Your smile is one of the best assets you can have. It’s what makes you stand out and is often the first thing someone notices about you during a first impression. That’s why achieving your best smile should be on your  list of new year’s resolutions. Changing your smile for the better doesn’t take millions or several years, it can be done in three simple steps! 

1. Limiting Exposure

Overtime, your smile will dim with age so it’s up to you to protect your enamel throughout your life. Even though your teeth are the hardest part of your body they are covered by porous enamel that cannot withstand acidic substances like coffee, tomato sauce, wine and other stain causing agents. It’s important to limit your exposure by reducing the frequency or exposure, opting for a straw, and drinking water directly after contact. Practicing these habits will help protect your teeth and ultimately your smile. 

2. Refining Routines

Sometimes routines can feel a bit monotonous. That’s why refining your routine can help you see things you can improve or things you may have been missing. Brushing twice daily will help deter plaque and tartar build up. It’s also important to get a soft bristle brush and not to brush too vigorously so your teeth aren’t damaged overtime. After all, your teeth are the only non-repairing part of your body so it’s important to go easy on them. Incorporating flossing every day also helps! It can get the hard-to-reach places, removing leftover food debris which deters cavities and improves your breath! 

3. See Your Dentist!

Seeing your dentist for a dental cleaning may not be at the top of your to do list, but in 2023 it’s time to make it a priority. Whether it’s for a tooth filling, dental exam, or a thorough dental cleaning, your local dentist and team of hygienists can help you get the smile you’ve been longing for. Scheduling a dental appointment has never been easier with online scheduling or a quick call to the office. 

 Smiling can lead to many things like an increase in friends, social circles, and even success. Studies have shown that smiling more makes you more likable which is noticed by your colleagues, peers, and even your superiors making you more likely to succeed. It’s time to put your best smile forward this year and schedule your dental appointment with your local Miami dentist today. MaDental & Associates has a team of experienced dentists and dental hygienists eagerly waiting to help you get your healthiest best looking smile yet!

Are you noticing that your smile has been a little dim lately? It’s time to make some changes and address the culprits that are hindering your smile. Once you can narrow down the reasons for yellowing teeth you can change routines to help deter teeth yellowing and get your smile back. MaDental & Associates wants you to take pride in your smile and we’re always happy to help restore your smile and your confidence!

 1. Medicine / Antibiotics

Many different antibiotics and medicine can have adverse reactions to your teeth. It’s important to speak to your dentist about the types of medications you’re taking to determine if they’re negatively impacting your teeth. It’s also important to consider the exposure you had to antibiotics in utero, as recent studies have shown it could cause teeth discoloration with age.

2. Smoking

It should come as no surprise that along with the serious health concerns smoking can cause, it can also cause yellowing teeth. Smoking leaves behind yellowish brown residue that can easily stain your teeth and dim your smile.

3. Dentin

Underneath the enamel is a substance called dentin. Once the enamel begins to thin as we age the yellowish/brownish dentin is more easily shown through and can be the cause of your yellowing smile.

4. Food / Drink

The food and drinks that we consume come into direct contact with our teeth several times a day. It’s essential to know just how much our guilty pleasures and staple meals can affect our teeth. If you’re a constant coffee drinker try switch to cold coffee and implementing a straw as dark liquids easily stain your teeth. The same can be said for wines, sauces, teas, and sodas. Reducing the acidity in your foods can help lessen the damage to your enamel as well.

It’s time to reclaim your smile and stop settling for a dimy yellowish hue on your teeth. Stop by or make an appointment with your local dentist, MaDental & Associates in Miami to restore you smile, confidence, and overall happiness!

Everyone knows the importance of brushing your teeth, but not everyone knows that choosing the right toothbrush is just as important! As your trusted local Miami dentist, our dental team wants to make sure you have all the knowledge you need to keep your smile healthy and happy for years to come!

