A broken or cracked tooth may seem minor at first, but if left untreated, matters may escalate. A   broken tooth is a serious problem   that causes hesitation to talk, laugh or smile in public and requires time at the dentist to rebuild the mouth as well as confidence. A general dentist will be the first to tell you that a broken tooth will not repair itself like a broken bone. The only way to restore the former appearance of a broken cracked or dislodged tooth is with a dental restoration or tooth contouring. Tips to Prevent Broken, Cracked or Dislodged Teeth 1. Wear a Mouthguard It can mean the difference between a safe smile and a broken or dislodged tooth. While practicing sports. Suffering from bruxism. Teeth-clenching. 2. Avoid Assumptions Avoid asking too much of teeth. 3. Stay Committed to Oral Care Unhealthy teeth can break, crack or dislodge more easily. Brush and floss daily. 4 .  Schedule   Routine Checkups Routine dental checkups identify small cracks that can be easily fi

Oral issues and disease pose major health burdens including pain, discomfort, disfigurement and even death. With billions of bacteria living inside our mouths at any given time, practicing daily proper oral hygiene is a critical, lifelong commitment. Symptoms of Oral Issues and Disease Bleeding or swollen gums after brushing or flossing Chronic bad breath Cracked or broken teeth Frequent dry mouth Jaw clicking Loose teeth Pain or toothaches Pain with chewing or biting Receding gumline Sudden sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures Swelling of the face and cheeks Ulcers, sores or tender areas in the mouth that won’t heal after a week Factors Contributing to Oral Issues Acid reflux or heartburn Certain infections such as HIV or AIDS Diabetes Family history or genetics Frequent vomiting Hormonal changes in women Poor brushing habits Smoking Sugary food and drink consumption Use of saliva reducing medications Causes of Oral Disease The oral cavity collects various bacteria, viruses, and f

  Composite & Porcelain Fillings | iSmile Doral and Coral Gables Nearly 90% of adults in the U.S. will have at least one cavity in their lifetime. When a cavity develops, dentists remove decay from the  tooth  and "fill" it with a filling. Most patients seek pain management and cavity treatment before further damage to a valuable tooth is done. Beyond health-based concerns for teeth,  filling  appearance is of great concern to many patients. Traditionally, fillings were a silver-colored material, known as amalgam, that were quite visible in contrast to the shade of a natural tooth. Nowadays, several tooth-colored options are available. Composite Fillings A tooth-colored filling that can be shaded to match surrounding teeth. An excellent option for teeth that are exposed or visible when talking or smiling. Composite fillings are effective for repairing chipped or cracked teeth because they blend and deliver a natural look. Made from plastic and ceramic or powde

More than 10 million Americans suffer from a temporomandibular joint or TMJ disorder. Arthritis, muscle pain, injury (or all of the above) can cause ear pain or pain that radiates to your face or down your neck. It can cause your jaw to pop or click or, in severe cases, even lock when you open it. Causes The temporomandibular joint combines a hinge action with sliding motions. The parts of the bones that interact in the joint are covered with cartilage and are separated by a small shock-absorbing disk, which normally keeps the movement smooth. Painful TMJ disorders can occur if: The disk erodes or moves out of its proper alignment The joint's cartilage is damaged by arthritis The joint is damaged by a blow or other impact Symptoms of TMJ If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with a temporomandibular joint disorder: Pain or tenderness in your jaw joint Pain in your neck or shoulders Tired feeling or pain in your face Swelling on the

Interesting Facts About the Tongue 1. The tongue is made up of eight muscles  and, contrary to popular belief, is not the strongest muscle in the body. 2. The color of a person’s tongue tells a story. Tongue color can be an indication of serious health issues.  Pink tongues are healthy while red tongues may be affected by allergies or infections. A blistered tongue might be an adverse reaction to certain allergy and blood pressure medications. White patches covering the tongue may be linked to fungal infections. Especially smooth tongues can be a sign of folic acid, iron, or vitamin B12 deficiency. 3. The small pink and white bumps on a person’s tongue are not taste buds.  Theyare called papillae and they house the taste buds, which cannot be seen by the naked eye. 4. There are  thousands  of taste buds all over the tongue. 5. Being able to roll the tongue is not always genetic. It is important to take care of your tongue. Failing to practice proper tongue care inhibits your ability to