teeth_and gums_Delray_Beach

Is Your New Diet Safe for Teeth and Gums?

That new diet may be doing wonders for your waistline, but is it safe for your teeth and gum?

teeth_and gums_Delray_Beach

According to Dr. George Sanchez, some diets can cause serious problems for your teeth and gums. What you put in your mouth has a huge affect on your teeth and gums. 

Below are a few diets to watch out for if you want to keep your teeth and gums safe.

Low Fat Diets and Teeth and Gums

If you have embarked on a diet that is low in fat, it could cause problems with fat-soluble vitamin absorption. Vitamins A, D, E, and K are essential for overall and oral health. For healthy bones and teeth, you need calcium. Vitamin D helps your body absorb much needed calcium.

Diets low in fat also has an effect on the brain. Without Omega-3, fatty acids you are not getting your daily dose of dopamine, which helps, lift your spirits. If you are stressed you could start grinding your teeth. Clenching, known as bruxism, can also cause problems with your temporomandibular joints.

If that isn’t bad enough, brands that are low in fat often add sugar to improve the taste. All of that extra sugar puts in the high-risk category when it comes to tooth decay.

Low Calorie Diet and Teeth and Gums

Certain diet plans are based on cutting calories, and although consuming less calories will brighten your day when you step on the scales, it can cause serious issues with the rest of your body, including your teeth and gums.

Your Delray Beach dentist explains that eating a diet that is low in calories can lead to malnutrition as you are depleting your body of vitamins and minerals. Low calorie diets can cause your jawbone to become weak. If this occurs, your teeth will begin to move and eventually fall out. A diet low in calories also softens the enamel on your teeth and wrecks havoc on your gums.

Fruit Detox and Teeth and Gums

You may think you are doing your body a favor by living on fruit for a week or two, but enjoying a fruit only diet isn’t good for your teeth and gums. A diet that is high in acid and sugar, which most fruits are, can cause problems for the enamel on your teeth and leads to cavities. Surviving on fruit isn’t the best way to lose weight.

If you are planning to lose weight, speak to your doctor and your dentist. Your dentist in Delray Beach will help you come up with an eating plan that is good for your waistline and your teeth and gums.

Call for an appointment today.

Smoking and oral health

Smoking and Oral Health there is a Connection

Smoking and oral health is connected. Just ask the American Dental Association and they will tell you tobacco products cause tooth decay and gum disease, and it doesn’t matter if you inhale or chew.

How is Smoking and Oral Health Connected?

Smoking and oral health

Most people know that smoking causes lung cancer and other deadly diseases, but did you know that it could also cause gum disease and tooth decay? Stained teeth aside, many other tooth related issues occur when you ingest tobacco products.

According to Dr. George Sanchez, gum disease occurs more rapidly in a smoker’s mouth than a non-smoker. Other problems that occur in a tobacco user’s mouth include:

  • Chronic Halitosis
  • Tooth Loss
  • Stained Teeth
  • Gum Disease
  • Loss of Smell
  • Loss of Taste
  • Reduced Blood Flow to your Mouth
  • Plaque and Tartar Buildup
  • Delayed Healing
  • Increase Risk of Oral Cancer
  • Chewing Tobacco Isn’t Safer

Of course, chewing tobacco isn’t any better for your teeth and is just as bad. Smoking and oral health includes any tobacco that you put in your mouth. Sugarless tobacco is loaded with sugar. Although you don’t have to deal with sugar in cigarettes, you do in smokeless tobacco products.

Your dentist in Delray Beach explains that chewing tobacco is full of chemicals and sugar and sugar causes tooth decay. It’s that simple.

Cigars Pipes and Hookah and Smoking and Oral Health

People are led to believe that cigars are healthier because you don’t inhale. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case. Even though you aren’t healing, you are still at risk for oral cancer and mouth lesions. Gum disease is also more prevalent in cigar smokers.

The same goes for Hookah pipes and pipes as you are still inhaling tar and nicotine. On top of that, research indicates that the charcoal used to light the tobacco for the hookah is even more lethal.

