Month: October 2023

Important Questions to Ask Your Dentist

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From a young age, we are encouraged to ask questions. This curiosity should extend to our dentists.

Please find out about their office hours and what happens in an emergency. You can also ask how they train their staff and whether or not they participate in continuing education to keep their knowledge current. Call the pros at boca Dental and Braces now.

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It’s commonly cited that you should visit the dentist every six months to get your teeth cleaned and check for any problems. While this is a good rule of thumb, the truth is that it depends on your unique oral health needs. For example, people with sensitive teeth must see their dentist more frequently than those with healthy, strong teeth.

Another factor is the risk of developing tooth decay or other dental issues, which varies with age. For this reason, children should visit the dentist more often than adults. Children must develop their permanent teeth healthily, which is only possible with regular visits.

Furthermore, a healthy mouth can help prevent heart disease. Research has shown that the bacteria in a person’s mouth can reach their heart and increase their risk of heart problems.

The end of the year is often a time for reflecting on the past and setting goals for the future. One important goal is to develop good oral health habits that will lead to a healthy, beautiful smile.

This includes brushing teeth twice daily and flossing daily to remove plaque and food particles from hard-to-reach places. Using mouthwash that kills bacteria and freshens breath is also a good idea. It’s also important to visit the dentist regularly, usually every six months.

Other important oral health goals include avoiding tobacco products, eating whole foods, and avoiding clenching and grinding your teeth (bruxism), which is linked to stress and certain diseases. It’s also helpful to share your full medical history with your dentist, including the medications you take and if you have any chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect your dental health.

The new definitions of oral health are designed to help improve the lives and well-being of people by promoting awareness among patients, practitioners, primary care providers, geriatricians, educators, and policymakers on the need to integrate oral health with other aspects of overall health. This is a fundamental change from the current model of oral health, which focuses primarily on disease management after the fact and ignores prevention and promotion.

Most people are familiar with health insurance, but dental coverage often needs to be better understood. Whether through the workplace or as an individual purchase, dental insurance provides a financial incentive to visit the dentist regularly for preventive care that can help catch problems early and reduce the overall costs of treatment.

Like health insurance, dental policies typically include a deductible and coinsurance payments. A deductible is the amount you pay toward covered expenses before your dental plan begins to cover costs. At the same time, coinsurance represents a percentage of the cost that the policyholder is responsible for after the deductible is met. Most plans also include a yearly maximum; that is the most the insurer will pay for covered procedures in a year.

When evaluating options, it’s important to consider your tolerance for cost-sharing and if you want a broader network of providers. Depending on your preferences, you can choose from various dental PPOs and discount plans that offer varying cost-sharing levels and network access. Additionally, many dental insurance companies have time-saving tools that make it easy to find a local provider and estimate the cost of a procedure before you go to the dentist.

The best way to keep your teeth clean and healthy is to visit the dentist regularly. You should schedule an appointment every 6 months to receive a cleaning and oral exam. In addition, you should call the office if you notice any issues between visits.

During a dental exam, a hygienist will screen patients and make notes while the dentist evaluates your teeth, gums, and mouth. Typically, new patients and those who haven’t been to the dentist in a couple of years will be required to take X-rays, as these are an important part of the initial assessment.

Dentists work long hours, often working 12-hour shifts or more. This can lead to burnout and a reduction in passion for the profession. To ensure you get the best possible care, determine how much time a routine cleaning and exam takes and plan accordingly. Additionally, try to make your appointments early in the day to avoid overlapping with your work or family commitments. Pad each appointment by 10 minutes to give the dental professionals time to write patient notes, sterilize their room, and use the restroom.

The best way to keep your teeth clean is by practicing good oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily. This will help prevent tooth decay and gum disease and will also give you a fresher, healthier-looking smile.

In addition, you should avoid eating foods high in sugar and acid, which can lead to tooth decay. You should also drink plenty of water, which will help wash away food particles and reduce bacteria in the mouth. And don’t forget to schedule regular dental appointments, which will help you catch problems early on and save you money on costly treatment.

Brushing and flossing are essential for good oral health, but they can’t remove all the plaque from your teeth, especially in hard-to-reach areas. That’s why visiting your dentist at least twice a year is important for a thorough, professional cleaning. This will remove any buildup and tartar that has accumulated and check for any signs of dental issues that need to be addressed.

Dentists can recommend the best treatment for your smile, whether you have crooked teeth or a “bad bite” (also known as malocclusion). These treatments include stainless steel braces, clear braces, and clear aligners. Most dentists will support whichever option works best for their patients’ needs and lifestyles.

