Numbness in hands or fingers

Causes Of TMJ

While scientists are still working on identifying specific causes, contributing factors to TMJ may include:

•  Injury to the temporomandibular joint or jaw
•  Nutritional habits
• Grinding or clenching of teeth
• Female hormones- since condition is more common in women than men
• Arthritis

When To Seek A TMJ Dentist Specialist

A professional examination can help answer the question, “Do I have TMJ?”, where a specialist can then create an individualized treatment plan to prevent the pain from growing into a chronic problem.

Daily recurring pain should be a strong reason to seek out a TMJ dentist specialist promptly. If these symptoms are neglected, they can result in the need for more involved and prolonged treatments, instead of other less invasive options.

TMJ Treatment

A TMJ dentist specialist and holistic dentistry expert will be able to discuss non-invasive treatment options, such as:

• Mineral level evaluation: Some people suffer from TMJ because of depleted nutritional levels or dehydration. Many cases of TMJ can be resolved with nutritional adjustments. 
• Dental restorations: Precisely raising or lowering areas of your bite, creating a natural comfortable position for the jaw can help.

A TMJ Dentist Specialist Near Coral Gables & Miami

As a TMJ dentist specialist and holistic dentistry expert for the greater Miami and Coral Gables communities, Dr. Hank Barreto finds it vital to approach oral health as an integral part of the body’s overall wellness. He treats each patient as an individual because he knows that each person is unique, with different healthcare needs, including oral care.

Experience where health and dentistry are one, book an appointment  today for a consultation with Dr. Hank Barreto.

If you’re struggling with dental issues and can’t seem to get back to a confident smile, understanding the benefits of dental implants and how they can help you, is crucial in making an informed decision about taking the next steps. Rather than opting for bridges and crowns or dentures, dental implants are the most popular long-term solution for those who suffer from chronic dental problems, or missing teeth. 

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are small posts made of titanium, surgically placed into the bone socket to replace the root of a missing tooth. A strong and durable replacement tooth, made to match your surrounding natural teeth and blend perfectly, is then anchored in place to let you enjoy laughing with confidence, smiling comfortably, and even eating your favorite foods.

The oral surgeon begins the dental implant process by using a titanium implant fixture that will fuse to the living bone cells of the jaw over time. This process forms a durable anchor for the new teeth.

Dental implants usually consist of three parts: 

1) The implant, which will permanently attach to your jaw and is a screw that will serve as the root for new teeth. 

2) The abutment, which is a permanent connector that will hold a tooth or set of teeth.

3) The crown, which is usually made of zirconium or porcelain and is the only visible part of the tooth. 

What Types of Dental Implants Does Our Practice Offer?

Missing teeth can cause your remaining teeth to drift out of position, which can lead to a change in your bite, loss of additional teeth, tooth decay, gum disease, and migraine headaches. As a solution, we offer the following dental implants: 

1. Zirconium Implants

Ceramic tooth implants, specifically known as zirconium or zirconia dental implants, are one of the newer forms of dental implants. They are tooth-colored, compatible with our tissues, and made of the hardest material next to diamonds. 

2. Bio Horizon Implants

These strong and secure metal free dental implants are an amazing solution to missing teeth. As a mercury free dentist, we use Bio-Horizon Implants because of their precision engineering and patented laser surface, unique within the industry as the only surface treatment shown to attach and retain both hard and soft tissue.

How to Take Care of a Dental Implant

Dental implants can be quite an investment, and ensuring proper dental care after the procedure is essential. Start by following these 5 steps: 

1. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, positioning your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline.
2. Use floss threaders daily to reach around the implant area.
3. Rinse your mouth with a gentle mouthwash once a day to irrigate the area around the implant.
4. Keep up with regular dental visits at least twice a year to ensure that your implant is remaining in healthy condition. 
5. If you haven’t already, it’s time to quit smoking. Smoke damages the delicate tissues in the mouth and can weaken the gums and bones supporting your implant.