Smoking and oral health is connected. If you are having trouble quitting, talk to your primary care physician and don’t forget to schedule an appointment with your Delray Beach dentist as people who smoke should see Dr. George more often than patients who don’t smoke or chew tobacco.

Call and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Delray Beach today.

porcelain veneers

Choosing Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Bonding

If you are considering porcelain veneers, but have also thought about cosmetic dental bonding, there are some things to think about before you schedule an appointment with your Delray Beach dentist.

According to Dr. George Sanchez, both dental veneers and cosmetic dental bonding will give you a beautiful smile. However, there are differences between the two.

Porcelain Veneers

porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are used to repair chipped, cracked, and damaged teeth. If you have teeth that cannot be lightened with professional teeth whitening products, porcelain veneers are a great choice. Gappy teeth and teeth that are too long or too short are perfect candidates for porcelain veneers.

Keep in mind that dental veneers are permanent. Your dentist in Delray Beach explains that a portion of your enamel needs to be removed to make way for your new veneers. Removing a small amount of enamel gives your new porcelain veneers a natural appearance. Enamel removal prevents teeth from looking to big and bulky.

Porcelain veneers also require two or three dental appointments. The first will be your consultation. If you are a fit for dental veneers, Dr. George will take impressions that are sent to a dental lab for manufacture. During this time, your Delray Beach cosmetic dentist may recommend temporary veneers for unsightly teeth.

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Although not as strong as dental veneers, which can last up to 20 years with proper care, cosmetic dental bonding is less expensive than veneers. Bonding is also much quicker with most restorations taking place in a single dental appointment.

Dental bonding is applied in the office and is matched to the rest of your teeth. Dr. George, who will mold the bonding material to create the perfect tooth, applies the resin to your teeth. Much like a sculptor, your cosmetic dentist in Delray Beach has the skills to give you a beautiful, natural looking smile with cosmetic dental bonding.

Time to Make an Appointment for Porcelain Veneers or Dental Bonding

Now that you know the difference between porcelain veneers and cosmetic dental bonding, it’s time to make an appointment with cosmetic dentist Dr. George Sanchez.

Your cosmetic dentist in Delray Beach is waiting for your call.

silver amalgam fillings

Should I Replace my Silver Amalgam Fillings?

Although the jury is still out where silver amalgam fillings are concerned, Dr. George Sanchez believes that, although mercury, which makes up 50 percent of silver amalgam fillings, is natural, it certainly isn’t healthy.

silver amalgam fillings

Mercury is made with copper, tin, silver and of course mercury. Although mercury is approved and deemed safe by the American Dental Association, Dr. George Sanchez, and many other dental professionals across the globe, aren’t convinced.

The Real Problem with Silver Amalgam Fillings

While millions of people have silver amalgam fillings placed, over fifty percent have no idea that their silver amalgam fillings contain mercury. After those patients found out, they wanted to know the possible complications and dangers linked to mercury vapor exposure.

What is Mercury?

Mercury ore comes from the earth and is extremely toxic and poisonous.  While a broken thermometer isn’t enough to hurt you, constant exposure to mercury vapor through your old silver amalgam fillings certainly can be.

Mercury has been linked to neurological problems, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, and mental disorders. The vapor is released and increased by habits such as carbonated drink consumption, chewing gum, and tooth grinding.

The Scary Part about Silver Amalgam Fillings

silver amalgam fillings

Although the amounts of mercury vapor absorbed vary on a daily basis, from one to 3 micrograms on the low end, some studies indicate as high as 27 micrograms are being absorbed every 24 hours. If you enjoy the habits mentioned above or deal with tooth grinding, that figure could be higher.

That is terrifying when you consider that three to 69 percent of air quality standards in the workplace translate to that figure. OSHA, the Occupational Safety, and Health Administration of the United States Department of Labor consider high levels of mercury vapor unsafe.

Why are Silver Amalgam Restorations Dangerous?

Constantly breathed in and absorbed by your lungs, silver fillings and other types of dental restorations release mercury vapor causing organ complications, especially in the lungs and kidneys.

