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How to Know If You Need to Visit Your Dentist

December 12, 2022

Many people believe dental visits are only necessary when an emergency occurs. As a result, nearly 50% of the American population skipped dental visits in 2021. This bleak situation creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to cause dental problems. If you haven’t visited your dentist in Whittier, NC, in a while, try asking yourself some questions to determine if it’s time to give them a call.  

man has a toothache and needs to visit a dentist in Whittier, NC

Answer These Questions to Know If You Need a Dentist Visit  

When Was My Last Visit?  

Not remembering the last time you saw your dentist is a red flag. The golden rule of dental visits is to schedule them at least once every six months. A professional should give you an oral examination and cleaning to rid your smile of any potential issues like tooth decay. If you check your schedule and see no signs of previous dental check-ups, you should book an appointment right away.  

How Do My Teeth Look?  

If you cannot tell when you last visited your dentist, you can look at your teeth in the mirror and find out if a professional should check them out. Since your pearly whites are porous substances, many harmful or tarnishing substances stick to them when they absorb nutrients. When time passes, and your dentist doesn’t clean your teeth, your smile becomes yellow and worn-out, increasing your chances of getting cavities. Even when you can get a white smile by learning how to properly care for your teeth at home, stains, spots, or unappealing shades are signs a dental visit is long overdue.  

dentist in Whittier, NC checks patient's teeth

How Are My Gums?  

Your gums can also give away if it’s high time you see your dentist. Lack of proper oral habits, such as overbrushing or using a hard-bristle toothbrush, can cause plaque and tartar build-ups around your teeth, making your gums recede, swell, and bleed. Not only does this situation produce tooth sensitivity, but it also exposes your tooth pulp and root to dangerous substances. You can prevent this condition, known as gum disease, by visiting your dentist more often and learning the best way to keep your smile healthy and clean.  

Do My Teeth Hurt?  

Sometimes, even the most attractive smiles and gums hide excruciating tooth pain and ask for a dentist visit. When your teeth have been exposed to harmful bacteria, they erode tooth enamel and reach more sensitive tissue, causing discomfort and soreness. If you pay no mind to this issue, you give bacteria a free pass to wreak more havoc in your mouth and cause more severe dental problems. You should book an appointment as soon as your teeth itch or hurt.  

Does My Breath Smell?  

Finally, your breath is a noticeable indicator your oral health is at risk, and you require a dentist visit. When bacteria accumulate around your teeth and gums, especially those from certain foods, they produce foul odors that will affect your confidence and distance you from others. Give your breath a whiff, and call a dental professional when it’s not fresh.  

dentist in Whittier, NC records patient's dental history

Looking for a Top-Quality Dentist in Whittier, NC?  

Your teeth, gums, and tongue can easily tell you if your smile could use the expert hands of a dentist, and leaving them unattended can risk your oral and overall health. If, after answering some questions, you realize only a professional can save your teeth, our team has you covered. Contact us today to book an appointment and get the smile you deserve!

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How Often Should You See Your Orthodontist?

December 12, 2022

Everything there is to know about your treatment has been discussed during your consultation. Now that you’re finally on it, what’s the next move? Do you still need to keep seeing your orthodontist in Hollywood? The answer is yes.  

The frequency of your visits depends on the severity of your case, the stage of your treatment, and your dental goals. Don’t worry because your orthodontist will likely give you a schedule of your adjustment appointments. Your goal is not to miss a single one to expedite your treatment.  

orthodontist in Hollywood checks patient's mouth

Orthodontic Visits: Your Handy Guide  

How Often Should You See Your Orthodontist?  

Whether you choose traditional metal braces or clear aligners, part of the journey is visiting your orthodontist regularly. If you opt for traditional metal braces, you can expect to see your orthodontist every four to eight weeks.    

The reasons for these visits are for your orthodontist to check your teeth and see if they are moving according to plan. They will also replace wires, tighten brackets, and make other adjustments.    

For clear aligner wearers, you’ll need to return to the dental office every four to six weeks. Again, the reason is to track the progress of your smile and dispense a new set of aligners as part of the plan.  