So, let’s take a bite out of this! We’re bringing you 7 facts that you didn’t know about the importance of your toothbrush.

Choosing the Right Brush

Choosing the right toothbrush may seem like a simple process, but too many people have the wrong toothbrush for them. When you’re shopping for a toothbrush, there are many factors that you’ll need to consider, and it isn’t as simple as just picking up an electric toothbrush and saying you’re done.

1. Manual Brushes Can Be as Good as Electric Brushes

While you may have seen plenty of commercials that claim otherwise, plenty of people can do well with a manual toothbrush. While an electric toothbrush can make cleaning your teeth easier, what really matters is your technique.

2. Stick to Soft Bristles

Many companies produce a variety of bristle stiffness options. Soft, medium and stiff bristles are the most common. However, at MaDental & Associates, we recommend that you use medium or stiff bristles, you should always stick to soft toothbrushes.

3. Size Matters

It may seem like a toothbrush are one-size-fits-all, but that’s far from the truth. Some people need smaller brushes and others need larger ones. If you have particularly hard-to-reach spots in your mouth, you’ll definitely benefit from a smaller brush head.

4. Get a Grip!

Another overlooked aspect of the humble toothbrush is its handle. You’ll want to find a grip that’s good and comfortable for you. Some people prefer traditional straight grips, while other people do better with angled grips. Find the handle that is most comfortable for you and allows you to get the best angle for hard to reach places.

5. Always Look for the Seal

Whenever you’re shopping for a new brush, look for the ADA seal of approval. This means that the design has been tested and certified by the American Dental Association, and it has been deemed safe and effective.

6. Replace it Regularly

As toothbrushes see more use, they grow less useful. Be sure to replace your brush or brush head every three months or whenever it begins to show signs of wearing out.

7. Talk to Your Dentist

“Where is there a Miami dentist near me?” That should be one of the questions you’re asking yourself when you’re brushing up on your oral hygiene. We’re a five-star dentist near you, and we’re always happy to help you learn how to better brush your teeth.

Schedule a visit today! Your dental health matters, and we want you to have the best smile!

With an overall five year survival rate of just 67%, oral cancer is one of the most devastating forms of cancer. In addition to the pain this disease causes, treatments often involve disfiguring and life-altering surgery, which often leave patients unable to properly chew or swallow.

Fortunately, there are ways to predict, combat, and even prevent the development of oral cancer. April is oral cancer awareness month, and we invite you to join us and learn more!

What is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a broad term that describes cancer of the mouth, sinuses, and throat. In its later stages, when the disease is often diagnosed, it causes extreme disfigurement and discomfort. It is most commonly found in males over the age of 55, but anyone can develop it.

How Do I Prevent Oral Cancer?

The best way to treat oral cancer is to prevent it from happening. In addition to having a good oral health routine and attending regular dental visits, you should also cut out risk factors, especially if you have a family history of oral cancer. Activities that increase the risk of oral cancer include:

• Excessive consumption of alcohol
• Smoking and vaping
• Poor oral hygiene
• Certain strains of HPV
• Poor diet

Can a Dentist Near Me Help Prevent Oral Cancer?

Unfortunately, we can’t cure oral cancer by ourselves. However, a dentist near you like MaDental & Associates in Miami, Florida can help you improve your oral health and screen you for signs of the disease. When caught early, oral cancer is easily treated, and there’s an 85% survival rate! The earlier oral cancer is spotted, the more likely you are to walk away (relatively) unharmed.

At the end of the day, dentistry isn’t just about making your smile sparkle. We want you to be as healthy as you can be, and your oral health is a huge part of that equation. Take care of yourself by taking care of your teeth, and book a dentist appointment with us today! Screening for oral cancer is easy, and we do it every time we clean your teeth.

Remember: you only get one set of teeth. Take good care of them!

