Kids' Bad Dental Habits and How to Break Them - North Miami Dentist Dr. Carroll

Kids' Bad Dental Habits (and How to Break Them!)

They suck their thumbs and wipe their noses on their sleeves. Let's face it - kids have a lot of bad habits. While some of these habits amount to little more than lack of social grace, others can lead to more serious health problems. A few can even result in severe dental problems.

Here are three of the most serious habits leading to dental problems in children!

Thumb and Pacifier Sucking

 

Sure, it isn't attractive when your little one sucks his or her thumb, but that's not the only issue. In addition to spreading all kinds of germs, the practice can leave your child vulnerable to serious dental problems. Chronic thumb and pacifier sucking could cause the child to have buck teeth, which could require future orthodontic treatment. Most children will stop this habit on their own between ages 2 and 4, but there's no guarantee. Try to intervene early on. If all else fails, there are certain topical products that leave a bitter taste in the child's mouth, dissuading the behavior.

Going to Bed with a Bottle

 

So often we imagine babies snuggled up in a crib, clinging to stuffed animals and a bottle. Like thumb sucking, some children tend to suck the bottle while asleep, leading to the same

orthodontic issues listed above. What's more, putting any liquid apart from water in the bottle allows tooth- and gum-destroying bacteria to rest in the mouth for extended periods of time. Even infants are susceptible to tooth decay. Your best bet is to skip the bottle altogether. If that isn't possible, dilute the liquid a bit more each night with water until nothing else remains.

Swallowing Toothpaste

Toothpaste manufacturers have gone to great lengths to provide consumers with a product that not only fights plaque and gum disease, but also tastes great - sometimes a little too great. Children, particularly young children, are prone to swallowing toothpaste when brushing. It's often the result of using too much toothpaste. The problem? Too much fluoride is ingested into the child's body, causing a condition known as fluorosis. In severe cases, fluorosis leads to white or brown spots on the teeth. This bad habit is actually fairly easy to break. Try explaining to the child that a pea-sized drop of toothpaste is adequate, then teach them how to brush, rinse and spit like a pro.

 

Understanding and breaking bad kids' habits early will help you and your child establish a good oral hygiene regimen. If you have questions about how to properly care for your child's teeth, or if you think your child's bad dental habits have resulted in decay, schedule an appointment with our office by calling (305) 948-9102  or visiting our website www.CarrollDentistry.com today. We'll take good care of both of you!

If you're unhappy with your smile, then give us a call. We would love to work with you and make the smile you've always wanted become a reality. Give us a call at (305) 948-9102 and let us help you look and feel your best with a beautiful smile. Having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances your appearance and allows you to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve your teeth and smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments. 

 

Don't wait! Call us today at (305) 948-9102 & visit our website http://www.CarrollDentistry.com

Best dentists in North Miami.            

http://www.CarrollDentistry.com (305) 948-9102 Dentist in Miami, North Miami, and Aventura

C A R R O L L   D E N T I S T R Y
15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160

Are Your Teeth Temperamental? Dealing with Sensitive Smiles - Advice from Miami Dentist Dr. Carroll

Are you overly sensitive? Relax, I don't mean crying during life insurance commercials; I'm talking about your smile. Millions of adults struggle with hypersensitive teeth, meaning they are sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary or acidic foods and drinks and vigorous tooth brushing. This kind of sensitivity is often called "dentin
hypersensitivity."

Dentin is the tissue that makes up the core of each tooth. Above the gum line, dentin is protected with a coating of enamel. Unfortunately, as enamel is worn away or decayed, dentin becomes exposed and receptive to sensations that cause painful nerve responses. This can also occur as the result of receding gums, a common symptom of
gum disease.

So, what causes sensitive teeth? A number of things may be to blame. Over-zealous brushing with a firm bristled tooth brush or abrasive toothpaste can lead to dentin hypersensitivity, as can gum disease, which is the result of poor brushing and flossing habits. Your diet may also play a role, as frequent consumption of acidic foods and drinks can chemically dissolve tooth enamel. Finally, abnormal wear on tooth surfaces from chronic clenching or grinding of teeth, nail biting and chewing on hard objects can lead to sensitive teeth.