Do You Still Need an Appointment for Other Treatments?  

Since every patient is different, it’s important to mention that not all orthodontic treatments involve clear aligners and metal braces. Some patients require expanders and headgear to address bite and jaw problems. These treatments may require regular dental appointments so that your orthodontist can check if any adjustments are necessary.    

patient smiles back at orthodontist in Hollywood

Visit Your Orthodontist in Hollywood  

Orthodontic treatment requires commitment and sacrifice but don’t worry because once your treatment is over, you can enjoy a youthful, vibrant, beautiful, and healthy smile. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with the best dental care with our wide array of affordable treatments. Get in touch with our team to request a reservation.

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Key Facts Your Orthodontist Wants You to Know

December 7, 2022

Every year, hundreds of patients seek professional help from an orthodontist in North Lauderdale to help them achieve their best smiles. Despite the popularity of braces, many people have yet to learn about orthodontics.    

While the internet can be a great place to get information, it’s also an unsafe avenue for misinformation. If you want to get facts, head to your orthodontist for a consultation. The following are interesting facts about orthodontic care.  

kid shows dental tools to an orthodontist in North Lauderdale

Vital Facts You’ll Learn From Your Orthodontist  

#1 Braces Can Do More Than Just Give You Beautiful Smiles  

One of the reasons why patients want to get treatment is because they want to make their smiles more attractive. What they don’t know is that orthodontics offers numerous benefits beyond aesthetics.    

Did you know that when your crooked teeth are corrected, they are easier to clean? Properly aligned teeth lower your risk of cavities, tooth decay, and gum disease. Furthermore, orthodontics can address jaw misalignment issues improving your chewing, speaking, and overall quality of life.    

#2 Your Orthodontist Knows if You Haven’t Been Wearing Your Clear Aligners  

Today, patients can straighten their teeth more discreetly through clear aligners. Clear aligners are gaining popularity because of their ability to straighten your teeth without the need for rough brackets and wires.    

But, for the treatment to be effective, you must wear them as instructed. Unfortunately, some patients don’t wear them diligently. You can’t lie because your orthodontist will know if you haven’t been wearing them.    

kid points to braces and while showing it to an orthodontist in North Lauderdale

See an Orthodontist in North Lauderdale  

If you want your orthodontic treatment to be successful, you must do your part. Learning about the facts and applying them to your life can make your journey easy and fun. At TLC Dental, we will work closely with you to help craft the smile you’ve always wanted. We offer various orthodontic treatments that will fit your needs. Contact us today to request a reservation.  

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What Foods Affect Your Child’s Oral Health?

December 5, 2022

Childrens dentist in Fort Lauderdale encourages parents to be more mindful of their food preparation. Did you know that what you feed your kids can affect their oral health? Most parents are focused on taste that they forget to check if the meals are good or bad for their child’s teeth.    

To keep your child’s oral health in excellent shape, you must prepare a well-balanced nutritional diet. Healthy eating habits and daily brushing and flossing are necessary to promote overall health and protect your child’s teeth against cavities and gums from periodontal disease.    

Childrens dentist in Fort Lauderdale shows decayed teeth

Food Choices: What’s Healthy and What’s Not

Foods That Promote Healthy Teeth  

Some foods help keep your teeth clean and strong and protect against tooth decay. Meanwhile, certain foods can also feed oral bacteria prompting them to erode your teeth and cause damage. Examples of foods that are good for your child’s teeth are the following:  

  • Raw fruits and vegetables. Apples, carrots, celery, cucumbers, melons, and pears help remove bacteria from the teeth because of their crunchy texture. Furthermore, these foods stimulate saliva production to wash away bacteria and food debris that cling to your child’s teeth.  
  • Green leafy vegetables. Try adding kale, spinach, and other leafy greens to their meals. Leafy greens are high in calcium and contain essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen the enamel.  
  • Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, milk, low-fat cheese, and broccoli are rich in calcium that keeps teeth strong. Cheese also increases the pH level in your child’s mouth, lowering their risk of developing cavities. Yogurt contains probiotics and proteins that fight against cavity-causing bacteria.    

