Your Smile Miami - Biscayne Dental Group - 305.572.1600

Dental emergencies may be categorized as toothaches, injuries or broken appliances.

• Toothache If a toothache develops, using a brush and floss, clean the suspected area. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the gums or tooth [this may cause a burn]. Apply a cold compress to any facial swelling. Take acetaminophen [Tylenol] and call us as soon as possible.
• Evulsed Tooth If a permanent tooth is knocked completely out, time is of the essence. Immediately call us for an emergency appointment. It is critical to get the person and their tooth to us within one half hour. This makes it possible to re-implant the tooth with a high degree of success. Find the tooth, and holding it by its crown, gently rinse it to remove dirt and/or debris. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, gently place the tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, transport the tooth in a cup of milk, saline [salt water], or saliva [place tooth between cheek and gum, unless child is too young]. If none of these are available, use a cup of plain water.
• Extruded Teeth If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward, try to reposition the tooth using light finger pressure. Do not force the tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to us as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place with a moist tissue or gauze on the way over.
• Fractured Teeth First rinse your mouth with warm water to keep it clean. Immediate dental care is necessary. The treatment will depend on the severity of the fracture and could range from smoothing out the chip to bonding with a resin [tooth colored] material to placing a crown [cap]. If there has been pulp [nerve] injury, root canal may be necessary at once or at a later date.
• Soft Tissue Injury The tongue, lips or cheeks may be bitten, lacerated [cut] or punctured. If there is bleeding, apply firm pressure with a gauze or clean cloth. If bleeding doesn’t stop within 15 minutes, bring the person to our office or a hospital emergency room. Sutures [stitches] may be necessary. Otherwise, clean the area with warm water on a gauze or clean cloth. Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area. Contact us for further instructions.

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Unlike men, women are unique in that they go through different stages throughout their life determined by hormonal fluctuations. These stages can be summarized as: puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. The ages at which these stages occur can also be categorized by a females mating ritual. These stages can also be renamed as: the boyfriend years, the dating years, the reproductive years, and finally the cougar years. Of course, not all women will fall into these latter categories. However, almost all women will relate to the cosmetic decisions made by women in these stages of their lives.
Puberty and early adolescence are the years when girls discover themselves. They learn about their bodies and see the visible changes as they grow. Girls experience puberty at earlier ages than boys and sooner than their previous cohorts. The increase in estrogen and progesterone levels in their bodies makes them feel different. Oral changes noted include changes with the microbial flora in the mouth. Certain gram negative bacteria respond to the increase in hormones by increasing in incidence as well as proportion. This increase is correlated with an increase in gingivitis represented by an overgrowth of gingival tissues and bleeding.
Management of the puberty-induced gingivitis requires a rigorous oral hygiene program. The program includes brushing a minimum of twice per day, especially after meals. Brushing should last a total of two minutes. Daily flossing is also important to remove the plaque in between the teeth where the toothbrush does not reach. Adjunctive treatment may also include an anti-microbial mouth rinse and use of interproximal cleaners. More frequent hygiene appointments may be required in more severe cases.
As the body changes, so does the attitude towards boys. Girls become more aware of boys and become fans of a growing number of teenage boy bands. These will be referred to here as the boyfriend years. They may not necessarily have or be allowed to have boyfriends at this age, but most of them certainly want one. It is these critical years where self-esteem is very important. As adults, we cannot do enough to boost a child’s self-esteem. They are bombarded by the media with certain unrealistic realities of what they should look like and act like. It is the parent’s responsibility to give them every fighting chance to compete in today’s environment.
One simple method is improving the child’s smile. Kids who are embarrassed to smile are more likely to have self-esteem issues. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment with braces is very popular with kids these days. Unlike the days when I was a kid, kids today look forward to getting braces and frequently beg the parents to take them in to the dentist. Parents should not underestimate the power of a good smile. Studies show that an attractive smile makes the person look not only more attractive but also more intelligent, more successful, and more interesting. Think of the advantages your kids will have in the job market in the future. As many of us are aware, we spend most of our lives dealing with issues we could not resolve in our early youth. As parents and teachers it is your responsibility to assure that self-esteem issues are not ignored.
Start with an early consultation with an orthodontist. It is recommended that parents bring in kids for an orthodontic consultation as early as age 7. Many problems that manifest as crooked teeth are actually growth problems. These growth problems are best diagnosed and treated early while the bones are still malleable. Treatment may include a series of orthopedic removable appliances or habit-controlling appliances. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is usually initiated between the ages of 12 to 14. This treatment may include braces or Invisalign®. The point is to get them smiling- and quickly. This may not guarantee a happy child but it will certainly give them a greater advantage.
Next time we will discuss menstruation and the dating years…stay tuned

