Sensitive Teeth

Sensitive Teeth

Is the taste of ice cream or a sip of hot coffee sometimes a painful experience for you? Does brushing or flossing make you wince occasionally? If so, you may have sensitive teeth.
Possible causes include:

• Tooth decay (cavities)
• Fractured teeth
• Worn fillings
• Gum disease
• Worn tooth enamel
• Exposed tooth root

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth—the part above the gum line. Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root. Underneath both the enamel and the cementum is dentin.

 Dentin is less dense than enamel and cementum and contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals). When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat and cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves and cells inside the tooth. Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede. The result can be hypersensitivity.

Sensitive teeth can be treated. The type of treatment will depend on what is causing the sensitivity. Your dentist may suggest one of a variety of treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste. This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, and usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.
• Fluoride gel. An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay or bonding. These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Surgical gum graft. If gum tissue has been lost from the root, this will protect the root and reduce sensitivity.
• Root canal. If sensitivity is severe and persistent and cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain. Ask your dentist if you have any questions about your daily oral hygiene routine or concerns about tooth sensitivity.

At Carroll Dentistry, we understand that the foundation for a beautiful smile is a healthy mouth. We encourage all of our patients to develop diligent oral hygiene habits to prevent infection and other oral health problems. In some instances, however, further care is needed to preserve a patient's oral health. Whether you require a small filling or more involved treatment such as periodontal care, we can provide you with the treatment you need for sustained oral health. For more information please visit us at www.carrolldentistry.com

Miami Cosmetic Dentist | Dr. Carroll (305) 948-9102 | Great Patient Review

Oral Cancer

Oral Cancer

Did you know almost 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers this year? And that the 5-year survival rate of those diagnosed is only slightly more than 64 percent? When cancer is detected and treated early, treatment-related health problems are reduced.

The oral cavity includes your lips, cheek lining, gums, front part of your tongue, floor of the mouth beneath the tongue and the hard palate that makes up the roof of your mouth. The throat (pharynx) starts at the soft part of the roof of your mouth and continues back into your throat. It includes the back section of your tongue as well as the base where the tongue attaches to the floor of your mouth.
During your dental visit, your dentist can talk to you about your health history and examine these areas for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. The screening will consist of a visual inspection of the mouth and palpation of the jaw and neck. Regular visits to your dentist can improve the chances that any suspicious changes in your oral health will be caught early, at a time when cancer can be treated more easily. In between visits, it's important to be aware of the following signs and symptoms and to see your dentist if they do not disappear after two weeks.

The symptoms of mouth or throat cancer can include:

• a sore or irritation that doesn't go away
• red or white patches
• pain, tenderness or numbness in mouth or lips
• a lump, thickening, rough spot, crust or small eroded area
• difficulty chewing, swallowing, speaking or moving your tongue or jaw
• a change in the way your teeth fit together when you close your mouth

Research has identified a number of factors that contribute to the development of mouth and throat cancers. Smokers and excessive alcohol drinkers older than 50 are the most at risk. More recently, the human papilloma virus (HPV), which is sexually transmitted, has been associated with cancers of the oropharyngeal region that is the part of the throat at the back of the mouth. HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are related to the increasing incidence of throat cancers in non-smoking adults.

HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers typically develop in the throat at the base of the tongue and near or on the tonsils making them difficult to detect. Although HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancers are often diagnosed at a later stage, people with HPV-positive cancers have a lower risk of dying or having recurrence than those with HPV-negative cancers. It is likely that there is a complex interaction of many external and internal factors that play a role in the development of HPV-positive cancers.

Keeping your mouth healthy during treatment:

The first thing you should do before beginning cancer treatment is to see your dentist. After your treatment begins, be sure to check your mouth every day for sores or other changes.
Other tips to keep your mouth moist:

• Keep your mouth moist.
• Drink a lot of water.
• Suck ice chips.
• Use sugarless gum or sugar-free hard candy.
• Use a saliva substitute to help moisten your mouth.

Tips for cleaning your mouth:

• Brush your teeth, gums, and tongue with an extra-soft toothbrush after every meal and at bedtime. If it hurts, soften the bristles in warm water.
• Use a fluoride toothpaste.
• Use the special fluoride gel that your dentist prescribes.
• Don't use mouthwashes with alcohol in them.
• Floss your teeth gently every day. If your gums bleed and hurt, avoid the areas that are bleeding or sore, but keep flossing your other teeth.
• Rinse your mouth several times a day with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon each of baking soda and salt in one quart of warm water. Follow with a plain water rinse.
• Dentures that don't fit well can cause problems. Talk to your cancer doctor or dentist about your dentures.