Food and Drinks To Minimize

  • Sweet juices. Sweet beverages are popular with children, but you should limit their consumption because sugars from sodas and juices can weaken the enamel on their teeth. Instead, train your child to drink at least eight glasses of water a day.  
  • Starchy, sugary, and high-carb snacks. Did you know snacking on chips, cookies, candies, and cakes can instigate the tooth decay process? As much as possible, limit their consumption of anything that contains sugar.  
tooth and toothbrush by Childrens dentist in Fort Lauderdale

Looking For A Reliable Childrens Dentist in Fort Lauderdale?  

As parents, you should encourage your children to develop healthy eating habits and teach them proper brushing and flossing techniques. Furthermore, encourage them to visit the dentist regularly. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide array of dental services to help promote good oral health. We are happy to answer if you have questions about food choices. Contact us today to request a reservation.

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Famous Stars Who Have Had Braces

November 21, 2022

Whenever you see celebrities sporting perfectly flawless smiles, don’t be fooled, because many of them had cosmetic work done. To achieve the perfect teeth alignment, these celebrities had to wear braces. Not everyone is lucky enough to be born with perfect teeth. But don’t worry, because there is hope in the form of braces in Hollywood, and these celebrities are living proof that braces can miraculously change your appearance.    

retainer and braces in Hollywood

Celebrities Who Used Braces to Achieve Beautiful Smiles  

Angeline Jolie  

Angelina Jolie is a famous actress and filmmaker who has received several accolades, including the Golden Globe Award and the Academy Award. She’s also been named one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses. And while these awards can be owed to her talent, you can’t deny that her bedazzling smile helped a little.  

Emma Watson  

Emma Watson’s smile is immaculate, but she wasn’t born with it. She had to wear braces to fix her crooked teeth. Tabloids show that she had them on between the third and fourth Harry Potter movies.    

Jaden and Willow Smith  

During their teen years, megastars Jaden and Willow Smith underwent orthodontic treatment, specifically traditional metal braces. All the sacrifices they had to go through paid off because their smiles look undeniably gorgeous.  

Kendall Jenner  

You can instantly spot Kendall if you’ve been following the famous Kardashians clan on social media. Kendall stands out because of her supermodel figure. But besides her svelte and perfect body, one of the things people (and paparazzi) love about her is her bright and beaming smile. Kendal wore braces when she was still 13 years old but had them removed as she switched to invisible braces.    

sisters with braces in Hollywood

Get Your Braces in Hollywood!  

Your teeth may not look stunning now, but once you complete your orthodontic treatment, you’ll be happy you had braces. At TLC Dental, we offer affordable orthodontic treatment that can give you the smile of your dreams while improving your oral health. Contact us today for a reservation.

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How Your Lifestyle Impacts Your Oral Health

November 21, 2022

When you think of a healthy lifestyle, what initially comes to mind? Is it diet or perhaps exercise? Did it ever occur to you that visiting your family dentist in South Florida is part of it? While following a healthy diet and working out as much as you can help keep your body healthy, you must also pay enough attention to your oral health. Studies show that your oral health is directly linked to your overall health. To protect your body, you must ensure that your mouth is disease-free.    

patient smiles at family dentist in South Florida

What Unhealthy Lifestyle Habits Can Affect Your Oral Health?  

Smoking  

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 30.8 million American adults are smoking cigarettes. Research shows that smoking can stain and discolor your teeth because of the tar and nicotine in cigarettes. However, discoloration is not the only thing you should worry about. Smoking has also been linked to tooth loss, decreased blood flow to the gums and teeth, and oral cancer.    

Alcohol    

Alcohol is one of the major contributors to premature enamel erosion. Besides the acids and sugars in alcoholic drinks, people who drink too much usually go straight to bed, forgetting to brush their teeth. This leaves their vulnerable teeth exposed to harmful acids, increasing their risk of tooth decay.    