Get the Best Dental Implants with Dr. Misch Dietsch

Looking for tooth replacement in Coral Gables, FL? Our very own Dr. Francine Misch-Dietsh specializes in innovative implant methods and is currently Clinical Professor of Oral Implantology in the Department of Periodontology at Temple University in Philadelphia. She is also an Assistant Editor of the Journal of Implant Dentistry, and is considered one of the foremost providers of dental implants in the Miami area. 

If you’re interested in learning more about our dental implant services, please contact us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Misch Dietsh. 

The Basics of Caring for Dental Implants

When it comes to the health of your mouth, caring for your dental implants can be just as important as getting them in the first place.

Dental implants are permanent titanium fixtures that are surgically adhered to the jawline in order to serve as a mount for an artificial tooth. They’ve been in use since 1965, with significant improvements in both dental implant materials and techniques in the decades since. Along the way, we’ve also learned more about proper dental implant care and maintenance, including what steps you need to take when caring for dental implants at home to ensure they stay in optimal condition.

Not caring for dental implants correctly can be painful—and costly. Here’s what you should know about how to care for a new tooth implant, with easy tips to keep your implant safe, clean, and well-maintained.

Why Cleaning Dental Implant Fixtures is Key

Dental implant surgery is an important first step in resolving issues due to broken, dying, or missing teeth, and caring for an implant after it’s in place is crucial to both short- and long-term recovery.

Implants are expensive. And if you don’t take good care of them, it’s very possible that you’ll end up causing some damage—you may even need a replacement. Possible risks include:

• Infection (peri-implantitis)
• Swollen and inflamed gums
• Bone loss
• Implant failure

Signs of an implant infection include bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth, red or puffy gums around the implant site, pain or discomfort, visible pus, bleeding, difficulty chewing, and/or fever. You may also notice that your artificial tooth is wobbly or loose.

If a dental implant becomes infected or otherwise fails, you’ll likely need costly additional surgeries and treatment therapies, all of which can be avoided by caring for dental implants the right way.

5 Steps to Proper Dental Implant Care

Your dentist will discuss how to take care of your dental implant both before and after your surgery. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect.

Step 1: Brush

Brush at least twice a day, positioning your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gumline.

Step 2: Floss

Flossing will need to become a part of your everyday routine if it’s not already. More specifically, you’ll need to use floss threaders, a special kind of floss for reaching around the implant area.

Step 3: Rinsing

Rinse with a gentle mouthwash once a day to irrigate the area around the implant.

Step 4: Regular Dental Visits

You’ll want to visit with your dentist at least twice a year to ensure that your implant is in good condition.

Step 5: Avoid Smoking

Quit smoking if you haven’t already. Smoke damages the delicate tissues in the mouth and can weaken the gums and bones supporting your implant.

Have additional questions about dental implants? For more information or to schedule an appointment with our implant specialist Dr. Francine Misch-Dietsh, please contact us. We’re here to help, with innovative dental implant technology and locations in both Miami and Coral Gables so you can get what you need fast. 

4 Bad Foods for Teeth (and 8 Good Ones)

Most of us are used to eating for our general health, but what about our dental health?

Being aware of bad foods for your teeth can help you make smarter choices about what you eat on a regular basis. This is critically important, since the importance of oral health goes far beyond just having squeaky clean teeth and gums. 

Your oral health is closely intertwined with the holistic health of your body. Just as certain health conditions can lead to more severe oral health problems, the opposite is true too, with poor oral health introducing more bad bacteria into your body and either leading to certain illnesses or making it more difficult to fight off ones you already have.

And while you’re probably familiar with the basics of good oral hygiene—including regular brushing, flossing, and visits with your dentist—you might be less aware of the strong connection between what you eat and how healthy your mouth is. Certain bad foods for teeth can actually degrade enamel and make you more prone to plaque growth, in turn putting you at risk of cavities and other dental problems.

The fix: pay more attention to what you eat, including limiting bad foods for teeth and eating more of the stuff that helps keep your teeth healthy. Here’s a look at what those foods are, plus other things that you can (and should!) do to protect your oral health.

4 Bad Foods for Teeth

All food is not created equal when it comes to dental health. You don’t need to totally eliminate certain foods from your diet in order to keep your mouth at its best, but you should be aware of what they are so that you can limit consumption. Here are four of the worst oral health offenders.