Dr. George Sanchez has the experience to remove and replace your silver amalgam fillings in a safe environment. Not all dentists are equipment to handle removal and replacement. Without safe removal and replacement protocols in place, both you and the dental team are at risk with unsafe silver amalgam filling removal.

Why Do People Opt for Silver Amalgam Fillings?

Price is the main reason people opt for silver amalgam fillings. Although they may be less expensive to begin with, the health problems that go along with them will cost you in the long run. In addition, people with silver amalgam fillings tend to go longer without repair or removal because they are not in pain, or don’t notice any chips or cracks.

Dr. George will tell you that tooth decay goes undetected under old silver amalgam fillings. There could be some serious cavities under your old fillings. If yours are older than 10 years old, some patients go as long as 25 or 30, call your dentist in Delray Beach. Safely removing your fillings will make you look and feel better.

What Type of Replacements are Available?

silver amalgam fillings

Dr. George uses composite resin for dental fillings. Both natural and durable, composite dental fillings are a safe alternative to silver amalgam fillings.

Your Delray Beach dentist also uses ceramic dental materials for dental crowns and inlays and onlays.

If you are curious about silver amalgam filling removal, call or click and schedule an appointment.  With natural fillings and other restorations, you will look and feel better.

Call for a consultation with Dr. George Sanchez today.

professional_teeth_whitening

Professional Tooth Whitening for a Beautiful Smile

Professional tooth whitening could be just what the doctor ordered if you are unhappy with your lifeless smile. If your smile is looking yellow or you have been spending too much time at the winery, professional tooth whitening is the answer.

professional tooth whitening

 

You may think you are doing yourself a favor with those over the counter bleaching products, but in reality, you could be harming your teeth as whitening products can cause sensitivity and even discolored teeth.

What is Professional Tooth Whitening?

According to Dr. George Sanchez, professional tooth whitening may be all you need if you have a less than perfect smile. Although dental restorations cannot be lightened, your natural teeth can.

Using a convenient take-home tooth whitening system, you can have a beautiful new smile in just a few weeks. Unlike those over the counter whitening trays, which can cause sensitivity, the professional tooth whitening system used by your cosmetic dentist in Delray Beach provides a custom made fit. Those trays that you can buy from your local pharmacy are a one size fits all. Just like your fingerprint, no two mouths are the same. For that reason, you need a professional tooth whitening system from your dentist in Delray Beach.

How Does Tooth Whitening Work?

The tight fit that you get from professional teeth whitening trays is the key to a comfortable and safe whitening process. Because not only do over the counter bleaching trays not fit properly, they can also cause leakage, which could damage your gum tissue.

Over time, the prescription grade bleaching product will penetrate into the pores in your enamel targeting those stains. You’ll be amazed at how beautiful your smile will look after you complete a professional tooth whitening session with Dr. George.

Perfect for most types of discoloration, professional tooth whitening from your cosmetic dentist in Delray Beach, really is the way to go. Call or click for a no obligation tooth whitening consultation with Dr. George today.

dental_implants_delraybeachfl

Dental Implants for Missing Teeth and Confidence

Dental implants are the best way to replace missing teeth.

Unlike dentures, you won’t have to worry about your dental appliance landing in your plate after you dig into a big juicy steak. As a result, implants, won’t cause problems when you talk or smile either.

dental_implants_delraybeachfl

Whether you have had a missing tooth for years, or have teeth that need to be replaced with dentures or fixed dental bridges, dental implants are the most comfortable and strongest procedures for missing teeth. Another reason to schedule an appointment with your dentist in Delray Beach. 

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is surgically placed in or on your jawbone. The posts or screws are made from titanium steel, and when healed, fuse to your bone. Known as osseointegration, this makes your new dental implant or implants strong. In fact, they are just as strong as your natural teeth.

After your surgery has healed and your implant posts are secure, Dr. George will place artificial teeth on top.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?

Implants are used to replace all, several or one of your teeth. Good dental implant candidates have healthy gums. That means a good jawbone for adequate implant support. However, even if you do have bone loss, you may still qualify for implants because of bone and tissue grafting.