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There are 2 kinds or erosion that affects the teeth: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic erosion results from stomach acids during episodes of gastric reflux or bulimia. Extrinsic erosion results from eating and drinking highly acidic foods and drinks.
Acidic foods and drinks can cause ph levels to decline resulting in teeth that are more susceptible to decay. In fact, ph levels of 6.6 can cause softening of tooth structures. Furthermore, lower ph levels of around 5.5 cause demineralization of enamel and dentin. Several common foods and drinks have very low ph levels and in large doses or in high frequency can cause either softening or demineralization of enamel and dentin. Some of these foods and drinks include:

• Apples ph = 3.5 – 3.9
• Oranges ph = 2.8 – 4.0
• Tomatoes ph = 3.7 – 4.7
• Coffee ph = 2.4 – 3.3
• Sports drinks ph = 2.3 – 4.4
• Beer & wine ph = 2.3 – 4.4

Most people would think that brushing after meals would help. Actually, brushing soon after a meal that was very acidic could cause abrasion of the surface and reduce tooth structure. If this pattern continues, the teeth could become sensitive as the dentin becomes exposed. Acid erosion can have other consequences as well these include:

• Loss to tooth luster
• Teeth become smooth with rounded edges
• Teeth become darker as the enamel thins and the dentin becomes exposed
• Anterior teeth become translucent and begin exhibiting cracks

There are several things we can do to help prevent acid erosion. First be aware of the foods you eat and try to substitute acidic foods and drinks for other healthy alternatives. Secondly, drink lots of water. Water helps dilute the acid and reduces the damage to the teeth. Another helpful hint to prevent damage to your teeth would be to wait 20 to 30 minutes after a meal that is very acidic to brush your teeth. Fluoride will help protect vulnerable areas. Also, calcium and phosphate in an amorphous solution like that found in MI paste, Recalcident (found in Trident sugar-free gum), and Sensodyne Pronamel ™ for example, will help remineralize the teeth. Be sure to discuss with your dentist your eating habits so that he/she may recommend a preventative maintenance program that is right for you.

This information is brought to you by:
Dr. Julio Hernandez / Biscayne Dental Group 2125 Biscayne Blvd. Suite 510 Miami, FL 33137 305-572-1600

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Check out this video of Dr. Julio of Biscayne Dental Group…

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Are you looking for new trends? How about straighter teeth. It seems more and more adults these days have come to accept braces as “socially acceptable.” These days you can run into an adult wearing braces almost every day in any major city in the U.S. That’s right braces are back!! Adults are wanting to look better and are realizing that straight teeth are a crucial part to their appearance. In fact, a current study by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that people with beautiful smiles were found to be not only more attractive, but also more interesting, successful, intelligent and wealthy. Imagine what a beautiful smile can do for someone interviewing for a job. That could be your “one up” on the competition. There are a few ways to get beautiful teeth. Braces is just one option. Invisalign is another. Invisalign is the alternative to braces and is great for adults with a busy lifestyle. All these options are available at our office. Give us a call and stop by so we can discuss which option is best for you. What do you have to lose? The consultation is free and our office is great. Hope to see you soon.

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Free whitening for life!

Get a complimentary whitening kit, a $400 value, with completed new patient exam, cleaning, and x-rays. Keep your 6-month appointment recare visits and you will receive additional whitening gel annually for the rest of your life as our patient! Restrictions may apply.

Offers end soon! Call for details!
305-572-1600

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Cosmetic Dentistry Booms as Beautiful Smiles Make Summer Sizzle

As summer heats up, people around the country work frantically to get in shape and catch a tan in order to look their best for the beach, weddings, and family events. Now, new data gathered in an American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) – Levin Group survey reflects that people are increasingly undergoing cosmetic dental procedures to help them look and feel their best for the summer months and beyond.

Who is the typical cosmetic dental patient?
70.2% of those inquiring about cosmetic dentistry are not ‘the young and the beautiful’ or even ‘baby boomers’ with disposable income. They are everyone in-between: 31-50 year olds. That means they’re people in the workforce or stay-at-home parents who just want to look and feel better for themselves, and by association, their jobs and personal lives.

Is cosmetic dentistry really booming?
Absolutely. 48.3% of dental practices reported annual production of more than $700,000 each year, with an average of $661,000 annually. At the same time, a third of all practices report they have more than 2,000 active patients who spend on average more than $400 per visit. Nearly 40% of responding practices report growth of over 15% in the number of cosmetic dental procedures performed in the past five years.