1. Citrus Fruit

When it comes to acidic foods, teeth aren’t the biggest fans. This includes citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruit, oranges, and tomatoes, all of which have a high acid content that can seriously erode enamel over time. Of course, there are plenty of health benefits to these types of fruits too, including high amounts of key nutrients like vitamins A, C, and B6. Instead of avoiding them entirely, simply make them part of a meal instead of eating them on their own to provide some balance and help protect your teeth.

2. Chewy Candies and Sweets

You’re probably not surprised to see sugary treats on this list, but it’s not just their sweetness that makes these foods bad for your mouth. Chewy candies stick to your teeth, leading to build-up and keeping all that sugar right where you don’t want it to be. If you have a sweet tooth, opt for less sticky options—or better yet, swap in low-sugar or sugar-free alternatives.

3. Carbonated Drinks

Soda—even the diet varieties—can wreak havoc on your tooth enamel. That’s due to its special combination of sugar, acid, and chemicals, all of which can lead to tooth decay. Seltzer is a better option if you’re a big fan of carbonation, and if you do have a taste for soda, limit your consumption so it’s a rare treat instead of an everyday indulgence.

4. Dried Fruits

Fruit is making another appearance on this list, and this time in its dried form. Like sticky sweets, dried fruits are super high in sugar and cling on to your teeth. Eat them in moderation, but make a point of swapping them out for fresh fruit more often than not.

What About Foods That are Good for Your Teeth?

On the flip-side of the above list are foods that strengthen teeth instead of break them down. And fortunately, there are lots of them—including these four:

Leafy greens: Get in your greens! Dark, leafy varieties like kale and spinach provide your teeth and gum with much-needed vitamins and minerals while adding a crunch factor to meals that aids in cleaning your teeth.

Certain dairy products: Cheese, milk, and yogurt are low in sugar and high in calcium, which is a perfect recipe for helping build up your tooth enamel.

Apples and pears: Crunchy and sweet, these fibrous fruits help neutralize acid in your mouth and stimulate your gums to promote the beneficial flow of saliva.

Nuts: When it comes to nuts and your teeth, it’s okay to go, well, nuts. Many nuts contain calcium and phosphorus—both of which are great for your teeth. And certain nuts like cashews and Brazil nuts can even help fight the bacteria that leads to tooth decay.

Balance is always key. So although you don’t have to completely avoid foods that are bad for teeth, make a point of prioritizing the foods that are good for them, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water too.

Other Ways to Maintain Your Oral Health

Eating for oral health is essential, but why stop there? While we already mentioned this above, it’s worth a reminder that you should have a well-rounded routine when it comes to your oral health, which will include regular cleaning (brushing, flossing, and mouthwash), as well as maintaining visits with your dentist.

Visit our website for more information on keeping your teeth at their healthiest—and tips on dealing with problems when they do occur.

Wondering about the difference between a bridge vs. implant? It’s easy to get these two common dental procedures confused, since they’re often presented as solutions to the same types of problems.

However, there are a number of key differences to keep in mind when comparing a bridge vs. implant to help you decide which is the better choice for your needs and your budget. To help you out, we’ve put together a quick overview of each type so that you can see what sets them apart, and ultimately make a more informed choice.

Dental Bridge

A dental bridge is a custom-made replacement of a singular tooth or multiple teeth that attaches to surrounding healthy teeth. They’ve been around in their modern form since the 1800s, though lots of progress has since been made in terms of appearance and durability.

When bridges are used: Dental bridges are a common and cost-effective solution for those who are missing a tooth or teeth. That’s due to one of the biggest differences between a bridge vs. implant, which is that a bridge isn’t permanently built into the structure of the mouth, making it a quick fix that can be easily adapted over time.

Process of installation: The first step is recontouring the teeth on either side of where the bridge will be placed to get them ready for crowns. Then a mold will be made and a temporary bridge provided before the next visit, which is when the crowns and final bridge will be put into place.

Dental Implant

Dental implants are another popular choice for resolving issues of missing teeth, and have been in use since the mid-1960s. While they’re more invasive than bridges, they are anchored into the mouth for a more permanent fix and are better at addressing gum and bone loss.