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. www.carrolldentistry.com

15801 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 200
North Miami Beach, Florida 33160
Phone: 305.948.9102

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

Miami Dentist

We truly appreciate great patients. Thank you for trusting us with your smile.

We offer a wide variety of dental services including: Dentalimplants, Lumineers, porcelain crowns, Invisalign, and teeth whitening to help
you achieve a healthy smile.

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

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

Diabetes and Dental Health

Diabetes and Dental Health

Diabetes is a chronic disease which affects your body’s ability to process sugar. The resulting high blood sugar can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes can lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process.

If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of developing some oral health problems. The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:

• Gum disease. Recent research suggests that the connection between gum disease and diabetes goes both ways. On the one hand, because of lowered resistance and a longer healing process, gum disease appears to be more frequent and more severe among those with diabetes. Conversely, it appears that treating gum disease in people with diabetes can help improve blood sugar control.
• Fungal infections. Since diabetes compromises your immune system, you may be prone to developing fungal infections. Symptoms include painful sores and difficulty swallowing. If you develop a fungal infection, see your dentist.
• Infection and delayed healing. If you are having extensive oral surgery, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to minimize the risk of infection. To help the healing process, keep your blood glucose levels under control before, during and after surgery.

Good oral hygiene habits, including professional cleanings at the dental office, are important if you are to control the progression of gum disease and other oral health problems. Regular dental checkups and periodontal screenings are important for evaluating overall dental health and for treating dental problems in their initial stages. Your dentist may recommend more frequent evaluations and preventive procedures, such as teeth cleaning, to maintain good oral health.
At Carroll Dentistry, we understand that the foundation for a beautiful smile is a healthy mouth. We encourage all of our patients to develop diligent oral hygiene habits to prevent infection and other oral health problems. In some instances, however, further care is needed to preserve a patient's oral health. Whether you require a small filling or more involved treatment such as periodontal care, we can provide you with the treatment you need for sustained oral health. For more information visit us at www.carrolldentistry.com

Braces

Braces

Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.

If you have an abnormal bite your dentist may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:

• tooth decay
• gum disease
• tooth loss
• affected speech and/or chewing
• abnormal wear to tooth enamel
• jaw problems

Straightening your teeth can be accomplished in different ways. The kind of orthodontic treatment you have will depend on your preference and the options provided by your dentist or orthodontist. Traditional braces realign teeth by applying pressure. They usually consist of small brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by a wire, which is periodically tightened by your dentist or orthodontist to gradually shift your teeth and jaw. The brackets may be metal or tooth colored. Sometimes they are placed behind your teeth. Removable aligners are another option for treating orthodontic problems.

Orthodontic treatment may be provided by your dentist or an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It will depend on the orthodontic experience of your dentist and the severity of your case.
Since abnormal bites usually become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, orthodontic treatment often begins between ages 8 and 14. Treatment that begins while a child is growing helps produce optimal results. That doesn’t mean that adults can’t have braces; healthy teeth can be orthodontically treated at any age.

 Treatment plans will vary based on your situation, but most people are in treatment from one to three years. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions. Today’s braces are more comfortable than ever before. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments.

While you have braces it’s important to maintain a balanced diet for the health of your teeth. Of course, a healthy diet is always important, but eating too many sugary foods with braces can lead to plaque build-up around your brackets that could permanently stain or damage your teeth. Avoiding foods like popcorn, corn on the cob, chewing gum, whole apples, and other sticky foods is also a good idea. Ask your dentist about foods to avoid while you are in treatment. Not all of us are born with beautiful smiles, but with a good oral hygiene routine, and a little help from orthodontics, you can have a beautiful and healthy smile.

If you have questions regarding braces, please call our office or visit our website at http://www.carrolldentistry.com

 
 

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
Phone: 305.948.9102 | Fax: 305.940.4801

Miami Dentist Discusses The Causes of Bad Breath (Halitosis)

We have all been on the receiving end of halitosis (bad breath) and it's no fun. While bad breath might be a symptom of some other disorder, it most likely stems from
dental decay and periodontitis. It's more than just socially awkward - it's a serious threat to your oral health.

Periodontitis is a disease affecting gums and bone that support the teeth, and it is

caused by inadequate brushing and flossing. In this disease, the irritated gums pull
away from the teeth and form pockets between the teeth and the gums. These pockets fill with bacteria and pus which give off a foul odor.
 
Patients with bad breath should be referred for a complete dental evaluation. If gum disease and/or dental decay is diagnosed, it can be treated readily. The patient will no longer have an infection in his or her mouth, and will no longer have the embarrassment of bad breath.

There's no need to live with bad breath, and no reason to neglect your dental health. If you have questions regarding halitosis, please call our office or visit our website at http://www.carrolldentistry.com

 
 

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
Phone: 305.948.9102 | Fax: 305.940.4801