Stress  

Stress is the root cause of almost all diseases, so it’s essential to learn how to manage it. It has been found that stress can lead to teeth and gum problems. Some people even develop cold ulcers and mouth ulcers because of it.    

Another issue linked to stress is teeth grinding. Certain people unconsciously grind and clench their teeth as a stress coping mechanism. Unfortunately, if left untreated, it can develop into TMD or TMJ disorder (Temporomandibular disorder).

family dentist in South Florida

Schedule an Appointment with Your Family Dentist in South Florida  

If you want to learn lifestyle habits that can improve your oral health, we can help. At TLC Dental, we are proud to offer dental services and patient education so you can maintain good oral health while you’re at home. Contact us today to book an appointment.

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Why Crooked Teeth Are a Concern

November 18, 2022

Why spend money on braces in Coral Springs and endure the discomfort when everyone who matters accepts you for who you are? Unfortunately, orthodontists are saying otherwise.    

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, teeth misalignment is not just an aesthetic concern but can pose health problems. Let’s find out what problems can arise from having crooked teeth.    

teeth with or without braces in Coral Springs

Health Consequences of Crooked Teeth  

You Become Susceptible to Gum Disease  

People with crooked teeth are twice as likely to develop gum disease than those with straight teeth because crooked teeth are more difficult to clean.    

Even if the effort is there, you won’t be able to efficiently clean the spaces between your teeth, especially the areas along the gumline. When plaque and tartar are allowed to accumulate, they can start irritating your gum tissues leading to inflammation and eventually resulting in gum infection.  

Your Teeth Wear Out Faster  

Did you know that crooked teeth wear out faster? For example, if your lower teeth are crooked, several of your teeth could protrude and rub against your upper teeth.    

It may not be a problem with you now, but over time, as your enamel continues to rub against each other, the protective outer layer of your teeth can prematurely wear out, putting you susceptible to cavities and tooth abscesses.    

Bad Breath Is a Possibility

Bacteria and plaque lodge in your teeth if you cannot clean them properly due to misalignment. You'll have bad breath if you can’t get all the bacteria out. The only way to solve this problem is to fix the misalignment with braces.  

removal of braces in Coral Springs

Braces in Coral Springs Are the Solution for Crooked Teeth

Say goodbye to crooked teeth with our affordable orthodontic dental care treatments. At TLC Dental, we offer a wide array of dental services tailored to your needs to create a healthy and beautiful smile. Contact us today for an appointment.  

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What Happens If I Don't Get My Braces Adjusted?

November 14, 2022

When you wear braces in Tamarac to straighten your teeth, part of the process is adhering to a schedule where you’ll be asked to return to the dental office regularly for adjustments. Not everyone is willing to comply with this requirement because they don’t want to deal with the pain associated with newly adjusted braces. What’s going to happen if you don’t get your braces tightened?    

braces in Tamarac

The Consequences of Missing Braces Adjustment Appointments  

What Will Happen If You Don’t Show Up for Adjustments?  

Braces are effective in straightening teeth because they use gradual pressure from the brackets and wires to reposition them. As your teeth move, your braces will lose control over them, which is why you must return to your orthodontist so they can tighten your braces throughout your treatment.  

Although there are no serious repercussions if you miss your appointments, it has downsides. One of which is that your braces are useless since your teeth won’t move without the pressure.    

How Often Should You Have Your Braces Tightened?  

Your orthodontist determines the frequency of your appointments. The average frequency of your visits is between four to six weeks. However, it will depend on your case. Some patients may need to come back sooner.    

How Can You Reduce Braces Pain?  

The good news is that you can minimize the pain after your braces are tightened if you eat soft foods for one to two days after the adjustment. Examples of foods you can enjoy are smoothies, yogurts, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, and soups. You may also take over-the-counter painkillers to provide pain relief temporarily.    

Being gentle in your brushing and flossing also helps ease the pain. If you have low pain tolerance, your orthodontist can recommend dental wax or orthodontic wax to protect your cheeks and gums from the rough brackets and wires.    

kid's braces in Tamarac

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in Tamarac Pain?  