When implants are used: Dental implants include an artificial root that is affixed into the jaw and are sometimes used as a replacement themselves or to anchor a tooth for a bridge. They’re often used in periodontal patients, since they help resolve underlying bone issues and can prevent further degradation.

Process of installation: This is a multi-step surgery requiring bone grafting and implant placement. The process can take several months from start to finish, since healing is required after each step.

Is It Better to Get a Bridge or an Implant?

This depends on your specific situation, including the extent of your loss. A standard missing tooth or teeth can be addressed quicker and more cheaply with a bridge, but an implant is likely necessary if there is gum or bone recession, or if you are in need of a permanent and more complete fix. Work with your dentist to decide what your best option is based on your current issue and long-term needs, keeping in mind that an implant is usually the way to go for long-lasting stability.

In need of a consultation? Schedule an appointment with our implant specialist Dr. Francine Misch-Dietsh to discuss the differences between bridges and implants in more detail and to find out what your best solution is. Dr. Misch-Dietsh and our team can walk you through every step of the process, including the cost of dental implants and how they compare to bridges.

We offer two locations for dental bridges and dental implants—Coral Gables, FL and Miami—and new patients are always accepted, so get in touch today.

When you’re a cosmetic dentist, you see a lot of trends come and go. Once in a while however, you see trends that have real staying power—particularly ones that offer both aesthetic and general health benefits while minimizing the potential for serious risks.

It’s up to you to decide what cosmetic dentistry trends you do and do not want to pursue (or if you want to pursue cosmetic dentistry at all). That being said, understanding the basics is essential as you navigate the different options that are available to you.

From understanding the role of a cosmetic dentist to learning about four types of procedures that are gaining popularity right now, keep reading to figure out whether you’re interested in making cosmetic changes to your smile.

What Does a Cosmetic Dentist Do?

Before we get into the trends themselves, let’s talk cosmetic dentistry.

A cosmetic dentist is a dentist who specializes in procedures that improve the overall appearance of teeth and gums—a type of specialty that can include work on the color, size, position, shape, or alignment of teeth, as well as on the general appearance of the smile.

Cosmetic dentists may only do this type or work, or they may offer other services as well, including general dentistry.

So, how popular is cosmetic dentistry? Very! There’s been major growth in the demand for cosmetic dental procedures, in large part due to social media. It’s not just young people however, older generations are making use of cosmetic dentistry as well, and have been for some time.

4 Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

There are a lot of cosmetic dentistry trends taking the stage right now. Here are four of the big ones.

1. Professional teeth whitening

This trend has been popular for quite a while, but new advances in teeth whitening technology mean that we’ve come a long way from traditional bleaching procedures. Expect to see growth in LED light whitening, a new technology that whitens teeth without the need for hydrogen peroxide or a laser—both of which can be uncomfortable and may not offer consistent results.

2. Teeth restoration

Dental bonding is a restorative procedure that can offer a quick and affordable solution for fixing teeth that are chipped, broken, or have other types of unsightly issues. It’s so simple that it can almost always be done in just one dental visit and without the need for anesthesia or a numbing agent, and for many people, it’s covered all or in part by insurance as well.

3. Dental implants

We’ve seen huge advances in dental implant technology. Today’s solutions include Bio Horizon implants, which are considerably safer, faster, and less intrusive than the dental implants of the past. More so than just making implants more accessible, the growing trend in implant technology means a lot less pain for patients—and a lot less back and forth about whether the procedure is worth pursuing.

4. Dental veneers

Veneers have become a hot topic in recent years. In their simplest terms, veneers are fake teeth that are made out of a variety of tooth-colored substances (such as porcelain) and are designed to cover discolored or otherwise unsightly parts of the teeth. Usually, veneers are applied as shells around existing teeth, and are custom made to be the perfect fit for the patient.

If you are interested in learning more about these or other cosmetic dentistry procedures that may be available to you,book a cosmetic consultation with us and get the information that you need. With locations in Miami and Coral Gables, we make it easy and convenient to get the guidance you’re looking for so that you can make the best choices for your oral health—and your smile.