Misaligned teeth are a common dental problem affecting oral health and overall well-being. They can also cause speech impediments and chewing issues, especially if left untreated.

There are three primary types of malocclusions: Class I malocclusion, which occurs when the upper and lower jaws are misaligned; Class II malocclusion, which occurs when the upper teeth overlap with the lower teeth; and Class III malocclusion, which occurs when the lower teeth stick out in front of the upper teeth. Misalignment can be caused by genetic traits, thumb-sucking, or using a bottle or pacifier for too long. Your dentist can review your malocclusion during regular dental visits and recommend the right treatment.

Tooth pain and sensitivity can be a nuisance, but they’re often a warning sign of a serious problem like tooth decay, gum disease, or even cracked teeth. Addressing the problem will help save you from more expensive and complicated dental procedures in the future.

Tooth sensitivity is caused by the loss of enamel, the hard protective layer on top of your teeth. When this is worn away, it exposes nerve endings and causes tooth pain when you eat hot or cold foods or drink acidic beverages. The pain is usually short-lived and may only affect one or two teeth.

Thankfully, many patients can reduce their sensitivity by eating a diet low in acidic foods and using toothpaste and mouthwash designed for sensitive teeth. They should also avoid foods and liquids that are very hot or very cold, consuming them only when they are fully cooled or warmed up. Dentists may suggest special desensitizing products and treatments to ease the discomfort if sensitivity is persistent. These can include fluoride gels and rinses as well as sensitive teeth toothpaste.

If you have concerns about the advice or treatment your dentist has suggested, it’s important to seek a second opinion. A reliable dentist will always be happy to help you find the best solution for your oral health concerns.

For example, if your dentist recommends a dental procedure that seems excessive or costly, it’s a good idea to get another opinion from someone who can provide an alternative recommendation. Similarly, if your dentist does not communicate what they have found in your intraoral examinations or x-rays, it’s worth asking for clarification.

Many excellent dentists prioritize their patients’ comfort and well-being. However, some offices may put profits above patient care. You should be wary of any dentist who pressures you to receive a certain type of treatment or gives you a request. Many dental procedures have multiple options, and it’s important to explore your options before committing to any work. This can help you avoid being over-treated or over-diagnosed with unnecessary procedures.

Skin Health is More Than Just a Pretty Face

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House of Aesthetix gives you more than just a pretty face. It’s a barrier that protects against bacteria, the sun’s UV rays, and other environmental pollutants.

A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, fiber, and plant-based antioxidants promotes healthy skin. Also, consider working with a health care provider to manage conditions that can impact the skin, such as anemia, which can reduce red blood cells and decrease oxygen flow.

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Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it needs water to function properly. If it’s not getting enough water, your skin will look dull, flaky, dry, and tight. A dehydrated complexion can also make fine lines and wrinkles appear more prominent.

Drinking more water will hydrate your skin, but adding hydrating foods and products to your diet is important. These include leafy green vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

Hydrating foods, including antioxidants, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids, also provide important nutrients for your skin. Eating healthy foods and avoiding processed and sugary foods, which can contribute to inflammation and breakouts, is a good idea.

When the outer layer of your skin is well-hydrated, it can flush away toxins, carry nutrients to cells, and prevent germs from entering. In addition, hydrated skin looks smooth and soft.

The recommended amount of water to drink each day is eight glasses. You can also increase hydration by using a moisturizer that has occlusive ingredients, like white petrolatum, to create a barrier over the skin; humectants, such as glycerin, to pull in moisture from the environment; and emollients, such as natural oils, to help smooth the rough edges between layers of the skin. It’s best to apply a moisturizer after you shower to maximize absorption.

To test your hydration level, gently pinch the fleshy part of your skin where your cheek and under-eye area meet. Your hydration is optimal if the skin snaps back to its normal position quickly. If the skin tenses and stays in place, your hydration is lower, and your skin may be prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamins are a key part of cellular productivity, which leads to healthy tissue. This includes the skin, the body’s largest organ. A poor diet and stress can often lead to vitamin deficiencies, dryness, acne, and other skin issues. While some may be tempted to pop supplements and apply vitamin-infused creams and serums, the best way to support skin health is through a nutritious diet and sun protection.

Vitamin A, retinoids, and carotenoids are widely considered to be the most effective skincare ingredients available. It promotes cell turnover and repair, reduces redness and inflammation, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and helps even out skin tone. Vitamin A also stimulates collagen synthesis, which helps improve elasticity and firmness. Vitamin C is another potent skincare ingredient that helps protect against oxidative damage and can improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dullness. It also enhances the skin’s natural UV protective capacity, so it’s a great ingredient for anyone who spends time outdoors. Vitamin E, in the form of tocotrienols, has been shown to decrease inflammatory responses induced by UV exposure in cultured keratinocytes and to inhibit UV-induced oxidative damage to skin cells.