Proper Care for Dental Implants

After your restoration is placed, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Because just like your natural teeth, dental implants need care as well. Dr. George recommends that you brush twice with a low abrasive toothpaste and floss with dental tape. A water flosser is also recommended once or twice a day.

You don’t have to live with missing teeth or uncomfortable dentures. Call or click and schedule an appointment with your dentist in Delray Beach, Fl. Dr. George will examine your teeth and gums to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants.

Call for a no obligation consultation for dental implants today.

mercury_free_dentist

Clear Braces Delray Beach Could Be the Answer

If you would like straighter teeth, but think you are too old for conventional wires and brackets, talk to Dr. George Dental. With Invisalign®, you don’t have to resort to old school braces. Invisalign® is the clear way to a straighter smile, and best of all, the clear aligners from Invisalign® are comfortable and convenient.

What is Invisalign®?

Invisalign® is a system of clear plastic aligners that gently move your teeth into position. Unlike conventional wires and brackets, you will not have to sit in the dentist’s chair every two weeks to have your braces adjusted. You will only need to see Dr. George every six to eight weeks to make sure everything is going to plan.

Invisalign® Can Help With:
  • Overbites
  • Under Bites
  • Tipped or Rotated Teeth
  • Crooked Teeth
  • Cross Bites
  • Crowded Teeth
  • Gappy Teeth

Although Invisalign® can address the problems above, it may not be the best solution if you have a complex orthodontic issue. If your teeth are severely rotated or you have a deep under bite, Dr. George may recommend conventional wires and brackets.

The Clear Braces Process

If you are a good candidate for clear braces, which will be determined with a thorough examination and consultation by Dr. George, x-rays and digital images will be taken and sent to the Invisalign® lab for manufacture.

Once your aligners are ready, Dr. George will insert your first set of clear braces. Depending on your custom-made Invisalign® blueprint, you will be given between 11 and 31 sets of clear braces. These will be replaced every two weeks as your new smile begins to take shape.

The Advantages of Clear Braces
  • Unlike wires and brackets, which stay on your teeth, clear braces are removed when you eat, brush, and floss. This makes it easier to practice good oral hygiene habits. It is impossible to brush under the wires and brackets increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
  • Invisible braces are more comfortable than standard wires and brackets. Because they are made from pliable dental plastic materials, you will be more comfortable. Invisalign® is also nearly invisible. The only ones who will know you are having your teeth straightened are you and Dr. George.
  • Most people who wear braces are aware of the dangers that come with them. A broken wire or bracket can puncture your cheek or damage a tooth.

You are never too old for beautiful straight teeth. Call or click and schedule a no obligation Invisalign® consultation with Dr. George.

Your Delray Beach Florida cosmetic dentist is a preferred Invisalign® provider and can’t wait to see you smile! Call or click for your clear braces consultation today.

Delray Beach Dentist | To Floss or Not To Floss?

Delray Beach, FL Dentist

By now, you have likely seen news reports questioning whether flossing is necessary for your oral health.

We want to answer your question right away with an absolute YES. Cleaning between your teeth is an essential part of caring for your teeth and gums.

Whether you use traditional string dental floss, a water flosser, an interdental (between teeth) brush, or other form of interdental cleaning, it is important that you clean between your teeth correctly and on a daily basis.

Unfortunately, in the quest for catchy headlines, many news agencies have been providing a great deal of incomplete and inaccurate information.

Here’s the truth: Plaque and bacteria can be prevented from building up between teeth when flossing is done correctly on a daily basis.

Why does that matter? Build-up of plaque and bacteria between teeth is one of the leading causes of periodontal disease, a condition which not only affects your mouth, teeth, and gums, but has been linked to complications with diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and many other systemic health issues.

The next time you visit our office, ask your hygienist to show you the most effective way to clean between your teeth. For more information on flossing and interdental cleaning or to schedule an appointment, contact us.

Dentist in Delray Beach, FL | Dry Mouth And Why It’s A Problem!