“As the numbers prove, people are increasingly aware of the amazing benefits cosmetic dentistry can provide,” American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) member dentist Dr. Julio Hernandez of Miami, FL. “Summertime is the perfect time for a dazzling new smile, ready for the fun of summer and the holidays ahead.”

Today’s cosmetic dental treatment options include:

Whitening – The most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedure, many whitening options are now available to consumers in a wide range of prices. Dentist-supervised treatments remain the AACD recommended procedures for lightening discolored teeth.

Veneers – An increasingly popular procedure, veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made laminates that are affixed directly to the teeth. They are a great option for closing gaps or disguising discolored teeth that did not respond well to whitening procedures.

Bonding – An option for chipped or cracked teeth, bonding is a process in which an enamel-like material is applied to a tooth’s surface, sculpted to an ideal shape, hardened, and then polished for a lifelike smile.

Implants – A replacement for dentures, implants are a stronger, more attractive option for replacing missing or lost teeth. An anchor is placed in the patient’s jaw, and a life-like ceramic restoration is built around it and matched to the original tooth color.

As with any dental procedure, the AACD recommends consumers consult with their dentist before undergoing any cosmetic dental treatment.

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The Chipped Tooth

One Shining day,
Kelly ate an apple.
She took a big bite,
And heard a small crackle.

She pulled the apple away,
And felt a tingle next to her cheek.
She wanted to look down,
And take a small peek.

To her Surprise,
On what she had found.
A piece of her tooth,
Down on the ground.

She ran to her mother,
And began to yelp.
Her mom called Dr. Julio,
And asked for help!

They went to his office,
That same day.
Dr. Julio fixed her tooth,
And put it back the same way.

Kelly went home,
To finish her apple.
She took a big bite,
And heard a small crackle

… -David W Murray

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A first person account from Dr. Julio as to why he chose dentistry as his field of work.

Many people ask me why I like to be a dentist. My answer: I was born to do this. I believe you really have to have the right personality to do this job. So many patients come in afraid of the dentist and not wanting to be there. I, on the other hand, usually have an ear to ear smile. My football coach in high school used to call me "Smiley". I am generally a pretty happy guy and that really helps patients feel at ease. We do a lot in our office to make every patient feel comfortable. We use iPods’ with relaxing music, aromatherapy, warm blankets, and lip therapy. Patients really appreciate it when we go the extra mile for them.

Besides being a happy guy, I’m also a little nerdy. I love studying and learning. I do a lot of continuing education. This gives me a better understanding of different areas of dentistry and a unique edge to really look at my patients as a whole. Besides Cosmetics, orthodontics is one of my favorite areas of dentistry. I did an apprenticeship for four years with an orthodontist. Today, I treat a full range of comprehensive orthodontic cases. This is a whole different area of dentistry that few general dentists explore. Of course, we see lots of kids for braces, but also many adults. The desire to have straight teeth has become so main stream, that more and more adults today are seeking treatment. Invisalign has also opened the doors today for many adults who have wanted straighter teeth without the use of braces. On the other hand, kids today are begging their parents for braces. I don’t remember ever begging my parents. I certainly didn’t look forward to getting them the second time around when I was in college. But today, I’m certainly glad I went through it. I think it is important to be proud of your smile.

I figure, if you’re proud of your smile you’re likely to smile more. Smiling makes you feel happy. Happy people are less depressed, have better relationships, more friends, and less stress. Okay, that is not totally scientific. But, I like to think that I am doing my parent to make the world a better place. After all, we all have to visit the dentist. So why not see someone who is generally happy, very knowledgeable, and is going to go out of his way to make you feel comfortable.

Dr. Julio

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I’ve often been asked “How did you know you wanted to be a dentist?”
My answer has always been the same: “I always knew I wanted to be a doctor.”
As a child my answer never waivered….it always stayed the same. I had this immense fascination with art, and science. When away from such interests, I spent most of my time socializing with friends…always searching for more people to laugh and have fun with. At the insistance of a close family friend, while paving the way for medical school, I was asked to spend some time at a local dentist’s office. I did, reluctantly! What I saw, and experienced, felt like “home”. The dentist was having so much fun!! He spent his days using the fascinating properties of both art and science to create the beautiful smiles we all look for, in both ourselves, and in our friends and families!!! With this I felt I had found the perfect combination of smiles, laughter, and science!! And…I could still be a “Doctor”!!!!

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