If you're already suffering from overly sensitive teeth, there are products that can help. Toothpaste designed for those with sensitive teeth can reduce the pain associated with the condition after only a few days of use. Also, be sure to stick with a soft-bristled toothbrush - hard toothbrushes will only exacerbate the problem. Brush and floss daily to maintain healthy gums and protect dentin from exposure.

For moreinformation on dealing with sensitive teeth visit us at www.CarrollDentistry.com

If you're unhappy with your smile, then give us a call. We would love to work with you and make the smile you've always wanted become a reality. Give us a call at (305) 948-9102 and let us help you look and feel your best with a beautiful smile. Having a healthy, bright, beautiful smile enhances your appearance and allows you to smile with confidence. Thanks to the advances in modern cosmetic dentistry, we are able to improve your teeth and smile with quick, painless and surprisingly affordable treatments. 

Don't wait! Call us today at (305) 948-9102 & visit our website http://www.CarrollDentistry.com

Best dentists in North Miami.            

http://www.CarrollDentistry.com (305) 948-9102 Dentist in Miami, North Miami, and Aventura

C A R R O L L   D E N T I S T R Y
15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160

              

A Holiday Survival Guide for Your Smile From Miami Dentist David Carroll

 Happy Holidays! The holidays are upon us, and 'tis the season for a bit of togetherness (and a lot of indulgence). We don't all celebrate the same holidays or adhere to the same belief systems, but there is one thing that seems to unite us all: comfort food.

Cold weather and sweets go hand-in-hand. What's a good snowball fight without a warm cup of cocoa to come home to? Even in warmer climates, it's difficult to dissuade dreams of sugar plums after a good night of classic movies with your family. So, while this "soul food" may be good for your spirits, take a moment to think about what it's doing to your teeth.

How Could Something So Good Be So Bad?

Sugar can wreak havoc on your pearly whites. It's a complicated process, but here's the scoop. Bacteria in your mouth use your sweets as energy, growing and multiplying faster than they would otherwise. Some bond with the sugar to form a sticky glue called plaque. Plaque, in turn, produces acid. The acid dissolves the minerals that make your tooth enamel hard, and the surface becomes porous. The acid causes these tiny holes in the enamel to become bigger until one large hole appears. This is a cavity.

Does This Mean No More?

While ideally we would never expose our teeth to sugar or anything else that promotes tooth

decay, that's just not realistic. All we can do is try to minimize the damage. Don't let your holiday routine interrupt your dental care regimen. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste (unless you're a young tyke), and floss at least once.

If you decide to indulge in more sweets than usual, it's a good idea to brush more often. If you don't have your toothbrush on hand, rinse your mouth out with warm water. Certain sugar -free gums can help as well. Choose those with Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that can help prevent tooth decay. And finally, try to mix up your snacks. If you're eating a sugary treat, try to also eat a bit of cheese (or a similar protein) as well.

 

For more information on how to keep your smile healthy call us today at (305) 948-9102

or visit our website http://www.CarrollDentistry.com

North Miami Dentist | Dr. Carroll (305) 948-9102

Dentist in Miami, North Miami, and Aventura

C A R R O L L   D E N T I S T R Y
15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Even though they are temporary, your child's baby teeth are important, and are still susceptible to cavities. Tooth decay in infants and toddlers is often referred to as Baby Bottle Tooth Decay, or Early Childhood Caries. Children need strong, healthy teeth to chew their food, speak and have a good-looking smile. Their first teeth also help make sure their adult teeth come in correctly. It’s important to start infants off with good oral care to help protect their teeth for decades to come.

What causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected.
There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby.
Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby.
If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable.

Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

• Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe your child’s gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.
• When your child’s teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and a smear (or grain of rice sized amount) of fluoride toothpaste until the age of 3. 
• Brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste from the ages of 3 to 6.
• Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste—usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and naptime bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean—don’t dip it in sugar or honey.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
• Encourage healthy eating habits.