Don’t be discouraged because the discomfort is only temporary and can be managed. At TLC Dental, we strive to provide you with quality dental care to help you achieve your dental goals at affordable rates. Our team has the skills and knowledge to deliver care that exceeds your expectations. Contact us today for a reservation.

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Braces North Lauderdale

November 11, 2022

Wearing braces in Hollywood will require certain sacrifices, and one example of a sacrifice you’ll be making is being selective with your food choices. With a device in your mouth, you now have the added responsibility of taking care of both your teeth and a set of braces.  

During your initial consultation with your orthodontist, you’ll be advised to modify your meal plan. This is important to protect your teeth and the integrity of your orthodontic device to avoid delays in your treatment.  

Woman with Braces eating an apple Hollywood

Food Choices for Braces Wearers

What Foods Are You Allowed to Have?

  • Soft foods like pancakes, pastas, porridge, and scrambled eggs contain key nutrients that can help improve your health. But besides their nutritional value, the texture of soft foods is less likely to irritate your sore mouth.  
  • You may also enjoy dairy products like soft cheese and plain or flavored yogurts.
  • For meat, your orthodontist can allow you to enjoy some, but instead of diving into a chewy steak, they suggest you opt for soft meatballs. You may also cut meat into bite-sized pieces.  
  • Another healthy option that is braces-friendly is a smoothie. Put the ice, milk, and fruits in a blender, and voila, you’ve got yourself a healthy meal without the need for chewing. Just be wary of fruits that have tiny seeds, as these can get stuck in your brackets.  

What Foods Should You Avoid?

  • If you’re wearing traditional metal braces, it’s best to avoid popcorn. So, if you’re going on a movie night with friends, you might want to change to a different snack.
  • You’ll also be advised to stay away from hard and chewy candies. They are notorious for destroying brackets and wires.  
Patient with Braces at dentist office in Hollywood

Are You All Set and Ready for Your New Braces in Hollywood?

Don’t worry about the rules because once your treatment is over, you can go back to enjoying all your favorite foods without worrying that they’ll damage your braces. TLC Dental offers affordable and customizable dental care, including orthodontic treatment. Contact us today for a reservation.  

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Can Orthodontic Treatment Fail?

November 7, 2022

You pay for your braces in North Lauderdale and endure the discomfort because you want to improve your smile and oral health. If this is the goal you have in mind, compliance is key. Although the treatment is guaranteed to work, it doesn’t mean it will work on you. It will only be effective if you cooperate and do your part. So yes, wearing braces does not guarantee that you’ll be able to meet your dental goals.  

Braces treatment in  North Lauderdale

What Causes Orthodontic Treatment Failure?

You Don’t Follow Directions

Before your treatment, your orthodontist will sit with you to discuss your treatment plan in great length and detail. You are expected to ask questions for clarity as well. One of the reasons why treatments fail is that patients do not follow simple directions.  

An example is your diet. When wearing braces, your orthodontist will tell you to stay away from hard and crunchy foods as they can break your wires and cause your brackets to come off. If your braces are damaged, and you don’t get them repaired immediately, the treatment is useless since your braces will not be able to move your teeth.  

You’re Not Wearing Your Retainers

Did you know that even if you’ve completed your treatment, your teeth can still shift and go back to being crooked? After your braces are off, your orthodontist will ask you to wear a retainer for a certain time. People who don’t wear their retainers long enough usually end up with crooked teeth making all their sacrifices useless.  

Patient at dentist office for braces North Lauderdale

Do You Have More Questions About Braces in North Lauderdale?

Braces have been around for a long time and are guaranteed to work, but they can be ineffective if you don’t follow your orthodontist's advice.  

At TLC Dental, we educate our patients so they can achieve beautiful smiles without treatment delays. We also use the latest methods, technology, and systems to create lasting, functional, beautiful smiles. We have a team dedicated to their craft, offering experience backed by training and certifications. Contact us today for a consultation.

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