A good night’s sleep is one of the best ways to help you wake up and tackle your next day. It’s not often we realize that oral health is associated with your sleep quality. If you’re noticing your sleep has been a little off your oral hygiene could play a major role. Check in and make an appointment with your local dentist to determine a resolution and restore your chances for a good night’s sleep!

• Childhood Teeth Grinding: Children who are heard grinding their teeth in their sleep or complain of teeth grinding is cause for concern. Typically this can be an indication that there are breathing complications or there is a compromised airway. This can lead to long term issues and even sleep apnea as an adult.

• Dry Mouth: If you are waking up in the middle of the night or the morning with a dry mouth you are depriving your saliva to do its job. Saliva serves as a first line of defense in breaking down harmful bacteria and prevents tooth decay.
• Difficulty Breathing: Repetitive bouts of breathing complications is certainly a main symptom of sleep apnea.
• TMJ (temporomandibular joint syndrome): Pain in your jaw joint and the muscles that control jaw movement.
• Bruxism: Teeth grinding as adults is often missed by us but presented by a dentist. Teeth grinding is caused primarily by stress and can cause severe damage to the teeth and allow for cavities to form and teeth to wear down. 

Are you experiencing one or more of these issues? If so, it’s time to talk to the MaDental & Associates team in Miami. The dentists can hear your concerns and do a thorough examination to determine what the nature of the issues are. After the exam they can discuss treatment options like mouthguards, brush routine info, and so much more to benefit your oral hygiene. Don’t forget to schedule appointments with your dentist regularly to ensure optimal oral health and a good night’s sleep!

For those of us who love snacking on delicious foods, there’s no better time to enjoy your favorite snacks than during National Snack Month. However, frequent snacking on foods with added sugar may increase your visits to the dentist. 

Fortunately, you can still enjoy National Snack Month by making healthier snack decisions and maintaining a simple dental routine throughout the day. To avoid poor dental health and maintain your beautiful smile, we’ll be sharing plenty of healthy snacks from MaDental & Associates you can still munch on this month and many months to come.

Why Frequent Snacking Can Ruin Your Teeth

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is vital for a healthy smile. Also, don’t skip your dental routine, as you may risk the possibility of plaque buildup and tooth decay. 

If you intend to observe National Snack Month with frequent snacking sessions, try to avoid snacking often on processed foods with high sugar content. Additionally, be sure to drink water after snacking to rinse your mouth of food debris and always floss when there’s gunk stuck in between your teeth.

Sugar-Filled Snacks to Avoid

While indulging in the occasional sugar-filled snack is acceptable, cavities can develop if you’re snacking on foods with added sugar too often. Snacking on too many chewy, sugary snacks can be detrimental to your oral hygiene.

Below are some snacks that may hurt your teeth:

• Caloric sodas or sports drinks
• Sticky fruit snacks
• Caramel
• Salty chips
• Candy bars
• Cake and pastries

If you’re craving sweet snacks, fresh fruits can curb that same craving without hurting your teeth. However, lessen the consumption of citrus fruits, such as grapefruits or oranges. Eating too many acidic foods can ruin your tooth enamel. 

Healthy Snack Suggestions

There are plenty of healthy, filling snack options you can implement into your diet to avoid developing plaque buildup or tooth decay. Best of all, these snacks will keep you perfectly satisfied.

Try snacking on any of these yummy, fibrous options that won’t hurt your teeth:

• Apples or celery with peanut butter
• Low-fat or greek yogurt
• Low-salt or unsalted nuts, such as pecans or almonds
• Carrots or cucumbers dipped in plain hummus
• High-fiber, low-sugar cereal with low-fat milk

Our team of talented local dentists in Miami is here to help you keep your dental health on track! For bi-annual dental visits and routine cleanings, be sure to schedule an appointment with MaDental & Associates today.