When your child’s first tooth appears, talk to your dentist about scheduling the first dental visit. Treat the first dental visit as you would a well-baby checkup with the child’s physician. Remember: starting early is the key to a lifetime of good dental health.


Carroll Dentistry is a multi-generational practice that seamlessly merges hard earned wisdom from years of practice with next generation technology and innovation. Led by dynamic father-son team of Drs. Lewis and David Carroll, patients benefit from incomparable personalized care, cutting edge treatments and time tested expertise of highly trained specialists. For more information visit us at www.carrolldentistry.com or call our office at (305)948-9102

Happy Thanksgiving from Miami Dentist Dr. Carroll

 

Happy Thanksgiving from Miami Dentist

A special greeting of Thanksgiving time to express to you our sincere appreciation for your confidence and loyalty. We are deeply thankful and extend to you our best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day

Dr. David Carroll, Dr. Lewis Carroll, & Staff

www.CarrollDentistry.com

Dentures

Dentures

Dentures are removable appliances that can replace missing teeth and help restore your smile. If you’ve lost all of your natural teeth, whether from gum disease, tooth decay or injury, replacing missing teeth will benefit your appearance and your health. That’s because dentures make it easier to eat and speak better than you could without teeth—things that people often take for granted.
When you lose all of your teeth, facial muscles can sag, making you look older. Dentures can help fill out the appearance of your face and profile. They can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth so that your appearance does not change much. Dentures may even improve the look of your smile.

Types of dentures:

• Conventional. This full removable denture is made and placed in your mouth after the remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed, which may take several months. 
• Immediate. This removable denture is inserted on the same day that the remaining teeth are removed. Your dentist will take measurements and make models of your jaw during a preliminary visit. You don’t have to be without teeth during the healing period, but may need to have the denture relined or remade after your jaw has healed. 
• Overdenture. Sometimes some of your teeth can be saved to preserve your jawbone and provide stability and support for the denture. An overdenture fits over a small number of remaining natural teeth after they have been prepared by your dentist. Implants can serve the same function, too.

New dentures may feel awkward for a few weeks until you become accustomed to them. The dentures may feel loose while the muscles of your cheek and tongue learn to keep them in place. It is not unusual to experience minor irritation or soreness. You may find that saliva flow temporarily increases. As your mouth becomes accustomed to the dentures, these problems should go away. Follow-up appointments with the dentist are generally needed after a denture is inserted so the fit can be checked and adjusted. If any problem persists, particularly irritation or soreness, be sure to consult your dentist.
Even if you wear full dentures, you still have to practice good dental hygiene. Brush your gums, tongue and roof of your mouth every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures to stimulate circulation in your tissues and help remove plaque.

Like your teeth, your dentures should be brushed daily to remove food particles and plaque. Brushing also can help keep the teeth from staining. 

• Rinse your dentures before brushing to remove any loose food or debris. 
• Use a soft bristle toothbrush and a non-abrasive cleanser to gently brush all the surfaces of the dentures so they don't get scratched.
• When brushing, clean your mouth thoroughly—including your gums, cheeks, roof of your mouth and tongue to remove any plaque. This can help reduce the risk of oral irritation and bad breath. 
• When you’re not wearing your dentures, put them in a safe place covered in water to keep them from warping.
• Occasionally, denture wearers may use adhesives. Adhesives come in many forms: creams, powders, pads/wafers, strips or liquids. If you use one of these products, read the instructions, and use them exactly as directed. Your dentist can recommend appropriate cleansers and adhesives.

If you have any questions about your dentures, or if they stop fitting well or become damaged, contact your dentist. Be sure to schedule regular dental checkups, too. The dentist will examine your mouth to see if your dentures continue to fit properly.

Carroll Dentistry is a multi-generational practice that seamlessly merges hard earned wisdom from years of practice with next generation technology and innovation. Led by dynamic father-son team of Drs. Lewis and David Carroll, patients benefit from incomparable personalized care, cutting edge treatments and time tested expertise of highly trained specialists. For more information visit us at www.Carrolldentistry.com or to make an appointment call us at 305.948.9102