Dentist Delray Beach

Dry mouth can be very uncomfortable for people. Dry mouth, or xerostomia, can cause patients to have difficulty speaking, tasting, chewing and swallowing. It can also cause bad breath. What many people don’t know is that dry mouth can significantly contribute to a rise in cavities, demineralization of teeth, teeth sensitivity and oral infections.

What causes dry mouth? A reduction in salivary flow can be a result of an autoimmune disease, chemotherapy or radiation, or more commonly a side effect of a medication. Other causes may be uncontrolled diabetes or hormonal changes.  At night, salivary flow naturally decreases which is why the symptoms are exacerbated while you’re sleeping. Mouth breathing at night makes it even worse!

Why is saliva so important? We all can understand that saliva keeps your mouth moist and allows you to chew, swallow and digest your food.  What we may not realize is the importance of saliva in cleansing your mouth and maintaining a neutral pH. Dry mouth can create an acidic environment which allows for your enamel to demineralize and tooth decay to develop and grow.  Xerostomia can also allow for the development of fungal or bacterial infections.

What can you do about it? A thorough exam and medical history background can help identify the cause of the dry mouth. Next would be to discuss tips on relieving it. Below are a few:

-Drink plenty of water, including leaving a glass or bottle of water on your bedside table. Avoid alcohol and sugary soda and juice. Alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are irritants. Use an alcohol free mouth rinse.

-Breathe through your nose! If you find this difficult to do at night, try using a nose strip to open your nasal passages.

-Chew sugar-free gum containing Xylitol or suck on sugar free candy.

-Frequent dental exams to help identify the cause and check for developing cavities and infections, as well as evaluate your gums.

-Fluoride, Fluoride, Fluoride! Using prescription strength fluoride toothpaste at home and fluoride treatments at your hygiene visits will help tremendously in the prevention of tooth decay.

-Use a humidifier at night.

If you are experiencing dry mouth we encourage you to schedule a visit and share your concerns with us. You can also share this information with a family member or friend who is complaining of dry mouth. Your oral and overall health is important to us!

Dentist in Delray Beach | 7 Ways to Get Your Calcium Dairy-Free

Dentist in Delray Beach, FL

Calcium is an important mineral for building strong, healthy teeth, but not everyone can tolerate the lactose found in dairy. Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. About 65% of people have reduced ability to process lactose past infancy.

If you have difficulty with lactose but want to ensure you are getting the calcium you need, consider one of these non-dairy sources of natural calcium.

  1. Canned seafood, such as sardines and salmon, can be a good source of calcium. These inexpensive options actually contain more calcium than their fresh counterparts. Canned seafood contains small, soft, edible bones that are generally unnoticeable but can be a great way to add calcium to a salad or other dish.
  2. Calcium-fortified juices are available in both orange and cranberry varieties. These juices taste the same as non-fortified options, but contain a substantial amount of calcium. Check the label to ensure it is a calcium-fortified juice.
  3. Soy, rice, and almond milks offer added calcium and can be used as a milk substitute for many dishes. Experiment with different varieties to determine which flavor you like the most for each use. Try one of these milk alternatives on cereal or use in a cooked dish in place of regular milk. Soy, rice, and almond milks are available in a variety of flavors, including plain, sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and other options.
  4. Beans are a calcium-rich food. Black-eyed peas and baked beans are particularly high in calcium.
  5. Green vegetables are a good source of natural calcium. Collard, mustard, turnip, and dandelion greens, Chinese cabbage, spinach, kale, okra, and broccoli are all great choices for adding calcium to your diet.
  6. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, or Brazil nuts are strong sources of calcium. Flaxseeds and sunflower seeds are a great snack or salad additive with calcium. Almond butter, cashew butter, and pumpkin seed butter are a fun and calcium-rich alternative to peanut butter.
  7. Breakfast cereals are highly fortified with several vitamins and minerals, including calcium. Old-fashioned rolled oatmeal adds calcium to your breakfast as well.

Calcium is important for developing and maintaining strong teeth and bones. If you have trouble with dairy, don’t let that stop you from consuming your recommended amount of daily calcium.

For more information that can improve your oral health, contact our office.