Other important vitamins for the skin include B vitamins (especially vitamin B3), which help to calm inflammation and irritation, especially in conditions like eczema, and increase the skin’s levels of lipids, strengthening the barrier. Vitamin D is also essential for skin health, as it helps regulate the immune system and promotes the growth of hyaluronic acid, which helps moisturize the skin and promote youthfulness. Vitamin D is found in fatty fish, dairy, eggs, fortified products, sunlight, and some supplements.

You’ve probably heard of antioxidants—or at least, the term gets tossed around in many health and beauty articles and blogs. But what exactly are they, and how do they affect your skin?

Antioxidants are molecules in key skincare ingredients and foods that help prevent oxidative stress. Your body naturally produces free radicals during cellular respiration, but UV rays, pollution, smoking, and certain medications can also cause them. When these free radicals are unchecked, they can damage cells and DNA, leading to various health problems.

Free radicals can affect your skin in various ways, including premature aging, inflammation, and hyperpigmentation. Antioxidants work to prevent oxidative stress by reversing and preventing the damage that free radicals cause.

The good news is that you can incorporate many natural antioxidants into your diet and skincare routine to keep your skin healthy. “Vitamin C is a very popular antioxidant known for its ability to reverse and prevent discoloration and brighten the complexion,” says dermatologist Marisa Garshick of MDCS Dermatology in New York City. It’s found in various fruits and veggies, such as strawberries, oranges, blueberries, red peppers, lemons, and kale. Vitamin E is another antioxidant often paired with vitamin C because it enhances the effectiveness of the other vitamin.

Other natural antioxidants include:

  • Anthocyanins (found in blue and purple fruits and vegetables, such as berries, purple potatoes, blueberries, blackcurrants, red grapes, and eggplants).
  • Resveratrol (from dark chocolate, peanuts, and red wine).
  • Isoflavones (found in soybeans, which may reduce menopause symptoms and help with bone, heart, and lung health).

Some of these are also found in supplements—though most experts agree it’s best to get antioxidants from your diet whenever possible.

Exfoliation is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine. It helps whisk away the buildup of dead skin cells that can dull your complexion and cause splotchy skin. It also enhances the effectiveness of your skincare products by allowing them to penetrate the skin more easily.

There are two primary methods of exfoliation: chemical and mechanical. Chemical exfoliation involves using a product that uses chemicals to loosen and slough away the top layer of dead skin cells. Examples include chemical peels and exfoliating serums that contain alpha hydroxy acids (like glycolic acid) or beta hydroxy acids (like salicylic acid). Mechanical exfoliation uses a tool—such as a scrub, loofah, or brush—to physically slough away the top layer of skin cells. Scrubs with a gritty texture or exfoliating body brushes are common manual exfoliants.

Exfoliate your face and body two to three times a week. However, be sure to use a gentle exfoliant and follow the instructions on your product. Too much exfoliation can irritate the skin, leading it to produce more oil and become more prone to breakouts. It can also lead to the overproduction of collagen, which causes sagging and wrinkles.

Exfoliating is especially important for those with a dry complexion as it can help reduce flaking, dry patches, and a dull appearance. You can exfoliate more often for those with oily skin but always stick to a few times weekly so your skin doesn’t become too sensitive. It’s also recommended that you skip exfoliating if you have a condition like psoriasis, rosacea, or an open wound.

Your skin barrier is your first line of defense. It comprises special skin cells called corneocytes bound together with a natural moisturizer, keratin, and a mix of lipids, ceramides, and cholesterol. It helps keep harmful environmental stressors, like bacteria, toxins, and allergens, out of the body while preventing water loss and helping maintain your natural pH balance.

It’s important to avoid skincare habits that disrupt the skin barrier, including hot showers and over-washing, over-exfoliating, and using products with harsh ingredients. These factors can cause a breakdown in the skin barrier, which can lead to redness, itching, dryness, and other symptoms that are hard to detect on the surface of your skin.

In addition to avoiding these skincare habits, you can incorporate products that support a healthy skin barrier into your routine. For example, a face oil with antioxidants like vitamin C, ferulic acid, niacinamide, and coenzyme Q10 can help protect the skin barrier from external stressors. You can also choose a non-comedogenic formula free of synthetic fragrances and high concentrations of essential oils.

Lastly, wearing sunscreen daily and reapply every two hours is essential. Sunscreen helps prevent the skin barrier from breaking down and absorbing UVA and UVB rays that can damage the skin.