The year is once again coming to an end, which means that many are now taking time to consider their New Year’s resolutions. And while many people want to exercise more or get in touch with their creative side, they tend to overlook another extremely important place for improvement: their dental health! As strange as it may seem, the health of your teeth is key to your health in general. If you want to improve your smile, here are just a few tips from MaDental & Associates to get started:

Better Brushing, Better Smile

Sure, everyone knows that brushing your teeth is key to your dental health. Who doesn’t? But what many fail to do is establish a consistent routine. To keep your smile in tip-top shape, you should be brushing twice a day for about 2 minutes, and flossing at least once. This helps to break up plaque, which left unchecked will eat away your enamel. Your enamel is what protects you from cavities, but it doesn’t regenerate, so once it’s gone, it’s gone, so take good care of it!

Start Using Fluoride

While you can’t grow back your enamel, you can certainly protect it! You’ve probably seen toothpaste ads mention their toothpaste’s fluoride content, but what does it mean? Fluoride is known for strengthening enamel against plaque, making it more resistant to decay. When you use fluoride toothpaste, you not only break up the plaque by brushing, but take preventative action against further plaque damage.

Go Electric

If you’ve looked at electric toothbrushes before but balked at the price, be rest assured that it’s worth every penny. A manual toothbrush is much less effective in getting out that deep-rooted plaque, and if you tend to press down hard, can even cause your gums to become inflamed. An electric toothbrush is more effective and more efficient than a normal toothbrush, and even more sustainable! When the head wears out, all you have to do is install a new head, rather than throwing the whole thing out. Combined with an integrated 2-minute timer to make sure you’re brushing for the perfect amount of time, you’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking the plunge and going electric.

Drink Up!

It’s no myth– water pretty much does everything in the human body. So many health issues are tied back to dehydration, and your dental health is no different. As water is sugar free and non-acidic unlike other common drinks, it won’t damage your teeth, and helps to wash out pieces of food or other debris in your teeth. The recommended amount of water per day is 64 fluid ounces, so get drinking!

Come See Us!

A trip to the dentist at MaDental & Associates doesn’t have to be for an emergency! Sure, we offer procedures like fillings and root canals, but we also offer so much more! We can perform regular maintenance by getting rid of stubborn tartar buildup, recommending products tailored to your needs, and even just giving a few extra pointers. Just 1-2 checkup appointments per year will make all the difference to your smile, so you can flash those pearly whites with pride! No matter what you need, just pay MaDental & Associates a visit in Miami! Your smile is in good hands!

Have you noticed your gums bleeding lately? Maybe after your brushing or during your flossing routine? No need to worry just yet. There are multiple factors that can cause gums to bleed. Let’s look at a few reasons and understand what’s happening with these bleeding gums. Then we can determine whether it’s time to contact your dentist at MaDental & Associates and make an appointment.

Pregnancy

There’s a lot of excitement and celebration when you’re expecting! It’s not so surprising that Pregnancy Gingivitis tends to be all but forgotten. It’s important to remember that it can and does happen. Hormones are changing and amplifying which changes our bodies response to bacteria. The breakdown process may look a little different now which can cause the gums to swell and bleed when they didn’t before. It’s extremely important to continue to practice good oral hygiene habits (especially the women with morning sickness) and to see your dentist regularly for scheduled dental cleanings.

Dental Care Routine:

Have you recently started to reintroduce flossing back into your routine? Or maybe you’ve switched from a soft bristled brush to a firm bristled brush. These changes in dental routine can cause the gums to react and bleed. This is because you’re performing a more invasive cleaning approach than what your mouth is used to. As you regularly practice these oral hygiene routines your gums will adapt and quit bleeding. However, if they continue to bleed it may be time to seek help from your dental team.

Medical:

Have you been experiencing health symptoms and now your gums are bleeding too? It’s possible that your gums can be bleeding as part of a preexisting illness. It is even more likely that your gums could be bleeding due to medications you are taking as well. If you are taking a new medicine or if you are experiencing bleeding gums along with other symptoms it may be time to consult your dentist and physician to get to the root of the problem.

