Your Smile Miami - Biscayne Dental Group - 305.572.1600

Recent research released by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Tennessee confirms there is a link between a person’s oral health and their overall healthcare status. The study found that those who had gone to their dentist for diagnostic and preventive care had lower healthcare costs and fewer incidences of:

• Coronary artery disease,
• Congestive heart failure,
• Diabetes, and
• Hypertension

Additionally, the study found that hospital admission was nearly 16% higher for those who received no dental services. X-ray costs were also found to be 12% higher for those with periodontal issues.
This most recent research confirms previous research by Mark Herzberg of the University of Minnesota. He found that the most common strain of bacteria in dental plaque can cause blood clots that induce heart attacks when they escape into the bloodstream.
Additional related studies also found that bacteria in dental plaque were also linked to:

• Infective Endocarditis, a potentially fatal disease where the sac around the heart becomes inflamed.
• Lung infections in people with chronic lung disease
• A weakened immune system that can slow wound healing diminishing a person’s response to vaccines against hepatitis B and influenza
• A higher risk of giving birth to premature, low-birth weight infants

We can all do our part to reduce the risk of diseases linked to dental bacteria by maintaining proper oral hygiene procedures at home and visiting your dentist regularly for a check-up.

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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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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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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 every 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 part 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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