Gingivitis:

If your gums are swollen, sore, or are easily irritated and bleed during brushing it could be a sign that you have gingivitis. Gingivitis is the precursor to gum disease and though treatable, should not be taken lightly. Gingivitis occurs when residual plaque on teeth infects the gums and can cause serious damage. Combating gingivitis before it develops into gum disease by making an appointment with your dentist and honing in on your oral hygiene.

Bleeding gums can occur due to a variety of reasons. No need to panic or worry.. Stop and think about your oral hygiene routine and go through the mental checklist to see if there is something that has changed and could be affecting your gums. Note if there are any contributing factors as to why they might be bleeding. If you’ve gone through the list and you feel like the bleeding is consistent and severe it is time to consult your local dentist at MaDental & Associates in Miami and set up an appointment and combat dental disease.

Back to school means back to the dentist! Back to school dental visits should be part of the back to school routine. Did you know that dental disease causes children to miss more than 51 million school hours each year? That’s why it’s essential to schedule your back to school dental visit at MaDental & Associates before school begins. Here are a few suggestions for those perfect back to school smiles!

Ditch Dental Anxiety

Are you the parent who encourages your child to go to the dentist all the while you have dental anxiety? We know you, we see you, and we don’t judge you. We help smiles of all ages from your kids to you! It’s important to model for your children. They can sense change and read your body language, facial expressions, and more. Try your best to ditch that dental anxiety during their visit!

Habits & Routine

The best thing we can do as parents is to start brushing at a young age to promote good oral hygiene routine. Having a hygiene routine enables children to create good habits and good oral health – a winning combination. We recommend introducing a toothbrush as soon as that first tooth appears to create a positive relationship with brushing. Here’s a breakdown of different ages:

Six & Under:

The age where they want to do everything themselves.. even if they can’t, right? We get it! Allow your children to brush by themselves. It helps them practice good brush technique and gain that feeling of independence they crave. We do recommend following up their brushing with a brush of your own. Following behind children helps get those new teeth and hard to reach places that weren’t there a few months ago. Their mouths are growing so we have to encourage independence and simultaneously encourage optimal oral health!

7-12 years:

The age range where they should know what is expected of them and how to execute a task. They may be a little reluctant but this is where reminders are key. Reminder them about their oral health and why it’s so important to continue a good routine. As always, the monkey see monkey do adage still applies. If they see mom and or dad continuing these healthy practices it’s more likely they will follow suit!

12-18 years:

This is one of the most critical time for dental health. At this age children take on a new mantra

The “it won’t happen to me” belief. As this feeling of invincibility grows they begin to think that their teeth can’t be affected by their decisions. This means that children who have yet to have a cavity may think they can skip brushing here and there. As kids get more active in extracurriculars, school work, and social circles they tend to shorten flossing and brushing to make time. As parents it’s important to help them understand that these habits will carry over into adulthood. Continue to encourage them to make well informed dental decisions.

 

 

Schedule & Save

Time flies when you’re having fun! Between the birthdays, vacations, and barbecues dental visits seem to be all but forgotten. School season always sneaks up when we least expect it! This leaves many families trying to schedule in August which is one of our busiest months at MaDental & Associates dentistry. Make a note on your calendar to call the dentist the first day of summer break and schedule your appointment.

Get on their level

Children can get upset at their visit which leads to mom or dad feeling frazzled, or leaving altogether. Getting frazzled or leaving reinforces negative experiences at the dentist making the next visit much more challenging. It’s important to remember that having fears is understood and normal. Getting on their level and understanding their behavior at its core is essential. Try to determine if they’re acting out to cause a reaction, to get their way, or because they’re genuinely afraid.

At MaDental & Associates in Miami, Florida we work with you and your child to help make this experience memorable in the best way. We understand that there may be some anxiety and we’re happy to work through it with you! We want to work together as a team to make sure your child feels at ease, the teeth can be examined and cleaned, and so that your child wants to return.